Years ago, when I was working in the Library, I had a little plaque on my desk that said, “It’s hard to soar like an eagle when you work with turkeys.” I don’t know about you, but I knew exactly what that meant for me. I come to work in the morning: it’s a gorgeous sunny day, my hair isn’t in need of Static Guard to hold down that one annoying little hair that inevitably sticks straight up, I only have 4 or 5 phone calls to return and my email from the night before isn’t 25 items (mostly forwarded jokes ) to go through. I sit at my desk and pause to say again, “Thanks, Lord, for a wonderful day. Use me in someone’s life today.”

And then – it would start — innocently enough. I walked through the hallways, or someone would stop at my office door and make a comment. It’s not necessarily made in anger – in fact more often, it’s a little snide or off-handed remark about another staff member or perhaps about someone encountered in a customer service setting. Probably is wasn’t meant to be critical or cruel, but all of a sudden it’s like the sun stopped shining and my Static Guard has ceased to do its work. Whether consciously or not, the insidious critical attitude has reared its head, and I find myself pulled down to the turkey level, willing – often VERY willing – and able to jump right in with a comment or criticism of my own.

I have been challenged so many times in recent weeks about criticism and judgment. And, very often, while I can so EASILY identify harmful criticism in someone else, I seem able to overlook it (or call it something else) when I am guilty of it. In my Sunday School class, we have been taking a look at how we should be building up one another, using Gene Getz’s book as a jumping off point. Unfortunately, as we work through the chapters, I find that I am able to see examples of critical or judgmental thoughts on my part, instead of generous, loving thoughts toward a sister in Christ. As if to say, what gives me the right to look at my Christian sister (or anyone else for that matter) and criticize her speech, manner of dress, spending habits, use of her time or any one of a host of other things I can think of.

When I look at the ease with which criticism – mine or anyone else’s – comes, I am reminded that it all boils down to one thing – PRIDE. When I am critical or judgmental, it is because I think I have the corner on the truth, whatever I perceive that truth may be. My pride puffs me up and says, “You are better than she is at [fill in your own blank].” How am I exhibiting love for my sister in the Lord when I tear her down to build up myself? The answer is – I’m not.

So every time I am tempted to be drawn into or pulled down by criticism, I have to challenge myself to remember that as I profess to be seeking the “mind of Christ” in my life, I must be willing to be made humble as Jesus was in order to serve (Philippians 2:5-8). The only “turkey” in this picture is me!

My prayer is that God will enable me, through His indwellling Spirit, to be an eagle for someone today and help me to be the reason someone is encouraged and not beaten down.

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 4:13-14a

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”- yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.

Recently I have been reading a very old book by Phillip Keller titled A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. It has been very interesting reading through this book with a copyright date of 1970. Although over 40 years old, it is filled with simple truth and, no matter how old the book is, the material within its pages is relevant.

Phillip Keller was a shepherd so he shares great insight into this old familiar and for many, favorite psalm. However, there was one chapter that particularly touched and challenged my heart. Let me share it with you. It was Chapter Five, “He Restoreth My Soul”.

Surely we have all been in a place from time to time when our soul was in need of restoration. During times of frustration, temptation, that feeling of hopelessness we might just cry out to God as David did in Psalm 42, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God…..” Mr. Keller explains what a “cast” sheep is.

“When a lamb is ‘cast’ it is lying on its back, its feet are in the air, it flays away frantically and struggles to stand up, but it cannot. The lamb might bleat for help, but generally it lies there lashing about in frightened frustration. If the shepherd does not come and right the lamb, he will soon die. Therefore a Good Shepherd keeps a close eye on His sheep. He counts them often to be sure they are all accounted for. But it is the shepherd who keeps a close watch, so do buzzards, vultures, dogs, coyotes and cougars. They too know a cast sheep is easy prey. Interestingly he relates that even the largest, fattest, strongest and sometimes healthiest sheep can become ‘cast’ and become a casualty.”

Here is how it happens. “A heavy, fat, or long-fleeced sheep will lie down comfortably in some little hollow or depression in the ground. It may roll on its side slightly to stretch out or relax. Suddenly the center of gravity in the body shifts so that it turns on its back far enough that the feet no longer touch the ground. It may feel a sense of panic and start to paw frantically. Frequently this only makes things worse. It rolls over even further. Now it is quite impossible for it to regain its feet.”

