Burger Bites

By now I guess you have figured out from the way I write, that I am a plain and practical person. Many times when I read the works from other writers I feel like meat and potatoes and they are either a chocolate covered dessert or filet mignon.

Well, for those of you who feel a hamburger on a bun....guess what ....it is the number one favorite of many people in America. With life spinning out of control, the stock market going up and down and just feeling like everything is out of whack, I need some simple burger bites daily...how about you?

For years, my husband, when things go crazy in our home, reminds me that the Bible says....God is not the author of confusion. We need to take a minute and remind ourselves of this very principle. The Lord knew there would be times and days like these; and that these little bites of wisdom would be just what we would need to remind ourselves of. He is not the author of confusion, disorganization or fear, AMEN!

The discussion I hear from people across the board is the cost of living, the rising cost of everything, the fear of disease, the fear of what is to come and so on.

Let's take a minute and think about a few things the Lord tells us....Cast all your cares upon Him; God has not given us the spirit of fear; God is not the author of confusion; the Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want.

So what has changed in your life that makes you feel anxious, fearful, confused? We are at a time in our country and lives where we need to rethink how we do things, some practical changes are in order. A new budget might be needed, a look at how and what we spend, update our schedules, take some time to reorganize. These little things seem so small but in the big picture they can make a huge difference.

I find that when things are crazy I need to take the time and reflect on what changed and then come up with a new fresh game plan. Change in life is not easy for most people. It makes us feel unsettled and fearful. I like all my ducks in a row, but in my life with 2 boys at opposite ages, one being in his twenties and one in grade school and with disabilities, and a husband with a disability, and working full time and still trying to retain a life for Lynn as well...a new game plan is sometimes a daily task that needs to be done.

Looking at some practical things such as, having twenty four hours in each day and making sure we are using it wisely can make a difference. Many days it does not seem to be enough time....on those days I decide what is really important in life and what is not. Dishes can wait but spending time with our kids or taking time for the Lord is important and cannot wait. Reorganizing our homes, our cars, even our pocketbooks can make life a little simpler. I find that just by clearing out a closet and putting things in place... makes it easier each time I need to go into it. It saves time, keep things organized and less stress.

How about your spending, do you need to have a fresh game plan? At times we have complained that the cost of gas was at $4.00 per gallon but yet we spend $4.00 on a cup of coffee at the coffee shop that we don't even finish. We complain we have no money since the cost of living is so much. But if you watch the home shopping channels, people spend $1500 on a ring or another items and they sell out of these things before the show ends. Again, what is important? The Lord tells us in Proverbs to figure the cost and to see if we have enough money. Money is tight for every one of us and will continue to be....so refresh your budget and decide what is really important.

We are fearful when we watch the spread of the flu, etc....across the world. We worry that this could affect us. Again, take the time to prepare the best you can. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating correctly, taking vitamins, etc....keeping up with your health and not getting run down is not fool-proof that you will not get sick, but it can prevent many situations. Again, the Lord tells us to take care of ourselves.

These little bites or practical reminders might just be as simple as a burger on a bun and not filet mignon, but today is a good day to get practical. Take some time to reflect on God's practical verses and simplify your life.

Remember, He did not create confusion, fear and crazy life styles in our lives, we did. Yet the Lord is there to help take these feelings away and provide for us in so many ways. Ask Him today to be part of your practical life and to help show you the changes you need to make.

Lynn W.

Who are you living for?

2 Corinthians 5:15 "...and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."

The alarm clock clicks on and the morning weather report becomes audible. More rain. Yuk. DO DEVOTIONS. I'm too tired. I got to bed late last night and I didn't sleep well. I'm sure God understands. I'll get to them later. I doze off.

The hot shower feels good. PRAY. Father, thank You for another day.. I pray for Dana and her family as they go through this difficult time... Dinner - What should I take out of the freezer for dinner? I remember that recipe I wanted to try from Joan. Joan, I wonder how her niece is doing. Niece!? Saturday is little Elizabeth's birthday, I better get a gift.

The drive to work. PRAY. I turn on the radio instead. The music is soothing and after all it is Christian. What could be bad about that?

Lunch with a godly friend is enjoyable. She shares about how God is blessing her life through her Bible reading and study. Pangs of guilt and longing. Tonight, I'll spend time in the Word after dinner.

Driving home from work- daydreaming about mostly nothing. I'll call Mom - HANDHELD DEVICES ARE ILLEGAL WHEN DRIVING - oh, I'll be careful.

Dinner dishes are dried and put away. I'll read my Bible now, I mean right after I put that load of towels in the dryer, then I'll read my Bible.

On my way upstairs, I notice my husband is watching the ball game. I'm sure God wants me to spend time with my husband. COME SPEND TIME WITH ME. I'll read and pray before I go to bed.

Bedtime - I'm too tired to read the Bible, I wouldn't get much out of it. I'll read something else for a few minutes. In minutes, I'm asleep.

The alarm clock clicks on and the morning weather report becomes audible...

2 Corinthians 5:15 "...and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."

The choices you make today - are they evidence that you are living for yourself, or for HIM?

Diane

Father of Mercies

2 Corinthians 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort..."

Life without mercy would be a world hard to imagine. We often say or think "life is not fair" somehow imagining fairness is a good thing, and of course, in one sense it is. But, if all of life was fair, not just a few parts - the parts WE want to be fair - that would be a world painfully difficult to endure, IF we survived at all.

To begin with, redemption would not be a part of the picture. Salvation would not be available. Hope would evaporate completely. There would be no forgiveness of sins; our sins would not be cast into the deepest part of the sea or as far as the east is from the west. Instead, our sins would be a constant, increasing burden that would be unbearable. Guilt and shame would be our constant companions.

A world without mercy would be a world without justification; there would be no declaration of righteousness and we would not experience being a new creation nor enjoy the newness of life.

NO MERCY? None would be called because God's purpose would not be to express His gracious mercy in and to us.

Without mercy, no one would experience conversion, regeneration, sanctification or life transformation.

If life was fair, it would be a life void of mercy. Without God's mercy, the world and life would be....death.

Diane

Makeover

Have you noticed how many "makeover" shows there are on television lately? There are home makeovers, body makeovers, style makeovers, children discipline makeovers...it seems that everyone is trying to take what they have and have someone else make it better or make it totally new. Everyone is searching for the perfect makeover to make their life complete or perfect. I'm just wondering how long it takes after the makeover is complete and the cameras are no longer rolling when the realization that the new look may have made a more attractive appearance or a more comfortable life but that it is all just the "faÁade" that had been altered. The hole is still there and dissatisfaction with self or circumstances still exist even if the outside package looks prettier. The heart is still empty. There is a longing for true change from the inside out...the kind of true change that only comes from a heart transformed by Jesus Christ.

Don't get me wrong... I'm not against makeovers per se, but if it is only the outside that is changed then what is rotten on the inside will eventually make its way back to the outside.

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because they were so concerned about outward appearances. And from that perspective, the outside, they looked great. Jesus was much more concerned with what was on the inside.

Matthew 23:25-26."Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean."

Jesus could see the "inside." He could see their hearts and from that perspective it was pretty ugly in there. All Jesus could see was self-centeredness and greed. All they could think about was "self" and how they could get more of whatever their hearts desired. Jesus had the answer for making the inside beautiful, clean and satisfied. I remember all too well how I used to be only concerned with the "outside," with the appearance of things, yet my insides were so disgusting....until I invited Jesus in to occupy my heart. Therein is the true "makeover," the only "makeover" that really matters. This "makeover" is not a temporary fix or window dressing but a change from the inside and lasts for eternity.

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old had gone, the new has come."

