James 2:10-11 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
I think most of us have no problem acknowledging that we are sinners, but there certainly are people out there that just don't get it. There is no way they believe they are sinners. I remember speaking to a woman one time and in the process of sharing the gospel with her, I asked if she was a sinner. She said, "no way, I've never done anything that bad. Maybe some stuff that would put me in jail but certainly not anything that would make me a sinner." How interesting some people's views of sin are.
I spoke at a ladies lunch one time and was told by the organizer that I should not mention sin because it left people with a bad feeling. Wow!
If we don't see our sin, acknowledge our sin, confess our sin, how would we ever know our need for a Savior?
If I'm not lost, I don't need to befound.
If I'm not dead, I don't need life.
If I'm not in the dark, I don't need light.
If I'm not a slave, I don't need to be redeemed.
If I am not in bondage, I don't need freedom.
If I am not a sinner, I don't need a Savior.
As Christians, Jesus died for all of our sins. Jesus died for each of our sins. Each one required payment. Each one required the shedding of blood, the priceless blood of Jesus.
Rejoice that there is a Savior for us transgressors.
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.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. We’re in the lead, ladies! Let’s keep up the good work!!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Are You Holding Things Back?
Because Achan kept some of the things that were to be given to the Lord, the Lord became very angry at the Israelites (Joshua 7:1, NCV).
I have read this verse many times and realize that the initial reference was to items that Achan kept from the captured city of Jericho. Precisely what the Lord had instructed the Israelites not to do. But this time, as I read the passage, I was led to think of the things that are to be given to the Lord, that we tend to withhold from Him, such as:
Doubt: Mark 11:23, "Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him."
Worry: Psalm 37:8 "Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil."
Fear: Joshua 11:6 "And the LORD said to Joshua, 'Do not be afraid of them,'"
Good intentions: Luke 10:41 But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things
Oh dear one, are you holding something back? Perhaps I mentioned the thing you are hanging on to, but perhaps I didn't. You know the "thing" you are hanging on to. Take time to sit at his feet and listen to Him. Give every "thing" to him.
THE REAL ME
I sit at your feet
Into Your face I stare.
The real meaning of me
Is someplace in there.
I fix my eyes on You,
My reflection then I see.
The image cast from Your eyes
Is not my picture of me.
When I look into my mirror,
I see everything that's wrong.
When I look into Your eyes,
I see someone you've made strong.
My sin, my failures, my shame,
Are not shadowed in Your face.
I see the cross, the pain You bore
Radiating to me Your grace.
Poem by Marilyn Willett Heavilin, 1992
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 2:10,11
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
Special Project - you're invited!
Calling all cooks! Keswick will be producing its own cookbook (the first new one in many years) and we want YOUR favorite recipes! Please submit your recipes to me by May 15. This can include favorite from the conference kitchen, as well as your own family favorites.
No limitations: appetizers, salads, soups/stews, casseroles, entrees/meats, vegetables/side dishes, breads/muffins/etc, desserts (cakes/pies/puddings/cookies/candy/etc.)
Please submit typed or CLEARLY printed recipes – check your measurements for accuracy. Include your name, and if there is a SHORT personal story about the recipe, include that as well (i.e. something you always have Christmas morning).
So start digging through those recipes cards and find your favorite. Email them to rschmidt@americaskeswick.org
I have read this verse many times and realize that the initial reference was to items that Achan kept from the captured city of Jericho. Precisely what the Lord had instructed the Israelites not to do. But this time, as I read the passage, I was led to think of the things that are to be given to the Lord, that we tend to withhold from Him, such as:
Doubt: Mark 11:23, "Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him."
Worry: Psalm 37:8 "Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil."
Fear: Joshua 11:6 "And the LORD said to Joshua, 'Do not be afraid of them,'"
Good intentions: Luke 10:41 But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things
Oh dear one, are you holding something back? Perhaps I mentioned the thing you are hanging on to, but perhaps I didn't. You know the "thing" you are hanging on to. Take time to sit at his feet and listen to Him. Give every "thing" to him.
THE REAL ME
I sit at your feet
Into Your face I stare.
The real meaning of me
Is someplace in there.
I fix my eyes on You,
My reflection then I see.
The image cast from Your eyes
Is not my picture of me.
When I look into my mirror,
I see everything that's wrong.
When I look into Your eyes,
I see someone you've made strong.
My sin, my failures, my shame,
Are not shadowed in Your face.
I see the cross, the pain You bore
Radiating to me Your grace.
Poem by Marilyn Willett Heavilin, 1992
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 2:10,11
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
Special Project - you're invited!
Calling all cooks! Keswick will be producing its own cookbook (the first new one in many years) and we want YOUR favorite recipes! Please submit your recipes to me by May 15. This can include favorite from the conference kitchen, as well as your own family favorites.
No limitations: appetizers, salads, soups/stews, casseroles, entrees/meats, vegetables/side dishes, breads/muffins/etc, desserts (cakes/pies/puddings/cookies/candy/etc.)
Please submit typed or CLEARLY printed recipes – check your measurements for accuracy. Include your name, and if there is a SHORT personal story about the recipe, include that as well (i.e. something you always have Christmas morning).
So start digging through those recipes cards and find your favorite. Email them to rschmidt@americaskeswick.org
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Spiritual Vitamins Needed to Escape the Four Ds
It can happen anytime, any place, to anybody as we are going along through life feeling good and thinking all is going well, enjoying life as a believer in Jesus Christ and trusting God to direct us. Then something happens that rocks our boat ~~ something someone does, or says, or maybe just the way someone looked at us, or perhaps didn't seem to notice us at all.
The next thing we know, we are caught in the emotions of that moment and get stuck there, focused on ourselves, forgetting all about God's truth, His Word concerning who we are in Christ and His promises of love and care for us. It doesn't take long for us to begin to spiral downward as Satan seeks to seize that moment to disillusion us about God's truth. In Genesis 3, we read of Eve's encounter with "the serpent", Satan in disguise. She had everything she could have wanted, everything that she needed, her life was really perfect, but questions were raised to her, subtle lies were spoken to her and she began to question God's goodness (see verses 1-5). Sometimes we may encounter a similar situation if we are not "on guard". Those self-centered thoughts, unkind thoughts, doubts about the future, things loom up from the past - failures and hurts, fears and anxieties are all attempts that Satan might use to seek to disillusion us and destroy our fellowship with God.
If we do not quickly detect these ploys of Satan in our thinking, we then become discontent, thinking even as Eve did (v.5, 6), that God is holding out on us. Instead of counting our blessings, we begin to covet what we don't have or can't have. We're like little children wanting what we think we are being deprived of, whether it is for our good or not. By not trusting God and that He is in control of all our situations and circumstances, we continue to focus on self, our wants and our desires, becoming manipulative, covetous, and contemptuous in our thinking.
Continuing to believe the lies, rather than God's truth, we become discouraged when things aren't the way we want them to be; when we are not getting what we had hoped for. Here we must examine our motives and ask ourselves, "Am I willing to sin to get what I want?", "Is this an 'idol of my heart'?" Perhaps it's not some "thing", but approval or acceptance that is being sought after and not being realized. As an "idol" becomes the focus of our life we are pulled deeper into the downward spiral becoming defeated.
All of life seems to be a disaster - out of control and out of sorts. When we try to read God's Word, the Bible, and pray, there seems to be a heavy load of guilt, we're defeated and depressed. Through Christ alone we must reclaim the ground surrendered to Satan when choosing to believe his lies. At each of these turns that lead us downward - disillusionment, discontentment, discouragement, ending in disaster, there is a choice to be made. Are we going to satisfy our flesh, or believe God and trust in His truth. Galatians 5:1 says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." As we confess and repent, asking God's forgiveness, renouncing Satan's control in our lives, our fellowship with God, our Heavenly Father, is restored through Jesus Christ. "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you....Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." (James 4:7, 8, 10)
Ahhhh ~~ Now that we're back on track, what's the best way to stay "on track", walking in fellowship with God to keep from getting side-tracked again?
1 Peter 5:6 - 9a, gives us these instructions, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in faith..." 2 Peter 1:2 - 9, gives us further instructions in being effective and productive through our knowledge of Christ, escaping "the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." Someone once referred to vs.5-7 as "our Spiritual vitamins" to keep our focus on persevering and growth in the "divine nature" of Christ. Be encouraged to keep on taking your spiritual vitamins to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power one day at a time.
