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