HELPING GOD OUT

Helping God Out

Do you ever find yourself helping God along? Perhaps He doesn't seem to be moving according to your time table as with Abraham and Sarah. God made a promise that Abraham would be the father of many nations but he had no offspring of his own.

"I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great" Genesis 12:1 "Look, You have give me no offspring; indeed on born in my house is my heir? And behold the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 'This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from you own body shall be your heir. Then He brought him outside and said, 'Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.' And he said to him, 'So shall your descendants be.' Genesis 15:3-5

Although Abraham and Sarah believed God, no pregnancy resulted. So Sarah took things into her own hands and gave her handmaiden Hagar to Abraham as his wife. A child was conceived from their union, however he was a child born of the flesh he was not God's promised child.

"For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, which things are symbolic." Galatians 4:22-24

Abraham and Sarah helped God out and it resulted in two peoples that have been warring factions through the generations.

Abraham's son and daughter-in-law, Isaac and Rebekah conceived twins after twenty years of marriage.
"But the children struggled together within her; and she said,
"If all is well, why am I like this?" So she went to inquire of the Lord.
And the Lord said to her: "Two nations are in your womb, Two peoples shall be separated from you body; One people shall be stronger than the other,
and the older shall serve the younger." Genesis 25:22-23

When time came for Isaac to bless his firstborn, Esau, Rebekah convinced Jacob to deceive Isaac and receive the blessing of the firstborn. She was helping God keep His promise. Sound silly? Don't we do the same thing?

I do the same thing. I clearly have this promise from God's word:

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light and your justice as the noonday.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him...
Psalm 37: 5-7

Oh, I do okay for a while trusting, dwelling, feeding, delighting, committing, and resting. But when I decide that God is taking too long bringing it to pass, I make efforts to try to help Him along. I have yet to push Him into responding to my timetable. It is another life lesson being fleshed out in the reality of my experience.

So, are you helping God along? Are you trying to get God to operate on your timetable or do you trust God to keep His promises in His perfect timing?

Diane

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Food For Thought

My Doctor looked at me over her eyeglasses and said "You need to watch your weight".
I knew I had been buying clothes in bigger sizes. But was food really a problem?

As I began to understand what my body needs versus what my body wants I found out how much I was eating. I realized that over the last year I had been eating more for various reasons. Food was a comfort when I was stressed, angry or needed a little consolation. Food was a friend when I was lonely or bored. Food was what I was using to fill voids in my life. Food was not only filling my stomach but filling areas of my life that Jesus wanted to fill. He desires to be my comfort. He desires to be my friend. He desires to fill all the empty spaces in my heart. Food had taken places that are rightfully His. In those times of stress, anger, boredom and loneliness I turned to something other then Jesus Christ.

Okay, let's be real! Turning to anything but Christ to fill our needs would be? Yes, an idol! I admit it! How did this little monster begin to grow? Easy. Whenever we focus on ourselves rather then Chris t we lose sight of our Helper, our Comforter, our Friend and we begin to take care of things our own way.

Now, I needed to slay the little monster by re-focusing. I needed to focus again on God's Word and as I did I began to have verses about food jump from the pages. Things like God providing manna for the Israelites spoke to me of God's provision for my sustenance not my gluttony. Just as the Israelites had struggled for all the goodies back in Egypt, I struggled with the desire for a bag of Lays Leek and Garlic potato chips and had to fight off my own desire to be in bondage once again (Numbers 11). Then I read about Adam and Eve and realized in a new way that the fall of mankind took place over a piece of fruit! (Gen. 3) I found good company with the disciples who seemed to always be worrying about food and where to find it. (John 6:7) Then there is the crowd that knew Jesus fed thousands and so they came to Him to fill their stomachs but really didn't want anything else He had to offer. (John 6:22-26)

But what stopped me in my tracks is found in Job 23:12b - "I have treasured the words of His mouth more then my necessary food." Wow! That got to the heart of the matter in a hurry! I began to ponder how important food can be to me. Think for a moment about all that encompasses food. How much time we spend food shopping, planning and preparing food, cooking food, eating food, waiting for a table to get into our favorite restaurant and watching the Food Network.

Now think about the amount of time you and I treasure God's Word more then our necessary food? Ouch! I have skipped meals for many reasons but I don't recall ever missing a meal because the Word tasted so good that I could not bear leaving it. When was the last time you got so caught up in reading and pondering God's Word you forgot to eat? God's Word is an awesome feast and often we grab some crumbs on the go and run. Maybe Jesus is looking at you and me saying "You need to spend more time with me." Or "You need to allow me to fill you with Living Water and provide you with your daily bread." Or "I wo uld like you to add some "meat" to your diet."

A healthy way of eating is to have small meals through out the day. Why not keep a Bible in your desk or purse and have a little more necessary food before you eat! "How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter then honey to my mouth!" Psalm119:103

Kathy Withers serves at the Keswick Bookstore and is a speaker available to speak at your next ladies function. For information, contact Ruth Schmidt at 732-350-1187 ext. 21

Road Noise/Life Noise

Road noise/Life noise
"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13

Hovering around the speed limit of 65, a warm and sunny day, the radio keeping me company, windows open, singing at the top of my lungs, all was well with my world. One of my favorite Christian songs came on and I sang along.

The traffic on Route 287 can get heavy at times especially when the trucks go whizzing by. With my car windows open the road noise periodically drowned out my voice so I couldn't even hear myself. Undeterred, I kept singing. Soon the traffic subsided and once again I could hear my voice. The traffic ebbed and flowed through the duration of the song, I just kept singing. Sometimes I could hear the song, other times I could not. I kept singing.

I couldn't help but ponder how much like life road noise is. Sometimes life-noise around us is so intense we can barely hear ourselves think yet at other times it quiets and we regain awareness of our voice.

What is important is not whether we can hear our voice or not, but rather that our heart continually sings and that it sings truth.

Are you singing truth to yourself, steadfast and immovable, whether you can hear your voice or not? Are you singing God's song as life-noise ebbs and flows drowning out your voice yet knowing that even when you can't hear it, it is still there strong and vibrant? Stand firm, sister, and sing your heart out whether you can hear it through the noise or not.
Diane

Sensitive To God's Leading

Sensitive to God's Leading....
Proverbs 3:6 "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."
Are you there with me....are you sensitive to God's hand leading you to comfort someone, pray for them, share a moment with them etc...
One day I came to work and found a pretty little card left on my desk with a poem and a teddy bear pin on it. The card read....
"Hang - In - There Bear"
When you're bearly getting by,
And you have a beastly day,
When life is hard to bear
And it rubs you the wrong way....
Here's a little friend -
Who comes with love and prayers
That God will lift you up and help you HANG IN THERE!
I thought this was just so cute. Little did I know we would have a tense moment at work that day and later when I read this card again, it was just what I needed to hear.
How did she know to give this to me that day? She was off from work that day and had come in before I did just to leave this on my desk.
Her sensitivity to the Lord and his leading was such an encouragement to me that day. It reminded me that I need to do the same and allow the Lord to lead me and encourage His people.
We don't always know why God places someone on our hearts but we do know that it is for a reason and should act upon it. Ask God to direct your paths.
Lynn W

Are There Degrees of Death?

Are there degrees of death?

I know it sounds like a silly question. Are there degrees of death? Can a person be a little dead? I'm no doctor, but I'm pretty sure dead is dead.
I have often heard and even said the phrase, "The ground at the foot of the cross is level." What does that mean? It means that sin is sin. Any sin, every sin, all sin required the blood sacrifice of the cross. "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." Hebrews 9:22 So every time you and I go to the cross, seeking forgiveness for our sin may we not be guilty of self-righteousness like the Pharisee in Luke 18, "Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, (addicts, drunks, gamblers, unwed mothers, angry, inappropriately dressed) or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess (I pay my bills on time, I save money, I am educated, I dress well, I don't drink or use drugs). (Parenthesis added for emphasis). This Pharisee thought he was only partially dead but the others were fully dead. See the Scripture says, "The wages of sin is death...." Romans 6:23 "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." James 1:14-15 Sin brings forth death. That means what we would consider even the slightest sin results in death. The greatest sin results in death. All sin results in death. So before we minimize our own sin, we need to consider the cross was required for all of it. You and I were saved through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The person standing next to you is saved through the work of the cross. That brother or sister in Christ has been saved by the cross. The ground at the foot of the cross is level.
Diane

DETOURS

DETOURS...