DeEtta Marsh
DeEtta Marsh is presently serving as Women's Ministry Assistant P/T, and with her husband, Stan, as Coordinators for Families For Christ ministry to Colony of Mercy residents and wives, and Colony Graduate Couples. Serving the Lord on Staff at America's KESWICK since summer, 1995. Wife, mother, teacher, grandmother of 8.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:10,11
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
The next thing we know, we are caught in the emotions of that moment and get stuck there, focused on ourselves, forgetting all about God's truth, His Word concerning who we are in Christ and His promises of love and care for us. It doesn't take long for us to begin to spiral downward as Satan seeks to seize that moment to disillusion us about God's truth. In Genesis 3, we read of Eve's encounter with "the serpent", Satan in disguise. She had everything she could have wanted, everything that she needed, her life was really perfect, but questions were raised to her, subtle lies were spoken to her and she began to question God's goodness (see verses 1-5). Sometimes we may encounter a similar situation if we are not "on guard". Those self-centered thoughts, unkind thoughts, doubts about the future, things loom up from the past - failures and hurts, fears and anxieties are all attempts that Satan might use to seek to disillusion us and destroy our fellowship with God.
If we do not quickly detect these ploys of Satan in our thinking, we then become discontent, thinking even as Eve did (v.5, 6), that God is holding out on us. Instead of counting our blessings, we begin to covet what we don't have or can't have. We're like little children wanting what we think we are being deprived of, whether it is for our good or not. By not trusting God and that He is in control of all our situations and circumstances, we continue to focus on self, our wants and our desires, becoming manipulative, covetous, and contemptuous in our thinking.
Continuing to believe the lies, rather than God's truth, we become discouraged when things aren't the way we want them to be; when we are not getting what we had hoped for. Here we must examine our motives and ask ourselves, "Am I willing to sin to get what I want?", "Is this an 'idol of my heart'?" Perhaps it's not some "thing", but approval or acceptance that is being sought after and not being realized. As an "idol" becomes the focus of our life we are pulled deeper into the downward spiral becoming defeated.
All of life seems to be a disaster - out of control and out of sorts. When we try to read God's Word, the Bible, and pray, there seems to be a heavy load of guilt, we're defeated and depressed. Through Christ alone we must reclaim the ground surrendered to Satan when choosing to believe his lies. At each of these turns that lead us downward - disillusionment, discontentment, discouragement, ending in disaster, there is a choice to be made. Are we going to satisfy our flesh, or believe God and trust in His truth. Galatians 5:1 says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." As we confess and repent, asking God's forgiveness, renouncing Satan's control in our lives, our fellowship with God, our Heavenly Father, is restored through Jesus Christ. "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you....Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." (James 4:7, 8, 10)
Ahhhh ~~ Now that we're back on track, what's the best way to stay "on track", walking in fellowship with God to keep from getting side-tracked again?
1 Peter 5:6 - 9a, gives us these instructions, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in faith..." 2 Peter 1:2 - 9, gives us further instructions in being effective and productive through our knowledge of Christ, escaping "the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." Someone once referred to vs.5-7 as "our Spiritual vitamins" to keep our focus on persevering and growth in the "divine nature" of Christ. Be encouraged to keep on taking your spiritual vitamins to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power one day at a time.
DeEtta Marsh
DeEtta Marsh is presently serving as Women's Ministry Assistant P/T, and with her husband, Stan, as Coordinators for Families For Christ ministry to Colony of Mercy residents and wives, and Colony Graduate Couples. Serving the Lord on Staff at America's KESWICK since summer, 1995. Wife, mother, teacher, grandmother of 8.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:10,11
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Roll Away Your Stone
Do you have a huge stone that is holding you back from the fullness of the destiny God has prepared for you? We did. Praise God.....the gift of the death and resurrection still can roll away that huge stone.
Let me tell you a little about our story. A little more than three years ago my husband recognized that he could not set himself free of an addiction to alcohol. He had been battling alcohol for most of our married life. I had asked him to go to America's Keswick but he always had the same answer........He just could not go away for four months and leave his job.
But God is good and with all my heart I believe God wanted to see Glenn healed even more than his children or I.
The alcohol was keeping him from a rich relationship with God. It was keeping all of us from the destiny God had prepared for us. God had a future planned for us. The plan was good and was filled with hope. (Jer. 29:11) I believe God allowed things to get so bad that Glenn had those four months available without any work to go to.
Months before God had told me I would not have to go through this any more. I didn't know how but whatever it would take, I was ready.
Glenn entered Keswick in March of 2008. The Spirit of God began to work. I have a journal of his time at Keswick that is marked with anger, resentment, bitterness, tears of fear, worry, then tears of praise, joy, thanksgiving and more praise. While at Keswick Glenn was fed the Word, the Word, the Word. The things of the world did not distract him; he was set apart from the world for those four precious months. Our Pastor, his wife and a team of intercessors faithfully prayed for Glenn and me. I joined the Women of Character and through that was directed into the Word, the Word, the Word. I believe the Word is true. The Word is never returned void. The Word began to tear into that huge monster stone that was literally killing Glenn and our marriage.
Passover came on April 19. I cleaned our home and asked the Lord to clean Glenn and me. The intercessors and I proclaimed the power of the blood of Jesus our Passover Lamb who paid the price so that death had to pass over.
Death did pass over. Soon after when I saw Glenn he told me that he wanted Jesus to fully be Lord of his life, not just his Savior. He understood the difference. Praise God!! He was making progress. On June 8, 2008 we celebrated Pentecost and with all of my heart I believe the Word washed Glenn and that stone broke into tiny pieces. When he came home in July he was one new man, filled with the Word of Truth and committed to staying faithful to the reading of the Word. There continues to be no greater joy for me than seeing my husband reading and walking in the Truth.
The Word is the not-so-secret reason America's Keswick is a place where God is free to speak to hearts and transform lives.
Is there a stone separating you from the destiny God has prepared for you? Don't wait another day, another hour, another minute. Get into the Word. As one of my favorite authors, Dutch Sheets said, "God never intended that Adam should function intellectually apart from His influence and instruction. Jesus is called the Logos, the Word of God......He is God's message to us."
May I encourage you to submit yourself to the Word, dear one, for the Word will set you free it can still roll away your stone.
Patricia L. Wenzel
Graduate, Women of Character
Suggested reading:
The Word of God: Roll Away Your Stone, Living in the Power of the Risen Christ by Dutch Sheets, Bethany House
DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:10,11
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. We’re in the lead, ladies! Let’s keep up the good work!!
Let me tell you a little about our story. A little more than three years ago my husband recognized that he could not set himself free of an addiction to alcohol. He had been battling alcohol for most of our married life. I had asked him to go to America's Keswick but he always had the same answer........He just could not go away for four months and leave his job.
But God is good and with all my heart I believe God wanted to see Glenn healed even more than his children or I.
The alcohol was keeping him from a rich relationship with God. It was keeping all of us from the destiny God had prepared for us. God had a future planned for us. The plan was good and was filled with hope. (Jer. 29:11) I believe God allowed things to get so bad that Glenn had those four months available without any work to go to.
Months before God had told me I would not have to go through this any more. I didn't know how but whatever it would take, I was ready.
Glenn entered Keswick in March of 2008. The Spirit of God began to work. I have a journal of his time at Keswick that is marked with anger, resentment, bitterness, tears of fear, worry, then tears of praise, joy, thanksgiving and more praise. While at Keswick Glenn was fed the Word, the Word, the Word. The things of the world did not distract him; he was set apart from the world for those four precious months. Our Pastor, his wife and a team of intercessors faithfully prayed for Glenn and me. I joined the Women of Character and through that was directed into the Word, the Word, the Word. I believe the Word is true. The Word is never returned void. The Word began to tear into that huge monster stone that was literally killing Glenn and our marriage.
Passover came on April 19. I cleaned our home and asked the Lord to clean Glenn and me. The intercessors and I proclaimed the power of the blood of Jesus our Passover Lamb who paid the price so that death had to pass over.
Death did pass over. Soon after when I saw Glenn he told me that he wanted Jesus to fully be Lord of his life, not just his Savior. He understood the difference. Praise God!! He was making progress. On June 8, 2008 we celebrated Pentecost and with all of my heart I believe the Word washed Glenn and that stone broke into tiny pieces. When he came home in July he was one new man, filled with the Word of Truth and committed to staying faithful to the reading of the Word. There continues to be no greater joy for me than seeing my husband reading and walking in the Truth.
The Word is the not-so-secret reason America's Keswick is a place where God is free to speak to hearts and transform lives.
Is there a stone separating you from the destiny God has prepared for you? Don't wait another day, another hour, another minute. Get into the Word. As one of my favorite authors, Dutch Sheets said, "God never intended that Adam should function intellectually apart from His influence and instruction. Jesus is called the Logos, the Word of God......He is God's message to us."
May I encourage you to submit yourself to the Word, dear one, for the Word will set you free it can still roll away your stone.
