Monotonous Ritual or Rewarding Joy

MONOTONOUS RITUAL OR REWARDING JOY?

Let's face it. There are some things we do in our daily lives that are just that - monotonous rituals. Start with the alarm clock (we hit the snooze button once - or maybe twice), start the coffee pot perking, hit the shower, take our various and assorted medications and vitamins, grab a piece of toast or, if you're lucky, an ooey, gooey cinnamon roll, brush your teeth and head for the door. And so the day will go. These are routines that we perform almost without thinking about them because they are routine, albeit important and needing to be done.

And there is nothing wrong with those kinds of things. No one is going to try and convince you that there is any real joy in brushing your teeth (your own or those acquired at some time in your life). But there are things we do during the course of our day that can become monotonous rituals that should NEVER be allowed to become so.

Is your prayer life taking on a certain monotonous character? How about your personal devotions? Or your Bible study? Or your church attendance?

I will confess that all too often I find myself sitting down to pray or have my devotions because I need to do that, and it's "that time of day" when I usually do it. And when I finish, how do I feel? Frequently the answer is "OK, that's done. Now I can move on to the next thing on my list of things to do."

And I have robbed myself of the rewarding joy that should be a part of every part of my prayer life, my Bible reading, my church attendance. Joy in being in God's presence, joy in being able to speak to and be heard by the sovereign God of the universe, joy in experiencing the Holy Spirit speak back to me God's words of love, wisdom and teaching.

So, I say, God, keep me from falling into monotonous routines when it comes to praying, reading Your Word, or joining with fellow believers in worship, and fill my days - every one of them -- with the rewarding joy of Your very presence in my life.

Lynn is the Director of Human Resources at America's KESWICK; is active in her local church; enjoys serving and encouraging others.

Agape: God is Love

Agape: God is love
I have been studying a simple yet so, so deep topic- the love of God. Do you understand the agape/ love of God? Here are a few thoughts to help you and I put such an awesome love in perspective. First, we must understand that God doesn't just love but HE IS LOVE! Think about that and if you are like me it is hard to wrap your mind around that great truth. It is hard to fully understand because no one can fully comprehend God. Since God is love what can we understand? Secondly, 1 Corinthians 13 tells us what love (agape) is and is not. Love is long suffering, kind, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, and never FAILS. Love is not envious, proud, puffed up, rude, self-seeking, easily provoked, thinking evil nor rejoices in iniquity. Please don't turn this agape love into something small and common. Don't think that the way we love is the way God loves. Heaven forbid! He can love this way and never fail. We, on the other hand, fail to agape all the time. For this very reason we must understand our helplessness to love this way. You and I can't! But God can through us. We need to make clear distinctions that this agape love is not of ourselves but it is love that is of God flowing through us. If you are trying to love the unlovely or love the one who is a thorn in your side right now you won't. You can't muster up this kind of love. Stop trying and focus on the agape of God and let Him work through you. Agape love is a supernatural love. Agape is foundational to the fruit of the Spirit. Agape love comes from the Holy Spirit, who knows the deep things of God. To love with the agape of God is a choice, one we cannot just choose to do apart from Him. Take the time to reflect on our God who is love and ask Him today to bring to your heart that kind of agape; for God first and then for others!
"Agape is not so much a feeling but a response. God commands us to agape. He is commanding us to surrender to an act of His Spirit which results in obedience."- pg 59, Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore

Kathy Withers Kathy is on staff fulltime at the Keswick Book and Gift Shop. She is married to her husband, Dave and has two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is the Word of God and encouraging women to dig deeper into the truths of the Bible.

Lessons from Exodus V

Lessons from Exodus V

Exodus 14:11-12: Then they said to Moses, "Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, 'Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness."

As we draw our week to a close, let us consider yet another observation from the exodus of the people of Israel. Why are we so quick to return to our sin, our own Egypt where bondage has the upper hand? What does our own exodus look like? Does it parallel that of Israel? Do we race headlong towards freedom with our arms outstretched like a child running to her daddy, until we hit the wall of suffering? It is bound to come. The reason we are in bondage in the first place is because when suffering came into our life we choose the path of the least pain (though it may have still been exceedingly painful) rather than the path of faith and truth. Every time the opportunity arose to choose between the two, we choose the path of least pain which resulted in tighter, suffocating bondage.

Why do we return to our 'addictions', our besetting sins? To avoid the painful death of self. The death that comes when we choose God's way over our own. We must die to ourselves, our choices, our agendas, our wants, our way. This dying results in suffering. Dying to self is painful because, in the flesh, we want self to live. We must consistently accept the pain that goes along with the dying if we are ever going to experience genuine, lasting freedom.

So what do we do? It is by His grace and His strength that we can ever know freedom. It will not be by sheer determination on our part that we will know victory rather it will be by faith.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK, Biblical Counselor, Conference and retreat speaker, Victory Call editor, wife, mother, grandmother, and nut and not necessarily in that order.

Lessons from Exodus IV

Lessons from Exodus IV

This week we are looking at some observations from Exodus about why people return to bondage or patterns of sin. As we consider Israel's exodus from Egypt, I believe we can glean some insight about this very common human tendency.

Exodus 14: 10-11 And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD. Then they said to Moses, "Because there are no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt?

Why does going back to Egypt sound like a better option that moving forward to freedom?

Bondage, by its very nature, does not release us easily. Freedom is already ours through the finished work on the cross of Christ. Yet, for many of us the experience of freedom remains elusive.

The journey from bondage to freedom will bring us to a crisis of faith. Our backs will be up against our own Red Sea.

We remain in bondage by the lies and errors we continue to believe. Those lies and errors in our thinking will be challenged by the truth as we earnestly pursue freedom. Before we can experience the winds of change, we will need to decide which we will believe, the lies (that feel so true) or God's truth. When we choose to take God at his word and believe Him, we will begin to feel the gentle breeze of freedom blow through the recesses of our hearts and minds.

When we face that crisis of faith, we must choose between believing what feels true and what is true. Fear and unbelief will tempt us to believe what feels true and strengthen the hold of bondage in our hearts. Choosing to believe God in spite of our feelings will grow our faith and loosen the grip of bondage in our lives and we will take a definitive step towards experiencing freedom.

When you come to a crisis of faith, choose faith.

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK, Biblical Counselor, Conference and retreat speaker, Victory Call editor, wife, mother, grandmother, and nut and not necessarily in that order.

Lessons from Exodus III

Lessons from Exodus III

Pain and suffering have a way of making us self-focused or at least strongly tempted to have tunnel-vision. It seems that when we are hurting, we have a difficult time thinking beyond the 4 walls of our own pain. Everything is filtered through our personal grid of self.
I remember a dozen or so years ago when I was going through a season of anxiety and depression, I was at a Labor Day picnic with our Sunday school class. There was much activity going on around me, kids playing, horseback rides, games, food, friends chatting, and lots of laughter, but honestly very little of it penetrated my raw emotions of sadness and desperation. I was standing having a conversation with one of my friends and I literally had to keep reminding myself to listen, focus on her words, look her in the eye, and smile. What was normally so natural for me had required conscious effort. I was more consumed with my own hurt heart and pain so there was little time or energy left for others.
Suffering tends to limit our perspective to how something will relate to us personally. We fail to see the big picture; we fail to see beyond ourselves which further intensifies our suffering.
When suffering becomes all about us, only about us, we experience hopelessness and will be prone to return to our own personal Egypt. However, when we purposefully seek a grander perspective, God's perspective, suddenly our suffering has purpose and meaning. No, our suffering doesn't disappear but it eases our pain to know God is at work even in the midst of and through our suffering.

And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh will not heed you, so that I may lay My hand on Egypt and bring My armies and My people, the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the children of Israel from among them." Then Moses and Aaron did so; just as the LORD commanded them, so they did. Exodus 7:3-6

Now the LORD said to Moses, "Go in to Pharaoh; for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his servants, that I may show these signs of Mine before him, and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and your son's son the mighty things I have done in Egypt, and My signs which I have done among them, that you may know that I am the LORD." Exodus 10:1-2

Then I will harden Pharaoh's heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD." And they did so...And I indeed will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them. So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen. Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen." Exodus 14:4, 17-18

And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD... that you may tell in the hearing of you son and your son's son the mighty things I have done in Egypt... that you may know that I am the LORD...I will gain honor over Pharaoh.

So how's your picture? Are you limited by your own perspective or are you asking God to expand your perspective so that you can see and experience Him at work, in and through you, in the midst of suffering?

May God show Himself mighty in your life today so you get a taste of the bigger picture.

