James 5:19-20 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Points to Ponder
It is not easy to challenge someone with the Truth when they have wandered away. I appreciate the word”‘wander” because so often that is how the slide occurs. It is not usually a mad-dash from truth to error but a slow meandering, one ever-so-slight compromise at a time. Have you found that to be true in your experience? The only way to genuinely help the wanderer (whether it be you or someone else) is to guide them to THE TRUTH, not someone’s interpretation of THE TRUTH but the Word of God. It is HIS WORD that has power, not ours. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” 2 Timothy 3:16. There is nothing better, more powerful, or sweeter that THE WORD OF GOD.

Psalm 119:9, 11 “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word… I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

Have a great weekend as we usher in the dawn of a new year. May 2012 be a year of great grace, joy, hope and delight in the written and Living Word.

Blessings,
Diane

Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” ~John 5:19

One of the believer’s greatest joys is being led by the Spirit. What a marvelous thing it is, to be, in a moment of time, experiencing something which you instantly and instinctively know is other than you! In other words it’s supernatural! It’s led by the Spirit and not of the flesh, lest we boast and seek to take credit for it! Ya’ll know what I mean!

Today’s air is crisp and cool and the sun shines brightly. The lower lake shimmers and ever so slightly ripples as the fingers of the wind pass over it. Joy wells up within as I behold the wonder, the glory that is creation! The joy I know because of the Creator! I get to share in it with all my senses for no other reason than I am fearfully and wonderfully made! In the image of Him, Who is above all things, we are created to live and move and have our being in Him!

Another joy I experienced today is prayer led simple and purely of the Spirit. Wow! So simple and sweet and such a God-moment!

I went over to the main building (Raws Memorial) this morning and in the process of printing something had a mini-conversation with a dear brother in the Lord! This brother loves Jesus!

There is no pomp and circumstance with him, no pretense, no posturing at the expense of others for us to get a better look at how wonderful he is. He simple is who he is!
Today I was privileged to catch a glimpse of Christ in him as he went from doing one of his daily task to standing a distance from me (he had a cold) and without a speck of fanfare, began to pray.

The hairs stood up on the back of my neck! I was on full alert because I felt the presence of the Spirit there in that moment!

One of the things he prayed, so powerfully, so struck me that I rushed out of the building and back to my office to write this victory call.

In essence, what this brother prayed spoke volumes to me because I saw in that moment the main reason I have been so tired and worn out lately…ok, for many months now.

Jesus said, “…the Son can do nothing of Himself…”

He went on to pray, “Lord, why do we think we can do it all or that we must do it all in our own strength when even you did nothing of Yourself?”

Dear sisters, I don’t know if this is speaking to you at all. Maybe it was just for me. But as sure as I know the flesh, I don’t think I am alone.

Be encouraged today to behold your God, Maker and King! Cry out to Him for the strength you know you do not have on your own to do what lies before you TODAY!
Pause and pray NOW! Don’t wait till later, till you’re less busy! You/we need His strength now to abide and endure to the end!

Stephanie

Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An “instrument of change” in the Redeemer’s Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America’s Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.

I heard a report from the Seattle area news about a bald eagle that apparently got tangled up in a rope. In his failed attempts to get free, he wound up thrashing himself against a fence and ending up in the water, still bound by the rope around his leg.

A number of people tried to help, but the eagle wouldn’t have any of it. An expert handler (the media dubbed “the eagle whisperer”), was called and he was able to sooth the eagle with his whistle and bird sounds enough so that he could place a blanket over his eyes. Once done, that calmed the eagle to a still and the handler was able to cut the rope that bound him. Holding this great American Eagle in a blanket as if it were a wounded baby bird, the handler uncovered the eagle, began stroking it’s mighty head while whispering, “Ah…I’m sorry you’re all wet.” You’d think they’d have just set him free. But instead they took him a few hours away to a bird sanctuary or what they called “bird rehab.” He’ll be recovering there for a few weeks, and then be returned to the location he was originally found. The handlers will even make sure he can still fly before they set him free again. Amazing!

Even more amazing is that eagles mate for life. The entire time this drama was unfolding the eagle’s mate sat perched up high watching every move with her eagle eyes. Helpless…not a word I’d probably equate with an American Bald Eagle. But what would her options be? She couldn’t very well go untie the rope from his leg. But I guess she could make sure no other predators took advantage of him while he was down. They anticipate that upon the return of the male eagle, they’ll find the female will have remained. Amazing!

I’m amazed at the faithfulness of an eagle and her ever watchful eye. But the most amazing detail of the story is that my God made this creature and He saw her mate drop to the ground with HIS EYE!

“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.” Matthew 10:29

It is that very Eye that watches over me, over us. Now that’s amazing!