Patricia L. Wenzel
Graduate, Women of Character
Suggested reading:
The Word of God: Roll Away Your Stone, Living in the Power of the Risen Christ by Dutch Sheets, Bethany House
DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:10,11
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. We’re in the lead, ladies! Let’s keep up the good work!!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Digging Deeper James 2:10-11 with commentary
It seems so appropriate the day after we celebrated the Resurrection to be considering a verse that expresses the pervasiveness of sin. When I was a grad student, before I was saved, I remember wondering, "what if there was a cut-off of the number of sins we could commit that determined if we went to heaven or not? What if I'm allowed 1 million sins and I'm at 1 million and 1? What if I'm not allowed any sins? I know I have committed at least one, and many more than one. What hope was there for me?"
This verse makes it clear that it is not a matter of my good outweighing my bad. If the scales tip in my favor when I stand before Christ, I get in. If the scales tip against my favor, I don't get in. That is not biblical, but that's exactly what I thought for many years.
I remember hearing the illustration of the rotten egg. If you make an omelet with 4 eggs, and 3 are great but the 4th is rotten, you have contaminated the whole omelet. The same with sin. If you keep the whole law (which is humanly impossible) but failed at just one point, you are a transgressor of the whole law.
James 2:10-11 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
Commentary:
accountable for all of it. The law was considered an interdependent whole, and any infraction constituted a breaking of the law as a whole. Jesus said, 'not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished"(Matt. 5:18). This favoritism (James 2:9) makes one "accountable" (Gk. enochos, a legal term for "liable" or "guilty" before God's court) for the whole law. [ESV Study Bible - study notes page 2393]
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.
Special Project - you're invited!
Calling all cooks! Keswick will be producing its own cookbook (the first new one in many years) and we want YOUR favorite recipes! Please submit your recipes to me by May 15. This can include favorite from the conference kitchen, as well as your own family favorites.
No limitations: appetizers, salads, soups/stews, casseroles, entrees/meats, vegetables/side dishes, breads/muffins/etc, desserts (cakes/pies/puddings/cookies/candy/etc.)
Please submit typed or CLEARLY printed recipes – check your measurements for accuracy. Include your name, and if there is a SHORT personal story about the recipe, include that as well (i.e. something you always have Christmas morning).
So start digging through those recipes cards and find your favorite. Email them to rschmidt@americaskeswick.org
This verse makes it clear that it is not a matter of my good outweighing my bad. If the scales tip in my favor when I stand before Christ, I get in. If the scales tip against my favor, I don't get in. That is not biblical, but that's exactly what I thought for many years.
I remember hearing the illustration of the rotten egg. If you make an omelet with 4 eggs, and 3 are great but the 4th is rotten, you have contaminated the whole omelet. The same with sin. If you keep the whole law (which is humanly impossible) but failed at just one point, you are a transgressor of the whole law.
James 2:10-11 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
Commentary:
accountable for all of it. The law was considered an interdependent whole, and any infraction constituted a breaking of the law as a whole. Jesus said, 'not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished"(Matt. 5:18). This favoritism (James 2:9) makes one "accountable" (Gk. enochos, a legal term for "liable" or "guilty" before God's court) for the whole law. [ESV Study Bible - study notes page 2393]
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.
Special Project - you're invited!
Calling all cooks! Keswick will be producing its own cookbook (the first new one in many years) and we want YOUR favorite recipes! Please submit your recipes to me by May 15. This can include favorite from the conference kitchen, as well as your own family favorites.
No limitations: appetizers, salads, soups/stews, casseroles, entrees/meats, vegetables/side dishes, breads/muffins/etc, desserts (cakes/pies/puddings/cookies/candy/etc.)
Please submit typed or CLEARLY printed recipes – check your measurements for accuracy. Include your name, and if there is a SHORT personal story about the recipe, include that as well (i.e. something you always have Christmas morning).
So start digging through those recipes cards and find your favorite. Email them to rschmidt@americaskeswick.org
Friday, April 22, 2011
Digging Deeper James 2:8-9 Points to Ponder
James 2:8-9
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture,"You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
Points to Ponder:
So much of what we do as followers of Jesus Christ is mediated by the law of love. Six of the Ten Commandments have to do with loving others more than self.
As believers we do have freedom, according to the law of liberty. However, the law of love supersedes the law of liberty. The law of liberty serves us, the law of love serves others.
Partiality, in a sense, serves us because it is based on our opinion of who is most favored. It seems to me to be mingled with pride - because my opinion is right, best. I can see why it would be offensive to God. James calls it sin.
Are there ways you may be expressing partiality?
Diane Hunt
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.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. We’re in the lead, ladies! Let’s keep up the good work!!
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture,"You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
Points to Ponder:
So much of what we do as followers of Jesus Christ is mediated by the law of love. Six of the Ten Commandments have to do with loving others more than self.
As believers we do have freedom, according to the law of liberty. However, the law of love supersedes the law of liberty. The law of liberty serves us, the law of love serves others.
Partiality, in a sense, serves us because it is based on our opinion of who is most favored. It seems to me to be mingled with pride - because my opinion is right, best. I can see why it would be offensive to God. James calls it sin.
Are there ways you may be expressing partiality?
Diane Hunt
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.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. We’re in the lead, ladies! Let’s keep up the good work!!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
WILL WE WAIT?
I just finished reading through the book of Isaiah. For those of you that have also read it, you know that some of it is tough reading. The first half of the book generally deals with God's judgment against Israel, Judah, and the surrounding pagan nations because of their sin.
One of the sins God condemned was His chosen peoples' decision not to trust in Him, but rather to seek their help elsewhere.
"Was my arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you?" Isaiah 50:2
"Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of His servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you will receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment." Isaiah 50:10-11
"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. You said, 'No we will flee on horses.' Therefore you will flee! You said, 'We will ride off on swift horses.' Therefore your pursuers will be swift!" Isaiah 30:15-16
How many times I have prayed about something and committed it to Him, then when He is not answering in the way I think He should or as quickly as I think He should, I begin to panic and search for my answer elsewhere. Or better yet, I try to "fix" the problem myself. Oh, the messes I have made and the heartache I have caused because I was too impatient to wait on the Lord!
Oh, but there is blessing waiting for us as we wait for and hope in Him! After admonishing the people in chapter 30, verses 15 & 16, it goes on to say:
"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!" (emphasis mine)
God knows us perfectly - so He understands that it can be difficult to wait on Him, it can be exhausting.
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
He understands! And He promises us blessing and renewed strength as we trust in and wait upon Him.
"Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him." Isaiah 64:4
When we patiently wait for Him, laying aside our endless striving and our worry, He acts on our behalf! Sisters, let us take Him at His Word, and ask Him to give us the patience and the faith to wait upon Him, for He has promised, "those who hope in me will not be disappointed." (Is. 49:23)
Stacey Poplawski
Women of Character Graduate
(All Scripture taken from the NIV)
DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:8-9 (ESV)
8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. We’re in the lead, ladies! Let’s keep up the good work!!
One of the sins God condemned was His chosen peoples' decision not to trust in Him, but rather to seek their help elsewhere.
"Was my arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you?" Isaiah 50:2
"Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of His servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you will receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment." Isaiah 50:10-11
"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. You said, 'No we will flee on horses.' Therefore you will flee! You said, 'We will ride off on swift horses.' Therefore your pursuers will be swift!" Isaiah 30:15-16
How many times I have prayed about something and committed it to Him, then when He is not answering in the way I think He should or as quickly as I think He should, I begin to panic and search for my answer elsewhere. Or better yet, I try to "fix" the problem myself. Oh, the messes I have made and the heartache I have caused because I was too impatient to wait on the Lord!
Oh, but there is blessing waiting for us as we wait for and hope in Him! After admonishing the people in chapter 30, verses 15 & 16, it goes on to say:
"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!" (emphasis mine)
God knows us perfectly - so He understands that it can be difficult to wait on Him, it can be exhausting.
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
He understands! And He promises us blessing and renewed strength as we trust in and wait upon Him.
"Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him." Isaiah 64:4
When we patiently wait for Him, laying aside our endless striving and our worry, He acts on our behalf! Sisters, let us take Him at His Word, and ask Him to give us the patience and the faith to wait upon Him, for He has promised, "those who hope in me will not be disappointed." (Is. 49:23)
Stacey Poplawski
Women of Character Graduate
(All Scripture taken from the NIV)
DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:8-9 (ESV)
8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. We’re in the lead, ladies! Let’s keep up the good work!!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
DREAMS
I had a dream (no, this is not Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speech) the other night and was surprised with the ending!
As you know dreams can be really weird and not make any sense. Well, this one was sort of that way but in the end it made a lot of sense!
So if you will bear with me I will try to explain the lesson I found in it.