MaryAnn

MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 35 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of two grandsons. She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.

The Good Life

I have personally been attempting to read Proverbs on a daily basis, and I admit that I am fluctuating in my faithfulness to that task. My goal is to read daily the Proverb that matches the day of the month. Each time I read one of the Proverbs I am challenged in a new way. It would be great if I could do this to the point that I actually had them memorized. Having to admit my lack of discipline at times, I doubt that I can get to that place. So, I just continue to challenge myself to read them and receive my lesson for the day from Solomon. Let me share some thoughts from Proverbs 19 with you today.

Today, the media and Hollywood regularly attempt to define the "good life" philosophy and push it on each of us. Scripture has a whole different approach to living the "good life." Solomon had it all, but that's not what he attributed to the "good life."

Proverbs 19

1. Listen to instruction: vs. 16, 20, 27

2. Be kind to those less fortunate: v. 17

3. Discipline your children - help them stay on the right path: v. 18

4. Don't hang around with those that have no personal discipline in their lives: v. 19

5. Follow in God's ways, contrary to the view of finding your own path and making your own destiny: v. 21

6. Kindness and honesty are to be the norm in our lives rather than the exception: v. 22

7. Walking in the "fear" of the Lord leads to the "good life" and keeps us from evil: v. 23

8. Be diligent in all you do: vs. 15, 24

Are you experiencing the "good life?" Often we think or believe that the "good life" should just come to us, yet that is not what Scripture says... it tells us basically "if you do this... then you will know the 'good life'." Many of us are well acquainted with the verse in Romans 12, but repetition is good for us... it constantly reminds us that if we want to know what is "good" then we need to not follow the way of the world, but follow the ways of God.

Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Lynne Jahns

The Importance of God's Name

One thing that makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck is how often Christians will say "Oh, my God." And they aren't praying or talking to Him either. It is so common today for God's name to be used flippantly and in casual conversations. I hear callers on Christian radio who learn they have won a prize just scream these words. I hear the mis-use of God's name in this way from so many Christians and I have to wonder if we realize what we are saying. The last straw for me was seeing a necklace in a local department store with a charm that reads "OMG." Are you kidding me? I know that if I were to use the name of some other religious gods or leaders like this I would offend others and certainly would hear about it. Christians and non-Christians are getting into this habit of misusing God's name and few seem offended. Why is it OK to misuse the name of God?

Malachi 1:6 says the priests of Israel treated God's name with no honor or reverence and they even went so far as to despise the name of God. The third commandment reads: "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain" Exodus 20:7 (KJV). Our English word for "vain" is the Hebrew word "shaw." It means "emptiness, nothingness, or vanity, in the sense of being ineffective or lacking in purpose." The English word "take" is the Hebrew word "nasa." This means "lift, lift up, to bear, carry support, sustain (can be literal or figurative)." To lift up the name of God in an empty manner or without purpose is taking God's name in vain.

If we want to develop a healthy fear of God we need to understand that God's name is not to be used as empty slang. He will hold us accountable. Malachi 1:14 ends on how God's name is to be treated - "For I am a great King" says the Lord of hosts, "And my name is to be feared among the nations."

Taking God's name in vain can be even broader then just our speech. As servants and representatives of Jesus Christ everything we do is a reflection of God's name. Every action and attitude represents the name of God. "Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed" 1 Timothy 6:1 (NKJV).

Is God worthy of your honor? Today will you and I work on honoring His name in speech, thought and action?

Kathy Withers

Kathy serves in Guest Services. She is married to Dave and mom to Michael and Kerri.

I'm proud of you

Sitting under the teaching of Dr. Steve McVey is always refreshing and often startling. This year as he spoke for Victory Week 4 it was no different. *

Monday evening, 8.10.09, Dr. McVey said he had a word for us (the audience), seriously, a word from our Father for each one of us. There were snickers and chuckles and shifting in the seats. He said, "I'm serious. I believe God wants me to tell you this. Are you listening?" Pause.

"YOUR FATHER IS PROUD OF YOU. HE ADORES YOU."

That truth struck me at my very core. My heavenly Father is proud of me. WOW. I was startled. Could it be? Is He proud of me? I immediately thought of my earthly father - they were not words I remember hearing from his lips to my ears but oh, how he told others, who would tell me, "Your father is so proud of you." I distinctly remember coming home from school one day after being surprised to receive an award for soccer that season to find a poster prepared by my parents sitting on the kitchen table. The only statement I remember seeing (among the others) was: "We are proud of you." That is the one time I ever remember "hearing" those words from either of my parents. Don't get me wrong, I grew up in a great loving and supporting "normal" family. No complaints. But I do not recall having those words in particular spoken to me.

Fast forward to my time at America's KESWICK. Pastor Bill Raws bore a striking resemblance to my dad. He "adopted" me, in a manner of speaking, and would come up to me after I spoke during a service, give me a hug and say, "I'm proud of you." It brought tears to my eyes every time.

Pastor Bill has graduated to glory and my own dad continues his ongoing struggle with Alzheimer's BUT MY HEAVENLY FATHER IS PROUD OF ME. Dr. McVey's words struck a cord in my heart. As I retold a friend of McVey's word from God, tears instantly sprung to her eyes for she, too, needed to hear, "YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS PROUD OF YOU."

How about you today - as you consider the truth that God is proud of you - does it minister to your soul?

As you go through your day today, allow this thought to marinate in your mind: My Heavenly Father is proud of me.

Diane

*All of the speakers during our summer conference season are excellent and well worth the time to join us in person or watch live on-line. To watch on-line, log into our website www.americaskeswick.org at 7:00 pm (Sunday-Thursday), or 9:30 am (Monday-Thursday) and scroll about half-way down the page in the center column and select the WATCH LIVE button.

More of God

O Lord, My God, How my heart yearns for more of You...or at least that's what I say. I believe I do and yet, my actions speak otherwise. I understand that to reap the benefits of a strong devotional life, I must actually have one. Though I read the Bible pretty regularly, I often fail to get much out of it. Yet I do not tarry until I do.

Lord, I know only the Holy Spirit can illumine Your Word to my heart and mind but I honestly must ask, do I give Him opportunity to do so? I fail to exercise the discipline necessary to drink of the sweet nectar of Your Word.

O Lord, change me.

Diane

Growing in Grace

"He who grows in grace remembers that he is but dust, and he therefore does not expect his fellow Christians to be anything more. He overlooks ten thousand of their faults, because he knows his God overlooks twenty thousand in his own case. He does not expect perfection in the creature, and, therefore, he is not disappointed when he does not find it. When our virtues become more mature, we shall not be more tolerant of evil; but we shall be more tolerant of infirmity, more hopeful for the people of God, and certainly less arrogant in our criticisms." - C.H. Spurgeon

I read the above quote today, immediately after entering my office in a huff over the glaring fault of another Christian. His flesh and my flesh had collided (in my head) and I found myself angrier than I have been in a long time.

It's just like Father God to use that occasion to teach me something about me and to remind me - once again - that IT AIN'T ABOUT ME! Now surely we all agree that is a no-brainer. Of course it's not about me. Yet, here I am, annoyed, irritated and hindered by policies and/or procedures that don't make sense. Top that off with here is Father reminding me that I am but dust, dust in need of a spiritual, Holy Spirit vacuum.

So what is today's encouragement toward living in visible victory? Simply this:

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." ~~ Philippians 2:1-131

"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." ~~James 4:6-102

Stephanie

1 www.biblegateway.com (bolded emphasis mine)

2 www.biblegateway.com (bolded emphasis mine)

A Fool

A "fool" isn't something we are supposed to strive to be. It's not something that I want to be called. The online dictionary defines a fool as: 1: a person lacking in judgment or b: one who is victimized or made to appear foolish ...3 a: a harmlessly deranged person or one lacking in common powers of understanding 1

This certainly is not very flattering. The Bible has much to say about fools as well...and 99% of what it has to say is not complimentary either. Here are a few examples from scripture:

Psalm 14:1 "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good."