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK, Biblical Counselor, Conference and retreat speaker, Victory Call editor, wife, mother, grandmother, and nut and not necessarily in that order.

Lessons From Exodux II

Lessons from Exodus II

This week we are looking at some observations from Exodus about why people return to bondage or patterns of sin. As we consider Israel's exodus from Egypt, I believe we can glean some insight about this very common human tendency.

Exodus 5:22-23: So Moses returned to the LORD and said, "Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people; neither have You delivered Your people at all."

Exodus13:17-18: Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.

What can we learn from these two passages? Sometimes God's ways do not make sense to us. When God doesn't deliver us the way we expect, we assume He's not delivering us at all.

If you have been a Christian for any length of time and listened to the testimonies of others, you know that God isn't a cookie cutter God. Each of us has had a unique encounter with Him. How God chooses to set us free is entirely up to Him and His ways are as vast and varied as his people.

When God doesn't do things the way we expect, or His ways don't make sense to us, we tend to give up and go back to Egypt. If God isn't doing things the way you expect, don't assume He's not doing it at all. Stand back and watch the salvation of the Lord on your behalf.

God is up to much more than just our deliverance, although He is surely in the business of delivering people from bondage and setting them. He is also zealous for us to know the Deliverer.

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK, Biblical Counselor, Conference and retreat speaker, Victory Call editor, wife, mother, grandmother, and nut, not necessarily in that order.

Lessons from Exodus 1

Lessons from Exodus I

Recently, I was asked to speak for a Friday night Recovery group on the topic, "Why do men and women go back to their addictions?" As I was considering a Biblical perspective, it occurred to me that the journey of the Israelites out of Egypt provided some insight to answer that question. This week we are going to look at a few observations I gleaned from a quick look at the exodus. Before you discount this weeks Victory Call's because you don't struggle with addiction, I believe the principles I will share apply to all of us in our particular bent towards sin, strongholds and personal bondage. Remember, the Israelites were in bondage to the Egyptians for many years before God used Moses to lead them out of bondage in Egypt to the Promised Land. For our purposes, Egypt will symbolize bondage and the Promised Land will represent freedom.

What can we glean from Exodus?'

Things may get worse before they get better.

Exodus 5: 6-12: So the same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their officers, saying, "You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves. And you shall lay on them the quota of bricks which they made before. You shall not reduce it. For they are idle; therefore they cry out, saying, 'Let us go and sacrifice to our God.' Let more work be laid on the men, that they may labor in it, and let them not regard false words." And the taskmasters of the people and their officers went out and spoke to the people, saying, "Thus says Pharaoh: 'I will not give you straw. Go, get yourselves straw where you can find it; yet none of your work will be reduced.'" So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.

Just because we have made a decision to get out of bondage, to turn over a new leaf and change, doesn't mean things will instantly improve. Even on the path from bondage to freedom, things may get worse before they get better. Our fleshly tendency is to give up and loose hope.

Never, never, never loose hope. Don't assume that since it is difficult or getting worse that God is not in it. He continues to work on your behalf to bring you to the freedom He accomplished for you at the cross.

John 8:36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK, Biblical Counselor, Conference and retreat speaker, Victory Call editor, wife, mother, grandmother, and nut, not necessarily in that order.

Maturity

Max Lucado tells of the little boy who fell out of bed. When his Mom asked him what happened, he answered, "I don't know. I guess I stayed too close to where I got in."(Grace For The Moment, Max Lucado) That story certainly has a spiritual application. How close are you to the young Christian you were when you first received Christ? Are you reading God's Word? Has your prayer life grown? Have you matured as a Christian?


When we purchased our first motor home, the purchasing process took so long that we ended up having to drive the new rig home in the dark. All of the way home, I kept saying to Glen, "Hug the center; hug the center!"
As Christians, we need to grow to the point that we aren't living on the edge; we need to hug the center so that we aren't staying too close to where we got in.

"So let us go on to grown-up teaching. Let us not go back over the beginning lessons we learned about Christ" (Hebrews 6:1 The Message).

Marilyn W. Heavilin is an author/speaker and serves at America's KESWICK each summer as a counselor-in-residence.

Close Encounters Part 2

Close Encounters Part 2

It's so easy to allow a disappointment take away our joy, our hope or even our thankfulness. Because I was filled with God's joy, I assumed, I expected, He would pave my way. I was trying to figure out His plan or even conjure up a "plan" for God! But God had a better plan in mind than I could dream up!
Psalm 28:7
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."
Driving down the highway I once again asked God to bless the $240 I had to purchase a Christmas tree and decorations for the Colony of Mercy. I drove to the next Christmas store, parked and went inside. After I spoke with the gentleman behind the counter and explained who I was, what I was looking for, who it was for (and of course that I only had $240 to spend), he called over a salesman whose mane was Bert. I know that God paved the way for me to have Bert help me find the tree I was looking for. What a blessing he was! I thanked him again and again. We picked out a 7 1/2' pre-lit tree, 15-20 boxes of glass ornaments, a cross tree topper, 10-15 single "manly" ornaments, an LED lit and decorated wall wreath! The grand total? $205!!! I just couldn't believe how God was blessing me through Bert. I was able to share the ministry of the Colony of Mercy with Bert along with my personal testimony when he helped me pile all the decorations into my car. With the money I had left, I was able to purchase plastic bins to store it all in. As I added up the total I couldn't believe it....$240.16!!! I wish you could see the beautiful tree ornaments and wreath God had planned for me. I hate to wait until next year to set it all up!
We serve such an awesome God! He hears all our prayers and even cares about things like Christmas decorations to brighten the Library of the Colony of Mercy. Just one of the many ways Gods says "I love you"...to me as I chose not to allow my joy to fade...to the men in the Colony, He says "I love you" by providing a beautiful Christmas tree to give them joy and brighten their holidays with hope. God's love and provision goes beyond our dreams.

Ephesians 3:20 (The Message)
"God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us."

Mary Ann serves at the Colony of Mercy as Intake Manager and also serves at the Women's Ministry Center as a counselor and instructor.

Close Encounters Part 1

Close Encounters Part 1

We don't have to wait until we go through trials to have a "close encounter" with God like Job did. In fact, it's wiser to seek to have many, many encounters with God before trials come. Seek God's face just because you want to not because you have to! I can't think of a better reason to seek God's presence than to just enjoy His company and to know Him more intimately...and that is what God wants too...to enjoy an intimate relationship with us.
I recently had a wonderful close encounter with God and I have to tell you, it was a glorious day! And I hunger for more of them. The morning of January 4th I had an awesome quiet time with the Lord. In Higher Ground (Bible study/support group) we had begun a new study by Steve McVey, "The Godward Gaze." It stressed the importance of taking time to gaze into the face of God to draw closer to Him. That was what I sought to do that morning. In my prayer time I asked the Lord to take my busy day and sift it. I wanted to be on God's schedule not mine. I also asked God for two other things: to fill me with His joy and to abundantly bless one of the tasks on my to-do list.
Two hundred and forty dollars had been donated for updating the Colony of Mercy's Christmas decorations. It wasn't a great deal of money to purchase a tree and all the decorations for it...but I knew that God was able to take $240 and bless it exceedingly and abundantly above all I could imagine.

Jesus said in John 14:13-14 "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it."

I was so filled with joy I don't think my feet touched the ground! I believed God would bless my way. I walked into the first Christmas store with a smile and the joy of the Lord in my heart. The management there wasn't helpful and totally unfriendly. All my joy and all my smiles just couldn't seem to break through. If the Lord had not been with me, I would have probably given her an attitude back and stormed out of the store. But that's kind of hard to do when you're filled with His joy.
I thanked the manager and with a smile told her because of her poor attitude and lack of helpfulness I couldn't purchase the tree I had picked out and left the store. My heart began to thump and for a minute my joy began to slip away. I sat down in my car and prayed "Lord I pray that this wouldn't steal my joy. Fill me to overflowing, bless my path and may You be glorified."

1 Thessalonians 5:15-17 "Make sure nobody pays back wrong for wrong but always try to be kind to each other and everyone else. Be joyful always, pray continually."

I was filled to overflowing and began to sing in my car, "the joy of the Lord is my strength" and headed down the road. I realized this had been a test. Would I allow someone to steal my joy or would I just trust God no matter what? I chose to trust God.

Mary Ann Kiernan serves as Intake Manager and Women's ministry at America's KESWICK.

WHY?

Why?