I remember trying to get to a counseling appointment and it just seemed like one thing after the other was preventing me from getting there. I will spare you the "weirdness" part, but I remember being worn out from exhausting ALL my energy to get to this counselor that I finally sat down, put my face into my hands and began to cry, for at that point I felt beaten down, helpLESS, and hopeLESS. Take a minute and just picture yourself like that.... Have you ever felt like that? Ok, so now back to the dream: Through my tears I just cried out, "Lord, I just can't do this! I can't make it!" And then I woke up! And I thought, "How TRUE!!! I can't make it. I can't do this! That is where I need to go, not necessarily to a counselor but to THE Counselor!!" I need to cry out to Jesus!! Instead of pouring my heart out to a counselor here on earth, I need to pour my heart out to my Savior!! Verses started coming to mind,
"Be anxious for NOTHING, but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known TO God. And the PEACE of God, which SURPASSES all comprehension, will GUARD your hearts and your MINDS in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6,7
"Trust in Him at all times, O people; POUR OUT your heart before Him; God IS a REFUGE for us. Selah." Psalm 62:8
So if you are burdened down today with something that just seems hopeless or never-ending, cry out to Jesus, pour your heart out to Him, for He wants us to come TO Him. We can't do it on our own. He wants all of who we are, not just part of us. Be willing to give Him ALL of you. And HE will be your REFUGE and STRENGTH...
Sue Mercer
Women of Character Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:8-9
8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. We’re in the lead, ladies! Let’s keep up the good work!!
As you know dreams can be really weird and not make any sense. Well, this one was sort of that way but in the end it made a lot of sense!
So if you will bear with me I will try to explain the lesson I found in it.
I remember trying to get to a counseling appointment and it just seemed like one thing after the other was preventing me from getting there. I will spare you the "weirdness" part, but I remember being worn out from exhausting ALL my energy to get to this counselor that I finally sat down, put my face into my hands and began to cry, for at that point I felt beaten down, helpLESS, and hopeLESS. Take a minute and just picture yourself like that.... Have you ever felt like that? Ok, so now back to the dream: Through my tears I just cried out, "Lord, I just can't do this! I can't make it!" And then I woke up! And I thought, "How TRUE!!! I can't make it. I can't do this! That is where I need to go, not necessarily to a counselor but to THE Counselor!!" I need to cry out to Jesus!! Instead of pouring my heart out to a counselor here on earth, I need to pour my heart out to my Savior!! Verses started coming to mind,
"Be anxious for NOTHING, but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known TO God. And the PEACE of God, which SURPASSES all comprehension, will GUARD your hearts and your MINDS in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6,7
"Trust in Him at all times, O people; POUR OUT your heart before Him; God IS a REFUGE for us. Selah." Psalm 62:8
So if you are burdened down today with something that just seems hopeless or never-ending, cry out to Jesus, pour your heart out to Him, for He wants us to come TO Him. We can't do it on our own. He wants all of who we are, not just part of us. Be willing to give Him ALL of you. And HE will be your REFUGE and STRENGTH...
Sue Mercer
Women of Character Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:8-9
8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. We’re in the lead, ladies! Let’s keep up the good work!!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Be Doers of the Word (James 1:22)
It is always amazing to me how God uses seemingly unrelated things going on in my life to lead me to the one thing He is teaching me.
As with many of our Victory Call readers I have been studying the book of James. The simple yet profound statement "Be Doers of the Word" has been very much on my heart. I also just finished the book of Joshua. In the meantime our son and his wife are expecting their first child. Our son is in a place of feeling the pressure to seek new employment that will pay for medical benefits and offer an increase in salary. He graduated from college with a degree to teach Physical Education and Health. He is amazingly talented in working with youth but could not find employment in his chosen field. He took a job in sales while he continued his search. Well, I found myself in a place of sleepless nights in my concern for him. I cried out, "Lord lead him to the destiny you have prepared for him." For I know the plans God has for him, his wife and their baby..........they are good plans with a future and a hope. (Jer. 29:11) So why couldn't I sleep? I became annoyed at myself. I know I am lacking trust in the Lord who can and will make a way. So why am I not a "Doer of the Word", trusting in the Lord with all my heart and leaning not on my own understanding? (Prov. 3:5-6)
Then the root of the issue confronted me.
Over and over when the Israelites were in a rough place they worshipped idols. In the wilderness when Moses left the people they began to think Moses would not come back. They built a golden calf and worshipped it. (Exodus 32) I think worry and fear led them to building that calf.
Before Joshua died he warned the people, "If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you after He has done good to you" (Joshua 24:20). But despite the promise from the people to serve the Lord, by the very next book, Judges, chapter 2 verse 11 it says, "Then the sons of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals." Idol worship!!
OK, I was worried but I wasn't building a golden calf or worshiping Baal. What was the Lord teaching me?
Jesus said there are two great commandments: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt. 22:37-39). If I am a "doer of the Word"...If I love the Lord my God with my whole heart, soul and mind...I will trust in the Lord and not give in to worry. In essence when I give in to worry, the result of which is a sleepless night and more worry, it is no different than building a golden calf. I am forsaking my trust in my God.
I used to have a brown bag on my refrigerator I labeled "God Bag". I used to write down my concerns and place them in the "God bag". I think I have to get that bag back on my refrigerator. It's time to turn the worries over to my Lord and worship Him and Him alone.
Thank you Lord for yet another lesson. Forgive me for not keeping you on the throne of my heart, soul and mind. You are my Lord, You are my Savior, You are the Alpha and the Omega. I trust in You with all of my loved ones. You are God.
Submitted by:
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
Translation used: New American Standard
DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:8-9
8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. We’re in the lead, ladies! Let’s keep up the good work!!
As with many of our Victory Call readers I have been studying the book of James. The simple yet profound statement "Be Doers of the Word" has been very much on my heart. I also just finished the book of Joshua. In the meantime our son and his wife are expecting their first child. Our son is in a place of feeling the pressure to seek new employment that will pay for medical benefits and offer an increase in salary. He graduated from college with a degree to teach Physical Education and Health. He is amazingly talented in working with youth but could not find employment in his chosen field. He took a job in sales while he continued his search. Well, I found myself in a place of sleepless nights in my concern for him. I cried out, "Lord lead him to the destiny you have prepared for him." For I know the plans God has for him, his wife and their baby..........they are good plans with a future and a hope. (Jer. 29:11) So why couldn't I sleep? I became annoyed at myself. I know I am lacking trust in the Lord who can and will make a way. So why am I not a "Doer of the Word", trusting in the Lord with all my heart and leaning not on my own understanding? (Prov. 3:5-6)
Then the root of the issue confronted me.
Over and over when the Israelites were in a rough place they worshipped idols. In the wilderness when Moses left the people they began to think Moses would not come back. They built a golden calf and worshipped it. (Exodus 32) I think worry and fear led them to building that calf.
Before Joshua died he warned the people, "If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you after He has done good to you" (Joshua 24:20). But despite the promise from the people to serve the Lord, by the very next book, Judges, chapter 2 verse 11 it says, "Then the sons of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals." Idol worship!!
OK, I was worried but I wasn't building a golden calf or worshiping Baal. What was the Lord teaching me?
Jesus said there are two great commandments: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt. 22:37-39). If I am a "doer of the Word"...If I love the Lord my God with my whole heart, soul and mind...I will trust in the Lord and not give in to worry. In essence when I give in to worry, the result of which is a sleepless night and more worry, it is no different than building a golden calf. I am forsaking my trust in my God.
I used to have a brown bag on my refrigerator I labeled "God Bag". I used to write down my concerns and place them in the "God bag". I think I have to get that bag back on my refrigerator. It's time to turn the worries over to my Lord and worship Him and Him alone.
Thank you Lord for yet another lesson. Forgive me for not keeping you on the throne of my heart, soul and mind. You are my Lord, You are my Savior, You are the Alpha and the Omega. I trust in You with all of my loved ones. You are God.
Submitted by:
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
Translation used: New American Standard
DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:8-9
8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. We’re in the lead, ladies! Let’s keep up the good work!!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Digging Deeper James 2:8-9 with commentary
As we are working through James in small sections, I hope you are taking time to meditate throughout the week on our verse(s) of the week, perhaps even memorizing it. In addition to that, I want to encourage you to be reading the 5 chapters of James a few times each week because it is important to keep the focus verses in context. I want you to keep both the forest and the trees in mind.
James 2:8-9
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
Commentary:
"The Royal law of love. Favoritism and discrimination are violations of the kingdom law of love. Royal law...i.e."law belonging to the king," with reference here to God's law in Lev. 19:18 ("love our neighbor,"...) as the apex of kingdom rules for ethical conduct...Partiality is the antithesis of the love command...Favoritism toward the rich breaks the OT commands to treat the poor equitably and is a serious transgression of God's law..." [ESV Study Bible study notes pg. 2393]
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.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. We’re in the lead, ladies! Let’s keep up the good work!!