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye.” Psalm 32:8

Man and woman made in His image…far more precious than the birds of the air, and always in His sight.

Dina Seaton
Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer

Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

I AM ALMOST FINISHED! As of New Year’s Eve, I will have completed my 47th year of reading through the entire Bible!

I started in 1964. Why then? I had been married five years and was expecting my third child. At that time we attended what would now be called a very legalistic church. Our pastor was also the Sunday school teacher of the adult class. Each Sunday he would ask every person, “How many chapters of the Bible did you read this week?” I generally mumbled “One,” or maybe, “Two.” I reasoned that surely I had read that many if I counted the Bible reading at church or surely in that Adult Sunday school class! Finally, I was tired of dreading that question, so I decided to join the others in our class who had taken on the challenge of reading through the whole Bible in a year. In those days, no one had heard of the One Year Bible. We did have a chart that began with Genesis and ended with Revelation. I checked that chart each day to find my assigned reading for the day. I was determined to follow the chart, and I was very methodical in my reading, and could proudly report the large number of chapters loudly to the class each week. I secretly hoped everyone was properly impressed because I was “so spiritual.”

All went well until June 25 of that year, 1964. Our 7-week-old son, Jimmy, was found dead in his crib by my husband, Glen, apparently due to SIDS. But this wasn’t supposed to happen to a “spiritual” person like me! I dutifully continued to read the assigned passages, but my heart wasn’t in it. After June 25, my reading was robotic. I knew I had not absorbed much, so I decided to try it again the next year. The reading did go better and was only interrupted by the fact I gave birth to twins on Christmas Day of 1965. Our identical twin boys were named Nathan James and Ethan Thomas. Ethan was the smaller of the twins and only survived ten days. Needless to say, my reading became robotic once again.

Life found a normalcy after that. We became 40-year residents of California. I raised three children and my reading became a very natural part of me. In 1983 Nathan was killed by a drunk driver. To say I “trudged through” my reading that year would be quite accurate, but I didn’t want to quit. My reading through the Bible each year had become a part of me.

I became the proud owner of a One Year Bible in the 70’s. That made the reading so much easier. I started with the Living Translation, and now have nearly every translation in my library.

If you have not adopted a devotional routine, I implore you to start now. I have learned so much by acquiring a routine of reading each day.

I have learned:
The Bible isn’t just a compilation of different books by various authors, but it all fits together. The One Year Bible presents a portion of the Old Testament, Psalms, Proverbs, and the New Testament daily. I am amazed to discover how each portion often covers the same topic or issue.

I normally sit down to begin my devotions with pen in hand so that I can underline the verses that speak to me specifically. I also have a notepad nearby so that I can jot down extraneous thoughts Satan will put in my way.

I’m certain that God sneaks extra verses into the Bible during the night because I had not noticed them before. 🙂

As I read through the book of Daniel, I realized that Daniel had to wait a long time for an answer to his prayer because the prayer delivery person had to fight the prince of darkness to get there! Have you ever considered praying for the prayer angel that he will have a safe and quick trip? I pray for the “prayer delivery” person now. The last thing Satan wants is for our prayers to be answered.

Many of you know that Glen and I live full-time in a motorhome…less than 350 square feet of space. I am often asked, “How do you find the privacy to have your devotions?” I answer, “That’s easy, when I’m done, I simply say, ‘Glen, you can get up now!'”

I urge you to take time to listen to God and talk with Him. He’s waiting for you!

Marilyn Willett Heavilin

Marilyn is a wife and mother, author, and international conference and retreat speaker. She and her husband Glen serve as Counselors-in-Residence at America’s KESWICK during the summer months.

Bill Welte, President and CEO, invites you to join him this year in reading through the Bible. Bill’s desire is not to add one more thing to your “to do” list, but to make reading the Bible a priority this year. Visit our website http://www.americaskeswick.org to download a copy of this year’s reading plan. Each daily reading contains portions of scripture from the Old Testament, Proverbs and the New Testament. You may also join Kathy Withers, Development Associate, on our America’s Keswick Daily Bible Reading Facebook page for weekly encouragement throughout the year as we make our way through the Bible in a year. Just a few minutes a day and you CAN read through the Bible in a year!

Christ-mas is past, but the Christ LIVES. I hope your Christ-mas was more meaningful than presents and food. I know it is something we have to be intentional about otherwise we can easily get caught up in the glitter and lights, food and family. Praise God that because Jesus came in the midst of all those fun things, we have a greater hope, an anticipation of a greater home and family. I wonder what it will be like in Heaven on Jesus’ birthday… Something to look forward to.