The number one question of my 3 year old grandson Elijah is "Why?" It's been a while since my sons were at that age and I had forgotten the challenge it is to answer the inquisitive minds of toddlers! I do my best to answer his questions but interestingly, no matter what answer I give, there is always another "why?" to follow. Then I'll just answer "Well, Elijah I just don't know," which is always followed by a "Why?" He is just not satisfied with my answers!
I can't help but think that as adults, we're no different than children who ask why. After 20 years of marriage a husband announces he's walking out on his wife and family. Why? A best friend betrays a confidence and hurts you deeply. Why? Lab tests reveal a serious illness. Why? Children you have loved and raised in a Christian home choose to live a sinful lifestyle. Why?
As a counselor I hear that question asked often. It seems as if "the answer" is the only thing that will give satisfaction, peace or understanding to the hurt, pain or suffering they are going through. The truth is there is never really an answer that will satisfy the "why" itch because just like Elijah, there is always another why to follow.
Job, a righteous man, lost everything - family, wealth, respect and then even his health. Job asked the question "why" over 19 times! Job was ready to state his case before God! He wanted answers!

Job 23:3-5 "If only I knew where to find him [God]; if only I could go to his dwelling! I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would find out what he would answer me..."

Job did get his audience before God but he didn't get answers to all his "why" questions. Instead Job had a personal encounter with God that would make the answers to his questions seem so unimportant.
Job 42:3-5 "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.' My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you."
Only God knows the answers to our "why" questions and almost all the time, He just isn't willing to share that information. If each one of us would seek Him in the midst of our suffering and have a personal encounter with God...then the drive to know why would melt away. The truth is...all we go through is for our good and Gods glory, to refine us as gold.
Perhaps you've only heard about God with your ears...seek a personal encounter with Him and you will never be the same and the "why's"...well they just won't matter much because you have had a personal encounter with God.

MaryAnn Kiernan serves at America's KESWICK part-time at the Colony of Mercy overseeing intakes and part-time counseling in the women's ministry.

Christian Standards and Standards of Christians

Christian standards and standards of Christians

I recently heard a speaker state: "The less you know Scripture, the more you will be dominated by your culture."

The Psalmist states: "Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11)

Years ago I heard an evangelist say, "We need to know the difference between Christian standards and standards of Christians."

How do we learn to know the difference between Christian standards and standards of Christians? We get to know God's word. Christian standards are in Scripture and they don't change! Standards of Christians can change from church to church, from state to state, from home to home, and with every whim of our culture.

If we aren't steeped in God's word, we can be swept away and led into wrong beliefs and tactics by our culture.

Our culture says "It's all about me!" God's word says, "It's all about God." "Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee." (Isaiah 26:3)

Our culture says "We must accept all religions and offer social diversity."
God's word says, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Light. No man comes unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

Many of you are new Christians and are not deeply familiar with Scripture, but you are still faced daily with being dominated by your culture. Buy a paper back, inexpensive Topical Bible. Every topic that is addressed in Scripture is listed in alphabetical order, along with the references. When you have a question, look up the subject in your Topical Bible. Make sure your decisions are based on Scripture. Let's join together to break cultural domination on our spiritual life.

Marilyn Heavilin is a speaker and author, and serves at America's KESWICK as counselor-in-residence during our summer conferences. Her book, ROSES IN DECEMBER is available in the Keswick Book and Gift Shop

Your Divine Valentine

Your Divine Valentine

Today is Valentine's Day and for some that is just another reminder that you are alone. Perhaps you have been alone every Valentine's Day or your Valentine is no longer a part of your life either through death or divorce or for some other painful reason. Perhaps this Valentine's Day you are looking forward to being with your new or not-so-new Valentine. Regardless of what situation you are in today-YOU HAVE A VALENTINE - A DIVINE VALENTINE.

Before you scoff at the thought, let me assure you, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, He is your Heavenly Husband and if you allow Him He will be the best Valentine. Embracing your Divine Valentine in no way negates or minimizes your past or present valentine.
Jesus is alive and active in the life of His bride. He delights in giving good gifts.
You may be thinking, 'that's all well and good, but I need someone with skin on'. Beware! As long as you believe that, you will never allow Jesus to be enough.
Jesus desires to fulfill the deepest longings of your heart, no matter where you find yourself today. He completely satisfies (You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works.. Psalm 145:16-17)
He delights in you (As for the saints who are on the earth, "They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight." Psalm 16:3). He is Mr. Right(eous)(" For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright." Psalm 11:7). You are His bride ("I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the LORD." Hosea 2:19-20) and He desires fellowship with you ("God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."1 Corinthians 1:9). He so desires relationship with you that He went to the cross to die to gain your release from sin and death and to gain your freedom ("But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life." Romans 6:22; "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" John 8:36).
Oh, sister, go to Him today and tarry with Him until you experience His fullness, His love, His delight in you.
Treasure your Divine Valentine.

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK and is available to speak for your Ladies' events. Contact her through Ruth Schmidt at rschmidt@americaskeswick.org. or 732-350-1187 ext. 21

Ouch! That Hurt

Ouch! That Hurt!

I'm not sure it gets any easier. I've been at America's Keswick for over 8 years and when word gets back to me of someone's displeasure with me, I get a knot in my stomach. I want to go "straighten that person out". Sometimes it is the result of a misunderstanding, like the time I was called a liar. A particular individual was involved and with the help of his counselor, we were able to confront him and clear it up. Other times tidbits are running through the rumor mill and I have no venue to address the issue. I don't think any of us like to hear negative things said about us, true or not. I know I don't. But as usual, the word of God sheds light in my heart to give me a more accurate perspective.

Ecclesiastes 7: 21-22, "Also do not take to heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. For many times, also, your own heart has known that even you have cursed others."

When I stop to consider this Scripture I realize that, though I do not like it when others say negative things about me, far too many times I have been the one saying the negative things causing hurt to the other person. Why am I surprised when it happens to me?

I just love God's word, even when it hurts.

Diane

Psalm 37

Psalm 37

For many years I have had my own condensed version of Psalm 37:1-7; 34.
"Fret not' but "Trust"; "Delight" and "Commit"; "Rest" and "Wait" are instructions given to take our attention from things that could daily be very concerning to us if we focus on them. But by following these directives from the Lord our focus is turned away from the things that would cause concern and fretting toward the "new patterns" God wants to develop in us spiritually. Along with the instructions in theses verses, there are also many promises, but if we are just obeying the instructions as a command to get a reward, the focus of our thoughts and actions is not to bring glory to God, but on what we will get out of it. The end result could then be self-centered and discouraging, instead of God-centered and edifying to others as well as ourselves. As God develops these "new patterns" in us, we become more and more who He wants us to "be", and the stress of trying to "do" all the right things fades away.
Recently in America's Keswick's "Real Victory for Real Life", I read a devotional written by Candy Davison, "The Desires of the Heart", based on Psalm 37:4. It gave me new insight to this verse and caused me to think about the words and meaning differently. "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." I questioned, "How do I "delight in the LORD"; what are the ways I can take delight in the LORD?" There are numerous answers-Bible reading and study, memorizing scripture, prayer and praise; grasping His truth; thankfulness for His love and provision, fellowship with Him, enjoying His creation, and so on. But does this mean God is going to give me everything that I want because I have been "doing" all these things faithfully. This is where Candy's devotional gave a new understanding of the word, "give", as she shared her experience of realizing that God truly places in us -"gives" - the desires that are what He wants to bless us through. Philippians 2:13 explains, "...for it is God who works in you to will and act (work, do) according to his good purpose." God will "give" us the desires that He wants to use to bring about blessing and ministry in our lives that will then minister to and bless the lives of others.
Now let's look at Psalm 37:4 again. Where is our focus now if we see this directive as delight or enjoyment, the pleasure of the LORD and His gifts to bring fulfillment and ministry? The desires of our heart are no longer on self, but now on bringing glory to God, trusting Christ, and edifying others. Psalm 37:34a states, "Wait for the LORD and keep his way..."

"...He will give you the desires of your heart."

djm

It Is A Wonderful Life

It is a wonderful life.