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths."

Last week I sat and listened to Gloria Gaither talk about how she has seen God work in her life through interruptions. As I sit here today I have to say that God has worked in my life more through Detours than interruptions. As a child I thought I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up - a TEACHER. Then, I started substitute teaching during my early college years and a teacher friend of mine told me not to go into teaching - I didn't fit into the four walls of a classroom. DETOUR 1. So, I decided to go into the Behavioral Sciences and Psychology so I could still work with children in some capacity. I graduated from College and started my masters while working at a children's home. Then I met someone working at a university in student development and she suggested I move into this new and exciting field of work with college students. DETOUR 2. So, I finished my Masters and went to work in the college setting as a counselor. Then I fell in love with the leadership development and community service. DETOUR 3. Next thing I knew I was a Director of Community Service and a Leadership program at a College in Kentucky. While there I started to do workshops, seminars and conferences and then I began teaching. DETOUR 4. OK, so now I'm teaching.... While not having any plans except to continue working in the university setting God came along with another DETOUR - number 5 placing me back in counseling and service work in the Church Setting. Now, I'm working with Adults and doing major bible study programs. Thinking God has now brought me to a wonderful place allowing me to teach, counsel and work in community service all together I was ready to settle in for awhile. Along came DETOUR 6 when a series of family events took me to another job in the Addiction and Homeless field. Again I'm saying OK now I'm not just teaching people how to serve I am teaching and counseling those in direct need of compassion.

Are you still along for this ride? I certainly was because I found out again God wasn't ready for me to settle in. Because of the ongoing family situation God choose to move me out of OHIO and move me back to NJ. Yes, you guessed it this was the move to KESWICK. DETOUR 7 was really a detour because I came to KESWICK and basically did nothing of what I had been doing my entire life. This detour brought me to the front desk in Guest Services where many of you met me for the first time. Interestingly enough at that location nothing was stagnant for very long, soon Robert Hayes had me doing seminars and workshops and then I started TEACHING again for the Biblical Institute. Then came DETOUR 8 - I decided to leave KESWICK and go back to my work with the homeless and addicted. It's been just over a year since that Detour and God has allowed me new opportunities including a job that enabled me to get a lot of my Doctoral work done on company time and pay. This brings me up to DETOU R 9 - with all my class work done for my doctorate God is bringing me back to KESWICK. This time around I'm still teaching and doing workshops, but now I'm Directing two different departments at KESWICK - the Bible Institute and Guest Services.

Whew... I look back and see that every detour has added to my life and my ability to do the next thing God had in store for me. Does your life ever feel like a bunch of detours and you wonder if you'll ever get back on the road you started on? I've learned that as long as I am listening to HIM - his detours have been better than anything I could have ever designed for my life. Sit back and enjoy the ride.... God knows the BEST ROUTE to your DESTINATION.

Jeremiah 29:11
LDJ

The Most Valuable Gift

The most valuable gift

Job 6:11- 14 "What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient? Do I have the strength of stone? Is my flesh bronze? Do I have any power to help myself, now that success has been driven from me? A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty."

Do you have a family member or a friend who is going through a crisis? How have you responded in the midst of it all? Have you avoided them because you don't know what to say or do? Maybe you have come to them and given them an "I told you so." Perhaps you have tried to comfort them but your words and deeds have only added salt in the wound and now you just stay away. When a crisis comes there is a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. Most often the feeling of loneliness is overwhelming. It may feel as if no one cares or understands the pain. The stress in the midst of crisis may seem like it is more than anyone could bear.

We know that God is always there in the midst of the pain the midst of the struggle (Isaiah 41:10). As the Body of Christ we...you and I.....are also called to minister to those who are hurting. 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4 ...the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. Job needed his friends in the midst of his suffering and pain. He was despairing, he was feeling hopeless and he needed his friends. Job's friends did rally around him and for the first week they gave Job exactly what his aching heart needed...their time, presence, comfort and a listening ear. Unfortunately in the time that followed they opened their mouths. Your valuable time and a listening ear is what you can give to those who are hurting. It is timeless and priceless.

Has God placed a friend or family member on your heart? Are you telling yourself you will take care of it later? Do you think there are others who will make the call, make the visit, take the time to listen? God is calling you and me. Don't ignore the voice of God and reach out to the person who has been on your heart and mind. You may be the only person who is answering the call. A time will come when you too will need the most valuable gift you are lovingly and obediently giving away.......your time.
Mary Ann

Meditation ... My Last Word on the Subject

Meditation...my Last Word on the Subject

I recently read a magazine side-bar on the topic of meditation and the author, Nancy Christie offered the following for you to consider...

"The word meditation often conjures up images of saffron-robed monks in faraway mountain retreats- but the age-old practice is actually much more accessible than that. Even in the simplest forms, it can drop your blood pressure and heart rates significantly." (Hey, that's benefit enough to give it a try!)

In the article she suggests 10-20 minutes, but as I can already hear your collective shouts, I would propose beginning with 2-3 minutes. I know it doesn't seem like much, but if you are going nonstop in your day, making the choice to stop, sit still and breathe for 2-3 minutes is a big step.

Dr. Herbert Benson, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and author of The Relaxation Response, offers the following as "a simple routine to get started:
Find a chair where you can sit comfortably and quietly. Keep your legs uncrossed, feet flat on the floor; hands loosely in your lap. Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths to begin. Then slowly and gently breathe into your abdomen."

Okay all you faith-sisters out there, you can do this! Just in case you don't know how to breathe; take note, your tummy should expand with each inhale and flatten when you exhale.
Dr. Herbert says to, "Concentrate on your breath and remove your focus from the chatter in your mind. Don't try to stop thinking, just don't attach your attention to it. Each time you get swept up in your thoughts, move your attention back to breathing."

Trust me when I tell you, this will take some focused practice, but the benefit to your body is immediate. And it will be from this relaxed state that you can move forward and meditate on the Word the one sure thing we have to bring restorative peace to our soul and spirit.
Stephanie

Afterthought:
Just in case you're wondering if it's biblical to relax, here is something for you to consider:

"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished His work that He had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all His work that He had done in creation." ~~ Genesis 2:1-3

More on Meditation

A Little Bit More on Meditation

One of the components of meditation that almost every woman I know struggles with is stillness. Most of us are so busy doing that sitting still can seem an almost insurmountable task. So today we're going to focus on the physical aspect of meditation.

In my ministry here at Keswick, stillness and quiet is something which is encouraged often. As women who are more like Martha than Mary, the suggestion to sit still and breathe is often met with a bit of resistance. "How can I take time to sit still, breathe and relax when I have so much that needs to be done?" I totally understand the question because I am what my Mom likes to call "a busy little bee" - or is a beaver?

Anyway, over the years my precious Mom has encouraged me to rest, relax and to just stop the busyness of my life long enough to regroup and refresh. So much so that she'll send me off on a retreat. A few years ago she provided for a weekend at a very nice hotel by the ocean. It was a packaged weekend titled, "Creative Escapes", and believe me I thoroughly enjoyed it. I felt rested and calmed for the first time in quite awhile. In fact, I didn't know how stressed and tense I actually was until I relaxed. The difference I felt in my body was tangible.

If we were to start today, sowing the seeds of "quiet and stillness" into our own lives -in preparation to meditate- what would it look like? I recently read a magazine side-bar on the topic of meditation and the author, Nancy Christie offered the following for you to consider...

Come back tomorrow for the conclusion.

Until then, may the joy of the Lord be your strength. May you seek and find shelter under the shadow of His wing.

"When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. ~~ Psalms 63:6-7 NKJV

Stephanie

Meditate Part 2

Meditation 2

Yesterday we took a step toward reclaiming the word "meditate". My intention was to motivate my own sluggish heart to remember the things of old.
In times of trouble it is often easy to get so caught up and almost entranced by our distress that we all too quickly forget our God and the history in which He has proven His faithfulness to all generations.

As I pushed forward after yesterday's writing I was wholly encouraged by the following text from Psalms and I share it with you in the hope that you too will remember the God of your salvation; the One who stood with you in times of rejoicing and times of trouble. Jeremiah 29:13 says, "You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."
Psalms 77:1- 20
In the Day of Trouble I Seek the Lord

"I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and He will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I considered the days of old, the years long ago.
I said, "Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart."
Then my spirit made a diligent search: "Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has His steadfast love forever ceased? Are His promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His compassion?" Selah Then I said, "I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High."
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will ponder all Your work, and meditate on Your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy. What God is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; You have made known your might among the peoples. You with Your arm redeemed Your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah When the waters saw You, O God, when the waters saw You, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled. The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; Your arrows flashed on every side. The crash of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; Your lightning's lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea, Your path through the great waters; yet Your footprints were unseen. You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron."