Proverbs 10:14 "Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin."

Proverbs 24:7 "Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say."

I read many verses in regard to the "fool" and the Bible has many warnings against fools and foolishness. And then I came across the Apostle Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 4:10: "We are fools for Christ..." In this verse Paul is proud of being a "fool" but not just any old fool but a "fool for Christ." It may have appeared to the "world" that Paul and the followers of Jesus were fools. They were made to be "spectacles" or jokes to the world (vs. 9). They appeared to be "weak," and without honor (vs. 10). They were homeless, starving, thirsty and wore rags for clothing (vs. 11). They had been mistreated and tortured. What was their response to their circumstances and the way were treated?

They worked hard, blessed those who cursed them, they endured hardship and answered cruelty with kindness (vs. 12,13). Yes, to the world it would appear that these followers of Jesus Christ were indeed fools to continue in their faith. But for Paul, it was a badge of honor to be called "a fool for Christ."

When I think about it, there are some non-Christian friends and family members of mine who may not have spoken the words "you are a fool!" to me but have conveyed it in other ways. I have not endured the hardships that the early Christians endured and hopefully I never will. I don't want to be known as a fool but....

If I'm known as a "FOOL FOR CHRIST" I will wear it as a badge of honor following in the footsteps in a long line of "fools."

"A FOOL FOR CHRIST."

I think that would make a great bumper sticker! Don't you?

MaryAnn

MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 35 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of two grandsons. She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.

1 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fool retrieved 7/9/09

The SEVEN C's of Living

I love to camp and hang out in the outdoors. Recently, I was cleaning out my trailer and I found a flyer from a campground in Florida. It was apparently left there from the previous owner, since I haven't been to Florida with my RV yet. To be honest, it's old and I don't know if it would make it there and back. Anyway, that's a whole other subject...

I was reading this flyer and noticed that they listed "The Seven C's of Camping." As I was reading them, it dawned on me that although they applied to camping, they really applied to all aspects of our life. So, I share them with you along with Bible Verses that give them credibility and application to our lives.

Care: "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." (Psalm 55:22) "After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church." (Ephesians 5:29)

Caution: "Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Courtesy: "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;" (1 Peter 3:8)

Cleanliness: "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes." (Isaiah 1:16)

Cooperation: "for as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of the one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.... that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another" (1 Corinthians 12:12 &25).

Conservation: "Six years you shall sow your land and gather in its produce, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow." (Exodus 23:10-11) - Creation praises God (Psalm 148)

Common Sense: God created people with a natural ability to make sound judgments based on facts. It's a form of wisdom that's part of God's grace to humans everywhere (Prov. 1:1-3; 3:5-6; 4:11). "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth." (2 Tim. 2:15)

So how are you doing? Is there a "C" you need to work on?

Don't forget the most important "C" in our lives...

"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." John 20:31

Lynne Jahns

How Much Do I Love You?

My husband, Dave, is always freely telling me that he loves me. I don't know when it began but I started to reply to his "I love you" with "How much do you love me?" I just wanted sweet and creative answers but after awhile he would just roll his eyes because he had nothing new to say and it would frustrate him to have to try to come up with another clever response. I still like to ask just to pick on him!

Malachi 1:2 says this: "I have loved you," says the Lord, "Yet you say, 'In what way have you loved us?'"(NKJV). I began to wonder had I ever presented this question to the Lord myself? I know that I have. Especially when trials and tribulations have come my way it is a question that, if not spoken, I certainly have thought. How can you love me and let _____ happen? If you loved me then you would do ____? I also know that the love of God is easy for me to take for granted. I can also minimize His love by defining love by the standards of this world. (God's love is based on action and fact. Is Christ's shed blood and death for you and I not enough for us to know how much He loves us?)

Sometimes hearing "Jesus loves you" has become so familiar I have to question whether you and I hear it or know it anymore. For example, in my Bible study of Malachi I was asked to note the nature of God revealed in a series of verses. The first verse was John 3:16. I hate to admit that the first thing that went through my head was - I have read that a million times! But I opened to John 3:16 and in line with the question found out several things about God's nature and character. John 3:16 revealed to me that God is love. He is giving, a redeemer, Savior, and provider of eternal life. WOW! That was a sweet way for God to remind me of all He is to me and all He has done for me! In this familiar verse I found a new way of seeing God's magnificent love and He told me just how much He loves me! I just needed to come to that verse asking a new question. Approaching a verse while questioning who, what, where, when and how often will reveal new insights.

Are you deep in the midst of trials and tribulations and questioning God's love for you? Has your quiet time and Scripture reading become dry and dull? Have you forgotten your First Love? Let me encourage you to read a verse or two that mentions God's love. Go ahead and ask Him, "How much do you love me?" but then also ask "What does this verse tell me about God's love for me?" "How is God's love revealed to me in this verse?" "Who is God showing Himself to be in this verse?" God has never been stingy about telling us how much He loves us. He never tires of telling you just how much He loves you. AND He can be very creative with His answers!

Kathy

Kathy Withers serves in Guest Services at America's KESWICK. She is married to Dave and has 2 adult children, Michael and Kerri.

Coasting

Recently, in a small group leaders meeting, one of the men confessed that he often coasts in his Christian walk. Rather than gasps and tongue-clucks, most of us nodded our heads in agreement. How about you? Are you prone to coast in your Christian walk? I am certainly guilty, guilty, guilty.

You ask, what is coasting?

Coast: "to move along without or as if without further application of propulsive power... : to proceed easily without special application of effort or concern."1 To move along without further propulsive power... assuming the initial push is sufficient.

What does that look like in our Christian walk? Haphazard devotions, short or insignificant prayer times, half-hearted church participation or service, distracted by life, going through the motions, looking good on the outside but knowing on the inside there is a superficial walk at best, doing just enough to get by and look good doing it. Perhaps you take the lily pad approach, hopping from one spiritual experience to another with very little substance in between. I cannot deny that all too often, I coast. What makes us think we can maintain a vibrant, life-giving, life-sustaining, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ apart from significant, dedicated, intentional time, attention and devotion to Him?

How intentional are you about deepening your relationship with Jesus Christ? Are you regularly, daily applying fresh propulsive power? If we coast on flat ground, we immediately begin to lose momentum and eventually stop. And that is on flat ground. How about the uphill road of sanctification and holiness? If we coast, we immediately lose momentum, stop ever so briefly, right before we begin plummeting down the hill.

Let me encourage you not to push your Christian walk into the category of, "when I have time," because you never will have time. When you make it a priority, you will find time to spend with Jesus, memorize Scripture, meditate on the Word, pray, and worship. Go to Him daily, moment-by-moment for a fresh supply of His power.

Diane

1 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coast[2] accessed 07.23.09

Time Three

Today is the final chapter of Martha's vignette. What we've been given is a glimpse into the possible life of many a believer - maybe even you. For me, this snapshot has been a serious hug from God. Only a loving Father cares enough to teach us, rebuke or correct us and then draw near enough to allow us to lean way, way in and rest our weary, repentant and sorrowful heads in and under the shadow of His wings.