There are times in my life when I am feeling rather hopeless or frustrated. Instead of releasing my soul and my anxiety to my Good Shepherd and seeking His help, I might lay down and zone out or take matters in my own hands and try to “fix” whatever is wrong. I might even think I simply can’t take this to my heavenly Father again. He must be so sick of my same old dilemma. But no, Jesus, our Good Shepherd knows us full well. He says cast your anxiety upon me, I care for you(1 Peter 5:7). The tenderness, the love, the patience of Jesus is throughout the scripture. Let us not be like the lamb that looks for the comfortable, familiar, soft ground. Let us not allow ourselves to get “fat” and cling on to the things of this world so that we cannot stand. Let us cling onto our Good Shepherd. Let Him pick us up, clean us up so that we are not so “heavy” any more. Let us move to those green pastures He directs us to. Let us receive His direction and discipline. It will produce a life of knowing how to cast our frustration and hopelessness upon the one who can restore our soul.

Let me encourage you……

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:?He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: He leadeth 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 thou?art with me; thy rod and thy staff they?comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the?presence of mine enemies: thou anointest?my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all?the days of my life; and I will dwell in the?house of the Lord for ever.

Psalm 23

Patricia L. Wenzel

WOC Graduate

DIGGING DEEPER

James 4:13-14a

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”- yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.

If you are like me, whenever I have read this verse (Phil. 4:19), I have always kind of assumed that it meant my PHYSICAL needs — whatever they might be. However, something happened in the life of a friend of mine this week that got me to thinking differently about it.

My long-time friend lost her brother quite unexpectedly. In fact, he had just seen his doctor the day before he died and was told he had some sort of viral infection. It was not, and he succumbed to a fatal heart attack. My friend, who has had several major upsets in her life in recent years, was totally devastated by the news. BUT GOD (aren’t those amazing words) already knew what was going to come into to her life and He arranged for members of her family to make a “surprise” visit so they were there with her and able to give her the sad news.

My friend had just, a few days before, had a long, lovely talk with her brother. Once again, that was no “accident.” God was preparing her with precious memories of that last earthly conversation until she sees her brother again in glory and they can pick up where they left off.

Upon returning home from her brother’s services, my friend received a lovely sympathy card and note from someone whom she had no reason to expect to hear from at all, much less in such a loving manner.

Call them “accidents,” or “surprises” or even “random acts of kindness,” they are all expressions of God meeting her needs. Not her physical needs this time, but her spiritual and emotional needs. He carefully planned every detail surrounding this tragedy in her life and surrounded her with people to meet her emotional needs. Arms to hug her, shoulders to cry on, words of comfort to bring her peace – all orchestrated by her loving Father who knew what she would need and when she would need it.

My God, thank you for meeting every need we have ever had, or will ever have in the future, according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

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 4:13-14a

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”- yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.

The last 2 weeks have been very interesting. First, on August 23rd during our Administration meeting, the building started to roll like waves in an ocean as an earthquake rocked the Northeast. Second, last weekend Hurricane Irene threatened life and limb, but ended up effecting mostly limbs, tree limbs. I was without power for just about 40 hours, I found candlelight an adventure (but I was the only one in my home that thought so). Keswick had only partial power until Wednesday afternoon. Did that storm put a monkey wrench in our plans? Yes. We had to delay the start of the Young at Heart Conference a day. We cancelled the afternoon concert. The men from the Colony of Mercy carried mattress and pillows up to the Activity Center and slept on the floors. I’m sure that was not their plan.

We have all had well-laid plans disrupted much to our disappointment.

James 4:13-14a

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”- yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.

Commentary:

“James does not condemn wise business planning, but rather planning that leaves out God. The people so depicted are practical atheists, living their lives and making their plans as if God did not exist. Such conduct is inconsistent with genuine saving faith, which submits to God…James exposes the presumptuous folly of the practical atheist he condemned in verse 13-those who do not know what the future holds for them..God alone knows the future…”[The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur pg. 1895]

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.

James 4:11-12

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Points to Ponder

Do not speak evil against one another… We could stop right there. I think there are two basic ways we can do this. 1) we can speak evil against another to their face or 2) we can speak evil against another behind their backs. It seems the root of either is pride. When we speak evil against another the unspoken premise is “I know best.” We become critical and judgmental and essentially sin against a brother or sister in Christ.

My boss shared an illustration with me one day which I think portrays the poison of evil speaking or gossip.

Take a feather pillow and make a slit in it. Then squeeze it and swing it around your head. What happens? Feathers start to fly EVERYWHERE. Add to the mix a leaf blower and the feathers spread far and wide. If someone were to try to pick all those feathers up they would never get every single one. Evil speaking and gossip work much the same way. They spread like feathers in the wind.