Dear ones, whatever your trouble, cry out to God, remember Him and offer Him praise; praise to the one who is in the wind, the waves and whose Spirit is in you.
Through it all, in the midst of it all, let your heart meditate on Him.
Stephanie

MEDITATE

Meditation
What do you automatically think of when you hear the word "meditation"?
In my experience, more often than not, when the word "meditation is mentioned there is an almost automatic frown that comes across the face. The reasons why are, I'm sure, as varied as are the individuals. The most common is its associate with "The New Age Movement". And the last thing any born-again believer wants to be associated with is something as extreme as new age.

I think it's time that we reclaim the word and make it our own in thought and in practice.
Let's begin with the definition - simply put, meditation is:
1. the act of meditating
2. continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation 3. devout religious contemplation or spiritual introspection 4. a devotional exercise of or leading to contemplation1

Let's take one further step and define contemplation. The act of contemplating is:
1. full or deep consideration; reflection 2. thoughtful observation or study 3. a long and thoughtful observation 4. a calm, lengthy, intent consideration So, what shall we say then? As believers in Jesus the Christ, the Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we are blessed with the awesomeness of God's written, inspired Word; the most scared Book of books. We have in our midst something worthy of deep consideration, contemplation, observation and continued reflection.

I think it's safe to say that meditation is far above and beyond the redundant and ridiculous contemplation of one's naval. In addition it's something every one of us could begin to practice today and discover a type of devotion to God that our souls have longed for. Can I get an Amen!

To be sure, mediation is not something that is unmentioned in Scripture. If I read and discern correctly, it is something that was indeed common. Check out the following Scripture:
Psalms 19:14: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer."
Psalms 119:97, 99: "O how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation."
Psalms 1:1-2: "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night."
Oh, I love this one:
Joshua 1:8a: "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it...Stephanie

PICK ME UP

Pick me UP...

During the course of my career I have spent time with, or worked with people that have struggled with depression. Unfortunately, it is one of the most common struggles in the life of Christians. I would suspect that those of you reading this either have struggled yourself or know someone close to you that has dealt with bouts of depressions.

If you were to study counseling you would find that there are a multitude of theories out there on how to "get over it". Let me just say here - you don't just "get over it". The slide down is gradual, so is the climb out.

"What makes depression so powerful is the totality and the intensity with which it takes over the whole person. It isolates, drains physically, burdens emotionally, afflicts mentally, pollutes the imagination, obscures the vision, and overshadows hope; it enslaves you to its wishes as it weakens the will. In addition, it continues to serve you lies and, if allowed to progress long enough, develops poisonous habits, making death its ultimate triumph." (Fincher)

Scripture gives us examples of people that have found themselves in this kind of despair. If we were then to look to scripture we might just unpack the "key" to unlocking the "chains" depression can have on us. Depression is totally opposite of everything God intended us to be and to do. Depression becomes the opposite of God's goal for us: to Glorify and Worship Him.

Therefore, we can conclude that Worship becomes the prescription for depression. Romans 12 tells us to be "transformed through the renewing of our mind" ~ Worship transforms. Let's take Psalms 77 as an example. In verses 1-6 we see Asaph talks frankly about his condition, in verses 7-10 he gives us his thoughts about his condition. Asaph then tells us of his resolution in verses 11-20: to meditate, to remember, and to consider all the deed of the LORD.

Are you struggling with depression? Do you find yourself feeling Blue? Do you need a pick me up? You can start now to Praise the LORD! Begin by reading and meditating on Psalms 104 to 106. Those three Psalms allow us to focus on "our creator" (104), "His faithfulness" (105), and "our salvation" (106). It won't be instantaneous, but God promises it will transform!

LDJ

Nino Fincher "Depression RX"
www.christiancounseling.com

The Battlefield of the Mind Part 2

The Battlefield of the Mind 2

As we continue to consider practical ways to win the battle for our minds, let's pick it up where we left off yesterday...

"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2 The most effective way I know of to accomplish this is to:
1. Know God's truth and promises
2. Be ready for battle
3. Persevere

We need to "Know God's truth and promises" or else we will have no ammunition in our arsenal. "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ"
2 Peter1:3-4, "His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, but which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature"
We need to "Be Ready for Battle" or else we will be easily overcome and discouraged. If we are not suiting up and ready for battle be will be caught unawares and unprepared. Knowing we are in a battle will give us the attitude necessary to fight. "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:11-13 We need to "Persevere". Oh, sister, how I know, I mean I really know, how easy it is to give up. When those unwanted thoughts press in, they feel powerful and overwhelming -don't believe it, not for one moment. Our thoughts only have power if we give it to them. Our propensity is to 'try' battle but surrender as soon as we realize our enemy is not going to give up easily. We must press-on. We must persevere. The battle was not won on our behalf without a fight. Jesus had to persevere through the first slash of the whip, the first stroke of the hammer, to the very end when He surrendered His Spirit into the Father's Hands. Yet, the victory came when He rose again, conquering sin and death. Because He rose, you can persevere. Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. Ever.

Diane

The Battlefield of the Mind Part 1

The Battlefield of the Mind 1
War is raging on the battlefield of your mind. In the past few days/weeks I have had the privilege of ministering to some seriously hurting people. In various ways, they are battling to regain control of their thoughts. It is no place that you and I have not found ourselves at times in our lives. Perhaps you are in one of those times yourself right not. It seems as if there are times our thoughts are on a runaway train that we can't keep on the track let alone stop. Oh, how powerful our mind is.
Because we live in a fallen, sin-sick world, our mind is much more likely to dwell on fleshly things rather than things of the Spirit. Have you ever noticed that when you want to sit and mediate on the Word that your mind flits hither and yon to everything BUT the Word. Yet, when you try not to think about something it seems as if that is all you can think about!!
"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2 How are we to do this? I know from experience that sometimes it feels impossible to tear our thoughts away from the negative, fearful, worrisome, angry, bitter, etc. So how do we "Set our minds?" Set means: "to direct with fixed attention; to place oneself in position in preparation for an action; to apply oneself to some activity"1 To direct, to place, to apply - all three imply intentional action, choice. This scripture could say - choose to set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. The most effective way I know of to accomplish this is to:
1. Know God's truth and promises
2. Be ready for battle
3. Persevere

Tomorrow, I'll go into some detail as to how these 3 things help in the battle for our minds.
Diane

The Worship of Heaven

The Worship of Heaven

Revelation gives us a glimpse of the worship in Heaven:

Revelation 4:10-11
"the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:
You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created."

Revelation 5:8-10
"...the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb,...And they sang a new song, saying:
You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth."

Revelation 5:11-12
"...and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice:
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!"

Revelation 5:13
"And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:
Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!"

Revelation 7:11-12
"All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:
Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,
Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen."

Revelation 11:16-18
"And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying:
We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.
The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth."

Revelation 15:2-4
"...and those who have the victory over the beast,...They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying:
Great and marvelous are Your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the saints!
Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy.
For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested."

Revelation 22:9
"Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.
Then he said to me, "See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God."

Amen

One Day Ladies, one day, we will join our voices with those of the elders and angels and worship Him, forever. Let's make certain we have lots and lots of practice.

Diane

UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Under the Influence

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

When someone is "under the influence" it's not usually a good thing. But as Christians we should be under the influence....of the Holy Spirit that is!

What a comfort and what a joy when we are filled with the Holy Spirit! We have hope, we have power, we have peace and we have joy available to us though the Holy Spirit. What a shame that so many of us try to manufacture all those qualities on our own. The sad thing is no matter how hard we try, we can never accomplish any of this on our own.

In Romans 8:14 Paul said, "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" Being under the influence of the Holy Spirit also means we can rely on the Him for decisions we need to make in our lives in general. We don't have to go it alone. God has given us His Spirit to help us along life's pathway.

Wouldn't it be great if people could point to us and say "Wow, look at her! She's under the influence!" and they knew we were filled with the Holy Spirit! That is something we would never be ashamed of!