Psalm 36:6-8 speaks to us of God from history past, "How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your delights."1

The Message, -a Scripture paraphrase- sets the pen to paper in a way that is full of description. "God's love is meteoric, his loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, his verdicts oceanic. Yet in his largeness nothing gets lost. Not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks. How exquisite your love, O God! How eager we are to run under your wings, to eat our fill at the banquet you spread as you fill our tankards with Eden spring water." Psalm 36:5-8

Dear sisters, we don't have to be thirsty or hungry! Let's invite Him who is the Bread of Life into our day. Let's taste and see that He, the Lord, is good.

Who but God is big enough to be all and everything we need Him to be? Who but God can take our time and somehow multiply it, enabling us to accomplish all that He calls us to?

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Psalm 19:23-24

"Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about; see for Yourself whether I've done anything wrong then guide me on the road to eternal life." The Message Paraphrase

Remember we serve a God who is, "able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power in us." Ephesians 3:2

My Question for You: Will you allow God to try you concerning the time you are given?

Stephanie

Time Two

Yesterday we left Martha with 4.5 hours, to be all that she could and would be to all the people in her life that she was lovingly attempting to serve, in a godly manner. Now let's fast forward a few years in Martha's life. She's still attempting the same pace and yet she is no longer all that happy with herself or with life. Something isn't right. She can't remember the last time she felt good about her faith walk and she sometimes wonders if her faith is even real. After all, if it was, wouldn't she have more time to sit at the feet of Jesus? She can't seem to find any time for herself, let alone more time for her Lord. And if and when she does think about setting time aside for herself (which would include time with the Savior) she tends to feel a bit guilty.

Now, let me say right here and now - whether Martha should or should not feel the way she does is not relevant. The fact is - she does!

This puts us right back where we started, with my phone conversation. After examining an average day in my friend's life, she was actually relieved. She took a deep breath, exhaled loudly, and in so many words said, "Then it's okay for me to take time off in my day for me?" Of course it is. But...let's not forget what the Holy Spirit revealed to us. Remember what He said? He told us that our guilt, or put another way, our sorrow was due to our need for Him; a very real need which was not being met by the busyness that characterized our existence. So, while it is good to schedule yourself into your day, it is better still to schedule Him, Who Is above all earthly things, into your day. And do it in such a way that you experience His Presence. Dare we take a new step of faith and cease from our activity long enough to experience a true rest? Dare we call upon Him, seek Him and actually wait to find Him right there where we are?

"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

My Question For You? When is the last time you rested at the feet of Jesus?

Stephanie Paul

Time One

Today and for the next day or so I want to revisit a series of Victory Calls written a few years ago, as I believe the topic to be something that may well serve some of us in the present tense.

Recently, in conversation with someone regarding the use of our time, God by His Holy Spirit infused some very practical wisdom into our session. My friend shared with me how she often feels guilty if she takes time off to "just do nothing." I can't remember how many times I have heard those words spoken over the years, and often by some of the busiest women I know. As my friend and I talked about this guilt and why we seem to feel it regardless of our best intentions, the Holy Spirit stepped in and gave us an unmistakable answer. His words - not mine - were as follows: "The reason you feel guilt is because we, Father, Son and Holy Spirit have been absent from your day." We were both stunned by this revelation. However, we both had to admit to each other the extreme truth of it. Yes, we were both given to having many "mini" devotions and yet, peace was definitely lacking. There just didn't seem to be enough time in a day to accomplish all the tasks that we set for ourselves and still have time for more meaningful moments of repose before the God of our salvation.

I'm sure at this point God chuckled at our silliness. We all get 24 hours, no more, no less. If this is what God has given us, then surely it is sufficient. As our conversation continued, the Holy Spirit led me in a very practical way to "get real" about the time that we have.

Since it will be impossible to share all of this with you in one Victory Call, I'll spread it out over a few days, so as to do justice to what God shared with us. I believe with all my heart that this is applicable to so many of us and my sincere hope is that we are challenged to draw near, and nearer still, to God.

I pray that we will be unafraid to do as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes 1:13, to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven, as it relates to pursuing communion with God. If it means I get disciplined and organized in the use of my time, then I am willing.

My Question For You Today: What does time with God look like in your daily life?

Stephanie Paul

Another Loss

I recently lost a nephew. Whenever you lose a loved one, your heart is in pain. This loss was a particularly difficult one. My nephew, Steve, was 49 years old and an addict for over 3/4 of his life. He was found dead behind a warehouse with a bottle of booze in his hand. He died helpless and hopeless. This just breaks my heart....

I spoke to Steve a little over a year ago. I had hoped to get him to come to the Colony of Mercy. He had been to dozens of rehabs over his lifetime and was kicked out of more than he could remember. I shared with him that Jesus was the only one that could set him free from his addiction but he never called me back. He felt hopeless and I guess my words failed to reach his hopeless heart.

My position at the Colony of Mercy is as the Intake Coordinator. I speak to hundreds of people...men who want to come to the Colony, family members hoping to have their dad, husband, son or brother come to the Colony. I share the hope of victory and freedom through Christ; I pray with them, I give them hope from the Word of God. I can help others but my own family members reject the hope of Christ. Perhaps you know the feeling of trying to share the love of Jesus, the gospel message with those who are closest and dearest to your heart only to have them reject it or think you're out of your mind.

Chaplain Jim reminded me that my Savior was rejected by his own family. They thought He was out of his mind.

Mark 3:20-21 "Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, 'He is out of his mind.'"

How sad, how the heart of Jesus must have been broken...this was His mother Mary, His brothers and sisters and they thought He was crazy! He was fully human and fully God. And in His humanness I can imagine how deeply this hurt Him. I don't dare compare my pain of family rejection to His, but my Jesus knows how I feel.

The attitudes of Jesus' friends and relatives in His hometown even limited what He could do there. I'm sure He wanted to help each one in His hometown, yet couldn't.

Mark 6:4-5 "Jesus said to them, 'Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house, is a prophet without honor.' He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them."

Jesus could have taken the rejection to heart and allowed it to affect His ministry. Yet Jesus knew that there was much work to be accomplished in the short time He had. So He continued to spend time with His Father in prayer and receive the strength and power to do His Father's will. So that when His ministry on earth was done and He hung on the cross, Jesus was able to say "it is finished."

I want to be found faithful for the task the Lord has for me as well....but it's difficult and at times discouraging. So I can do no less than follow the example that Jesus left for me. I, too, need to seek the Lord through prayer and spend time with God...I can't do what God has called me to do except for Jesus who lives in me.

Praise the Lord for the promise in Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

MaryAnn

MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 35 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of two grandsons. She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.

Honor and Reverence

Malachi 1:6-14 lists the grievances the Lord had towards the priests and people of the time. God received no honor and no reverence. The sacrifices that were being offered were lame, sick and blind. (Lev. 22:20-25, Deut. 15:21) The sacrifices were offered with an insincere heart that despised God's name and they had become weary of doing the requirements given by God.

How about you and me? We also can become haphazard in our worship and become weary of doing things God's way. God required honor and reverence, yet how often do we contemplate His position in that way? If we only see God as our friend and good buddy then we do not see Him in His totality. If we are weary of serving and living for Him, then what position has He taken in your life? Who is it that is being exalted?

Kathy Howard shares in her study a story about one of her children who had some candy. When she had asked for some, the reply was, "Sure, Mom you can have all the green ones!" Hum? I have done the same thing with bags of candy- I like the red Starbursts and all the Skittles but the green ones. Those would be the first I would offer. Do I do this to God? How does He view me when I only offer Him the pieces I don't like? I suspect He is not pleased with me either. When there is no fear of God and there is no honor of Him, it will show in our actions. We will get sloppy and God is not pleased. God's sacrifice for us, Jesus Christ, was a perfect sacrifice. Could you and I say we are a holy, living sacrifice being offered to Him today?