My husband, Glen, just finished a live production of "It's A Wonderful Life". Over the month of December, I attended six of the twenty performances.
In case you don't know the story, in a crisis George Bailey began to feel everyone around him would be better off if he had never been born. Have you ever felt that way? I have. There have been times when it seemed that I had messed up so badly and hurt so many people that they and my family would most definitely be better off if I was not on the scene. An "angel" named Clarence decided to let him see what life would be for George's family and friends if George had never been born. He was allowed to see that many would have died, others would have always been alone, others would have been jobless and/or penniless, and many would have felt worthless and discouraged.
I let my imagination run wild and thought what life might be like for others if I hadn't been born. Hmmmm. Obviously my children would not be here, and I would not have learned through our grief experience how to comfort others. Others would not be comforted.
Most of all others would not know about Christ because I wasn't there to tell them. Ahhh, I wouldn't know about Christ. Not only would we miss a lot if we weren't here, but I believe others would miss a lot if we had never been here. In other words, we have an impact on others. Negative or positive is our choice. So God has not made a mistake by allowing us to enter this world. Most definitely not! He knew what He was doing.
John 15: 16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit." God not only chose you and me, but He gave us an assignment. We are to bear fruit by telling others about Jesus and therefore impacting their lives. Are you following His assignment? Thank goodness God never has to say "Oops."

Marilyn Heavilin is a speaker, authors of numerous books including ROSES IN DECEMBER, and serves at America's KESWICK each summer with her husband, Glen, as Counselor-in-Residence.

Eternity in Our Hearts

Eternity in our hearts...
Ecclesiastes 3:11 "...He has put eternity in their hearts"

Time seems to be accelerating. The older I get the faster time seems to go. I once was speaking to my dear co-worker and friend John Caruthers who was expressing his frustration at how fast time seemed to be elapsing. I was somewhat naively dismayed that at 82 it hadn't gotten any better, in fact on his report it continues to get worse. Many of us have trouble living by the clock. Others find it difficult to not live by the clock. Our lives are structured by time.
I remember one camping trip my husband and I took agreeing not to take our watches or any clocks with us. I chuckle as I remember that weekend clearly as we spent the weekend trying to guess what time it might be. I didn't know when to start lunch or dinner or even when it was appropriate to go to bed. It just reiterated to me how reliant we are on timepieces.

On the fourth day of creation, God said "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs an seasons, and for days and years; ...Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night." (Genesis 1:14, 16). God created time in the very beginning of creation, not only after the fall of Adam and Eve. When I began this Victory Call, my point was going to be that time was God's creation for man which became necessary AFTER the fall of man, but as I read the Genesis account again I saw this verse that said God designed the lights to be "for signs and seasons, and for days and years." God created time for our benefit, not His.
In spite of time, God has put eternity in our hearts. Our spirits confirm this as each of us has experienced the strain and stress time can put on us. We are created for eternity. We will not be fully at rest until we are there.

Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK.

Different Yet the Same

Different yet the same

The phone rang, and when I answered my daughter said, "She's perfect mom, absolutely perfect". My daughter has just given birth to her second baby girl. Kate continued, "She looks nothing like Lexi, she has head of dark hair and blue eyes." Now, we thought her firstborn was perfect too, but she had lots of hair that stood up like a rooster tail and brown eyes. How could they be so different yet both perfect?

You and I could be as different as night and day, complete opposites in personality, likes and dislikes, enjoy different foods, minister in very diverse ways, be in completely different walks of life, disagree on doctrinal issues and yet still both be in the process of being perfected by the grace of God as He takes each of us further and further in our sanctification, conforming us to the image of Jesus Christ.
Once we experience regeneration, become born-again, get saved (whatever your druthers), we all are on the same path "from glory to glory" yet we may look completely different. Oh, sure there will be similarities, but we are called to unity not uniformity (Beth Moore said that). I want to jump up and say, "Hallelujah!"
I cannot explain it, but somehow we can be different yet all perfected, because by His grace we are conformed into His image. The process will not be complete until we stand in the presence of The Almighty.

2 Corinthians 3:18, "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."

Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries of America's KESWICK

Lord, Use My Mouth

Lord, use my mouth!
How do you feel when someone says "I love you"? or "You did a great job"? or "I like your hair darker. It makes you look younger"? If you have been practicing what not to say or biting your tongue I want to remind you of all the good we can do with the words that come from our mouths. Today is the part where we practice saying something nice.
For many of us we can remember the hurtful words spoken to us but rarely remember the positive things that were said. All the more reason to practice how we use our words. Words stick. They play over and over again in our minds even if they are false words said out of a dirty heart. As I was shopping the other day I heard how a mother was talking to her child. The hair on the back of my neck stood up. Before Christ, I sounded the same way! And even as I have shared I relapse at times too. I just know those words will play over and over again in that little girls mind for years to come, maybe her whole life! Words like stupid, ugly and good-for-nothing tend to follow us wherever we go. Knowing that, don't you want to prevent your words from negatively following others around? We need to practice positive words; using words that build up and not tear down. Proverbs 15:4 says "a wholesome tongue is a tree of life." Don't you want to speak life? Our words should be full of thanksgiving. (Eph 1:15-16). Our words should point others in a good direction (Colossians 3:16). Our words should express hope (1 Thess. 5:11, 14). Our words should bring others together (Colossians 3:13).
Today our challenge is to use words of comfort, healing and love- especially when you would be tempted to do otherwise! Look for someone today who may need a compliment. Find someone who needs hope and encouragement. Answer those harsh words spoken to you with a well spoken word. Lastly, if you have a struggle with a family member or friend may words of peace, reconciliation and restoration be in your heart and on your lips. I am praying for you to have wisdom and courage as God uses your words today!

Kathy Withers serves in the Keswick Book and Gift Shop

Lord, Shut My Mouth

Lord, shut my mouth.
I recently dyed my hair from blonde to auburn. As I have seen friends and family the reactions have varied. Some look shocked. Some laughed. Some thought I looked younger-my personal favorite! Some had the wisdom to remember their mommas told them- "If you don't have anything nice to say; don't say anything at all". I have had a few reminders as I watch my heart and my mouth and strive to keep them washed clean. That saying is one of them.
Learning to just keep my mouth shut has been a very challenging exercise! It is a hard choice to choose- not being heard at all or heard saying the wrong thing in the wrong way. Maybe it isn't that we CAN'T say something but that the mature thing would be NOT to say anything. Rather, you and I need to take the time to think about it, rehearse it over in our minds, to search our hearts, to pray hard for godly wisdom. I am usually reactionary so it is hard for me to bite my tongue. But I know no matter how hard it is the best choice is to simply say nothing at all. If I have to say something it should be something like- "Can I get back to you on that?" or "That is something I will have to really pray about before I respond. Can you give me some time before I answer you?" Proverbs 17:28 says "Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace, when he shuts his lips he is considered wise."
Another reminder came through a challenge to pray the Prayer of Jabez. "And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, " Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" 1 Chronicles 4:10. Let me paraphrase or personalize- Lord, Keep your hand over my mouth, keep my mouth from evil, that my mouth may not cause pain! That has been a good prayer for me to pray!
Here are few more reminders that have helped me keep my mouth shut!
Proverbs 10:19 "Restraining your lips is wise."
Proverbs 21:23 "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles."
Proverbs 12:18 "There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health."
Ephesians 4:31 "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice."
Today would you practice biting your tongue? Trust me, sister, I feel your pain!
Kathy Withers is a great Bible teacher/speaker and serves in the Keswick Book and Gift Shop.

Lord, Wash My Mouth

Lord, wash my mouth!

My bathroom renovation is now complete with the exception of wall décor. I saw a framed picture a few years ago that would be perfect in my bathroom but I can't find it now. The picture was a black and white still life of a water basin and pitcher in front of a window with flowing sheer panels. A small cut out in the matting read "Wash me and I will be made whiter then snow". Recently, I had words with my daughter and thought of how those words had come out of my mouth. I saw again how I needed to have my mouth washed out. Washed, not from vulgar words, but of hurtful words. Words that cut; words not spoken with love. Words that only revealed my "superior" wisdom and her lack of wisdom. Words that rang with an unspoken "One day I will have told you so". Oh Lord, my mouth needs to be washed!

Such a small muscle but our tongues can be such mighty weapons. Used without thinking. Let loose on unsuspecting people. Aimed often at the ones we love the most. As I think about the words I said, the Lord revealed something even uglier; He showed me my heart from which those words came. If my heart had been right those words never would have left my mouth to cause both of us pain. Fear and anger reigned in my heart rather then peace and trust. Self-righteousness proudly sat in my heart making compassion, mercy and grace unable to dwell there. I needed a big cake of soap and a loving heavenly Father to administer the washing! I have taken the punishment and as you can imagine- it didn't taste good!

Do you know what lurks in your heart? Today would you commit to listen to yourself carefully? What do you hear when you hear yourself talk? Are there a basin and a cake of soap waiting for you?