Mary Ann

Redeeming the Time

Redeem the time

There are 1440 minutes in this 24 hour period.
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend thinking about yourself?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend thinking about money and bills?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend thinking negative thoughts?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend thinking about things you want but do not have?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend worrying?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend gossiping?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend grumbling and complaining?

How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend serving others?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend loving others?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend being kind to others?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend being a doer of the word and not a hearer only?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend obeying God?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend walking by faith and not by sight?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend believing God and taking Him at His word?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend resting in the care of God?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend living as if you are in Jesus Christ rather than in the world?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend living in resurrection power?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend meditating on the Word of God?
How many of those 1440 minutes will you spend worshiping Jesus Christ?

At the end of the day will you have spent more time living for Jesus Christ or for self?

Ephesians 5:15-16, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

Diane

What Do You Do With The Word

What do you do with the WORD?

James 1:22- 24 “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, (she) is like a (woman) who looks at (her) face in the mirror; for once (she) has looked at (herself) and gone away, (she) has immediately forgotten what kind of person (she) was.”

As a counselor I see many people that claim to be Christians yet continue to live defeated lives. As a Christian there are times I struggle with the same syndrome as Paul - doing that which I don’t want to do. Do you sometimes feel like changes aren’t really happening - that you are not really experiencing all the blessings and victories God promises? I’m going to ask you the same question I must face myself… Am I truly “doing” the word? Am I really applying scripture to my life, or am I just reading and proclaiming it without living it? Below are some verses that if we really “do” them we will find Victory. When you read these verses – ask yourself… what am I really doing with these truths?

God’s mercies are NEW every morning: Lamentations 3:22-23 We are more than Conquerors: Romans 8:37-39 God is in CONTROL: Jeremiah 31: 11 We have a Spirit of Power: 2 Tim. 1:7 Our Flesh Crucified: Gal. 5:24 Sins are no longer Remembered: Isaiah 43:25 I Forget that which is Behind: Philippians 3:15 The battle is God’s: 2 Chronicles 20: 15 I will fear no evil: Psalms 23: 4-6 Christians are VICTORIOUS: 1 John 5:4-5

That’s just the start – there is so much more. My prayer for you is that you (and I) will each day learn how to truly TRUST IN THE LORD. (Prov. 3:5-6)

LDJ

What is Truth?

What is Truth?

What is Truth? In this Twenty-First century we hear it all the time "All truth is relative. What is true for you isn't necessarily true for me." In our politically correct society each person's "truth" is to be respected and accepted as "truth". But how can this be? How can I, as believer in the One True God and in Jesus Christ His Son, accept all other so called "truth" and remain silent when I hear the lies of Satan or when my faith is challenged?
I don't know about you but I grow weary with all this politically correct "truth". I either have to reject the Truth of the Bible or accept it....it's all or nothing. Jesus said "I am the Way the Truth and the life. No one comes to the Father accept through me." John 14:6. I can't comprise or pick and choose the Scriptures that I think God "really intended" for our modern day. The Bible leaves no room for compromise of Truth.
2 Timothy 3:16 tells us "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." 2 Peter 1:21, "For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is God's Word given and preserved for us so that we would not have to guess what Truth is or be easily led astray. We don't have to guess about the character of God. We don't have to guess about what God expects of us, the way of salvation and eternal life. It's all in there...in the Book. When I think about the Bible I'm truly in awe of it and of my God. God inspired men to write (40 different authors) at different times in history, over a 3,000 years plus time period, and yet the message remains the same. Who but an eternal and all knowing God could do this for us?
If I truly believe this, I would never sit back and keep silent. I would never use politically correct language but would say along with the Apostle Paul "I am not ashamed of the gospel..." (Romans 1:16) I pray for strength and courage for me and for you that we might always stand up for Truth and never compromise our faith.

Mary Ann

A MOMENT FROZEN IN TIME

A Moment Frozen in Time

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24, NIV).

We recently visited Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, the home of the late Elvis Presley. He died on August 16, 1977.

While we were there the unveiling of the special edition of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle was unveiled. The special, limited edition of thirty bikes was presented to help raise money for diabetes research and to commemorate thirty years since Elvis's death.

The man who purchased the first bike of the limited edition was present at the ceremony. He paid $60,000 for the bike and donated $40,000 for diabetes research. He spoke very briefly, but I will always remember what he said. "On August 16, 1977, as I walked into the house, I found my mom who has diabetes, crying. When I asked why she was crying, she told me 'Elvis is dead.' That was a moment frozen in time for me. Today, I have bought a moment in time."

Most of us have moments frozen in time. For me, now I know I am revealing my age, the moments started when FDR died, when Kennedy died, when MLK died, and many more. Of course the deaths of my boys, Jimmy, Nathan, and Ethan, will always be frozen in time, but there is one more moment, even more special, I trust we can all remember.

Can you remember when you received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? If for some reason you don't remember; perhaps you have never actually invited Christ into your life, or you just can't remember for sure when it actually happened, make that moment right now. I was only four years old. That is more than 65 years ago, but I still remember kneeling with my mother in the hallway of our home. That is a moment most definitely frozen time, and I didn't have to buy it. That moment is free.

"Now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2, NIV).

Marilyn Heavilin

Sticks and Stones

Sticks and Stones

It's all about sensitivity. Remember the old phrase we used when we were kids: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me." But in fact names DO hurt us, and sometimes much more than any broken bone ever could. You see, broken bones will mend with time, but words spoken in anger or frustration sometimes leave scars that never heal. Oh we may say we are OK, or all is forgiven, but many times those scars run very deep and often rise to the surface in times of yes - anger or frustration.

And, of course, leave it to us human beings to be sensitive to all of the things that don't matter for eternity. Yes, the unkind words hurt, the thoughtless comments wound, and we agonize over those things. But what about our sensitivity to our Heavenly Father? How careful are we that our thoughts, words, and actions don't wound and grieve our God, who continues to forgive - and forget - time after time. We allow ourselves to hold on to those old feelings and nurture and feed them until we truly have made mountains out of molehills. "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12).

Think about it - as far as the east is from the west. A space that cannot be measured, a space that is limitless - and that is how far our sins are taken away from us. Talk about "out of sight, out of mind." When God looks at our sins, all He sees is the blood of His beloved Son covering every part of them. Nothing is left to stick out and
mar the view of our sinlessness before our God.

So the next time you are tempted to give in to the sensitivity and hurt feelings game, think about what God has forgiven you. How He looks at you and only sees you as spotless under Christ's blood. That should cause us to forgive and not dwell on the perceived wrongs that have been done to us and rejoice that because of Jesus' sacrifice all is truly and forever forgiven.

Lynn R.

Law of Love Part 4

Happy 2nd Anniversary to our Victory Call team!!!

The Law of Love V

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13

I know this week of Victory Calls have been straight forward talk on a sensitive subject. I need to warn you today's will be the toughest yet.

For many of you reading this, the topic may be foreign to your thinking but I assure you it is a very real issue. I want to talk today about the power a woman has via her body.

Some women dress sensually to attract attention. For a few, it may be perfectly innocent but I am going to suggest (and you may choose to disagree) that for the majority of these women they are dressing with intention. I don't mean that every day they get up and say, "Today, I'm going to turn heads", but rather the selection of clothes in their closet betrays their heart.

I gave very little thought to this whole area before I came to AK. Through the ministry to hundreds of wives, I have made some observations and offer this conclusion: Women enjoy the sense of power they get from turning men's heads. It feels good to be noticed. Now, I'm not talking about all women, I'm talking about women in general. You may be quite offended by my conclusion but in the world of counseling I live in, it is very real.

Is there really power? Whatever you want to call it, men react to women. God made men visual. They are wired to be sexually aroused through what they take in through their eyes. But Satan has taken that which is good and twisted it so that men (in general) are confronted with the temptation to lust.

Let me share a quote from "Every Man's Battle" by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker (this is written by men to men):

"Males Receive Sexual Gratification Through the Eyes: ... We have our eyes and can draw sexual gratification through them at any time. We're turned on by female nudity in any way, shape, or form. ... We have a visual ignition switch when it comes to viewing the female anatomy. ... Visual sexual gratification is no laughing matter in your fight for sexual purity. Given what the sight of nudity does to the pleasure centers of our brain, and these days it's pretty easy to see many naked or near-naked women, it's no wonder our eyes and minds resist control."