As you begin the day consider inserting your name in the verse below:

"And now, ______, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord's commands and laws, that I am giving you today for your own good." Deut. 10:12-13 (NLT)

Also, remember:

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Psalm 51:17).

Kathy Withers

Kathy serves at America's KESWICK in the Guest Services Department. She is married to Dave and has two children, Michael and Kerri.

But it's hard...

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to tend to my sister's 6 children (2, 2, 9, 9, 9, and 10) for a week. I am still in one piece and so are they. I clearly understand why the Lord saw fit to give me only 2 children (now grown). As the week wore on, and the kids were missing Mom and Dad more and more and probably had enough of Aunt Diane, the verbal bantering seemed to increase. One morning as I was reading my Bible it dawned on me that it would be good to have them memorize a well selected Bible verse:

Ephesians 4:29: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (NIV). We worked on it all day. One nephew, in particular, was struggling, saying "It's hard," to which I replied, as any Aunt would, "Just because it's hard is no reason not to do it." Each in turn succeeded in memorizing the verse.

The morning after I returned from my "play week" I was reading the Bible and the Lord prompted me to take my own words to heart. Honestly, I have not been memorizing Scripture consistently in a long time. Do I believe there is great value in it? Absolutely! Do I believe it is needful and profitable? Absolutely! Do I encourage and even counsel people to memorize Scripture? Sure. Then why do I not consistently memorize the Word of God myself?

How about you? I would venture a guess of our close to 900 Victory Call subscribers less than 1/2, probably less that 1/4 of you are consistently memorizing Scripture. Why? Why are we not more faithfully hiding God's Word in our hearts? The number one reason I hear? It's hard. Just like what my 9-year-old nephew said.

It takes time and effort. Just because it's hard, is that a good reason not to do it?

Psalm 119:11 "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

Diane

God's Embrace

...as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:16-18

Oh, that we may really, really, really understand the embrace of God. For every believer, born-gain in the Spirit, He is our God and we are His people. He is our Father, we are His daughters.

As a grandparent, I know the delight and absolute joy of embracing my grandchildren. I want to hug them up real good, but alas they giggle, wiggle and squirm after a moment or two. I may want to hug but they want to run and play.

God delights in us and wants to wrap us in His everlasting embrace that says: I chose you. You are mine. I am your Father, you are my daughter. Forever and always.

Before rushing off to your busy day, would you take a moment and meditate on your Father's embrace, rest your head upon His chest and say, "Thank You. I love You."

Diane

The HEART

We think with our HEART... Genesis 6:5

We pray with our HEART...1 Samuel 1:13

We love with our HEART...Deuteronomy 6:5

We hate with our HEART... 2 Samuel 6:16

Our HEART deceives us...Jeremiah 17:9

Our HEART fears... 1 Samuel 28:5

Our HEART can become hardened...Ephesians 4:18

We seek God with our HEART...Psalm 27:8

We meditate in our HEART...Psalm 27:8

We can become proud in our HEART...2 Chronicles 3

With our HEART we rejoice ...1 Samuel 2:1

With our HEART we grieve... 1 Samuel 2

With our HEART we are faithful to God...1 Samuel 2

With our HEART we discern ... 1 Kings 3

With our HEART we store things... Psalm 119:11

With our HEART we sing and make music... Ephesians 5

With our HEART we repent...Psalm 51, Joel 2

With our HEART we believe... Psalm 51

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

Diane

Real Freedom

I recently was speaking to a woman on the phone when she told me that her pastor denies there is such a thing as addiction because it doesn't appear in the Bible. I'm glad I was on the phone so she couldn't see my jaw drop. The word "Trinity" doesn't appear in the Bible either but I wouldn't go as far as to deny its existence. I shared with my caller that the Bible does speak through and through about idolatry of which addiction is a form. She wholeheartedly agreed.

Far too often we consider idolatry to refer to bowing down to worship little statues with big bulging bellies, yet idolatry goes far beyond that. The more common idols today are idols of the heart.

Ezekiel 14:3-5 "Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts, and set the stumbling block of their iniquity before their faces. Should I indeed let myself be consulted by them? Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: Any one of the house of Israel who takes his idols into his heart and sets the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and yet comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him as he comes with the multitude of his idols, that I may lay hold of the hearts of the house of Israel, who are all estranged from me through their idols."

When we become convicted of the grip idolatry has on our hearts I think our first cry to God is that He remove them from our lives. I remember praying that God would smash the idol at the foot of the cross - it sounds good, but it didn't happen.

"The death of an idol comes not from it ceasing to be an idol, or from its removal, but it comes from knowing that I no longer have to serve it."1

That is victorious living. By the power and presence of Jesus Christ in me, I no longer have to serve any idols. I'm free to walk in obedience. Hallelujah!!!

Diane

1 Personal Quote - Lidia Mocelo

Do You Fear God?

I have been studying the book of Malachi over several weeks. I would like to share some of the things I have been learning from this small prophet at the end of the Old Testament. I am using a study called "Before His Throne" by Kathy Howard and have enjoyed searching the Scriptures each day over a nine week period. Kathy begins this study with teaching in depth about what it means to fear God.

What do you think fearing God means? Perhaps you have thought that fearing God means that we must be afraid of Him, terrorized or fearful. Is fearing God the same as the feeling in my stomach when the lights flash in my rearview mirror? Scripture clearly tells us that we are to fear God but what would a healthy fear of God be like? In Hebrew it is "yare" meaning to fear, be afraid; to stand in awe of, be awed; to fear; reverence, honor and respect. Fear often in Scripture may be translated as reverence, awe or worship. What would this fear look like if it were lived out in the life of a believer? The person who fears God according to Scripture is described as teachable, wise, one who seeks understanding, hates what God hates, is confident in Christ, seeks refuge in Christ, calls on the Father and glorifies Him. Those who do not fear God are described as those who do not seek the Lord, hate knowledge, seek their own way, are not righteous, do not profit, practice deceit and have no peace.1.

Malachi 1 clearly describes a people who had lost their fear of God. The sacrifices they offered were blemished, their attitude towards godly things became complacent and God's words and instructions became a burden. They no longer saw God as holy and they began to have a casual relationship towards God. How about you and me? Have we become one-sided? Do we think of God as only love, love, love and forgotten He is holy, holy, holy? You and I need to know all the attributes of God. When we do we will be humbled and we will have a fear of God because He deserves to be feared for who He is. A.W. Tozer says an encounter with the holiness of God "is an acute feeling of personal insufficiency in the presence of God the Almighty."2. In other words, He is God and I am not. Kathy Howard adds, "We must allow the fear of God to become a pervasive attitude that plays itself out in our thoughts, words and behavior. We can say that we fear God, but such statements are only words if our lives do not reflect a yielded obedience to Him. A proper attitude toward God will be evident in the way we live."3.

Again I ask, do you and I fear God?

Kathy Withers serves in Guest Services at America's KESWICK. She is wife to Dave and mom to Michael and Kerri.

1. Psalm 25:12-14, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:28-31, Proverbs 8:13-14, Proverbs 14:26-27, Romans 3:10-18, 1 Peter 1:17-19

2. "The Knowledge of the Holy" by A.W. Tozer

3. "Before His Throne" by Kathy Howard

Glorify God

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Not only are we to be like-minded, toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, but it is so that we may WITH ONE MIND AND ONE MOUTH GLORIFY THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

It all comes back to the glory of God.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Cor 10:31

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1Thess 1:11-12

There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Psalm 86:8-10

When together, our deepest desire, our greatest passion is for God's glory, we WILL be like-minded towards one another according to Christ Jesus and we will with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Diane

According to Christ Jesus

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6

This week we have been looking at Romans 15:5-6. Thus far we have considered that we are to be like-minded toward one another. But not only are we to be like-minded toward one another, but we are to be like-minded toward one another ACCORDING TO CHRIST JESUS.