Now consider this. What if the evil speaking and gossip was about you? Would you want your brothers and sisters in Christ to squelch it or pass it along?

I think in general we need to be much more mindful of what comes out of our mouths. Psalm 17:3 I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.

Have you been as convicted as I have about your tongue? Let us think before we speak.

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.

“Sweetheart, as long as daddy’s here, you never have to worry.” And in some ways that was true. However, as good as my earthly father’s intentions and promises were, they certainly fell short of my heavenly Father’s.

I don’t know about you, but from time to time I do find myself worried, anxious and fearful. Recently, I’ve been praying about it, and studying and praying and studying….I’ve certainly prayed more than once since I’ve known the Lord for peace. “Oh Lord give me peace.” But I’ve stopped doing that. I’m learning many things, one of which is that I’ve been praying for something God’s already given me. Isn’t that crazy? That just doesn’t make sense.

It reminded me of a homeless man I saw at a mall. When I saw him I thought, “Oh, look at that poor, homeless man. If only…” Then my friend told me that he knew who he was and he had plenty of resources, income, and help available to him. He just wouldn’t avail himself of those resources.

So I asked myself the question, why aren’t I availing myself of ALL the wonderful resources God has ALREADY given me? In the area of peace, I’d have to say I truly didn’t grasp the truth that I already do have it. But I do now, praise the Lord! And if you’re His, you have it to!

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] John 14:27 (AMP)

Dina Seaton

Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer

America’s Keswick offers Transformation Resouces on various topics including Worry. Please visit our website for more information http://www.americaskeswick.org

DIGGING DEEPER

James 4:11-12

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,” (James 1:2)

OK, so I can hear you saying… are you kidding me? Joy? Rejoice? You mean Be Happy? It is a tough one for sure; God is calling us to put on a supernatural response rather than our human response to suffering and trials. We are talking about a response that is only imbedded in us through connection with the Holy Spirit. It is a choice we need to make and make most likely on a daily basis.

In my last two Victory Calls I talked about why God allows trials and keeping the fact that God is at work foremost in our minds is what sets the foundation for us to be able to “count it all joy”. I can be joyful that:

1. God is Sovereign

2. God has infinite Wisdom

3. God is perfect in Love.

So, how can you daily commit to “being joyful”?

First, we must hold on to the Word of God. “Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight” (Ps. 119:143).

Next we must remind ourselves and hold on to His promises. I mean hold on – don’t let go. Hold on like you would a life jacket if you couldn’t swim. Our trials have the capacity to sink us without our firm grasp on God’s promises. Talk to yourself; recall to mind the promises on a regular basis – some find it very helpful to write them all over – post them wherever your eyes may go.

We are also called to be thankful in everything (Phil. 4:3-9). There is much merit in the idea of remaining positive and keeping a positive thankful heart. When we dwell in thankfulness it is difficult to stay in the pit. By staying thankful we refuse to give in to bitterness, anger and despair which only seek to destroy. Remember what Paul said… “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13).

In doing these things we are choosing to believe in God and wait on Him for answers, direction and help. (Isaiah 40:31, Ps. 40:1-3, Ps. 37:7, Romans 8:19-25) His Word tells us that He will answer and He will speak. Listen and wait and He will lift you up. “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscious, shouts in our pain.” (C.S. Lewis in the Problem of Pain)

Finally Hope in the Future. Ray Pritchard states that we must make up our mind to go on with life. He formulated a principle he calls the First Law of Spiritual Progress. It states: I can’t go back, I can’t stay here, I must go forward. Why do we go forward? Because what lies ahead is where God is leading us. It reminds me of a childhood song… “Onward Christian Soldiers”. We move forward into battle, we move forward to where God is leading. Ultimately, we are moving forward because we know that what lies ahead is FAR BETTER (Phil. 1).

“Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

My next victory call will be about that which we look forward to – HEAVEN! (Revelation 21:1-5)

Till then rest in the words of that great HYMN “Amazing Grace”.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,

I have already come.

‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

Lynne Jahns

Christian Counselor

Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies

DIGGING DEEPER

James 4:11-12

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

As we’ve gone through the summer conference season, there have been several of our speakers who have taught on prayer. One of the ones that stands out most in my mine is a brief message by Dr. George Murray. He directed our thoughts to Jesus’ time of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest, trial and crucifixion.