James 3 tells us what a struggle you and I have with our untamable tongues. Verse 2 says "We stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body." I am far from perfect! How can I become perfect in this area? I am relieved to learn that the word "perfect" means mature. I know I will not attain perfection but I can strive to be mature. Maturity is a process; you and I will stumble. We will need to have our mouths washed many times as we strive to bring maturity to our hearts, minds and mouths! Will we strive to take the necessary steps to a mature heart and mouth?

Kathy Withers serves in the Keswick Book and Gift Shop and is great Bible Teacher and speaker. You can contact her to speak by calling Ruth Schmidt @ rschmidt@americaskeswick.org

Fleeting Fancy

Fleeting Fantasy

"Getting treasures by a lying tongue is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death." Proverbs 21:6

Fleeting fantasy-a picture of the deceptiveness of sin. Whether our sin is to gain treasure by lying or gossip, or gluttony or pride or ... you fill in the blank, we sin because we want something apart from God's will. We sin because at that moment we want what we want more than we want what God wants. Regardless of our sin, it provides just a fleeting fantasy of what we thought it would do for us. Because of the hollowness of sin it never satisfies for long, soon leaving us empty-handed.
Sin never delivers.
Sin never satisfies.
Sin never fulfills.
Sin never quenches.

Sin is a fleeting fantasy-fleeting, fleeting, fleeting. Perhaps if we can call this to mind when we are tempted we will be less inclined to fall into temptation.

Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries

Sovereignty and Free Will

Sovereignty and Free Will

The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1

Sitting in the counseling office, seeking to offer comfort and hope to another hurting person distressed over the wayward choices of a loved one, I offer the truth of our day's scripture. God holds the heart of kings in His hand and He turns it as He chooses. If He holds the kings heart, surely he holds the hearts of our loved ones. Not only does He hold the heart of our loved one but He can change the heart of our loved one.
Invariably, the reply I get is "Yeah but, God also gave us free will right?" Right, but does free will negate the sovereignty of God? It cannot be or sovereignty is not sovereignty.
Today's verse: "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes" is recorded in the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament. Free will is not a recent concept that God threw in as an afterthought. Free will was just as present when Proverbs 21:1 was penned as it is today.
How do these two truths coincide? How do God's sovereignty and man's free will co-exist, both being true? It is a mystery. Why would we expect to be able to understand all the things of God? He is God after all, and God says they both are true, therefore we know both are true.
Let us not negate the sovereignty of God in the lives of our loved ones by believing the lie that their free will gives them greater power in their lives that God.
We need to ask ourselves the question: Do I believe that God is sovereign in the life of my loved one despite the free will God has given them?
If we choose to take God at His word, believing that His sovereignty and our free will somehow work together, we can pray in great hope and faith for loved ones.
Diane

Does This Offend You?

Does this offend you?
Some time ago, my then mother-in-law had prepared Christmas dinner. The main dish was a roast. Let's just say this roast was...well...extremely well done. (The men in the family prefer their beef very rare.) We sat down at the table and one of my nieces (about 7 years old) said; "Have you ever seen such an overdone piece of meat in your entire life?!" It was exactly what we were all thinking. Thankfully, the cook didn't hear her! I know she would have been highly offended.
Offenses can so easily come, most of which are unintentional. If we put more thought into our words we could potentially avoid offending someone. I feel awful when I realize I've said something that has caused an offense, most of the time; but there have been times when I have spoken the name of Jesus and instantly caused an offense, just by mentioning His Holy name! There have also been times when I have shared a scripture with someone and they have been highly offended. For example; John 14:6, "Jesus said to him; I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." It's not my desire to offend but to bless.
Sometimes I've sinfully held back words of Life, precious words of Life, because I didn't want to offend. Did I want to please man or please God? This would be my nightmare on Judgment Day: I'm standing across from someone I had the opportunity to speak to and with wailing and gnashing of teeth they ask me why didn't I tell them about Jesus. I feel sick at the thought.

Jesus was concerned with people hearing the words of life that they might hear and believe.

"As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven-not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever." These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum. Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?"
When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them; "Does this offend you?" What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. And He said, "Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father." From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (John 6:57-69)

Colossians 4:5-6
"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

Lord, let us throw off all that binds us or causes us to hesitate in redeeming the time.

Dina Seaton serves in our Marketing department at America's KESWICK and is available to speak at your women's event. For information, contact Ruth Schmidt at rschmidt@americaskeswick.org

My Father's Grip

My Fathers Grip....
This week has been a great week for prayer. Funny thing is that I am speaking at a retreat this weekend and the topic chosen for me was prayer.
I would not consider myself a prayer warrior but just someone who is always praying about something. There is always the occasional health issues, children, working full time and still maintaining a strong home life and the dailies of life....I find myself in, "sentence", prayers all the time.
This week my youngest son, who has some learning disabilities, had some trouble at school, that we needed to work out. We had to follow up with two of his Doctors. I was trying to prepare for a retreat and keep a very busy work schedule and home schedules in check too. In the midst of this a family member called me and needed money wired to them for an emergency situation. Then another close friend who we really consider family had several situations creep up on him that he needed to come to grips with and sort out.
My heart was heavy and prayers just seemed empty at this time. I had gone to a prayer meeting that morning with our staff and right across from us, was another small group of women praying. In the next room was another prayer meeting taking place as well. I had to stop in my prayer time that morning, and thank the Lord for prayer and what an encouragement to see all of this taking place, at one time.
The next morning, again, feeling empty to pray...I was asking the Lord for wisdom or something to hold on to for the day...something to get me started. As I was leaving to head to work my husband was asleep in bed and our youngest son was lying on the floor next to him. He reached up and grabbed his daddy's hand and looked upward toward him with such trust in his eyes. That was it....as I say, "A Post card from Heaven".....yes that was it.....a child reaching upward to his fathers hand and just trusting in him.
Ok I got it that time....Lord you want us to reach upward in times of trouble and happy times as well, always to You our heavenly father. What a simple example of a childlike faith and; what an example that God allowed me to see.
Today reach up and grab hold of the hand of our Heavenly Father and just hold on and trust HIM.

Lynn Wilson serves as a Guest Services Representative at America's KESWICK. If you are considering a place for your next retreat, give Lynn a call at 800-453-7942. She'd love to share with you why America's KESWICK is the place you need to be!

Humility and the Fear of the Lord

Humility and the fear of the Lord

By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22: 4

Humility~~ painfully difficult to obtain (requires death) and maintained only by the sovereign hand of God. To be genuine, humility must be a reflection of God in us. We can act humble without being humble. When that is the case, it is more manipulation than sanctification.
Genuine humility does more to thwart and resolve conflict than making one's point.
What keeps humility from being manipulation and making it genuine? The fear of the Lord. When humility ceases to be self-centered and becomes God-centered it moves from being an action to being a motive of the heart. It moves from something we do to something we are.
Diane

A Contentious Woman

A contentious woman -- It has always bothered me to read the Scriptures about contentious women. In some ways, I believe it has described me in the past. Oh, I would never actually consider myself contentious but I considered it my responsibility to "point things out" to my dear husband. Oh, what he put up with! I am certain that he got the worse end of the deal when we married 23 years ago. Please do not write me and tell me I'm being too hard on myself, or that you are sure it wasn't that bad, etc. I'm just stating my perspective, after all I was there. I wasn't always contentious, but I did go through periods of being discontent, critical and contentious. So perhaps now you understand why those verses irritated me so. Plus, on top of that, the only verses I saw in the Scriptures seemed to connect contentiousness with women! That bugged me even more.Alas, I came across a verse today in my Bible reading time (with pen poised) -- Charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife. Proverbs 26:21 This made me curious about other verses about contentiousness. I found 5 others, 4 which apply to my current illustration.Proverbs 21:9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.Proverbs 21:19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.Proverbs 25:24 It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.Proverbs 27:15 A continual dripping on a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike; Of the 6 verses regarding contentious people, 4 of them refer to women, 1 to men and 1 to people in general. The definition of contentious is: "tending to argument or strife, quarrelsome; causing, involving or characterized by argument or controversy" (Webster's American Dictionary). There is something about the two words together, contentious woman, that causes a reaction similar to nails on a chalkboard, or teeth scraping on a fork. It in no way leaves the impression of a Christ-like woman. I am assuming since "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" that the fact that there are 4 verses describing contentious women that there is a propensity for women to be contentious. This is not a cut and dried statement. Not every woman is contentious, but I believe the Scripture indicates the propensity or temptation is there for women to be argumentative leaving a sour impression on those impacted by such contention. That is not who I want to be! How about you?

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries of America's KESWICK, and under her leadership, birthed the ministry of Women of Character. She is available to speak for your women's ministry events. Contact Ruth Schmidt -- rschmidt@americaskeswick.org for details.