As I have shared previously, last year I asked the Addiction Recovery Staff to pray daily Romans 15:5-6 for our team. Over time I realized I was leaving out the phrase, ACCORDING TO CHRIST JESUS. Just that short little phrase makes a big difference because it is a reminder that this is not about us anyway. Apart from Christ Jesus there is no hope of being like-minded toward one another; we are far too self-centered, self-appreciating to be like-minded toward others. But that's apart from Christ.

Remembering that we are to be like-minded toward one another ACCORDING TO CHRIST JESUS is like driving a stake in the ground, it brings our central focus back to Jesus.

Diane

Toward One Another

Romans 15:5-6 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Yesterday we considered that we are to be like-minded, but not only are we to be like-minded, but we are to be like-minded TOWARD ONE ANOTHER.

We can deceive ourselves that we are like-minded until we make it personal. It's easy to be like-minded in theory, but we are to be like-minded TOWARD ONE ANOTHER.

I wonder how much damage has been done when we gossip ABOUT ONE ANOTHER rather than being like-minded TOWARD ONE ANOTHER.

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." Colossians 3:12-15

Being like-minded is personal. We are to be like-minded toward other people, even the ones that rub us the wrong way (if you by chance have any of those in your life). We are to be like-minded toward one another.

Diane

Like-minded

I recently had the opportunity to speak at our Staff Chapel on Romans 15:5-6: Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NKJV)

This week let's consider briefly a few key points of this Scripture.

We are to be like-minded.

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by BEING OF THE SAME MIND, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." Philippians 2:1-3 (caps mine)

What does it mean to be like-minded? It does not mean that we all think exactly alike. Paul gives 3 descriptions of like-mindedness.

1. "Having the same love." It would be difficult if not impossible to be like-minded with someone that does not love Jesus. That is why God tells us not to be unequally yoked. "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"1

2. Being of one accord: "to be consistent or in harmony"2

3. Of one mind : "...walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call - one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."3

As followers of Jesus Christ, we have this in common with all other believers: We all love and serve Jesus Christ. This agreement provides a solid foundation upon which to build like-mindedness.

Diane

1 2 Corinthians 6:14

2 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accord accessed 07.08.09

3 Ephesians 4:1-6

Be Intentional

Every day 1440 minutes pass. Every week 10,080 minutes pass. Every month 43,200 minutes pass. Every year 525,600 minutes pass. What are you doing with your time?

Are you intentional in whatever God has called you to today? Time passes one way or another. Very little of value gets accomplished by accident.

Do you parent intentionally?

Do you worship intentionally?

Do you pray and meditate intentionally?

Do you encourage others intentionally?

Do you read Scripture intentionally?

Do you serve intentionally?

Do you love intentionally?

Do you forgive intentionally?

Do you befriend intentionally?

Do you submit to others intentionally?

Do you bear others burdens intentionally?

Do you seek to be holy intentionally?

Do you weep with those who weep intentionally?

Do you rejoice with those who rejoice intentionally?

Do you accept others intentionally?

What will you do with your 1440 minutes today?

Diane

Just Who is My Enemy?

When we consider the parable of The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) we recall the lawyer who stood up seeking to test Jesus and justify himself, asking Jesus, ìWho is my neighbor?î and Jesus replied with the story of the Samaritan that journeyed by the wounded man and stopped to care for him, even though Samaritans were considered dogs, enemies. ìSo,î Jesus asked, ìwhich of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?î In so doing, Jesus expanded their perspective of who was their neighbor.

Jesus told his listeners, ìëYou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,í and ëyour neighbor as yourself.íî Loving their neighbor didnít sound too bad until Christ challenged their idea of neighbor.

Now, instead of asking who is my neighbor, I want to ask you, who is your enemy? Yesterday, we read Matthew 5:44-45 where Christ commands his followers to love their enemies. It would be so easy to reverse the above situation. Rather than seeing our neighbor as someone close to us, relationally or geographically, Jesus broadens our perspective to include those that may not even be known or liked. Likewise, rather than seeing your enemy as someone remote from yourself that hates you and actively wars against you, would you consider with me those ìenemiesî that are close to you?

If you were to ask me if I had any enemies, I would be hard-pressed to name one. Are there people that are not fans? Yes. Are there people that I irritate? Yes. Are there people who would seek to avoid me? Yes. Are there people that disagree with me? Yes, even strongly disagree. Are there people of whom I am not a fan? Yes. Are there people that irritate me? Yes. Are there people who I may try to avoid? Yes. Are there people I disagree with, even strongly disagree with? Yes. Does that make them my enemy? Again, we are trying to apply the principle of ìwho is my neighborî in reverse. Could not my ìenemyî be closer than I think? I believe so.

What if we treated those close to us as our ìenemiesî biblically, when we disagree, argue, get angry or are in conflict? NOW STAY WITH ME BECAUSE IF YOU DRIFT HERE, YOU WILL COMPLETELY MISUNDERSTAND ME. All of us have times of opposition with those who are very near and dear to us. If we treated those dear ones as ìenemiesî according to Matthew 5, we would love them, bless them, pray for them and do good unto them which is far better than the way we are prone to treat those with whom we are in conflict, even family and friends. Am I right?

ìYou have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.î Matthew 5:43-45

Perhaps rather than asking ìWho is our neighbor?î we need to be asking ìwho is our enemy?î

Diane

Actively Loving My Enemy

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven" ~ NKJV Matthew 5:44-45

These are Christ's words to His followers.

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES... okay, sounds difficult and certainly not my preference but I can chose to love my enemies by God's grace. So far, it doesn't sound like I actually have to interact with them.

BLESS THOSE WHO CURSE YOU... okay, again, sounds difficult and certainly not my preference but I can chose to bless those who curse me by God's grace. I think I can ask God to bless them and still not have to interact with them.

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO SPITEFULLY USE AND PERSECUTE YOU... I can pray for my enemy and never actually interact with her.

BUT this is the one that stopped me dead in my tracks:

DO GOOD TO THOSE WHO HATE YOU... DO GOOD? Now this sounds extremely difficult, if not impossible, to actually do good to my enemies. This requires I interact with them. Now it's personal. It is going to cost me something to do good to my enemy as God commands.

In reality, all of these components of Jesus' words require a change at the level of the heart. If I genuinely seek to love my enemies, bless those that curse me and pray for those that spitefully use me - I will be seeking ways TO interact with them and do good unto them.

Will it cost me? You bet.

It will cost me time, requiring I sacrificially give it when in my heart I'd rather be doing something else.

It will cost me pride, requiring I humble myself.

It will cost me self-protection, requiring I trust Christ to be my guard.

It will cost me effort, requiring I go out of my way to find ways to serve my enemy.

It will cost me self, requiring I be more concerned with their needs than my own.

It will cost me the satisfaction of being right (if I am), requiring that I value God's glory above my own.

It will cost me in intention, requiring I seek ways to do good to them rather than ways to avoid them.

Does it cost us to follow Jesus? Absolutely, but not nearly as much, not nearly as much as it cost Him to make it possible.

Today, do good unto your enemy.

Diane

Fight the good fight but stop trying so hard

A few years ago, we studied Steve McVey's books "GraceWalk" and "Godward Gaze" in our Higher Ground women's group. The study was rich and life-transforming for many of the women. One of the truths that made such a huge impact on the women and continues to even today is stop trying and start trusting. So many of us go through our Christian walk trying and trying to measure up, falling short over and over, getting up and dusting ourselves off and making ourselves feel better by promising to do better next time. We are trapped in a vicious cycle of failure and trying harder and harder to be a good Christian. McVey's point is that it's already a done deal: Christ accomplished for us what we can never accomplish for ourselves: Live the Christian life perfectly. So rather than trying harder we need to rest in the finished work of Christ on our behalf. Trusting by faith that we are already perfected, holy, and accepted.