James 2:8-9
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
Commentary:
"The Royal law of love. Favoritism and discrimination are violations of the kingdom law of love. Royal law...i.e."law belonging to the king," with reference here to God's law in Lev. 19:18 ("love our neighbor,"...) as the apex of kingdom rules for ethical conduct...Partiality is the antithesis of the love command...Favoritism toward the rich breaks the OT commands to treat the poor equitably and is a serious transgression of God's law..." [ESV Study Bible study notes pg. 2393]
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.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. We’re in the lead, ladies! Let’s keep up the good work!!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Digging Deeper James 2:1-7
Points to Ponder
James 2:1-7 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
Points to ponder:
Show no partiality. As I think about the 21st century version of this it might not be a poor man/rich man. It might be a youth vs. older person. Imagine into your church on Sunday morning walks a young couple with two small children. Each is dressed very nicely with clean cut haircuts, and modest attire. They are pleasant and their children are well behaved. Shortly after them comes in a couple of young people dressed in jeans (complete with holes), tee shirts with skull and crossbones, flip flops, long hair or shaved heads, gauges in their ears, and tattoos on their arms. What is your immediate inward response?
Don't we have a natural inclination toward the people "more like us"? When I go to the mall on Friday evenings, there are dozens of kids dressed in all kinds of 'different' attire - A person can't help but notice.
Do we treat people differently because of where they come from, what family they belong to, how much money they have, how they dress, what church they are affiliated with, what kind of music they like... etc? How do we make distinctions between people and become judges of others? We need to be ever so mindful that God doesn't make those distinctions. We tend to judge by what we see on the outside and maybe because of that never get to know the person on the inside.
My son went through the black hair stage when he was in high school several years ago. That may not be that big of a deal to some people but my son was a redhead with freckles and fair skin. Black hair was just such a stark contrast. Every morning when he came downstairs before school, I had to brace myself to hold my tongue. He would say as he pointed to his chest, "It's still me in here, Mom" Going through that taught me a lot about judging people by their outward appearance as I'm sure others were doing to my own son. I haven't arrived, by any means, but I'm growing in that direction.
1 Samuel 16:7 For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.
In reality, isn't judging others for their financial status, dress, ideas, etc., arrogance on our parts? We think we know what is best. Our way is the best way. That arrogance is a stench in the nostrils of God. I have heard and probably been guilty myself of criticism in the name of "what's right" but in reality it is just self righteousness; righteousness that is based on anything other than the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
O Lord, show me it in myself.
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.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
James 2:1-7 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
Points to ponder:
Show no partiality. As I think about the 21st century version of this it might not be a poor man/rich man. It might be a youth vs. older person. Imagine into your church on Sunday morning walks a young couple with two small children. Each is dressed very nicely with clean cut haircuts, and modest attire. They are pleasant and their children are well behaved. Shortly after them comes in a couple of young people dressed in jeans (complete with holes), tee shirts with skull and crossbones, flip flops, long hair or shaved heads, gauges in their ears, and tattoos on their arms. What is your immediate inward response?
Don't we have a natural inclination toward the people "more like us"? When I go to the mall on Friday evenings, there are dozens of kids dressed in all kinds of 'different' attire - A person can't help but notice.
Do we treat people differently because of where they come from, what family they belong to, how much money they have, how they dress, what church they are affiliated with, what kind of music they like... etc? How do we make distinctions between people and become judges of others? We need to be ever so mindful that God doesn't make those distinctions. We tend to judge by what we see on the outside and maybe because of that never get to know the person on the inside.
My son went through the black hair stage when he was in high school several years ago. That may not be that big of a deal to some people but my son was a redhead with freckles and fair skin. Black hair was just such a stark contrast. Every morning when he came downstairs before school, I had to brace myself to hold my tongue. He would say as he pointed to his chest, "It's still me in here, Mom" Going through that taught me a lot about judging people by their outward appearance as I'm sure others were doing to my own son. I haven't arrived, by any means, but I'm growing in that direction.
1 Samuel 16:7 For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.
In reality, isn't judging others for their financial status, dress, ideas, etc., arrogance on our parts? We think we know what is best. Our way is the best way. That arrogance is a stench in the nostrils of God. I have heard and probably been guilty myself of criticism in the name of "what's right" but in reality it is just self righteousness; righteousness that is based on anything other than the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
O Lord, show me it in myself.
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.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Digging Deeper James 2:1-7 with Commentary
My friends, I sat this morning reading in the Book of Leviticus, my mind wandering hither and yon. My husband asked me a question and I asked if we could discuss it later because I was struggling to stay focused as I read about the left lobe of the liver...If you have read Leviticus lately you know what I mean. I admit there are sections of Scripture that I don't understand, sections that have way more detail than I think I need to know. But there are also many more Scriptures that speak right to my heart and are clear as clear can be. I do know that ALL of God's Word is inspired and profitable for reproof (2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness). This week's Scripture is convicting. Would you pray and ask God to show you ways you might have made "distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts"?
James 2:1-7 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
Commentary:
"We all have a natural tendency to play up to social superiors and despise those below us on the social scale. But Christians must not make these distinctions. We are to treat everyone with equal respect - regardless of status, intellectual ability, race or colour. When we fail to do so we are breaking one of God's greatest commandments (8: Mark 12:28-31)." [EERDMAN'S Concise Bible Handbook pg. 370).
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.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
James 2:1-7 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
Commentary:
"We all have a natural tendency to play up to social superiors and despise those below us on the social scale. But Christians must not make these distinctions. We are to treat everyone with equal respect - regardless of status, intellectual ability, race or colour. When we fail to do so we are breaking one of God's greatest commandments (8: Mark 12:28-31)." [EERDMAN'S Concise Bible Handbook pg. 370).
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.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Am I trusted and informed?
We've been having some difficulty with emailing out Victory Call recently, as I'm sure you've noticed. Yesterday was a repeat, but the one that should actually have been sent is on the website - you can read it by clicking http://www.americaskeswick.org/364473.ihtml#h_2859.
Good question. The answer: most of the time but not always, and not as much as I should be. I'd like to be a person who cares enough to stay connected and can be trusted. I have a few good examples to follow, praise the Lord! They are people that fear God, love God and love me. Last, but most important, THEY PRAY! I know I can go to them and open up about my struggles, joys, fears, all of it - and they will respond with truth and love. I trust them and I want them and others to feel safe trusting me and know that I respect their privacy. I tend to be a very private person, and it is a struggle not to become prideful and isolated. Maybe you can relate, or maybe you are just the opposite, constantly networking in one form or another, priding yourself on always being "in the know?" I'm learning to balance and grow in this area and I'm certain that's what the Lord has in mind. Do we care enough to know and do we know enough to care?
The following is an excerpt from the next edition of Keswick Today and I use it with the author's permission:
"The world appears to be infatuated with the concept of networking. Everyone seems to be texting this, tweeting that, Facebooking something else and going to chat rooms for "real" relationships with other people. With all this noise, the concept of being "trusted and informed" seems almost old-fashioned compared to a loudly shouted opinion. What we have learned is that these networks can too easily become a means to betray confidences, spread rumors and destroy reputations. Rather than maximizing the quality, relevance and ease of communication, these networks must be carefully managed and controlled to avoid harm."
NETWORKING IS ALL ABOUT TRUST
by Bill Janson, Director- The Pines at Whiting
Lord, help me, us, to be trusted, caring members of Your Network! "And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested." 1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)
Dina Seaton
Dina Seaton Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer America's KESWICK
DIGGING DEEPER: James 2:1-7
1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Good question. The answer: most of the time but not always, and not as much as I should be. I'd like to be a person who cares enough to stay connected and can be trusted. I have a few good examples to follow, praise the Lord! They are people that fear God, love God and love me. Last, but most important, THEY PRAY! I know I can go to them and open up about my struggles, joys, fears, all of it - and they will respond with truth and love. I trust them and I want them and others to feel safe trusting me and know that I respect their privacy. I tend to be a very private person, and it is a struggle not to become prideful and isolated. Maybe you can relate, or maybe you are just the opposite, constantly networking in one form or another, priding yourself on always being "in the know?" I'm learning to balance and grow in this area and I'm certain that's what the Lord has in mind. Do we care enough to know and do we know enough to care?
The following is an excerpt from the next edition of Keswick Today and I use it with the author's permission:
"The world appears to be infatuated with the concept of networking. Everyone seems to be texting this, tweeting that, Facebooking something else and going to chat rooms for "real" relationships with other people. With all this noise, the concept of being "trusted and informed" seems almost old-fashioned compared to a loudly shouted opinion. What we have learned is that these networks can too easily become a means to betray confidences, spread rumors and destroy reputations. Rather than maximizing the quality, relevance and ease of communication, these networks must be carefully managed and controlled to avoid harm."
