Do you remember the television series “The Six Million Dollar Man”? I recall the scenes where Steve Austin, played by Lee Majors, would be doing things at great speeds yet they were actually shown in slow motion – with sound effects added! I feel like that today. I feel like I am moving, getting things accomplished, moving forward but yet, at the same time, I feel like I am moving through molasses! How can some things seem to go so fast, yet I feel so stuck?

It has been 8 months since my sister-in-law went home to be with the Lord and 5 months since my mother-in-law also saw Jesus face to face. It seems like yesterday and years ago at the same time. How did time move forward so quickly? Other parts of my life and my own grieving process seem to be going so slow. I wish I could spell it but you know the sound effects that would play over Steve Austin’s bionic moves? That sound is how life feels.

Recently, I read Psalm 94. What jumped out at me were verses 19 and 22.
“When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul. But the Lord has been my stronghold, And my God the rock of my refuge.”

I know my anxious thoughts are adding to and even creating in me the mix of molasses that I am trying to walk through. I must seek after God’s consolations. He alone is the source of my comfort. He alone can bring delight where there is sorrow. I also need to remember who my God is. I have wonderful memories of Denise and Mom. Many bring me comfort. However, real comfort and security in the thick of things is to remember the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness.

I am praying that our anxious thoughts today will be stilled by the assurance of the Lord’s comfort.

Blessings,
Kathy Withers

Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Daniel answered and said, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever: for wisdom and might are his” (Daniel 2:20).

After reading the six chapters of Daniel I was greatly encouraged by the way God continually gave Daniel discernment and wisdom, and how his life was protected. God used Daniel to forewarn the kings of what was to take place. How God revealed his greatness to the kings that didn’t even know him. In a foreign land God demonstrated to them all these kingdoms will be destroyed, only the kingdom of God will endure forever.

An excellent example of a life dedicated, faithful and uncompromising to God was Daniel. Daniel’s dedication was observed in the way he lived. His life was a great witness of the living God. His faithfulness was exceeded in his trials and was steadfast in his decision. As a man that prayed on his knees three times a day to the living God, it was evident he knew God.

Even though Daniel was removed from his homeland and taken into Babylon. He made up his mind not to defile himself with the king’s choice of food or wine. Daniel had discernment with what was good for the body and what was evil. He didn’t want anything unclean to enter his body. At times, I see the worldly delicacies, without thinking I quickly want to indulge. I need to pray and ask God to give me discernment to let nothing unclean enter my body.

Then the king had a dream and wanted someone wise to interpret the dream, if not the wise men in the kingdom were going to die. Daniel was in a serious situation, a matter of life or death for him and his friends. He went to the king to request some time to be able to interpret the dream. Then he went home and informed his friends. They requested from God compassion concerning the mystery. “Call to me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 3:33).

Daniel revisited the king and informed him the mystery had been revealed. First Daniel introduces his sovereign God to the world and informs the king this is my God who reveals mysteries. I admire this about Daniel, he blessed God and honored him and gave our Lord all the glory. This is a challenge for me to honor God in everything I do and say no matter where I go or what is happening in my life. I have to recognize the opportunities God allows me to have to make him manifest in my life. I have to obey God and trust Him in all things. Also Daniel prayed three times a day. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

They were officials and commissioners who didn’t like Daniel. The officials plotted to do away with Daniel. They formed an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man besides the king would be put in the lion’s den. These men persuaded the king to sign the injunction. Daniel was brought into the lion’s den. God delivered Daniel from the den of lions. Daniel trusted God with everything in his life. Daniel was a witness of our Lord to the kings during his time in the world. King Darius wrote, “I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; For He is the living God and enduring forever, And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, And His dominion will be forever. He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions” Daniel 6: 26-27.

Only the sovereign God can deliver us.

Dear precious Lord and my savior, with the grace that only you can give, I seek your help, not to defile my body with things of the world. Having you, O Lord, giving me discernment to seek you in all my decisions to solve in my life. In everything I say and do giving you the Glory. May I be compelled to pray throughout the day giving you thanks in everything. When it seems the world wants to devour me, Lord, may I remain faithful, trusting and continuously serving you. I praise you my sovereign Lord. Blessed be your Holy name. Thank you.

Glory to God
Sandra Roman
Staff Member – WOC Graduate

DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

It’s finally here!!! Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in Difficult Relationships by Diane Hunt, MaryAnn Kiernan, DeEtta Marsh, Stephanie Paul and Betsy Shoppy (several of our Victory Call writers). Today’s Victory Call is just a taste of what you will find in this Bible Study for women. Although it was originally written for wives of men in addiction it has already been a blessing to women from various circumstances and relationships: moms, siblings, daughters, wives, fiancees’ etc. Most of the 14 chapters are applicable to any woman in any situation. To secure your own copy contact America’s Keswick Guest Services 732.350.1187 $16.00. If you have any questions contact Diane Hunt at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (I Thessalonians 5:18).