As I am writing this the thought occurred to me that lust may look different in women than in men. I'm going to throw this thought out for your consideration. Is it possible that lust in women is manifested through their dress and the sense of power to entice? That sense of excitement that can come from showing a little skin. My sister shared an illustration with me from a trip to Wendy's one afternoon. Standing in line waiting to order the young, well-endowed teen-aged girl in front of her discretely, but distinctly reached into her shirt and readjusted her breasts to expose more skin above her shirt line. This is what men and women alike are faced with daily.

Ladies, knowing that men are prone to lustful temptation, the law of love warrants that we as women, seek to love them by being mindful of our attire so as to be a blessing rather than a temptation.

Phew!! I'm glad this week is over.

Diane

The Law of Love 4

The Law of Love IV

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13

As we have been focusing on modesty this week and seeking to love our brothers by not being a stumbling block to them, I can't help but think we need to understand balance. Lest you think I am advocating a return to floor length dresses or face veils I want to communicate the heart of love not law. How do we balance proper dress out of love for our brother without becoming legalistic about it?

The difference is in the heart. There is a world of difference between being modest because 'I gotta', and being modest as an act of relational obedience and love for Christ and our bothers. One is a result of outward compliance the other the result of a heart of love.
I believe we are called by God to bring every area of our life under the authority of God. It's not man's rules or regulations that should be our highest concern but rather the expression of God's heart in our lives.

Are you willing to take your wardrobe to the Lord with an open hand and let Him sort through it and discard those things you believe are not pleasing to Him? If you are holding on to your freedom to wear what you want with a closed fist...it's time for a heart check.

We're almost done, one more day on this very sensitive and difficult topic. Tomorrow is the hardest yet.

Your challenge today is to ask yourself if you are willing to change if God expresses His desire for you to do so. Are you willing or are you dismissing those nagging thoughts? Are you willing?

Diane

Law of Love Part 3

The Law of Love III

"You, my bothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."

This week we have been having a frank discussion (more like a monologue) about modesty. Today I want to briefly discuss the difference between men and women and the lack of understanding of each other and for each other. If you are single, hang in there because this is just as important for you to understand as for us "old married women".

Men are visual. Women are tactile and relational. Men can be aroused by someone they don't even know simply by the way she looks, dresses, and moves. Women are not so much aroused by the way a man looks but more by the way he looks at her. Sexual purity for men involves discipline with their eyes first and foremost. Sexual purity for women involves discipline with their hearts and emotions.

Ladies, we may not understand how quickly a man can become aroused, how quickly he can be drawn away and tempted to lust, but I believe Jesus calls us to have compassion not contempt. Our lack of understanding does not invalidate the reality of the struggle for men. I know if your husband is involved in pornography, this hurts. Perhaps we can "talk" about that another week.
How does this relate to our theme-the law of love? If we as women seek to understand and to be compassionate, I believe we would be much more mindful of our dress so as to not increase the struggle.

I don't believe that contempt for people is ever the godly response. Let's get angry at the culprit-Satan and pray for his failure in this area.

Your challenge today is to pray for understanding and compassion.

Diane

The Law of Love Part 2

The Law of Love II

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13

We started off yesterday with a call to modesty. The standards of dress have changed so drastically over time that things that we don't think twice about today would have not have only raised eyebrows a hundred years ago but probably earned us a name we would not like.

Yesterday, I suggested some very pointed guidelines regarding modest attire. You may be thinking I'm being legalistic or prudish. Oh sister, hear my heart. Our theme verse this week and several others in Scripture clearly assure us we are free. "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." Romans 6:14. "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36. "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." Psalm 119:32.

BUT, we are never to use our freedom as a license to do whatever we want if it causes a brother to stumble. Our theme verse says, "...do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." The law of love constrains the law of freedom, or law of liberty. In other words, we give up our freedom out of love for a brother or sister, if the exercise of our freedom is a stumbling block for them.

You may be thinking, "This isn't fair." I'm not the one that has the problem. Why is modesty such a big deal? I'm not wearing anything too revealing. If a man gawks, that's his problem. As a Christian woman, it is your "problem" because Christ has called you to serve your brother in love. How loving is it to wear clothing that attracts his eye, distracts him, or causes him to stumble? I'm not talking here about within your marriage I'm talking about the men that are not your husband. If your husband likes you to dress less than modestly, I would encourage you to respectfully and gently share with him that you want to honor him by being "for his eyes only."

It takes a woman of strength, conviction and dignity to make such unselfish decisions. Are you willing to be that kind of woman?

No challenge today, I think we have been challenged enough.

Diane

The Law of Love Part 1

The Law of Love I

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13

Warning!!! This week's devotionals are on modesty and sexual purity and are written with frankness and forthrightness. I apologize in advance if my frankness offends anyone. I would not do this if it wasn't a burden on my heart that I think God's wants His daughters to hear. I hope my mother is not reading these!

It's that time of year again, when the weather is hot and humid. For some of you this writing will draw a nod of the head, for others, I'm afraid I'm going to step on your toes. I am going to be bold today, bolder than usual that is.

It is time for Christian women to take a stand with regard to our dress. Hear me clearly; I'm not talking about being dowdy, unstylish or puritanical in our dress. I'm talking about just plain modesty. There are parts of a woman's body that need to be covered, plain and simple. A woman's breasts need to be modestly covered, front, middle and sides. Modestly covered does not mean with see through fabric, tight fitting or exposing the bra underneath. A woman's pubic area, upper thighs, mid-drift and buttocks need to be covered. I'm nervous about being so pointed but I've long since learned forthrightness and frankness minimizes misunderstanding.

I have worked at America's Keswick for almost 8 years. I have had my eyes opened to the sinful struggle of men and women, both which could be qualified as lust. I would venture a guess that the majority of calls I get from women relate to this issue of lust. It may manifest itself in ogling which means: to eye amorously or provocatively or to look at especially with greedy or interested attention (Merriam-Webster On-line Dictionary) or it may involve pornography, infidelity or inappropriate emotional ties.

Statistics show that men are the primary offenders regarding the use of internet pornography sites, but there are a growing number of women falling into the same sinful trap. I did some research on-line to get some statistics regarding this problem - I was amazed. This is what I found: 28% of visitors to pornography sites are female, 1 out of 3 visitors to all adult web sites are women, women, far more than men, are likely to act out their behaviors in real life, such as having multiple partners, casual sex or affairs, 9.4 million women access adult web sites each month. Thirty-four percent of female readers of Today's Christian Women's online newsletter admitted to intentionally accessing Internet porn in a recent poll.

I think you have had enough frankness for today, but we are not done yet. There is much more to be said this week. I will explain through the week, how our verse relates to this topic.

Your challenge for today is to ask God if there is any outfits in your closet that HE would like you to get rid of. If you're courageous enough, ask your spouse or a close friend for an honest evaluation of how you dress.

Diane

Purity

That time is upon us once again. After an interesting winter and spring, with more than a few damp, cold rainy days, are you as ready as I am for the warm days of summer? Monday, we will be celebrating Memorial Day the official kick off of the summer of 2007. In anticipation of that, I believe it is time, once again, to consider the topic of purity. Don't get me wrong, purity is equally important all 365 days of the year; winter, spring, summer and fall. However, I do think that the warmer weather provides additional opportunities to be extra mindful of our attire as women; women of honor, dignity and respect. These are not some code words really meaning older women because I believe that there is nothing more attractive than a young woman who knows her identity in Jesus Christ and lives out grace, honor and dignity in her attitude, actions and attire. I am not, in any way, suggesting we be snobs but I am exhorting us to embrace our identity in Jesus Christ and to live accordi ngly. Next week will be devoted to considering the law of love and how it is to form our perspective regarding our wardrobe choices reflecting our personal commitment to personal purity.

"Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to live and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you."
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Diane

OUR DESIRE FOR THE MINISTRY OF VICTORY CALL

"So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us."
1 Thessalonians 2:8

Our desire through Victory Call is to impart the gospel of God, to direct our eyes and hearts to the words and person of Jesus Christ.

"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."

If at the end of the day we have simply tickled your ears and made you feel good, we have wasted your time.
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." We take seriously the ministry entrusted to us to speak (write) truth. Like Paul, we not only seek to impart the gospel, we also impart our own lives as many of our illustrations are borne out of our personal experiences. You have encouraged us greatly in this ministry and we appreciate your input, you have become dear to us. Thank you for joining us on this journey. June 1st will mark the 2nd anniversary of the inception of the Victory Call ministry.