NETWORKING IS ALL ABOUT TRUST
by Bill Janson, Director- The Pines at Whiting
Lord, help me, us, to be trusted, caring members of Your Network! "And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested." 1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)
Dina Seaton
Dina Seaton Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer America's KESWICK
DIGGING DEEPER: James 2:1-7
1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Be Doers of the Word (James 1:22)
It is always amazing to me how God uses seemingly unrelated things going on in my life to lead me to the one thing He is teaching me.
As with many of our Victory Call readers I have been studying the book of James. The simple yet profound statement "Be Doers of the Word" has been very much on my heart. I also just finished the book of Joshua. In the meantime our son and his wife are expecting their first child. Our son is in a place of feeling the pressure to seek new employment that will pay for medical benefits and offer an increase in salary. He graduated from college with a degree to teach Physical Education and Health. He is amazingly talented in working with youth but could not find employment in his chosen field. He took a job in sales while he continued his search. Well, I found myself in a place of sleepless nights in my concern for him. I cried out, "Lord lead him to the destiny you have prepared for him." For I know the plans God has for him, his wife and their baby..........they are good plans with a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11). So why couldn't I sleep? I became annoyed at myself. I know I am lacking trust in the Lord who can and will make a way.
So why am I not a "Doer of the Word", trusting in the Lord with all my heart and leaning not on my own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6)? Then the root of the issue confronted me.
Over and over when the Israelites were in a rough place they worshipped idols. In the wilderness when Moses left the people they began to think Moses would not come back. They built a golden calf and worshipped it (Exodus 32). I think worry and fear led them to building that calf.
Before Joshua died he warned the people, "If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you after He has done good to you" (Joshua 24:20). But despite the promise from the people to serve the Lord, by the very next book, Judges chapter 2 verse 11, it says, "Then the sons of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals." Idol worship!!
OK, I was worried but I wasn't building a golden calf or worshiping Baal. What was the Lord teaching me? Jesus said there were two great commandments: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself"(Matt. 22:37-39). If I am a "doer of the Word"...If I love the Lord my God with my whole heart, soul and mind...I will trust in the Lord and not give in to worry. In essence when I give in to worry, the result of which is a sleepless night and more worry, it is no different than building a golden calf. I am forsaking my trust in my God.
I used to have a brown bag on my refrigerator I labeled "God Bag". I used to write down my concerns and place them in the "God bag". I think I have to get that bag back on my refrigerator. It's time to turn the worries over to my Lord and worship Him and Him alone. Thank you, Lord, for yet another lesson. Forgive me for not keeping You on the throne of my heart, soul and mind. You are my Lord, You are my Savior, You are the Alpha and the Omega. I trust in You with all of my loved ones. You are God.
Submitted by:
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
Translation used: New American Standard
DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:1-4
1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON!
In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
As with many of our Victory Call readers I have been studying the book of James. The simple yet profound statement "Be Doers of the Word" has been very much on my heart. I also just finished the book of Joshua. In the meantime our son and his wife are expecting their first child. Our son is in a place of feeling the pressure to seek new employment that will pay for medical benefits and offer an increase in salary. He graduated from college with a degree to teach Physical Education and Health. He is amazingly talented in working with youth but could not find employment in his chosen field. He took a job in sales while he continued his search. Well, I found myself in a place of sleepless nights in my concern for him. I cried out, "Lord lead him to the destiny you have prepared for him." For I know the plans God has for him, his wife and their baby..........they are good plans with a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11). So why couldn't I sleep? I became annoyed at myself. I know I am lacking trust in the Lord who can and will make a way.
So why am I not a "Doer of the Word", trusting in the Lord with all my heart and leaning not on my own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6)? Then the root of the issue confronted me.
Over and over when the Israelites were in a rough place they worshipped idols. In the wilderness when Moses left the people they began to think Moses would not come back. They built a golden calf and worshipped it (Exodus 32). I think worry and fear led them to building that calf.
Before Joshua died he warned the people, "If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you after He has done good to you" (Joshua 24:20). But despite the promise from the people to serve the Lord, by the very next book, Judges chapter 2 verse 11, it says, "Then the sons of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals." Idol worship!!
OK, I was worried but I wasn't building a golden calf or worshiping Baal. What was the Lord teaching me? Jesus said there were two great commandments: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself"(Matt. 22:37-39). If I am a "doer of the Word"...If I love the Lord my God with my whole heart, soul and mind...I will trust in the Lord and not give in to worry. In essence when I give in to worry, the result of which is a sleepless night and more worry, it is no different than building a golden calf. I am forsaking my trust in my God.
I used to have a brown bag on my refrigerator I labeled "God Bag". I used to write down my concerns and place them in the "God bag". I think I have to get that bag back on my refrigerator. It's time to turn the worries over to my Lord and worship Him and Him alone. Thank you, Lord, for yet another lesson. Forgive me for not keeping You on the throne of my heart, soul and mind. You are my Lord, You are my Savior, You are the Alpha and the Omega. I trust in You with all of my loved ones. You are God.
Submitted by:
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
Translation used: New American Standard
DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:1-4
1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON!
In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Friday, April 08, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:26-27
Points to Ponder If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Points to ponder: The saying goes "the proof is in the pudding." James says the evidence of the genuiness of our faith is in our speech. If we think we are mature Christians but fail to guard our tongues, we are just kidding ourselves. We can use our tongues for good: to build people up, encourage, praise, exhort, speak truth in love, edify, etc. or we can use our tongues for evil: to tear down, criticize, argue, lie, discourage, gossip, spread negativity, etc. Are we using our tongues for God's glory or our agenda? Psalm 141:3 "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!"
Years ago I wrote a Transformation Resource called "The Tongue" available on-line at http://americaskeswick.org/files/Documents/Tranformation%20Resources/Tongue.pdf .
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.
UPCOMING EVENT May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Points to ponder: The saying goes "the proof is in the pudding." James says the evidence of the genuiness of our faith is in our speech. If we think we are mature Christians but fail to guard our tongues, we are just kidding ourselves. We can use our tongues for good: to build people up, encourage, praise, exhort, speak truth in love, edify, etc. or we can use our tongues for evil: to tear down, criticize, argue, lie, discourage, gossip, spread negativity, etc. Are we using our tongues for God's glory or our agenda? Psalm 141:3 "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!"
Years ago I wrote a Transformation Resource called "The Tongue" available on-line at http://americaskeswick.org/files/Documents/Tranformation%20Resources/Tongue.pdf .
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.
UPCOMING EVENT May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Beth at the Airport (Part Three)*
Hopefully you're still in this with me and more than anything I hope you have been finding the time to sit still before the Lord to listen and hear. With so much noise clamoring for our attention these days, I know how difficult this can be.
As I read the story again I was encouraged by Beth's complete transparency. There was no time for pride -false or otherwise- just plain old real and honest Beth. Another thing that blessed me tremendously was the obvious intimacy of her friendship with God. They are, after all, having a conversation; one that seems to flow as easily as it would between a Father speaking to a child He loves. Isn't God good? Let's continue with more of "Beth at the Airport".
I looked up at God and quipped, "I don't have a hairbrush. It's in my suitcase on the plane. How am I supposed to brush his hair without a hairbrush?" God was so insistent that I almost involuntarily began to walk toward him as these thoughts came to me from God's word: "I will thoroughly furnish you unto all good works." (2 Tim 3:17)
I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one myself. Even as I retell this story my pulse quickens and I feel those same butterflies. I knelt down in front of the man, and asked as demurely as possible, "Sir, may I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?"
He looked back at me and said, "What did you say?" "May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair? To which he responded in volume ten, "Little lady, if you expect me to hear you, you're going to have to talk louder than that. At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out, "SIR, MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?"
At which point every eye in the place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room looking more peculiar than old Mr. Longlocks. Face crimson and forehead breaking out in a sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock on his face, and say, "If you really want to."
Are you kidding? Of course I didn't want to! But God didn't seem interested in my personal preference right about then. He pressed on my heart until I could utter the words, "Yes, sir, I would be pleased. But I have one little problem. I don't have a hairbrush." "I have one in my bag," he responded.
I went around to the back of that wheelchair, and I got on my hands and knees and unzipped the stranger's old carry-on, hardly believing what I was doing. I stood up and started brushing the old man's hair. It was perfectly clean, but it was tangled and matted. I don't do many things well, but I must admit I've had notable experience untangling knotted hair mothering two little girls."
Like I'd done with either Amanda or Melissa in such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of the strands, remembering to take my time not to pull. A miraculous thing happened to me as I started brushing that old man's hair -everybody else in the room disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments except that old man and me. I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until every tangle was out of that hair."
Alright all you Victory Call readers, are you feeling it yet? Something about this glimpse into a life is oh so encouraging. That God, our Sovereign, cares so much about this old man and about our sister Beth that He insisted upon her brushing his hair. I have no idea what I'd have done had it been me. The Lord obviously knew that His precious Beth had an ear to hear and a heart to obey...even if she fussed a little along the way.