Practical Nuggets

PRACTICAL NUGGETS

I was looking at the passage of Scripture in I Thessalonians 5, beginning with verse 16 and was struck for the first time, I think, about how practical these Bible verse "nuggets" are. Look at them with me for a moment:
v. 16 "Rejoice evermore"
v. 17 "Pray without ceasing"
v. 18 "In every thing give thanks..."
v. 19 "Quench not the Spirit"
v. 20 "Despise not prophesyings"
v. 21 "Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good"
v. 22 "Abstain from all appearance of evil"

Whew! Paul left no stone unturned, as it were. Let's take a look at the first of these nuggets and be encouraged by what a wonderful truth it reminds us of.

Yes, I know there are days when it seems as if the roof just caved in on us and nothing is going right (or more precisely, nothing is going right according to the way WE HAVE PLANNED FOR IT TO GO)! Yet Paul counsels us that even in the midst of all of this, we are to "rejoice evermore." I don't know about you, but I can say for myself that some days I do a lot more complaining and a lot less rejoicing. And I also know that when I focus on the rejoicing, the complaining seems to be less pronounced in my day. The Psalmist reminds us. "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psa. 118:24). And once more, "Rejoice in the Lord alway and again I say Rejoice (Phil. 4:4).

Take some time to read through some of the Psalms - so many of them focus on joy and rejoicing not only because of what the Lord has done, but because of who He is. We rejoice in our salvation, rejoice in victory over obstacles in our lives, rejoice that He is all-loving, all-powerful, sovereign and has stooped down to take us unto Himself and love us.

You get the point. The God who created the universe, sent His Son to die for us and give us salvation, and loves us with an everlasting love wants us to be rejoicing over every aspect of our lives - even the yucky stuff. And because He has done all of these things for us, we can do just that.

So, Sisters in Christ, I say to you today, "When the going gets tough, keep rejoicing."

Lynn Randall is the Director of Human Resources at America's KESWICK and a retired librarian.

Staying Clean in a Dirty Place ...

Staying Clean in a Dirty Place....

I am sure that most of you have heard of the Staph Infections that has been going around our school systems. I received a letter last week stating that my youngest son's school had one case and that they were taking precautions.
My sister just called me and told me that her daughter is in first grade and they might have to pull her out for the language she is hearing, the fights and destruction of school property. Again we are only talking about first graders. She is now trying to take precautions.
I took my son apple picking and looking around there were all kinds of people there touching the buckets we were holding....the dirt from the pumpkin patch etc.... He went to eat an apple that he found on the ground, but I had to tell him stop, not to eat that one. We needed to take precautions to eat a clean one and wash our hands first.
I find myself wiping down the bar on the cart in the food store now because of the germs and the sticky stuff on the handle.
When I was a kid we never thought to wash our hands every half an hour, Mom did not carry around bottles of germicide or germicide wipes. We did not worry about germs and dirty things too much...the most was just... "don't sit on the toilet seat in the rest rooms".
Precautions for these things were not something we thought about like we do now.
Not only do we have the physical germs to be concerned with these days...but the dirty items that are worse than germs in magazines, books, movies and shows - many right in our kids classrooms. Dirt, germs and "bad stuff" is everywhere.
When I was a kid we were taught to put on the whole armor of God. I could recite to you what each piece was but never really understood what it all meant. Now being a mother of two and a bit older and wiser....that armor is the best thing we can give our selves each day.
It protects us from evil and gives us what we need for battle against the world and the dirt, germs or bad stuff in it.
Today don't forget to pray, read the Bible and put on the armor before you walk out your front door to serve Him in the battles that lie ahead of you. --Lynn Wilson

Lynn serves on the team at America's KESWICK in Guest Services. She is available to speak at women's events. Contact Ruth Schmidt for information (rschmidt@americaskeswick.org).

A Hug From Heaven

A hug from heaven

Earlier this year I wrote a devotional called "The Ministry of a Hug." There was a great response to it because I really do believe that hugs can be a ministry in a sense by being the comforting arms of the Lord...and we all need a hug from time to time. When someone is hurting, either emotionally or physically, a hug, a prayer and a kind word are priceless gifts.

I recently received my priceless gift when I needed it most and it come from a very small package. For the past two months my son Daniel, his wife Liza and our grandson Elijah (3 years old) have been living with us while their house grows along with their family (their second baby boy is due January 7th). I can't tell you what a joy it has been to have them with us...I haven't played so much in years!

I had been feeling sad and whatever...on this one particular day recently. Liza and Elijah were leaving for the day and so of course Baba had to have her hugs and kisses. After receiving them Elijah ran out the door waving bye-bye. He stopped...turned around and ran back to me, "I need to kiss you Baba" and I got a great big kiss! Off he went, only to run back once more, "I need to hug you Baba! I love you." If ever a hug came straight from the arms of the Lord, I believe this one did! Did the Lord prompt Elijah's little heart? I like to think so.

Would you or I be so quick and willing to respond to God's little nudge to give someone a hug? There wasn't a great "crisis" going on in my life, just a disquiet spirit. I wasn't crying or moping around...yet somehow this little one's spirit sensed his Baba "needed" a hug and a kiss.

Be the arms of Christ today...someone may just "need" a priceless gift that only you can give...a hug from heaven.

Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. (NLT)

Mary Ann

Mary Ann serves in our Women's Addiction Recovery Ministry program and is a biblical counselor. Part of her ministry now includes overseeing the intakes for the Colony of Mercy.

Cultivate the Heart

Cultivate the heart

As I sat a listened to Steve McVey last summer during our summer conference season, it was as if I was waking from a long winters nap. About 10 years ago, during a particularly difficult time in my life, I was counseled to grow in grace and my understanding of my identity in Jesus Christ. It hugely impacted my life and ministry. Over time, without active pursuit, these truths started to gradually leak out of my heart and mind until the point that they were nearly gone completely in any real practical sense.
As I listened to Dr. McVey, I sensed a growing excitement as I realized I knew this but had lost it and I wanted it back!! As I spoke to Steve after one of the sessions, tearfully sharing how hindered I felt to really soar in these truths, he very kindly looked at me and said, "Nurture your heart in grace".
Nurture: to supply with nourishment, to further the development of (Merriam-Webster Online 12 21 07).
As I have been considering that thought to "nurture your heart" it occurred to me that there is an intentional sense about our Christian walk. Another word that comes to mind is to cultivate. Just as we cultivate a garden we can cultivate God's truth in our hearts. We can plant seeds of truth (by reading the Scriptures); water the seeds (through Church attendance and participation); and fertilize the truth (with Christian fellowship and outreach). We can encourage growth and Biblical change in our lives by cultivating and nurturing God's truth in our lives. As He supplies the power through the infusion of His Holy Spirit, we grow and flourish in spite of the circumstances or barriers that may otherwise impede progress.
How are your actively nurturing your heart with Truth today?

Diane

MEMORIES THAT WON'T NEED TO BE REMEMBERED

There are certain times of the year that bring beautiful - and often painful - memories to my mind. There are birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and sometimes just plain old "ordinary" days that for some reason have special significance to me because of a special event that may have occurred on that day.

I was in my office this morning, talking with a fellow staff member, and we got to talking about Thanksgiving. Now, for me, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because I so closely associate it with family and friends and just wonderful times of fellowship with my mom and dad and best friend (actually more like a sister), Susan. Turkey and all the stuff (pardon the pun) that goes with it is not necessarily part of the picture. In fact the most joyous Thanksgiving I spent in recent years was in the St. Louis airport sharing a ham sandwich with my mom as we waited to board a plane to come home to New Jersey. You see my mom had nearly died a week earlier and had just been released from the hospital that morning so we could return home.

It didn't matter that we weren't seated at the dining room table set with her best dishes or that we weren't eating turkey, mashed potatoes, and her famous oyster dressing. What mattered was that we were together, and that God had chosen to deliver her from the pneumonia and congestive heart failure, and was giving her the strength to come home.

Even now as I write this, I am crying because the memories are so bittersweet. But there will come a day when I will no longer need to remember, because the memories will not be, in effect memories, but eternal reality. The tears I am now shedding will disappear as I join with my mom and dad, and so many other dear Christian friends in rejoicing in the very presence of God and praising Him eternally for His awesome majesty and sovereignty. No more tears shed as we dwell in the eternal present filled with His presence. He has prepared a place for me (John 14:2-3), where I will dwell with Him forever.

Even Christ's words from I Corinthians 11 regarding the remembrance of His death and resurrection won't be necessary any longer since we will be living in His presence and remembrance will not be necessary.