Diane

The Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 5:1 This is the written account of Adam's line. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God.

I recently went on vacation to Disney World in Florida. I was so amazed by all I my eyes could see. It's too much to take in - the acres and acres of land that have been transformed into a "Magic Kingdom."

My first trip there was back in the early 80's when our boys were young. It has changed and grown quite a bit since them. As John and I went from park to park and attraction to attraction - honestly it was mind boggling to see the technology advancement and the creativity of man. We were created in the image of God - but God is the ultimate Creator. We are like our Father in that we too love to create.

No matter how fascinating it was to look around and enjoy what the hands of man have accomplished, I know that without our Creator, none of it would be possible. Man can put flowers of beautiful shapes, colors and fragrances together but it is God who designed and fashioned each one. Man can design the artificial surroundings for animals but it was God who designed each natural surrounding for the millions of different animals. And - what about all those animals - birds, reptiles, fish, bugs! I have to admit, I still wonder why He created some of them...like those pesky mosquito's and flies!

If it was up to man or should I say woman, we would probably leave out the mosquito's, flies, bugs and snakes - to name just a few. We may have been created in God's image but we are not gods. God has a purpose and a plan for everything His hands have made. How awesome is our God!!!!! Exodus 15:11 "Who among the gods is like you, O LORD ? Who is like you- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?"

And this beautiful and awesome world that God has created, and that we enjoy, is nothing compared to the one He has crated for us in eternity! I have a hard time taking in all of this world. My small brain can't fathom the "Magic Kingdom" yet to come - the new heaven and the new earth (Revelation 21-22).

All that comes to mind is "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" Psalm 8:3-4. Thank you Lord!

Mary Ann

STAY THE COURSE

Stay the Course

"Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice." ~~

One portion of Scripture I seek to live life by is Philippians Chapter 4:4-8. In the beginning, I stuck to quoting verse 8 exclusively. I'd say the words over and over, letting them roll off my tongue so I could absorb them more deeply. And so they became more than letters and sounds to me, but life itself.

Over time, as life has kicked me around a bit, my meditation has grown to include verses 5-8. So much that I experience is helped by those Scriptures in which the apostle Paul encourages and exhorts us to stand fast in our faith. It is our faith that will enable us to stay the course.
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." (I love this. The Lord knew that we were stubborn and rebellious, so just in case we didn't get it the first time, He had Paul write it twice.)

"Let your reasonableness be known to everyone." How? "The Lord is at hand." Paul goes further and exhorts us saying, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything (everything, everything) by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

The result is peace. "And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

And then comes the benefit -the fruit if you will- of our laboring before the Lord in prayers, petition and thanksgiving.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Paul then ends this portion by telling them to practice doing what they have learned, heard, seen and received in him. And once again he tells them and us that the result will be peace.

I don't know about you but I could sure use some peace, especially the kind that defies my ability to understand, namely God's peace.

So dear ones, let us together, rejoice, rejoice, pray, petition and give thanks to the Lord for WHO HE IS. Let's ask Him to fill us with more faith to believe and more strength to stay the course, so we can finish well the race we are in.

Stephanie

A MASTERPIECE

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Have you ever visited art museums, admired great art in someone's home or perhaps you've only seen great works of art in art books and been struck by the beauty of the art and the great talent of the person whose brush stokes brought the canvas to "to life?" Each time I have the great privilege to be able to see great paintings or sculptures I'm just awe struck at the work of the artist's hands - artist's like Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, or Raphael - just to name a few.

As talented these artists are, as beautiful as their work is, that is nothing compared to our God, the Master Artist of all of creation. I can just see in my minds eye The Master with His color palette (more colors and hues than any mere man can create), His brush, His canvas (the universe), along with His marble, stone, hammer and chisel. All we have to do is open our eyes, especially in springtime (my favorite time of year) and behold the beauty of His creation! And we, you and I, are His workmanship! In His vast universe He has designed and created each one of us - the same yet so very different. None of us are the same totally - not even identical twins.

However unlike the great works of art by men, the works of God - you and me - we were created with a purpose in mind that was in place before the beginning of time. Psalm 139:16 All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. When we come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, there is purpose for our lives and something that God had in mind for us to do all along. And this is a very important part of His great masterpiece and that is to do "good works." We aren't just made to be new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) to sit there and look pretty, we have something unique for each of us to do! I find that so exciting! God has it all planned out - all I have to do is follow His will for my life and that takes a huge burden from me.

So don't just sit there and look pretty, seek the will of the Master and do the "good works" He has planned for you!

Mary Ann

Sharing Our Trials With Others

"The Lord has given me an instructed tongue to know the word that sustains the weary" Isaiah 50:4, NIV).

When we walk through a trial, I believe God expects us to share our experience with others so that they might have hope that they, too, could survive such an ordeal. I have realized that God not only gives us peace in the midst of our trial, but He also gives us credibility when we are willing to share our story with others. I never asked for the trial of three of my four sons dying, but with the trial has come a confidence that God will always give me strength to share when the opportunity presents itself.

On the rear window of our car is a decal that says "In memory of Nathan, Jimmy, and Ethan" for all the world to see. We have actually had people who parked next to us in a shopping mall sit in their cars and wait for us to come out so that they can ask us about the decal. They often ask, "Do you mean you have survived the deaths of three of your children?" And then they state, "I have a friend who lost a child, and she is not doing well. Do you have any suggestions of how I can help her?" By that time, Glen has reached into the back of the car and retrieved a copy of Roses In December to give to the inquirer. I generally say, "Read this book, and then give it to your friend. I know you will both find help and hope as you read this."

How about you? What trials has God walked you through? Are you prepared to share your story with other hurting people? Remember, God has promised to give you an instructed tongue to know the word that sustains the weary.

Marilyn Heavilin

Binding Up The Brokenhearted

"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted," (Isaiah 61:1).

You just received a phone call that your best friend, Mary's daughter was killed in a car crash. Susie was 18, a good girl, but she made an unwise decision to get into a car with teens that had been drinking.

You're still holding the phone as you try to think, What do I do now? First you pray, Oh dear Jesus, please fill Mary with Your strength and peace. Please comfort her and guide those who are closest to her. Help them to listen to Your guidance. Amen, and then you go. If you have food available, you take that, or you buy practical items such as paper plates, tissues, and other paper products, but then you go, as soon as possible.

When you see Mary, you don't need to say anything, in fact, it's best if you say as little as possible. "I'm so sorry," is quite enough. Give Mary a hug and cry with her. Do you tell her that you have confidence that Susie is with Jesus? Yes, but only if Mary brings up that issue. Do you give your opinion on much of anything? Perhaps, but only if Mary brings up that issue and asks for your opinion.

With Isaiah we can know that God wants us to bind up the brokenhearted, not explain why this happened or even evangelize, but at that very moment, He was us to bind up their broken heart and just stay close.

Marilyn

Helping Those Who Grieve

I want to piggy-back on Stephanie's two Victory Calls from Monday and Tuesday of this week. I, too, have a growing list of friends and acquaintances that have lost their life mate in the past 18 months and several others that have lost a parent or other significant person in their life. And I, too, have not walked this path personally yet. But I think I'm on pretty safe ground to encourage us to pray for those in our life that are walking the pathway of grief.

If you are currently in a position of coming alongside one who grieves reach into that one's life and ask the question. "How may I specifically pray for you today?" If you are the one grieving, ask for specific prayer. Help us be most effective in our prayers on your behalf.
Let me go on to say, nights are tough. When sleep escapes you and darkness and solitude become your closest companions, pain, sorrow, loneliness, fear and a myriad of other, less than desirable, emotions intensify.

To the one grieving let me share this quote from H. Norman Wright:

"Reflecting on the Word of God at times when sleep is difficult can comfort you.
"If I'm sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection. (Ps. 63:6 The Message)
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. (Ps. 94:19) Your mind is at work while you sleep. You probably wish it would shut down and rest so your body and emotions could rest. But it's working the night shift, processing the pain and loss in your life right now with memories both accurate and bizarre. You'd just like some relief. But someone else is well aware of your dreams. There is another who is working the night shift.