For years, I took that verse to mean we were to be thankful FOR everything. But that’s not what the verse says – it says IN everything. IN every circumstance, IN every situation – good or bad – there are things for which we can give thanks.

Are you having health problems? Financial struggles? Family conflict? Job issues? These things are all part of this world.

But I’m guessing we can think of many things, things we probably take for granted, for which we can give thanks.

Do you have a place to live? Give thanks.
Do you have clothing to wear? Give thanks.
Do you have food enough for yourself and your family? Give thaks.
Do you have friends or family who care for you? Give thanks.
Do you have a church where the Word of God is taught? Give thanks.
Do you have a computer on which you can read this? Give thanks.
Was it raining this morning when you got up? Give thanks.
Was the sun shining this morning when you got up? Give thanks.

We are guaranteed in this life to have struggles and trouble. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus told us that trials, tribulations, troubles, are all part of this world. But in the midst of them, He also promised His peace. If we have nothing else for which to be thankful, that is more than enough.

Maybe this all seems pretty basic, nothing you haven’t heard before. But maybe you’re going through a time when life seems a little bleak. Dig into the Word and find all the promises that God has for you, and you will find reason to give thanks.

…be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

Now there’s something for which we can give thanks!

Ruth

Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America’s Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

James 5:10 with Commentary
Several of you have shared that God has brought James into your life on several different levels this year. Like me, your pastor has preached through the book or parts of the book this year, or perhaps you have heard messages on the radio. Any way you look at it God is speaking through James to us. We are closing in on the last portions of chapter 5. This week we will look at verse 10.

James 5:10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Commentary
“We are encouraged to be patient by the example of the prophets (v.10). When we think that the best men have the hardest usage in this world, we should hereby be reconciled to affliction. Those who were the greatest examples of suffering affliction were also the best and greatest examples of patience.” [Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume pg. 1937].

“The example of the prophets centers on the many who suffered and died…for speaking in the name of the Lord.” [ESV Study Bible study notes pg. 2398]

Have a good week. Keep your eyes open this week to ways that you can practice patience. There will be opportunities all around you.

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.

Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. James 5:9

Points to Ponder:
Do not grumble against one another. This is not always an easy command to obey, is it? Perhaps you have reached a place in your Christian walk that you have matured enough to know when to keep your mouth closed. You know that grumbling and complaining is sinful and an offense to God. Philippians 2:14 “Do all things without grumbling or questioning,” So perhaps, just perhaps, you don’t grumble or complain OUT LOUD, but my question this Friday morning is do you have a grumbling and complaining heart? Do you guard your lips but not your heart and mind?

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding. Psalm 49:3

May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD. Psalm 104:34

God is not just interested in our words but also what rattles around in our minds, what we dwell on.

O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar… Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. Psalm 139:1-2, 4

Are you guarding your heart and mind today from grumbling and complaining? If not, ask God to give you new thoughts, thoughts that are pleasing to Him.

Have a great weekend. We will be celebrating the amazing grace of God in Steve and Ruth’s life as they will be remarried this weekend. Ruth has been a contributor to Victory Call and does all our postings to the internet for the distribution of Victory Call. “See” you Monday. Have a holy and restful Lord’s Day.

Blessings,
Diane

Gal 6:17 “On my own body are scars that prove I belong to Christ Jesus.”

Do you like to watch the TV program Dancing With The Stars? Oh, come on. It’s OK to admit it. My husband and I do enjoy watching the program. I suppose the main reason I like to watch is because I envy the rhythm that seems to be a natural asset for most of the contestants. The 2011 season is especially interesting. The dancer of interest is J. R. Martinez. J.R. was a soldier in Iraq when his vehicle drove over a landmine. J.R. was seriously injured; he has severe scarring on his face. In spite of his disfigurement, J.R. has become a television actor and a very active spokesperson for the military persons who did not come home. I thought of the above verse when I read this quote from J.R.: “My uniform is now my scars and my weapon is my words, so I’m still serving.”

Paul stated that his scars proved that he belonged to Christ. That caused me to wonder, What scars do I have?

Years ago I had the privilege of meeting Richard Wurmbrand, the author of “Tortured for Christ.” His scars were obvious. That man had suffered because he belonged to Christ! When I shook his hand, I felt his suffering flow through me. That was more than 50 years ago, but I shall always remember meeting him.