So the tears I shed now are tears of sadness and of joy - and yes, tears of hope, too - as I KNOW that some day my memories will no longer be necessary. Dwelling in the very presence of God and knowing that I am there for eternity - can I comprehend it? No, not really. Do I believe it - absolutely positively! Praise the Lord.

Lynn Randall

Siesta Time with Jesus

Siesta Time with Jesus

Are we honoring Him, who is our peace and our rest, with our all our heart soul mind and strength?

Some of us (most of us) do that very well with our busy beaver, busy as bees "doing." And praise the Lord the "doing" is a good thing. There is no condemnation in it -not even a little bit.
My sincere heart question is; "Are we honoring Him with our 'being' as well as we are with our 'doing'?"

My co-worker and I were just talking about the tradition and practice some countries have called siesta. This isn't the first time we've had this conversation and it won't likely be the last. We can't help it. Partly because we are both busy most of the time and think it would simply be neat to pause in the middle of our day for some R&R. The other part of it is -- we really do need to pause and since we don't, our souls do the longing for us and we, well, we talk about it.

Just for fun I did an internet search and here is what I learned: Siesta is a Spanish word and is defined as "a short nap taken in the early afternoon, often after the midday meal. Such a period of sleep is a common tradition in hot countries. The word is from a Latin word meaning "the sixth hour" (counting from dawn, therefore noon, hence "midday rest"). The original concept of a siesta was merely that of a midday break. This break was intended to allow people time to be spent with their friends and family."¹

I don't know about you, but I'm jealous for this "siesta time" in my own life. More and more I am longing to be with Jesus, just resting at His feet and being still.

Dear sisters, just in case you didn't know, being still is not a dirty word and I can't put it any better that Jesus did when He mildly rebuked Martha in Luke 10:41-42. ²

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

The Lord Jesus said as plain as day, "Mary has chosen what is better."

My encouragement and my challenge for all of us today is, at the very least, begin to think about the pattern of our lives. Are we so busy doing that being, simply being alone with Him is a foreign concept? For a long time now I have wanted "more." Well, now I want "better". And not "my better", but what Jesus calls "better."

Stephanie

God Never Gives More Than You Can Bear

God never gives you more than you can bear...

If someone would have asked me several months ago if this came from scripture, I would have said yes...or at least that it was a biblical truth. I have even said it many times, and tried to find comfort in that statement for myself. And yet it seemed as if what I observed all around me was the exact opposite. So what is the truth?
My eyes were opened during a recent Bible study called "The Grace Walk Experience" by Dr. Steve McVey. We were asked to examine 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead." (Emphasis mine)
It's all in there...the truth about the trials and suffering that comes into our lives. I would never compare the hardships or trials in my life to that which the Apostle Paul endured but I've had some hard times that have taken me into the pit. In these verses, Paul tells us the hardships that he and his companions went through were just too much for them to handle...it went far beyond what they could physically, mentally and emotionally endure. They couldn't bear the strain and the pain. It was so bad that they really just wanted to die so that they would escape the unbearable circumstances. But why would God allow them to get to this unbearable state?
Paul and his companions came to a place where they realized it was all in the hands of God, their very lives had to be surrendered into the hands of God. There wasn't anything they could do to save themselves or ease their suffering. And that was where God wanted them to be...the place where they would give up their self sufficiency and rest in His sufficiency.
God tries to get our attention. As I look back on the trials that I went through, I see that God was trying to get my attention but I kept on trying to control and handle everything on my own. It was only when I came to the end of my self sufficiency that I was able to see that is was all about God's sufficiency and not about mine.
No, I don't believe the statement anymore "God never gives you more than you can bear." It's a bit scary I have to admit. But I have seen in my own life that...I can't...but He can. Instead of relying on my self sufficiency (really non existent) I need to rely totally on His sufficiency.
I'll just trust God...how about you?

MaryAnn

Hand-in-Hand

Hand-in-hand

Recently my husband and I were trying to make plans for our 23rd wedding anniversary. Money is tight so our usual weekend trip to a Bed and Breakfast was unlikely. We decided to go to New York overnight - that is until we found out how much that cost. So we decided to go to Philadelphia overnight with John's discount it appeared doable.

We arrived around 5 pm and wandered around the block a few times to try to figure out how to actually get to our hotel and park. It appeared as if they expected us to fold up our car and put it in our suitcase. We finally pulled up front where the valet parking appeared to solve the problem but to our surprise the men in the car in front of us, got out one at a time making angry, wild gestures at us until all three were scowling at us. We were befuddled as we hadn't even done anything - yet. Welcome to the city.
As we made our way to a parking lot and into the hotel we quickly settled in our room so we could get out and walk around the city.
John went to college in Philadelphia and knew his way around and had much he wanted to show me. I just stayed by his side, walking hand-in-hand allowing him to lead me wherever he chose. I was not fearful even though there were some unusual people and sightings. As I have gotten older and life has become more hectic, I have lost my intuitive ability to retrace me steps. Take me around a few corners and I forget how to get back. So left to my own devices I get lost easily.
We walked for several hours and honestly I had no idea where we were in relation to our hotel, but I was unconcerned because I had my husband with me, who knew exactly where we were, where we were going and how to get back.
I couldn't help but see the spiritual implications.
Why is it I was completely at rest knowing my husband had things well in hand, yet though I say I know my Heavenly husband has things well in Hand, I tug and pull and fret and worry about where He is taking me, how I will get there and how I will ever find my way back? Why do I find it difficult to rest knowing that He knows exactly where we are going and how to get there? It gave me pause.

We can rest in Jesus Christ. He will walk with us hand-in-hand leading and guiding us along the way.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.


Diane

Anticipation

Anticipation

It's an exciting time at the Kiernan household as we wait with great anticipation for the birth of our second grandson in a few short weeks. It will be a little extra special as Daniel and his family are living with us for a few months while his home grows along with his family. So we will have a new born 24/7 for a few weeks!
There are many things in our lives that we wait on with great anticipation. Weddings, babies, birthdays (mostly for the younger ones!), a new home and that's just to name a few. There are always things to do and plans to make...one thing is for sure we are excited and it's never far from our thoughts.

Matthew 24:42-44 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him."

Well what about the return of Jesus? Are we waiting in great anticipation that at any time, any minute Jesus may return? Are we living our lives in readiness for His immanent return? I think that most of us think we have to know the day, the hour of Christ's return so we can be ready. Many have predicted it...and been wrong. Every so often there will be a headline on of those gossip papers with the exact day of His return. But knowing the exact time of His return isn't the important thing. What is important is how you and I live our lives until that day comes. It's not for us to know the time...only God knows that. What is important is that we "be ready" at all times. Jesus will return when we least expect it.
Are you ready? Are you excited? Are you preparing for His return? If Jesus were to come back tomorrow what would you be doing today?
Let's start living our lives in anticipation, just as if Jesus were coming back tomorrow.

Mary Ann

Forgiveness

Forgiveness
"Forgiveness is not an emotion...forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart." ~~ Corrie Ten Boom

I came across the following story, once again, and decided it was worth sharing. Of everything we are called to do as followers of Christ forgiveness proves to be one of the most difficult. If we don't feel it, we reason, we don't have to. Though I can't think of any place in Scripture where our feelings or lack of them, let us off the hook and excuse us from obedience, it seems to be the "out" we given ourselves.
Read the following story and hear the encouragement and if necessary the earnest reminder to forgive.
Stephanie

I'm Still Learning to Forgive
"It was in a church in Munich that I saw him, a balding heavy-set man in a gray overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. People were filing out of the basement room where I had just spoken. It was 1947 and I had come from Holland to defeated Germany with the message that God forgives. ...
And that's when I saw him, working his way forward against the others. One moment I saw the overcoat and the brown hat; the next, a blue uniform and a visored cap with its skull and crossbones. It came back with a rush: the huge room with its harsh overhead lights, the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor, the shame of walking naked past this man. I could see my sister's frail form ahead of me, ribs sharp beneath the parchment skin. Betsie, how thin you were!
Betsie and I had been arrested for concealing Jews in our home during the Nazi occupation of Holland; this man had been a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp where we were sent. ...
"You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk," he was saying. "I was a guard in there." No, he did not remember me.
"I had to do it - I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us."
"But since that time," he went on, "I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fraulein, ..." his hand came out, ... "will you forgive me?"
And I stood there - I whose sins had every day to be forgiven - and could not. Betsie had died in that place - could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking?
It could not have been many seconds that he stood there, hand held out, but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do. For I had to do it - I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. "If you do not forgive men their trespasses," Jesus says, "neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." ...
And still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is not an emotion - I knew that too. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. "Jesus, help me!" I prayed silently. "I can lift my hand, I can do that much. You supply the feeling."
And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.
"I forgive you, brother!" I cried. "With all my heart!"
For a long moment we grasped each other's hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God's love so intensely as I did then." ¹

The Power of the Tongue

The power of the tongue...