What about you? Would you have whipped out your hair brush and done as the Father asked? Who knows, but I'm glad for this opportunity to see the Spirit of God at work in such a small, yet tangible way.
Stephanie
The story continues Tuesday...
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 1:26,27
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
*(Beth Moore in the Airport was used by permission of Living Proof Ministries in Houston Texas)
UPCOMING EVENT May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
As I read the story again I was encouraged by Beth's complete transparency. There was no time for pride -false or otherwise- just plain old real and honest Beth. Another thing that blessed me tremendously was the obvious intimacy of her friendship with God. They are, after all, having a conversation; one that seems to flow as easily as it would between a Father speaking to a child He loves. Isn't God good? Let's continue with more of "Beth at the Airport".
I looked up at God and quipped, "I don't have a hairbrush. It's in my suitcase on the plane. How am I supposed to brush his hair without a hairbrush?" God was so insistent that I almost involuntarily began to walk toward him as these thoughts came to me from God's word: "I will thoroughly furnish you unto all good works." (2 Tim 3:17)
I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one myself. Even as I retell this story my pulse quickens and I feel those same butterflies. I knelt down in front of the man, and asked as demurely as possible, "Sir, may I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?"
He looked back at me and said, "What did you say?" "May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair? To which he responded in volume ten, "Little lady, if you expect me to hear you, you're going to have to talk louder than that. At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out, "SIR, MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?"
At which point every eye in the place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room looking more peculiar than old Mr. Longlocks. Face crimson and forehead breaking out in a sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock on his face, and say, "If you really want to."
Are you kidding? Of course I didn't want to! But God didn't seem interested in my personal preference right about then. He pressed on my heart until I could utter the words, "Yes, sir, I would be pleased. But I have one little problem. I don't have a hairbrush." "I have one in my bag," he responded.
I went around to the back of that wheelchair, and I got on my hands and knees and unzipped the stranger's old carry-on, hardly believing what I was doing. I stood up and started brushing the old man's hair. It was perfectly clean, but it was tangled and matted. I don't do many things well, but I must admit I've had notable experience untangling knotted hair mothering two little girls."
Like I'd done with either Amanda or Melissa in such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of the strands, remembering to take my time not to pull. A miraculous thing happened to me as I started brushing that old man's hair -everybody else in the room disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments except that old man and me. I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until every tangle was out of that hair."
Alright all you Victory Call readers, are you feeling it yet? Something about this glimpse into a life is oh so encouraging. That God, our Sovereign, cares so much about this old man and about our sister Beth that He insisted upon her brushing his hair. I have no idea what I'd have done had it been me. The Lord obviously knew that His precious Beth had an ear to hear and a heart to obey...even if she fussed a little along the way.
What about you? Would you have whipped out your hair brush and done as the Father asked? Who knows, but I'm glad for this opportunity to see the Spirit of God at work in such a small, yet tangible way.
Stephanie
The story continues Tuesday...
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 1:26,27
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
*(Beth Moore in the Airport was used by permission of Living Proof Ministries in Houston Texas)
UPCOMING EVENT May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
"Beth at the Airport" (Part Two)*
Well dear ones, if you're reading this for the second day then, I'm oh so glad. There is a nugget here that is worth pondering for each and every one of us. And, as we are in the first quarter of a new year, this provides an opportunity to risk being, this year, God's instrument of love in a way that is unnatural, uncommon and maybe even a bit uncomfortable.
Let's continue with this true story directly from the writer herself: "I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort burning my face. As I tried to imagine what his story might have been, I found myself wondering if I'd just had a Howard Hughes sighting. Then, I remembered, he was dead. So this man in the airport was an impersonator maybe? Was a camera on us somewhere?"
"There I sat trying to concentrate on the Word to keep from being concerned about a thin slice of humanity served on a wheelchair only a few seats from me. All the while my heart was growing more and more overwhelmed with a feeling for him. Let's admit it - curiosity is a heap more comfortable than true concern, and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this bizarre-looking old man."
"I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on the wall. I've learned that when I begin to feel what God feels, something so contrary to my natural feelings, something dramatic is bound to happen. And it may be embarrassing. I immediately began to resist because I could feel God working on my spirit and I started arguing with God in my mind."
"Oh no, God, please no."
I looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare straight through it into heaven and said, "Don't make me witness to this man. Not right here and now. Please. I'll do anything. Put me on the same plane, but don't make me get up here and witness to this man in front of this gawking audience. Please, Lord!"
There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness, "Please don't make me witness to this man. Not now. I'll do it on the plane." Then I heard it..."I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to brush his hair." The words were so clear, my heart leapt into my throat, and my thoughts spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his hair? No brainer.
I looked straight back up at the ceiling and said, "God, as I live and breathe, I want you to know I am ready to witness to this man. I'm on this Lord. I'm you're girl! You've never seen a woman witness to a man faster in your life. What difference does it make if his hair is a mess if he is not redeemed? I am on him. I am going to witness to this man."
Again as clearly as I've ever heard an audible word, God seemed to write this statement across the wall of my mind. "That is not what I said, Beth. I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to go brush his hair."
Okay dear ones, once again we shall pause in this story and ask the question, "what is the thing that the Holy Spirit Himself is gently or not so gently prompting you to do?"
In no way, shape, form or fashion, am I talking about the grand things; nor am I referring to those big things that bring you that warm fuzzy producing pat on the back. I'm talking about that other thing that's deep inside of you that just won't go away no matter how many ways from Sunday that you twist it. Or maybe it's not a deep thing. Maybe it's a gnat that keeps showing up in front of your face and no matter how you swing and flail your arms and hands it won't stop pestering you. Worse yet, perhaps it has the dogged tenacity of a sand flea, landing on you, sinking it's teeth in and biting you over, over, over and over again until you do something about it.
Dear sisters in the faith, whatever it is, it's likely between you and God alone. Whatever it is, let's do it without further delay. Someone may just need their hair brushed. The story continues tomorrow...
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 1:26,27
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
*(Beth Moore in the Airport was used by permission of Living Proof Ministries in Houston Texas)
UPCOMING EVENT May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Let's continue with this true story directly from the writer herself: "I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort burning my face. As I tried to imagine what his story might have been, I found myself wondering if I'd just had a Howard Hughes sighting. Then, I remembered, he was dead. So this man in the airport was an impersonator maybe? Was a camera on us somewhere?"
"There I sat trying to concentrate on the Word to keep from being concerned about a thin slice of humanity served on a wheelchair only a few seats from me. All the while my heart was growing more and more overwhelmed with a feeling for him. Let's admit it - curiosity is a heap more comfortable than true concern, and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this bizarre-looking old man."
"I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on the wall. I've learned that when I begin to feel what God feels, something so contrary to my natural feelings, something dramatic is bound to happen. And it may be embarrassing. I immediately began to resist because I could feel God working on my spirit and I started arguing with God in my mind."
"Oh no, God, please no."
I looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare straight through it into heaven and said, "Don't make me witness to this man. Not right here and now. Please. I'll do anything. Put me on the same plane, but don't make me get up here and witness to this man in front of this gawking audience. Please, Lord!"
There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness, "Please don't make me witness to this man. Not now. I'll do it on the plane." Then I heard it..."I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to brush his hair." The words were so clear, my heart leapt into my throat, and my thoughts spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his hair? No brainer.
I looked straight back up at the ceiling and said, "God, as I live and breathe, I want you to know I am ready to witness to this man. I'm on this Lord. I'm you're girl! You've never seen a woman witness to a man faster in your life. What difference does it make if his hair is a mess if he is not redeemed? I am on him. I am going to witness to this man."
Again as clearly as I've ever heard an audible word, God seemed to write this statement across the wall of my mind. "That is not what I said, Beth. I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to go brush his hair."
Okay dear ones, once again we shall pause in this story and ask the question, "what is the thing that the Holy Spirit Himself is gently or not so gently prompting you to do?"
In no way, shape, form or fashion, am I talking about the grand things; nor am I referring to those big things that bring you that warm fuzzy producing pat on the back. I'm talking about that other thing that's deep inside of you that just won't go away no matter how many ways from Sunday that you twist it. Or maybe it's not a deep thing. Maybe it's a gnat that keeps showing up in front of your face and no matter how you swing and flail your arms and hands it won't stop pestering you. Worse yet, perhaps it has the dogged tenacity of a sand flea, landing on you, sinking it's teeth in and biting you over, over, over and over again until you do something about it.
Dear sisters in the faith, whatever it is, it's likely between you and God alone. Whatever it is, let's do it without further delay. Someone may just need their hair brushed. The story continues tomorrow...