We are wrapping up our journey through James this week and because we still have 4 verses to finish, I hope you don’t mind but I am going to do 2 points to ponder this week rather than a commentary and Points to ponder for each (which I’d need 4 days for).

James 5:17-18
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

Points to Ponder
Can you imagine Elijah-like faith? He prayed in faith believing that his prayers mattered. Do you pray believing that your prayers matter? Honestly, sometimes I do, and sometimes I don’t. When was the last time you prayed for something so big that it was humanly impossible to accomplish? When was the last time you prayed for something that unless God did it, it would not succeed?

When I look at Elijah and read of his faith and prayer, I realize in comparison, my prayers are wimpy, lacking faith. I wonder what God would do if we just believed HIM for more. “And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief” Matthew 13:58.

Blessings,
Diane

Cross references:
A. James 5:17 : Acts 14:15
B. James 5:17 : 1 Kgs 17:1; 18:1
C. James 5:17 : Luke 4:25
D. James 5:18 : 1 Kgs 18:42, 45

What a fabulous season. Lights, food, parties, decorations, shopping, food, laughter, fires in the fireplace, food, cookies, Christmas carols, and bright-eyed children. I know not everyone sees the Holidays this way. For some it is a lonely, depressing time, a reminder of loss and yester-years. If you are in this latter group, would you zip me an email- I’d like to pray for you specifically that the Christ Child would warm your heart and your spirit and meet the longing of your heart in a way that only HE can.

James 5:16b The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working (ESV). The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (NKJV). The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (NIV). The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working] (Amplified).

Points to Ponder
I often say and am reminded personally that prayer is a great gift. As my children grew to adulthood and less and less was within my “control,” I grew to understand more and more that prayer is no small thing. I have learned to pray more in faith than in fear, but sometimes it is a mixture of both.

Can you classify your prayer life as fervent? Passionate? Earnest? I’m not saying that wimpy prayers don’t get answered, because God hears our hearts; some prayers don’t even pass our lips and God sends the answer. Prayers of faith, believing in the One that hears and has the power to answer to change circumstances and people. That is the One we pray to. He hears. He delights in giving good things to His children. He always, always, always is accomplishing His greatest glory and our greatest good.

So pray. Pray believing. Pray in faith. Pray for great things. Pray for impossible things. Pray that God be glorified. Pray because your prayers may be the very means by which God desires to accomplish His plans and purposes.

Have a great weekend. Take time to rest body, mind and spirit.

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America’s KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Footnotes:
a. James 5:16 Or The effective prayer of a righteous person has great power
Cross references:
A. James 5:16 : Acts 19:18
B. James 5:16 : Heb 12:13
C. James 5:16 : Gen 18:23-32; 20:17; Num 11:2; 1 Kgs 13:6; 17:22; 2 Kgs 4:33; 19:15-20; 20:2-5; Job 42:8; Prov 15:29

Christmas Day is a day we set aside to celebrate the Birth of Jesus, who came for the purpose of giving us Life Everlasting. For some, Christmas is also a time to give and receive gifts from family & friends, and to feast on bountiful food around the table. For others it may be a lonely time due to various circumstances. If you know someone that is spending Christmas alone, if possible invite them to your home to enjoy some company, and to take part around the table for some delicious food. But most importantly, keep Jesus in the celebration – He is the best gift of all – He is the Messiah – The Savior of the world. “Share the gift.”

Share His Mission: When Jesus became 12 years old, He understood His Mission on earth; when Jesus was about 30 years of age, He began to proclaim the Good News. The Scriptures tell of the many rejections that Jesus endured during His time of ministry on earth. Why? Because some didn’t believe that He was the Messiah, and others bullied Him and falsely accused Him.

Jesus is the reason for Christmas. Jesus’ story is the best story ever told because His story conveys His love for us, and expresses how much He understands our circumstances. I’ve heard some say, “But He is God, so how can He know my pain?” Have you read His story? If you have, then you know that He suffered much, and far more than we can ever imagine. Philippians 2, “Christ’s Example of Humility.” “Let each of you look not only to our 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” Philippians 2:4-9 (ESV).

Yes, Jesus loves us, and He understands our journey on earth.

And the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth – John 1:14 (ESV). Jesus left the splendor of Heaven knowing His destiny – that is love! I wonder how I would have felt if I was living during the time of Jesus’ time on earth? Imagine walking alongside of Him; hearing His voice live; having eye contact and touching Him. However, I can’t imagine witnessing His death on the cross. Praise God – He is Alive!

Will you receive His love without performing or doing anything you can do for Him? Try to envision God’s love for you out of sheer joy over your presence with Him. He loves you, desires you, values you, and is emotionally attached to you. God is all- powerful, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and worthy to be praised!