I have been working my way through Proverbs with pen poised in hand, recording what my Divine Teacher is saying to me. I have again been impressed with the myriad of references to the power of the tongue.

Dear sisters, with our tongue we have the power to separate, to cause pain, strife and division, to harm, hurt, and gossip, to destroy, hinder, offend, belittle, withhold, and wound others we love OR Praise the Lord, we have the power to do just the opposite. With our tongue we can unify, encourage, bring peace, healing, hope, truth, calm, arrest fear, foster joy, forgive, build up, and cheer our loved one on to fulfill their potential and be all that God empowers them to be.

Here are just a handful of selections from Proverbs:

Proverbs 12:18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword. But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

Proverbs 14:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

How will you use your tongue today? For good or ill, for your will or God's will?

Diane

What is the REAL REASON?

What is the real reason?

We wear pins that say, "Jesus is the reason for the Season", have bumper stickers, and so much more regarding this statement. Now that the holidays are over and our pockets are empty and our bill boxes are full....can we truly look back and confirm that He was our reason for the season? I know it is hard not to get caught up in the festivities of the season. There are so many wonderful things to get involved in but when all is said and done, Christ should be what motivates everything we do. Even our gift giving.....the Lord placed those special people in your life and it is ok to give a gift to them. Just remember Him in all that you do.

My husband wrote devotion for another event that I wanted to share with you. As I read this one it really gave me food for thought.

(Written by Graeme Wilson) Over the Christmas season we had the opportunity to hear a lot of different "Christmas Messages". One that really stuck with me and made an impression was at my home church. The speaker mentioned that as you know every year society goes through it ups and downs and highs and lows in terms of Christianity.

Sometimes the attacks on Christianity are very blatant like when they passed the ban on praying in schools. He said that this year he heard on the radio that the big thing was not the removing of the nativity scene from public places, but rather, the Christ child out of the scene. He went on to say that he made a point of looking the next time when he was driving through his home town, and sure enough, there was Mary and Joseph staring down at a pile of Hay!

Disturbing, we say, and yet for 2000 years Satan has been trying to get Christ out of the manger. But thankfully we have the verse (Galatians 4:4) "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law."

As we go into this New Year, can each of say that Christ has His rightful place in our life? He no longer is the babe in a manger, He came for your sins and mine and He is in heaven preparing a home for those that accepted that gift of salvation. If you're not sure if you're a child of God now is the time to make sure. Ask Him into you heart, ask him to forgive your sins and to cleanse you and He will. Then go and tell someone today.

Yes, He is ALIVE and living in my heart today. How about your heart and life? The gift of salvation is a gift that never stops giving since it is for eternity.

Graeme & Lynn W

GUILTY

Guilty

I have found that Satan loves to use guilt in a believer's life to keep them trapped in a prison of condemnation. In Revelation 12:10 the Bible tells us that Satan is our "accuser." He loves it when a believer takes the bait and feels guilty and condemned. His work is done. It's very hard to live in the freedom Christ gives a believer if you go into another prison of condemnation. Jesus paid the price for that in full! Jesus has set us free so why do we want to go right back into prison?

Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus."

What beautiful words! If we feel guilty because of sin there's an answer for it. First ask God for forgiveness then accept his cleansing love. Christ's perfect sacrifice on the cross set us free! If the great "I Am" sovereign and holy God of the universe is not condemning us, why are we? Are we saying that Jesus' sacrifice wasn't sufficient?
In all we do there are consequences, some consequences are life changing while others may not even be noticeable. Instead of listening to the voice of Satan condemning us, we need to listen to the Holy Spirit of God living in us. Listening to Him will result in conviction of sin (if there is un-repented sin), forgiveness, restoration and freedom. If we listen to the Holy Spirit instead of Satan, we will deal with godly sorrow...but that's a good thing. God can and will take all our junk and use it for His glory if we allow Him to.
If those consequences include the hurt of others, we can ask their forgiveness and then give it to God and be free. We can't go back and change things in the past, but we do have today...the day that God has given us. We need to allow Christ to live through us, and use it all for His glory.
Hebrews 10:22 "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance if faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Don't continue to fall for the lies of the accuser! In faith believe God, you have been washed with pure water...no longer condemned...the prison door isn't locked...all you have to do is believe and walk through the door and live in the freedom.
Guilt has no place in a believer's life because Christ has already paid the penalty for your sin and there is no reason for Him to pay it again! If your feeling regret or godly sorrow it's a perfect opportunity to take the time and remember that Jesus has already forgiven you...then thank Him and praise Him for His glorious gift to you!

Mary Ann

If I Don't Like It There, Can I Go Home?

"If I don't like it there, can I go home?"

It's Thursday night, I'm tired and John has a 7:30 appointment for a hair cut which he must have or else someone may accuse me of raising a shaggy sheep dog! So what's a mom to do for a quick dinner on the run? McDonalds of course. "Two three piece Chicken strips, a large fry, small drink and a flurry please." Wal lah! Dinner is served.
It wasn't but a few minutes into the meal that I noticed a boy about nine or ten years old who was very red faced and crying, sitting with him was another boy with his back to me. At the table next to them where two young ladies who seemed to have care over these boys. I commented to my son, "Oh, the little boy is crying, I wonder what's wrong." It wasn't long before I found out that something was terribly wrong through the conversation between the ladies and the boys. It seemed they were in route to a foster home. This one young boy that I could see, protested; "I want to go home. I want my mom. Can I call her? What if I don't like it there? What if she's mean? I just want to go home. Can I go home tomorrow?" The women replied; "No you can't go home or we will get in trouble from the judge. You don't want us to get in trouble do you? He said you need to stay at this place and the lady may be very nice. What if she has some really cool stuff? You just might like it there. No, you can't call your mom; she may call you in a few days. If you're finished with your food we need to go now.
Here was my son's response when hearing this; "They should just let him go home, didn't they hear him say he wants to go home? Why wouldn't he be allowed to go home?"
I explained to John that sometimes there are circumstances at home that make it unsafe for children to be in the care of the parents or adults they live with. But I must say this, it took everything I had not to go up to these boys and just hold them. We prayed for them on the spot and are continuing to do so. I will never know what happens to them but they have been lifted up to the "One" who knows it all. I gave my own son a big hug and kiss and told him again...how much I love him and how blessed I am to be his mom. I know his father feels the same. John is very appreciative of both his dad and I, but that night his eyes saw something that I don't think either of us will ever forget. Would these kids go home one day or would they go from foster home to foster home where they may be no safer than they were at their own homes? Would they be adopted? Or passed over for the coveted infant child? He said to me; "You know Mom this is why as much as I'd like a puppy, I'd really want to get an older dog because they're waiting to be adopted and nobody wants them."
Take a minute today, right now even, to tell your children how much you want them. Then tell them how much the Lord does! Don't wait...go do it.
"When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me." Psalm 27:10 Dina

January 1, 2008

January 1st, 2008

2007 is history.

Some of us experienced joy, some pain. Some got married or had children. Some of us lost or changed jobs, or started new ones. Some of us started caring for elderly parents, some lost parents. Some saw loved ones saved; some continue to grieve the hardness of heart. Some of us experienced financial reversal or bills too large to pay some gained an inheritance. Some are breathing freer again because they are finally cancer-free for others they are not.
As we stand on the precipice peering into 2008, with a full year ahead not yet recorded in history, we wonder, "What will the year hold for us?"

I am not particularly fond of New Years resolutions because simply by setting them we increase the likelihood that we will not keep them.
If we set our hearts on one thing, one thing only, and that is God's glory I believe we can experience great joy and peace as we glorify God in the midst of every circumstance simply by having faith and looking to Jesus Christ in hope.
To glorify God doesn't mean that we are skipping though life blissfully happy. We can glorify God moment-by-moment by keeping Him preeminent in all things even the difficult.
As of 12:00:01 am, last night we have 527, 040 minutes until 2009 dawns. Should the Lord give you all of them on this earth, how will you spend them? How many of those minutes will you claim for God's glory?
Let's finish each day over the next 366, making a valiant effort to claim every single minute to His honor, praise and glory, for He alone is worthy.

Happy New Year,
Diane