The psalmist described what occurs as you sleep, 'He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep' (121:3-4)" Experiencing Grief pg. 21-22

To the one coming alongside one that grieves, let me encourage you to use those wakeful moments at night to uphold your loved one in prayer before the throne of grace. Having trouble getting to sleep? Pray. Waking too early? Pray. Getting up to go to the bathroom? Pray. Sick child have you up? Pray. Thunderstorm awakens you? Pray. Then send a note or a card and let that person know they can count on your prayers even through the night watches.

Diane

Rejoice With Those Who Mourn

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. -- Romans 12:15

Recently I was listening to a "Focus on the Family" broadcast "Preparing for Widowhood." Several widows shared their hearts. As I listened, I waited to hear from them the practical things that we could do for the ones we are closest to who mourn in silence because they don't want to bother us or worse, they mourn in silence to avoid being hurt by us.
Most of us are simply ill-equipped; we don't have a clue as to what to do or say or when to do or say it.

Therefore, I offer these thoughts as shared by this small group of widows.

"LISTEN! If there is anything that a widow wants to talk about it's her loved one that is gone.
Let her talk.
That is the only way she is going to release her grief.
Talking about death doesn't mean it's going to happen to you.
Don't pretend it didn't happen and make the whole experience go away.
Stop saying the wrong things.
"God took them away." "God knows best." "It's for the best."
Just say, I love you. I know you're hurting. You're gonna make it."

These dear women shared the above statements and much more. If you are so inclined, I'd encourage you to go the Focus on the Family website at www.family.org and listen to this series of broadcasts that did much to expand my thinking on grief.

One other thing that I gleaned from each of them was the need that existed for help in handling their affairs. Life goes on and everything that had to be handled before must still get done. On top of the grief every day is the business of handling finances, etc., related to death, when all you really want to do is go to bed and cry.
And the final thing I heard from them was an encouragement not to be afraid to reach in.

Sisters, let us be mindful of those in our midst who through the death of a loved one or who through the death of a marriage are left alone, on their own for the first time in years. They need us and we need them. None of us are in this alone. We need each other. Today it may be our friend or neighbor and tomorrow it may be you or me. Let us be faithful to see these dear ones and be unafraid to go and...just be there.

Stephanie

Lessons on Widowhood

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ~~Romans 12:15

Today I want to unapologetically talk about widowhood. I'm not a widow but one day I certainly could be. Or maybe I will precede my husband and he will become the one left alone. But regardless of whether my own experience has yet to encompasses this part of life, it's a sure thing, that day will ultimately arrive should the Lord tarry.

At the present time I have a handful of acquaintances/friends who are grieving. Over the past year each has, expectedly or unexpectedly, become a widow. They are alone and so desperately do not want to be. One seems to have moved a bit past the extreme weight of loneliness, or so it appears. But others, well for them, the gaping hole that remains is an ever-present, constantly chafing reality. It is something I can not fathom.

I'd be lying if I said I could imagine what it is like for them. As much as I want to speak some truth to them, that comforts and consoles their hearts, I know there is nothing I can say to replace their mourning with gladness. All I can hope to do for these loved ones is "be there."
There simply are no words that suffice.I think and pray for them often. And I sometimes wonder how we, those of us that are their family and friends, can come alongside and be a source of strength in their time of sorrow.

Until recently I had no concrete answers then I came across a "Focus on the Family" broadcast "Preparing for Widowhood." I figured this was a God-provided opportunity, so I listened and within moments, I heard a group of dear women share their hearts regarding the death of their husbands.

One thing that struck me as they spoke, even after much time had passed, there existed in them this sweet sorrow; sorrowful joy that has found its place in their everyday life. A type of mourning, you could say which they are very much aware of yet no longer afraid of either. It's simply there as an indication that they are alive and well and deeply missing the love of their lives. And more importantly, their sorrow provides them with an abundance of time, sitting at the feet of Jesus, the only one who can rightly and perfectly absorb the ache in their hearts and give them comfort.

For many of us, who have not walked on this pathway of grief, we do not know how to best minister into the lives of grieving family and friends. We desire to be a comfort but are often at a loss as to what to do. Tomorrow I will share some to the practical insights I gleaned from the program. Stephanie

Fellowship

Matthew 10:27, "Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops."

Fellowship. I think often we associate fellowship with food and that can be a component of Biblical Fellowship but it does not constitute it. Food is not required for fellowship.
Our verse for today reminded me of two very dear friends of mine. Two women, vastly different but with this in common - they speak often of the Lord and what He has been teaching them. I can't remember a conversation with either that they did not refer to the Lord in some way. One woman my mentor-Joanne taught me in words and actions what it means to love Jesus. The other woman a close friend -Sherrill-has taught me that in spite of life's circumstances and a broken heart through the recent loss of her husband, Jesus is all she needs. These two women have demonstrated Matthew 10:27 to me. What Jesus has spoken to them in the dark they have shared in the light.
Isn't that Biblical Fellowship? Sharing life. Sharing what Jesus has spoken to you, has taught or is teaching you. Sharing in another's walk with the Savior can inspire, teach, encourage, admonish and challenge us.
In many ways, that is what Victory Call is about. What we hear we share. I, for one, can attest to the fact that God has much work to do in my life yet and I am thankful that He continues to lead, teach, guide and change me. I am committed to speaking that in the light.
Are you sharing with others what God is teaching you? What is Jesus whispering or perhaps even shouting in your ear? Speak it in the light.

Diane

The small stuff

The small stuff

Friday I wrote about lifting all our concerns to God and that nothing is too small to bring to His throne because Jesus loves us. Have you ever gotten an "I love you" from God in an answer to your prayer? Recently the Lord showed me how much He loves me through a "small" prayer request. When God gives me these little "I love you" answers to prayer, I feel like a child and want to skip around and sing "Jesus loves me" and just tell everyone of my Father's love for me.
I was recently asked to give the children's message at church in my pastor's absence. I was terrified. This is not an area that I feel the Lord has gifted me in. My pastor had given me an idea that I thought was great but I just wasn't sure what to do with it.
"Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see"
This was a great way to present the gospel to the children but I wasn't sure how to put it all together for them. So I kept lifting it up in prayer, my small prayer of "help me Lord, help me to relate your message of truth to your children." Well, God answered my prayer long before Sunday morning and I just didn't know it.
In Sunday school the morning of the children's message I asked Gail our teacher to pray for me. I had prepared but was still uncomfortable with what I had. After prayer I sat down and began to think of other things while someone else spoke with Gail. I wasn't paying attention until I heard the words "Pumpkin Gospel book". I walked over to see Dee with a children's book with that very name! Dee didn't know why she picked it up at Barnes and Noble the day before...but I did. God had answered my prayer. I used that little book in my message to the children. This seemingly small prayer wasn't too small for God's concern and for His loving answer.
I wanted to buy that "pumpkin Gospel" book for my grandson Elijah, so I went to the store that afternoon. I was told that for the entire store only one book had been ordered and it was sold the day before...to my friend Dee! God is so amazing! That message for the children was all God, He was glorified in and through it. It had nothing to do with my ability or my gifts. That was the message that God wanted His children to hear and He provided it. Praise His name!
Ps. 62:5-8 "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge." From my salvation to a prayer for help in a message for the children and everything in between, God alone is my rock and I must trust, believe and walk in obedience to Him in all my ways and then if I'm listening I will hear "I love you!" from Jesus (no matter what the answer to prayer might be). My soul can find rest in Him in all things!

Mary Ann

Jesus love me

Jesus love me

I love this simple, beautiful hymn. Although this is a hymn that seems to be sung with children, it is a hymn that I love because there are so many times I need a simple reminder that "Yes Jesus loves me."
Why is it so hard sometimes to grasp this truth? 1 John 4:9-10 says "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might love through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." God loved me so much that He sacrificed Jesus, His Son for me. And this has nothing to do with me and my love for Him because He died for me when I was nothing but an unrepentant sinner. When I sit and meditate on this, it is just too overwhelming and difficult for my brain to comprehend because apart from Jesus, I'm nothing, I'm unworthy and I'm a sinner.
Yet, Jesus loves me. He loves me and hears my prayers...all of them. Have you ever felt that because His gift of salvation is so huge that some prayer requests are too minor to bring before the throne of God? Why bother God with the small stuff in my life when there are so many huge struggles and problems in the lives of others? Well it's because Jesus loves me and He wants to hear from me. You can't have a deep loving relationship with someone if you aren't communicating with them on many levels and this is true...even more so....with our Lord.
Phil. 4:6 says "Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God." We are to lift all our concerns to Him. An important key component to our prayers is in our giving thanks for whatever God is doing in our lives...the blessings and the struggles. He is never too busy to hear my prayer no matter how big or small.
Ps. 66:17-20 "I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the LORD would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!"
Thank you Jesus! YES Jesus loves me.