Merry Christmas!
Pat Spies

Women’s Ministry Volunteer
DIGGING DEEPER

James 5:16b The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working (ESV). The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (NKJV). The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (NIV). The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working] (Amplified).

Or so the popular Andy Williams song goes. The lyrics talk about the joys of shopping (although did you know that online shopping has increased by over 17% just this year?) I, on the other hand, do love to be in the mall one day, just to capture all those special Christmas joys – huge crowds, even “huger” lines at the cashiers, rude customers, even “ruder” sales people, being cut off or followed to my parking space in the lot by at least 5 people wanting my spot, etc., etc. You know – all of the things that spell Christmas for so many people at this time of year.

But concentrate on the words – “it’s the most WONDERFUL time of the year. It’s the time when the WONDER of God’s love for me as a sinner, thinking I was basically a “good” person, shot through all of my defenses and left me as I was – fallen, cut off from God, living a lie and thinking that all the good things I was doing were going to be enough to cover my pathetic state when I came to stand before a righteous God trying to “explain” why I had rejected the most WONDERFUL gift of all.

Look at what the Bible says in Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called WONDERFUL. . .” There’s that word again – “wonderful.” Not just a description of the season we are in, but the very name of Christ Himself, Wonderful.

So as you do whatever it is you do at this time of year to ready yourself for the birth of our WONDERFUL Saviour and Lord, remember the words to the song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” because Jesus Christ IS Wonderful and it is He who brings the season of Wonder to us, not only at Christmas but every day of our lives.

Lynn Randall

Lynn Randall is the Director of Human Resources at America’s KESWICK. She is active in her church and is a gifted planner and organizer. She has a real heart for people as evidenced by her care, concern and practical encouragement.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:16b The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working (ESV). The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (NKJV). The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (NIV). The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working] (Amplified).

“For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light” Psalm 36:9.

At this time of year many songs are heard of the Christmas season and the birth of Christ. I have, for as long as I can remember, sung this song and have not enjoyed the true context of the words. The song that is profound to my heart is “Silent Night.” The words are insightful to the accurate meaning of this season. At this busy season, let’s take a moment to have a silent night.

It’s good to realize, all is calm and bright, and a child from a virgin mother is born, a seed of the woman; the word of God. The infant is Holy, tender and mild; it’s beautiful to ruminate in heavenly peace. It had to have been an amazing sight the shepherds quaked. Many activities in heaven were taking place: hosts were singing and glories streams from afar. Even the sky is lending its light and angels sing. God’s love in pure light and redeeming grace for the world, a Savior is born! God in magnificent greatness sends His Son to be born for me. Accepting the Son of God, I can be forgiven of my sin, and the Holy Spirit is always with me. God has given me a perfect gift.

Silent Night, Holy Night,
All is calm, all is bright
‘Round yon virgin mother and child,
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, Holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing alleluia.
Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night, Holy night,
Wondrous star, lend thy light.
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King,
Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night, Holy night,
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Glory to God!

Sandra Roman
Staff Member – WOC Graduate

DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:16b The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working (ESV). The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (NKJV). The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (NIV). The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working] (Amplified).

Monday. Perhaps Mondays are difficult for you as you get back into the week to week flow – work, cleaning, cooking, putting away toys, appointments, etc. But this Monday – is just 6 days from Christmas, and as I sit here typing this listening to Christmas music, I am very aware that I still have quite a bit to do. You too? The temptation is to be focused on getting everything done while losing sight of the Redeemer, born to die for you and for me. Please take time this week to sit a spell with the Savior. Worship Him. You don’t even have to talk!!!!

We are closing in on the last few verses of James. This week we are reminded of the awesome power of prayer.

James 5:16b The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working (ESV). The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (NKJV). The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (NIV). The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working](Amplified).

Commentary
“The effective…avails much. The energetic, passionate prayers of godly people have the power to accomplish much.” [The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur pg. 1897]

Fervent means “exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling” (http://www.merriam-webster.com)

“The great advantage and efficacy of prayer are declared and proved. … He who prays must be a righteous man. The prayer itself must be a fervent, in-wrought, well-wrought prayer. Such prayer avails much. It is a great advantage to ourselves, it may be very beneficial to our friends, and we are assured its being acceptable to God.” [Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume by Matthew Henry pg. 1938]

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America’s KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Footnotes:
a. James 5:16 Or The effective prayer of a righteous person has great power
Cross references:
A. James 5:16 : Acts 19:18
B. James 5:16 : Heb 12:13
C. James 5:16 : Gen 18:23-32; 20:17; Num 11:2; 1 Kgs 13:6; 17:22; 2 Kgs 4:33; 19:15-20; 20:2-5; Job 42:8; Prov 15:29