The above verse caused me to ponder, I don’t suppose many of us in America will have visible scars showing because we are Christians, but do we have scars that don’t show?

Nearly all of us have experienced a crisis of faith. So do others know the pain we have experienced? Most Christians seem to hide their pain as though that were more noble.

My crisis of faith happened when three of my children died. Knowing Christ did make a difference for me. Knowing Him made a difference in how I responded to my pain and my grief. Did I still hurt? Of course I did, but I knew my strength came from my faith in God, not from me. When others ask, “How did you have the strength to continue on?” I have a choice. I could just smile and say, “It was really hard, but I knew I had to keep going,” or I can say, “I made it because of my faith in God. God has always been faithful, and I trust in Him.”

According to what my Bible says, I believe we need to let our scars show. Give credit to Him for your survival. He will always be faithful.

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.

DIGGINGDEEPER
James 5:9
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.

Guess what? Stuff happens. Good stuff and bad stuff happens, to the unregenerated and to the redeemed sinner. Stuff just happens, and we often don’t have a clue as to the “why” question. The Lord knows we want an answer, and He knows how we will spin our wheels sorting it out, trying to come up with a reason why “bad” stuff is happening in our lives.

We have so many questions we might ask, like, “Haven’t I been good? Haven’t I tithed and been to church and Sunday School every week? Don’t I pray and give to the poor and needy? Didn’t I raise my kids right? Why? Why? Why is bad stuff happening to me?!”

A few years ago the worst thing ever occurred in the life of our family. My daughter attempted to kill herself. She wanted her inner turmoil, her unhappiness over life choices to simply be over, over, over. There was no pre-thought-out plan. No, it wasn’t anything like that. What it was, was a moment in time when a number of circumstances converged with some stinking thinking and crashed into more feelings than could be felt at one time. Add to that the fact that we have a very real enemy who seeks to destroy the seed of those who belong to God, and you have a decision which altered and changed our lives overnight.

Since that day, I am not the same and neither is the rest of my family. One could easily think we are worse off than before, but that wouldn’t be true. The truth is God, our Sovereign and Holy God, used every bit of our pain, and all the craziness of the ensuing hours, days, months and now years to mold and shape us more into the image and likeness of the Son.

He didn’t leave us alone. Not once did I feel lost, alone or forsaken. Not once did I ask God “why.” I think I went into shock for a bit as my mind attempted to adjust to the initial news. I know for a while my prayers were stuck in my mouth. I thank God that He can read the heart and the deepest cries of an anguished soul. I praise Him that when all that stuff happened in our lives, sisters and brothers from East to West and abroad filled the gap and interceded for the life of our precious daughter.

Life has gone on in the days since June 3, 2006 and we have all slowly but surely readjusted our lives to a new normal. God has loved us through encouragement, exhortation, discipline and fire. He continues to carefully peel back the layers of our hearts to reveal the enemy within. And then He masterfully aims His arrow of grace, shooting the arrow of His Word to pierce, destroy and mercifully deliver us and therefore equip us to do what He has called us to do.

He leads and we follow. He is our Great Shepherd and we walk or fall down, He leads, restores, comforts all, walks with us through it all NO MATTER WHAT!! Selah

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. ~ Psalm 23

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.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:9
James 5:9
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.

Cross references:
A. James 5:9 : Matt 7:1
B. James 5:9 : 1 Pet 4:5; Rev 22:12
C. James 5:9 : Matt 24:33; Mark 13:29; 1 Cor 4:5

It’s finally here!!! Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in Difficult Relationships by Diane Hunt, MaryAnn Kiernan, DeEtta Marsh, Stephanie Paul and Betsy Shoppy (several of our Victory Call writers). Today’s Victory Call is just a taste of what you will find in this Bible Study for women. Although it was originally written for wives of men in addiction it has already been a blessing to women from various circumstances and relationships: moms, siblings, daughters, wives, fiancees’ etc. Most of the 14 chapters are applicable to any woman in any situation. To secure your own copy contact America’s Keswick Guest Services 732.350.1187 $16.00. If you have any questions contact Diane Hunt at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” Hebrews 13:15-16 NASB.

As the temperatures cool and Fall approaches, it will not be long until we are gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving it may be difficult to find things to be grateful for. My family faces our first Thanksgiving since the homegoing of my sister-in-law and mother-in-law. This will not be an easy day to celebrate. You and I will need to practice how to “offer up a sacrifice of praise to God.” But thanks we can and we will give if we are willing to look for God’s provision in the midst of our circumstances. It is a sacrifice to turn our eyes away from what we don’t have to what we are blessed to still have and to know that if we only had Jesus, He would be enough. In the midst of grief I have 25 years of memories and I have the hope of seeing family, now with Christ, again.