Recently, I have been reading "The Enemy Within" by Kris Lundgaard. Perhaps for the first time in my 26 years as a follower of Jesus Christ I am starting to really understand the battle of my flesh as a real enemy of the things of God. There dwells within me the law of sin that wars against the Spirit. (Romans 7:23) Now, don't misunderstand me - the only power the law of sin has over me is what I grant it because "For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2) But, whether through laziness, ignorance or self-centeredness, or more likely a combination of all three, I have granted my flesh, indwelling sin far too much sway in my life. I failed to recognize the mole - the enemy within. I was more intuned to the enemy without - temptations from outside of myself. Of late, I have been quickened in my spirit to be alert to the law of sin that resides within. "For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members." Romans 7:22-23 As I have gained understanding (even if feebly) of the enemy of my soul that resides within me, that is indwelling sin, which will remain until I see Jesus face to face, I am more and more certain that I must fight the flesh reckoning it dead.

At first blush - McVey and Lundgaard sound like they are contradicting one another; one saying stop trying start trusting, the other saying fight to mortify the flesh the enemy within. So which is it? Stop trying or fight?

Both....

We need to stop trying in our own strength to do that which Christ has already accomplished and trust in His finished work.

We need to fight to put to death the deeds of the flesh BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." Romans 8:13 We need to fight, not in our own strength but by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Please do not rush past this truth because this distinction is vital to our spiritual health and growth.

Take some time today and read Romans 6, 7 and 8 meditating upon the truths packed into these 87 verses. Savor them like a piece of rich chocolate, extracting every morsel of truth, allowing it to sink deeply into your spirit.

Oh, sisters, that we would be changed.

Diane

FINISHING WELL

A few months ago my Aunt had been ill and went through two major surgeries. I went to see her soon after the second surgery. Upon waking she told me that she didn't think she would be here much longer. I knew in my heart that that was probably the case. Aunt Jo continued her thought by quoting a familiar hymn, "This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long." She was an organist for many years and her love of music was always apparent. These words easily came to her mind. Here in trying times and near the end of her life her desire was to see Jesus and to praise Him all day long. It was hard and difficult to watch my aunt suffer over the last few months of her life, yet it was a privilege to see her finish well.

I share this because I am challenged at how well I will finish. Will Jesus continue to be the desire of my heart? If I make it to 87 years of age will my love for Him be as strong?

In the midst of pain and uncertainty will I cling to Jesus? As I face death will I waver or long to see His face? I hope to finish well but I know that my "finish" begins today. My finish is determined by the choices I make today. A little compromise today may be all that it takes to cause me to falter at the finish line.

If you feel like you have quit the race you can still get back in. If you feel disqualified you need only repent. Today may be the day you will choose to memorize Scripture and songs that will later carry you through dark valleys. Maybe today is the day that you need to choose to get back on track with your Savior, Jesus Christ.

Let these verses be your hope and goal today:

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God." Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV

Kathy Withers

Kathy works in Guest Services at America's KESWICK. She is married to Dave and Mom to Michael and Kerri.

Pick 2

I walked in to the doctor's office with my grocery list of symptoms. I try to get as much out of one visit as possible, so I make a list of things to discuss so I don't have to take the time off work to drive there and then sit for 45 minutes waiting for my appointment, etc. (I think that if we are made to wait more than 10 minutes from our appointment time, the fee should be reduced $10 for every 10 minutes we are made to wait). Anyway, I was ushered into the examining room after the dreaded weigh-in, blood pressure and temperature routine. I sat on the examining table with list in hand waiting for the doctor to see me. Finally, she came into the room - spotted the list and said, "I don't have time to deal with all those, pick 2." I was stunned. I quickly scanned my list hoping I selected the 2 most vital issues. My opinion of my former doctor dropped a few notches that day.

Recently, I was thinking and meditating about God and it occurred to me that I have never and will never enter His Throne room to hear Him say, "I don't have time for all that, pick 2." NOT EVER will He be too busy or too distracted by the affairs of nations and people or the workings of the heavens with the sun, moon and the billions and billions stars He is keeping in orbit to push me aside as unimportant. EVERY TIME I enter His Throne room, He gives me undivided attention as if I was the only one in the world. It is amazing to me that at that very same moment you, too, could enter His Throne room and He would give you absolutely undivided attention, as if YOU were the only one in the world. How great is our God!!!

Hebrews 4:16 "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Psalm 66:19 "But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer."

Diane

Secure It By Force

Recently, I've experienced what I would dub the most stressful time in my life, in a very, very, very long time. My emotions have run the full gamut, covering deep sadness, happiness, major irritation, glee, concern, sorrow, compassion, resentment, etc., etc., etc. I've never longed so much for peace. Peace, simple quiet peace, in my space, in my mind, in my soul and in my spirit.

What is peace? Webster's Online Dictionary defines peace as "the absence of war or other hostilities; freedom from quarrels or disagreements; inner contentment; freedom from strife; the absence of mental stress or anxiety." The list could continue, but I'm sure you get the point. When there is no peace, everything in you craves it, wants it and earnestly desires it. I can tell you, sisters, I have never so urgently desired peace as I have these past weeks.

Some of you may be wondering what was producing such stress in my life. I can assure you it is of little importance in comparison to what our faithful, loving, longsuffering Father has exposed in my own heart and life.

On the surface, I've learned that I do not personally have to be at war with anyone for my own peace to be disrupted, destroyed or stolen. A simple glance through recent history bears this out. How many men, women and children are awakened in the midst of their slumber by guerrilla warriors, who press in and take what does not belong to them? In an instant peace is gone, replaced by fear and trembling, and a plethora of many other untapped emotions.

Similarly I do not need to be full of hostility or anger to have my peace disturbed. Any number of you reading this devotion may live with or know someone who seems to live in a constant state of angst and whether he's coming or going, he can have an impact on you.

On a deeper level (which brings us to the bottom line) my own lack of peace existed for one primary reason. The answer was made plain to me in Isaiah 40:31, "But those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

The same passage in The Message Bible, beginning with verse 28, Eugene Peterson paraphrases it like this, "Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening? God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch His breath. And He knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts...but those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind."

In conclusion, dear ones, I spread my wings, I ran in my strength and I got tired! My strength was not sufficient to handle what was laid before me. I did not wait on God.

Today, with a loud voice I praise God that He is enough and I am ever so thankful that He never, ever sleeps or pauses to catch His breath.

My challenge for you is to make time with God an absolute priority. Even if you must secure it by force, do not neglect time with Him. He is the only Peace Giver and it is He alone who can calm the deepest longing our souls have.

Cling to Him sisters. Our lives depend on it.

Stephanie

Got Wisdom? II

We can learn much about wisdom not just in Proverbs but throughout the entire Bible. Each page, from Genesis through Revelation, is filled with wisdom, examples of those who were wise and those who were not. There is much for us to learn from those who did not walk in the way of wisdom and from those who were wise but failed to continue to put it all into practice and walk in obedience to God.

Solomon. The wisest man who ever lived. God blessed him with so much more than wisdom. In Second Chronicles 1:12 God says, "...And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have." It is very sad however to read further on about King Solomon. Yes, he possessed great wisdom but somehow he failed to practice what he preached and that brought him to a very low state in his later years. King Solomon allowed the other blessings God showered on him to go to his head and lead him astray.