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 1:26,27
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
*(Beth Moore in the Airport was used by permission of Living Proof Ministries in Houston Texas)
UPCOMING EVENT May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
"Beth Moore in the Airport" (Part One)*
Today has been a busy and yet very productive day for me and I have to admit it feels downright good. I made my list, checked it twice and proceeded to get done with each task on it, one at a time. It's amazing to me how God can multiply my time when I don't think I have enough to "do my list".
One of the things on my list that I was sure I wouldn't get to today was writing the Victory Calls that were up to me to write for the month. As I sat at my desk I decided to take a break and check my email. A good friend had sent me something with an attachment that was quite lengthy. My usual practice with such things is to delete because I just don't have the time to read them. Another reason I tend to delete is when I actually do take the time to read such an email, it's an untrue story that ends with some statement or two designed to provoke guilt in you if you dare break the cycle, chain or the proverbial circle. Please spare me the drama. There are enough true things in life to be genuinely encouraged by.
Anyway, I took a chance and read the email I received and I can only say I was blessed! More importantly I was reminded that it is the smallest of gestures that can be a healing, soothing, compassionate salve to a heart that needs the touch of human hands. After I read the email I instantly wanted to share it with all my friends, but I don't really have that many so I just emailed it to a bunch of people in my mailbox and asked them to risk the time it would take to read it.
So what does this have to do with my "to do list" and getting to the writing of Victory Calls for the month? Well, dear ones, I have decided to share it with all of you. And as it is a bit lengthy, I have cut it into parts that will cover the entire week. I know I'm asking a lot and I know some of you may pass on it. That's okay. If just one or two of you are encouraged to be the hands of God as Beth was in this story then it's all good. Even better, if we decide together to BE His Hands extended -again and again- in whatever way He will lead, then it will be a moment or moments worth rejoicing over. We will know that for the glory of the One who came to save and for no other reason, a hand has been extended and a hand has been received.
Here is part one of "Beth in the Airport". "For those of you who don't know Beth Moore, she is an outstanding Bible teacher, writer of Bible studies, and a married mother of 2 grown daughters. She is a member of First Baptist Church, Houston, Texas. The following took place on April 20th, 2005 at the airport in Knoxville."
"Waiting to board the plane: I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon what I was doing. I'd had a marvelous morning with the Lord. I say that because I want to tell you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of God really working in you. You could end up doing some things you never would have done otherwise. Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousand reasons not the least of which is your ego.
I tried to keep from staring but he was such a strange sight. Humped over in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in clothes that obviously fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier. His knees protruded from his trousers, and his shoulders looked like the coat hanger was still in his shirt. His hands looked like tangled masses of veins and bones. The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy gray hair hung well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His fingernails were long. Clean, but strangely out of place on an old man."
We're going to have to pause here and continue tomorrow. I hope you come back to read the rest of the story. The question for the week: What little thing has the Holy Spirit been prompting you to do that is yet undone? Hmm?
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 1:26,27 26If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
*(Beth Moore in the Airport was used by permission of Living Proof Ministries in Houston Texas)
UPCOMING EVENT May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
One of the things on my list that I was sure I wouldn't get to today was writing the Victory Calls that were up to me to write for the month. As I sat at my desk I decided to take a break and check my email. A good friend had sent me something with an attachment that was quite lengthy. My usual practice with such things is to delete because I just don't have the time to read them. Another reason I tend to delete is when I actually do take the time to read such an email, it's an untrue story that ends with some statement or two designed to provoke guilt in you if you dare break the cycle, chain or the proverbial circle. Please spare me the drama. There are enough true things in life to be genuinely encouraged by.
Anyway, I took a chance and read the email I received and I can only say I was blessed! More importantly I was reminded that it is the smallest of gestures that can be a healing, soothing, compassionate salve to a heart that needs the touch of human hands. After I read the email I instantly wanted to share it with all my friends, but I don't really have that many so I just emailed it to a bunch of people in my mailbox and asked them to risk the time it would take to read it.
So what does this have to do with my "to do list" and getting to the writing of Victory Calls for the month? Well, dear ones, I have decided to share it with all of you. And as it is a bit lengthy, I have cut it into parts that will cover the entire week. I know I'm asking a lot and I know some of you may pass on it. That's okay. If just one or two of you are encouraged to be the hands of God as Beth was in this story then it's all good. Even better, if we decide together to BE His Hands extended -again and again- in whatever way He will lead, then it will be a moment or moments worth rejoicing over. We will know that for the glory of the One who came to save and for no other reason, a hand has been extended and a hand has been received.
Here is part one of "Beth in the Airport". "For those of you who don't know Beth Moore, she is an outstanding Bible teacher, writer of Bible studies, and a married mother of 2 grown daughters. She is a member of First Baptist Church, Houston, Texas. The following took place on April 20th, 2005 at the airport in Knoxville."
"Waiting to board the plane: I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon what I was doing. I'd had a marvelous morning with the Lord. I say that because I want to tell you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of God really working in you. You could end up doing some things you never would have done otherwise. Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousand reasons not the least of which is your ego.
I tried to keep from staring but he was such a strange sight. Humped over in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in clothes that obviously fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier. His knees protruded from his trousers, and his shoulders looked like the coat hanger was still in his shirt. His hands looked like tangled masses of veins and bones. The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy gray hair hung well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His fingernails were long. Clean, but strangely out of place on an old man."
We're going to have to pause here and continue tomorrow. I hope you come back to read the rest of the story. The question for the week: What little thing has the Holy Spirit been prompting you to do that is yet undone? Hmm?
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 1:26,27 26If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
*(Beth Moore in the Airport was used by permission of Living Proof Ministries in Houston Texas)
UPCOMING EVENT May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Monday, April 04, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:26-27
One of the hard-hitting topics we will be covering in our journey through the book of James is the tongue. It is a difficult topic because it applies to every one of us. This week's verse makes the connection between our tongue and our faith/religion. James 1:26-27 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. Commentary: If anyone thinks he is religious [This refers to ceremonial public worship...James chose this term, instead of one referring to internal godliness, to emphasize the external trappings, rituals, routines, and forms that were not followed sincerely.] and does not bridle his tongue [Bridle means 'control,' or as another translation renders it, 'keep a tight rein.' Purity of heart is often revealed by controlled and proper speech...] but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled [James picks two synonymous adjectives to define the most spotless kind of religious faith - that which is measured by compassionate love...] before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows [Those without parents or husbands were and are an especially needy segment of the church... Since they are usually unable to reciprocate in any way, caring for them clearly demonstrates true, sacrificial, Christian love.] in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world [The evil world system...]. The italicized words in [ ] are quoted from The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur pg. 1885. 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. UPCOMING EVENT May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Friday, April 01, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:22-25
Points to ponder
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.
Points to Ponder:
These verses really hit home for me. Surely, I am guilty of doing exactly what these verses warn us NOT to do. Oh, sure I read my Bible most days, but I probably fall into the category of deceiving myself that that is somehow enough. If there is no application of the words, the truths that I've read, of what value are they to me?
How about you? Are you a listener? A reader? Or a doer?
The last verse says, "whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom." It doesn't just say looking into the word but looking INTENTLY into the word. Recently I was memorizing Proverbs 2. I got stuck in verses 4-5 "if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God." Seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasure - now that sounds like intently. Can I honestly say I search the Scriptures with that much intent?
But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom: We all want freedom, don't we? It is not just addicts that are in bondage. Most of us are in bondage in some form. Freedom comes from the LIVING WORD through the WRITTEN WORD.
It's not just the reading of the Word that brings freedom but the doing of it. And not just for the day or the week but CONTINUING in it. James says "they will be blessed in what they do."
Today can be your declaration of freedom day. You, we can choose today that from this point on we will be doers of the word, not just hearers, and not just doers, but doers of the WORD.
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 1:22-25 (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.
Points to Ponder:
These verses really hit home for me. Surely, I am guilty of doing exactly what these verses warn us NOT to do. Oh, sure I read my Bible most days, but I probably fall into the category of deceiving myself that that is somehow enough. If there is no application of the words, the truths that I've read, of what value are they to me?
How about you? Are you a listener? A reader? Or a doer?
The last verse says, "whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom." It doesn't just say looking into the word but looking INTENTLY into the word. Recently I was memorizing Proverbs 2. I got stuck in verses 4-5 "if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God." Seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasure - now that sounds like intently. Can I honestly say I search the Scriptures with that much intent?
But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom: We all want freedom, don't we? It is not just addicts that are in bondage. Most of us are in bondage in some form. Freedom comes from the LIVING WORD through the WRITTEN WORD.
It's not just the reading of the Word that brings freedom but the doing of it. And not just for the day or the week but CONTINUING in it. James says "they will be blessed in what they do."
Today can be your declaration of freedom day. You, we can choose today that from this point on we will be doers of the word, not just hearers, and not just doers, but doers of the WORD.
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.
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