Mary Ann

Worship

Worship: reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power; also: an act of expressing such reverence; a form of religious practice with its creed and ritual; extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem 1

As I was searching for a definition of Worship in a Bible Dictionary, I came across the following statement: "Yet truly defining worship proves more difficult because it is both an attitude and an act." 2

I was struck the other day by a simple truth. Jesus Christ is worthy of our worship. He just simply is. Not because He healed the sick (Mt. 8:14-15), made the lame walk (Mt. 9:6-7), the deaf hear (Mt. 11:5), the mute speak (Mt. 9:32-33), blind see (Mt. 9:29-30), raised the dead (Mt. 9:24-25), the waters still and the wind cease (Mt. 8:26), the water wine (John 2:7-8), or the demons leave(Mt. 8:31-32). Not because He suffered, was crucified, died and rose again (John 19-20). Not because He sits at the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:34). Although, all those things are true and cause us to give praise, adoration and thanks, they are not why Jesus is worthy of our worship.
Jesus is worthy of our worship because He is the second person of the Holy Trinity, the only begotten Son of God. He is God, the self-existent One. He has no beginning, and will have no end. He was with the Father before the creation of the world. John 1:1-2, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God." He was worthy of our worship before He came to earth or did a single thing recorded in the Gospels. He was and is worthy. Revelation 4:12, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing."
The verse that caused me to reflect on this truth was Matthew 2:11, "And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him." The wise men worshiped the Christ Child before He performed any of the aforementioned miracles. Jesus is worthy of worship because of who He is not what He has done.
Do you love Jesus because of who He is or what He does for you?

Diane
1 Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary accessed 12 28 06.
2 Elwell, Walter A. "Entry for 'Worship'". "Evangelical Dictionary of Theology". <http://www.biblestudytools.net/Dictionaries/BakerEvangelicalDictionary/bed.cgi?number=T745>. 1997. accessed 12/28 06.org

Distractible Times

I would not consider myself to be a person that is easily distracted; however, my most distractible times are during Bible reading, prayer and worship; personal or corporate. Why is that? It seems to be a continual battle to stay focused and honestly I fail more than I succeed. I'm afraid I have grossly missed true worship.
In light of that, I have already begun to ask the Lord to teach me not only to worship but to be a worshiper. I've been a believer about 23 years and I'm just now getting around to asking God to develop this area of my life. Perhaps I am just now coming to the realization that I am not a true worshiper.
It is my desire to be a whole-hearted, true worshiper of the One True God -Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Won't you join me on this journey? If so, begin by asking God to teach you to be just that-a true worshiper.

John 4: 23-24, "But the hour is coming and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

Diane @lists.americaskeswick.org

New Years resolutions

As we are staring down a new year, 2007, my mind wanders again to New Years resolutions. In past years, I have made many, but not kept a single one.
I was pondering this over the past few days and it occurred to me that God does not encourage or expect New Years resolutions; rather He wants us to make new day�s resolutions, or new moment resolutions. Better stated, God wants our obedience today.
He is in the continual process of making us more like Jesus, moment by moment. When we blow it, He doesn�t want us to wait until the beginning of a new year to get back on track. In my mind, New Years resolutions are just a way of delaying obedience. The same goes for starting diets on the first of the month or starting again tomorrow since I already splurged today or committing to stop watching a particular TV show at the end of the season, or to quit smoking when my job is less stressful, or to start showing my husband respect when He starts deserving it, etc. I think you get the idea.
I am prone to do this�set up a line in the sand a few days, weeks, or months away to stop a bad behavior or begin a new good one. By doing this I am basically giving myself permission to continue doing what I want until that time, which seems to continually get moved further into the future. I continue in my sin with less guilt because, after all, I am going to do something about it. I�m only deceiving myself.
God�s grace is sufficient. It will not become more sufficient in a week or month. Obedience does not become easier; it becomes more difficult with every choice of disobedience. Don�t wait for the start of a new year or a new month. As soon as you become aware of sin, confess it, repent and turn back to God, now not next week.
God�s mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.

2 Corinthians 3:18, �And we, who with unveiled faces
all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into
his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes
from the Lord, who is the Spirit.� NIV

Lamentations 3: 22-23, �Through the LORD�s mercies
we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.�
They are new every morning; �Great is Your faithfulness.

Happy, Healthy and HOLY New Year.
Diane

To Little Letters

To Little Letters

To even the casual observer it's obvious to see that we live in a society that is running full speed ahead with the attitude and lifestyle of entitlement and excess. The fact that I know so few people who are not affected by it is indication of just how pervasive it is and how entrenched we -followers of the King of Kings- have become in it.
How did it happen? I know that none of us ever planned on it. So how did we become steeped in indulgence and excess? How did the practice of "No" slip away from us and when did it happen?
Two little letters: N.O! - So seemingly simple and yet so hard.

One area of my life where the lack of "No" is plain for anyone to see is in the area of food and the eating of it. Until recently I rarely if ever said no to myself. (Praise God for brand new days and brand new beginnings!)
Why has it been and why is it so difficult for me to say no when it comes to food? The simple basic truth is, "I love to eat." I love thinking about food; I love the planning and preparation of food; I love sitting down and eating food. There are times when I savor each and every morsel and there are other times that I am inhaling it for the simple yet momentary pleasure that it brings me.
Not to long ago my Mom and I were talking about how powerful the word "No" is on a personal and a spiritual level. She and my sister have slowly been exercising the power of those two little letters "N.O." The result for them is little by little they are experiencing a freedom from the tyranny of constant eating or over-eating (what the Bible calls gluttony). They are experiencing growth in their personal relationships with other people and they are experiencing closer walks with the Lord as there is less time spent on food and more time spent being in His presence.

There is a peaceful power that comes from saying "No". Just because I can does not mean that I should. I could easily list a hundred things that saying no to, would give me instant release and reason to praise God.
I believe there is a true freedom which comes from saying "No" to myself; my way' and what I want and saying "Yes" to God's way and what He wants.
It is true that God gave us our appetites and that He created everything good for us to joy in.

Dear ones, today is the day. Now is the time to enter fully into the joy of our salvation. Join me in saying no to whatever area of indulgence and excess we have allowed and saying yes to Our Heavenly Father and His perfect plan for us. Let's say "Yes, Lord Yes! We want You -time with You. In whatever way we can get it, as often as we can seek You and be satisfied.
Stephanie

Sweet Spot

Sweet Spot

Proverbs 3:21-26 (NIV)
21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; 22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. 23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; 24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, 26 for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

Sweet sleep, ah yes...who doesn't love a good night sleep. You know the kind I mean; you crawl under the soft familiar covers, lay your head down on your pillow, curl up and really appreciate your nice warm bed, just before you drift off to sleep and the next thing you know its morning. Most people have a place they have worn into their mattress where they find just the right spot to fall asleep. The Sweet Spot. My son and I like to watch TV together in his room and as I sit in the chair and he in his bed if a commercial comes on and he turns over into his "sweet spot" I know within a few minutes he's done for. There is just something about that spot! I'm so glad I could provide him with the comforts of home. But I am eternally grateful I was able to provide him with the truth about the One who gives us sweet sleep...
I came to really appreciate the comforts of having my own bed when Katrina hit the Gulf Coast and we watched so much suffering and discomfort. How much I take for granted, a nice warm bed. The same thing most of those who were affected had. One night it was there and the next gone. Maybe they slept on the roof or a boat, or a Red Cross cot among hundreds of strangers. Or worse yet, amongst the death, the stench and the destruction. Not at all able to really sleep. Where was that blessed sweet spot? Would they ever have those comforts again? A new bed may be the easiest thing to regain in time. But the peace of sweet sleep only the Lord can restore. His word says; preserve sound judgment and discernment, they will be life and grace to us and we will go about in safety and not stumble, when we lie down we will not be afraid, the Lord will be our confidence. The Lord, not a bed, not warm comfy sheets, not even a house. The night I came to Christ was the best night's sleep I ever had! Ever! HE was here! And HE was here forever! To be in His care...now that's a sweet spot that can never be swept away.

Dina