Asking why and complaining would be easy. Choosing to praise by giving thanks is a sacrifice we give, not in our own strength, but through Him. We need to practice what we sing:
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.”

Recently, I had a phone conversation with one of our Visionary Partners. For as long as I have known Mrs. J she has been unemployed. Each phone call would end with her saying, “I will give as long as I can!” For two years she has been unemployed. For two years we have prayed for her situation to change. For two years she has continued to support this ministry. During our last conversation Mrs. J. once again, with joy, said “I will give as long as I can!” But this time she also shared that she would be going out later that day to pick up some free food. The extent of her situation was apparent. But the extent of her obedience and sacrifice also became crystal clear. This is what it means to give sacrificially. I know this is pleasing to God.

Paul says this. “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little” Philippians 4:11-12 NEV.

Twice Paul shares the secret – I have learned. Between now and Thanksgiving you and I have time to learn to be content, to live with much or little, to offer praise and thanksgiving, to continue to do good, to share AND please God!

Kathy Withers

Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:9
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.

Cross references:
A. James 5:9 : Matt 7:1
B. James 5:9 : 1 Pet 4:5; Rev 22:12
C. James 5:9 : Matt 24:33; Mark 13:29; 1 Cor 4:5

It’s finally here!!! Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in Difficult Relationships by Diane Hunt, MaryAnn Kiernan, DeEtta Marsh, Stephanie Paul and Betsy Shoppy (several of our Victory Call writers). Today’s Victory Call is just a taste of what you will find in this Bible Study for women. Although it was originally written for wives of men in addiction it has already been a blessing to women from various circumstances and relationships: moms, siblings, daughters, wives, fiancees’ etc. Most of the 14 chapters are applicable to any woman in any situation. To secure your own copy contact America’s Keswick Guest Services 732.350.1187 $16.00. If you have any questions contact Diane Hunt at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

It is hard to believe we are just 5 weeks from Thanksgiving and 9 weeks from Christmas. I remember thinking about this year back in November and December of last year wondering what Book would bless the Victory Call readers through 2011. I believe James has been a good place to dig deeper. One of my favorite Bible books and one with much practical theology. I hope you have joined us when you could and have been blessed by God’s Word as you considered, pondered and applied its truths – His words, not mine. This week we touch on a topic that applies to all of us to some degree.

Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. James 5:9

Commentary
“Fretfulness and discontent expose us to the just judgment of God, and we bring more calamities upon ourselves by our groans and grudgings against one another, than we are aware of.”[Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume – pg. 1937]

“Do not grumble sums up the divisive complaining behind 3:1-4:12, it can be particularly painful in times of suffering when people explode in frustration and turn upon each other.” [ESV Study Bible study notes – pg. 2398]

Happy Monday. Please take a moment and pray for Keswick’s finances, that God would provide the resources so that we can be current with our bills. We so appreciate your partnership.

Blessings,
Diane

James 5:8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Points to ponder
Establish your hearts. As I consider that encouragement, I am reminded that we, as women, can be prone to ‘follow our hearts’ perhaps being led by our emotions. That is not to say there are not men that do the same or women who don’t but, generally speaking, women can be inclined to be more influenced by emotions than our male counterpart.

When I think of the admonition to establish our hearts, I realize it’s important that we establish it based on truth rather than anything else. In so doing, we narrow our focus and reduce extraneous distractions. It’s work for sure because it just feels better to follow our emotions. Doesn’t it?

James not only tells us to establish (to make firm or stable1) our hearts but to be patient because the Lord is returning.

Have you ever gotten a bad report from the doctor or perhaps the anticipation of one? If so, my experience has been that in the immediate aftermath of the news, all kinds of things that seemed so very important just 24 hours ago, in fact 24 minutes ago, seem to fade into being the very unimportant. In an instant, many things we took for granted, like marriage, family, life, health, relationships, hugging, laughing and caring, become very important.

I think this is what James is saying. The thing that can refocus our hearts and minds to be patient with others is that the coming of the Lord is at hand, because in light of eternity, all those things that cause us to be impatient with others fade in comparison.

Blessings,
Diane

Cross references:
A. James 5:8 : 1 Thess. 3:13
B. James 5:8 : 1 Pet. 4:7; Rom. 13:11, 12; Phil. 4:5; Heb. 10:25, 37

1 Merriam-Webster online Dictionary 10.7.11