And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? Matthew 26:40 (NASB)

Dr. Murray focused on the last six words of Jesus’ question to His disciples and made 3 observations on prayer. First, we must pray. It’s not an option. God wants and expects us to pray. The Scriptures are full of commands to pray.

pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (Matt. 5:44)

Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation (Matt. 26:41)

bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. (Luke 6:28)

therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest (Luke 10:2)

The second point, and the one that really hit me the most, comes from the next two words: with Me. Jesus prays with us. He invites us to pray with Him as He brings our needs before His Father.

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25).

He makes intercession for us, as He prayed for His disciples (and us) while He was here on earth.

I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours (John 17:9 – read the whole chapter!).

Third, prayer takes time … keep watch with me for one hour. Now, if you’re like me, praying for an hour sounds intimidating. I run through my list and am done in five minutes and then wonder what to do with the other 55. I’m not saying an hour is some magical time frame, but prayer does take time. We wouldn’t rush through a conversation with our best friend, yet we rush through prayer as though it is something to “get done” and check off our list. Probably a better concept, rather than a time, is what Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV) “pray without ceasing.” We should always be in a mindset of prayer. Every thought, need, concern, praise, etc., should be taken to God in prayer. Anytime, anywhere, we can, and should pray.

Dr. Murray shared a great concept that comes from Ecclesiastes 8:2-3a, “I say, ‘Keep the king’s commandment for the sake of your oath to God. Do not be hasty to go from his presence.'” Now, these verses do not directly relate to prayer, but think about this. If you were invited to visit Queen Elizabeth, would you be checking your watch and in a hurry to leave? Of course not! What a rare honor it would be to be invited into the presence of a queen. Yet we’re invited into the presence of the King any time we want, and we rush in and out as fast as we can, as if there are more important things to do.

I think that illustration impacted me most. How quick I am to say what I need to say and rush off to the next thing. Let us not be hasty to go from HIS presence!

Pray because we must. Remember He prays with and for us. And spend some time in prayer.

Ruth

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

DIGGING DEEPER

James 4:11-12

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

The tongue – an instrument of good but also an instrument of evil and harm. You will note in this week’s verse it repeatedly cautions us not to speak evil against one another, against a brother or against the law. It is so easy to fall into the trap of evil speaking (and if not speaking…thinking ill of others).

James 4:11-12

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Commentary:

I selected this commentary specifically this week because it seems to be so practical and relevant.

“We are cautioned against the sin of evil-speaking, v. 11. We must not speak evil things of others, though they be true, unless there be some necessary occasion for it; much less must we report evil things when they are false. Our lips must be guided by the law of kindness, as well as truth and justice. 1. Because you are brethren. It is required of us that we be tender of the good name of our brethren; where we cannot speak well, we had better say nothing than speak evil. 2. Because this is to judge the law. He who quarrels with his brother, and condemns him for the sake of anything not determined in the word of God, does thereby reflect on that word of God, as if it were not perfect rule. Let us take heed of judging the law, for the law of the Lord is perfect; if men break the law, leave that to judge them; if they do not break it, let us not judge them. .. 3. Because God, the Lawgiver, has reserved the power of passing the final sentence on men wholly to himself, v. 12. God is the supreme Lawgiver, who only can give law to the conscience, and who alone is to be absolutely obeyed. His right to enact laws is incontestable, because he has such a power to enforce them. He is able to save, and to destroy. He has power fully to reward the observance of his laws, and to punish all disobedience. .. It is sufficient that we have the law of God, which is a rule to us all; and therefore we should not set up other rules.” [Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume, pg.1936]

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.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Humility: I am by no means an expert. I fail over and over. Just when I think I have been humble I realize I’m proud of how humble I was. Is genuine humility something we move in and out of or is it something we are? I am also aware that I can APPEAR humble in my actions but not BE humble in my heart. Oh, how I long to be humble from my heart.

Even as I consider this week’s verse, if I our motivation for humility is that God will exalt us, isn’t that in itself pride? What motivates a genuine humble heart?

C.J. Mahaney wrote a great book, “Humility: True Greatness” and in it offers the following definition: “Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God’s holiness and our sinfulness.” (pg. 12)

Genuine humility is born out of not just knowledge of God’s greatness, but belief based on an accurate view of God and an accurate view of self. We tend to flip flop that; we think too little of God and too much of ourselves.

Read and think through the following verses. I hope they both challenge and bless your heart.

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. Psalm 25:9

For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. Psalm 149:4

When pride comes, than comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:2

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you… 1 Peter 5:6

Do not grow disheartened; in Christ we have victory.

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.