Ecclesiastes 1:16-17 "I thought to myself, "Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who had ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge. Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly..."

Ecclesiastes 2:10 "I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure...everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind..."

There it is, Solomon seemed to have left wisdom behind and caved into any and all desires of the flesh that he could find. This is heartbreaking, the man that God blessed in abundance with wisdom, knowledge, riches, and power took his eyes off the One who gave it to him and chose the desires of the flesh which are meaningless and only temporary in satisfaction.

There is much for us to glean from the life of Solomon. We are truly blessed to have Solomon's book of wisdom, the Proverbs, but we have to remember the example of his life as well. If you and I possess wisdom and understanding but fail to daily walk in obedience, we will also fall into seeking temporary pleasures of the flesh that will lead to our downfall.

After all was said and done in Solomon's life, after all his pleasure seeking, he concluded:

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandment, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing whether it is good or evil."

My prayer for you and for me is that we will seek wisdom.

James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

But also that we would always put it into practice and never take our eyes off the One who gives it.

Matthew 7:24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."

Hosea 14:9 "Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them."

Mary Ann

MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 35 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of two grandsons. She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.

Got Wisdom?

Proverbs 4:7 "Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."

Have you ever prayed for wisdom? In my prayer time this request comes up often. Though too often I think I'm more worried about acquiring more "knowledge"...about the Bible, God, and Jesus. Knowledge is very good but knowledge alone is not wisdom. There needs to be knowledge combined with wisdom. However, there is still another essential ingredient that must be added to these two, otherwise all my knowledge and wisdom will be rendered useless. And that ingredient is the practice of wisdom...putting feet to the wisdom God has given...living in obedience to what God has revealed to me through His Word.

When Solomon became king of Israel, he understood that the task before him was great and daunting. Solomon succeeded his father as King of Israel. His father was King David and God himself said David was a man after God's own heart....How in the world could Solomon follow in David's footsteps?

In the beginning of Solomon's reign, God came to him in a dream and asked, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." (2 Chronicles 1:7) Solomon could have asked for anything but he knew he would need one thing more than any other. He was very young and inexperienced and so he knew what he needed beyond all else.

2 Chronicles 1:10 "Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?"

Can you imagine God saying to you...go ahead ask for anything you want and I'll give it to you? I certainly can't. I would like to think I would ask for the things Solomon did. Solomon knew that he needed wisdom and knowledge more than anything - even riches - to be able to rule as king of Israel.

King Solomon is still known as the wisest man who ever lived. God truly blessed him and we have the book of Proverbs filled with wisdom for all of us to glean from.

Proverbs 8:10-11 "Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her."

Proverbs 3:13-14 "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold."

Proverbs 2:1-6 "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom

and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Proverbs 2:10 "For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul."

So what about you? Got wisdom?

Mary Ann

MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 35 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of two grandsons. She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.

Though we deserve darkness...

In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. John 1:4-5

The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. John 1:9

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. John 9:5

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. John 12:46

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:15b-16

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1John 1:5-7

The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. Revelation 21: 23-24

Though we deserve darkness...He gives us light. He is light. We walk in the light because He is in the light.

Doesn't the eternal city sound amazing (Rev 21:23-24)? Where there will be no need of a sun or moon because the glory of God will give us light!! I, for one, am looking forward to that day when all darkness will be dispelled, never to be experienced again and we will forever live in the visible presence of HIS LIGHT.

Diane

Forgiveness Three

It doesn't matter how right you feel, how justified you think you are, or that you think you are righteous enough to somehow be exempt from being a forgiver. The truth is, apart from the grace of a holy, just and always right God, you and I will always sin and fall short. We can't live right enough to hold another person's soul captive in his sin.

And, just in case you think I don't get it, read what the Word of God says in Romans 3:9-11, "...what then? are we better than they? Not at all....for it is written, 'there is none righteous, no not one.'"

That means apart from the atoning, shed blood of Jesus - we have nothing. Before a holy righteous God we stand clean in Christ alone. It's in Him alone that our hope is found. It's in Him, Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, that we live and move and breathe and have our being.

So what does this mean? It means, we have to choose to let go again, again, again and again. And sometimes it means we have to pull the scab back and let the poison ooze out so we can heal.

Hey, I'm right in there with you. None of us has arrived or yet attained the prize. Let us not lose heart. Let's keep the faith. Let's finish the race. Let's endure for the prize, "the crown of righteousness," through Christ alone!

Stephanie

Forgiveness Two

"If you are harboring a root of bitterness, if you're holding onto unforgiveness, you need to examine yourself and see if you're really a Christian." --Dr. John Gerstner

When I first heard that statement I didn't like the sound of it at all. But as I ponder it, I think it is a fair question for someone to wrestle with.

Forgiveness is characteristic of those who are followers of Christ. If we are who we say we are then we must be marked by forgiveness.

One thing I can guarantee you is this, it ain't easy!! Not even a little bit. But I can promise you this - it is possible. How do I know? With God all things are possible!!

Something that God has to show me again, again and again is at that exact point that I am willing to hold an offense, a hurt, a wrong deed done against my brother or my sister - in that moment - I stand naked before God and in need of forgiveness myself. No exceptions. No ifs, ands, or buts about it!

I'm not sorry to tell you that you will never come up with a scenario from your life that will justify the harboring of bitterness, anger and resentment. So without being morbidly introspective, let's ponder the following questions for the purpose of being brutally honest in evaluating our own heart and life.

If you don't think you can be objective in this evaluation, ask someone whom you trust to help you.

* Are you a forgiver? - Do you choose, choose, choose to practice, practice, practice forgiving?

* Do you mull over, nurse, rehearse the things that are done by your husband, family, friends, etc?

* Do you withhold forgiveness until it feels right?

* Are you waiting for the offender to come and seek your forgiveness for hurting you?

* Are you holding them hostage by withholding affection, kindness, patience, love, intimacy, etc?

* Are you entertaining thoughts of how you can get justice?

* Are you praying for them?

* Are you keeping a list and checking it twice?

* Are you a Christian?

Dear sisters, I can tell you from experience and from observation, unforgiveness is poison. It will destroy you while you wait to do the right thing. See Acts 8:23

Stephanie

Forgiveness

To say that there is much confusion, misunderstanding and angst surrounding the word forgiveness would be a gross understatement. Forgiveness is a word that many of us are quick to say we practice and, of those who say so, much unforgiveness abounds.

I've heard a plethora of explanations that attempt to justify why forgiveness is not being offered and every single one of those explanations/excuses falls short of the standard clearly laid out for us in the pages of Scripture.

In Leviticus we read the following statement again and again: "In this way the priest will make atonement for them and they will be forgiven."

What's the premise? Atonement made; forgiveness granted. The end of it all is this -once atonement was/is made forgiveness/freedom comes. The offense no longer carries a penalty.

Leviticus 6:7 says, "In this way the priest will make atonement for him before the Lord and he will be forgiven for any of these things he did that made him guilty. Even those who sinned unintentionally were forgiven."

Let's look at a few more verses and see the foundation laid for us to follow:

Matthew 6:12 clearly says, "forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors."

In Matthew 9:2, Jesus forgives a man who didn't even ask for forgiveness simply because He saw his faith. Now that's one to pause and ponder. From whom are you withholding forgiveness simply because they haven't asked you yet?

In Matthew 26:27-28 Jesus took the cup, drank from it and said, "this is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

Luke 6:37 says, "do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven."

And finally, going back to Matthew 6:12-14, we read, "forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your father will not forgive your sins."

I don't think it can get any plainer than that. Do you?

So it's as clear as can be that we are never, ever given the freedom to hold an offense against another, not ever.

Stephanie