While reading Proverbs 31 I took notice of verse one. “The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him.” On May 9th my mother in-law went home to be with Jesus. I am privileged to have known Mom for over 25 years and to have learned much from her in that time. I imagine that King Lemuel also learned much from his mother, more than just what we read in this Proverb. However, the advice given encourages this son to be ethical, discerning, sober and compassionate. There seems to be no way to know if the King’s mother was alive as he shared these words. It probably is not important. If she were living, he recited what he knew from his mother’s teachings. If she were dead; he remembered well what she had taught. This made me think about the legacy we will each leave behind. What will our children, grandchildren and friends remember about us? I have some random ideas floating around in my head so I will just share them with you. I hope that today you will consider the legacy you leave behind. And some unique ways you can leave that legacy for your family to remember you by.

1) The Christmas after my husband’s grandfather passed away, each family member received a copy of Pop’s journal. Nothing too personal was in the journal. Just a daily inventory of what he had done. Sometimes it simply read “went to store.” Still, it is a precious gift.

2) Three years ago we celebrated Dad’s 80th birthday and Mom and Dad’s 60th Anniversary. My niece is incredibly good with technology. She produced a beautiful DVD of my in-law’s life together. Full of great pictures and great songs, this is a treasure to Dave and me. I have not watched since Mom’s homegoing but I know it is there when I need to remember.

3) My niece is also researching her roots on an ancestry website. I know that a few years back she sat with my mother and father in-law and video taped them answering her questions about family and their memories. Unfortunately, she is also working on restoring that after her computer crashed! OH, NO!

4) While working at a local Christian bookstore a customer came in every year to purchase a new Bible. She had eight grandchildren. Her project was to use a new Bible each year with one grandchild in mind. As she read through the Bible in a year, had her devotions, and took notes from church she prayerfully would highlight verses she wanted that child to know. She would write notes in the margins to that grandchild and write prayers on the inside covers. On that grandchild’s 18th birthday they would receive their Bible from Grandma.

5) There are books available that ask pointed questions so that you can write your personal history. From “What is your favorite color?” to “How did you come to know Jesus?” questions are asked with a space for you to provide your story.

6) Although only a thought, I have been thinking about writing letters to my children. They are not walking with the Lord. What if I don’t live to see them come to Jesus? What would I want to tell them?

7) Marilyn Heavilin, author, speaker and friend of America’s Keswick, loves to write her prayers in a journal. BUT, I heard her say that at year’s end she destroys her prayer journals so nothing too personal gets published! Share only what you would want them to know! Not every detail needs to be shared. Use your discernment.

These are just some ideas on how you might leave your teachings, beliefs and history as a gift to your loved ones. What legacy do you desire to leave? What legacy have you been given? While discussing this with Stephanie Paul, she noted how important it is for us to remember what we have been taught. Even if your parents were not Christians what did they teach you that was good? All too often we hear about how our parents did us wrong. Maybe we need to recall what they did right.

“How important it is to share with our children our own personal scrapbook of the faithfulness of God – the different ways He has led us, provided for us, and sheltered us. Our children need to hear again and again our gratitude to God for His gifts of friends and family and the awesome privilege of freedom. Then they, too, will come to depend upon Him personally, knowing He will also be ever faithful to them. Remember …and tell it to your children and your children’s children.” Footprints of a Pilgrim by Ruth Bell Graham

Blessings,
Kathy

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 3:2-6
2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.
4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members,staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.

Today I’d like to share some thoughts on the “Fruit of the Spirit”, Galatians 5:22, 23, and the “Proverbs 31 Woman”, Proverbs 31:10-31. Hang in there with me, I believe that God gave me these thoughts almost a year ago, but I’ve not been able to put them down in writing before, but now I am attempting to pass them along to you with God’s guidance.

Read through these Scripture portions as we consider them together.
These verses from Proverbs 31 can be an encouragement and also a challenge to us. As I look at the Proverbs 31 wife (woman) from time to time, I am encouraged to see that God is working some of these qualities into my life. Also, over the years I have been challenged by these verses to continue walking in faithfulness to the Lord and to my husband, family, and friends. But the question is, “How?” The answer seems to have a correlation to the Fruit of God’s Spirit being produced in my, in our, beings ~~ our countenance, our manner, our words, our attitude, our motives, our life…

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. (HCSB)

10 Who can find a capable wife?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will not lack anything good.
12 She rewards him with good, not evil,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from far away.
15 She rises while it is still night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her servants.
16 She evaluates a field and buys it;
she plants a vineyard with her earnings.
17 She draws on her strength
and reveals that her arms are strong.
18 She sees that her profits are good,
and her lamp never goes out at night.
19 She extends her hands to the spinning staff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20 Her hands reach out to the poor,
and she extends her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
for all in her household are doubly clothed.
22 She makes her own bed coverings;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known at the city gates,
where he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes and sells linen garments;
she delivers belts to the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing,
and she can laugh at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and loving instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the activities of her household
and is never idle.
28 Her sons rise up and call her blessed.
Her husband also praises her:
29 “Many women are capable,
but you surpass them all!”
30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,
but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.
31 Give her the reward of her labor
and let her works praise her at the city gates.1 (HCSB)

Verses 11 – 12, reveal how the fruit of “love, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control” can produce trust and bring “goodness” to the husband; good and not evil to the lives that we touch, and particularly those we love.

Looking at verses 13 – 22, we find that generally we might not be required to do most of these things anymore as wives, women, and mothers, but we do have chores that would be the equivalent. Such as shopping wisely for clothing and food, preparing meals for our family, considering prayerfully household needs, and/or large household purchases. The fruit of “love, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control” also are needed in these everyday tasks that we face.

Verse 23 says, “Her husband is known at the city gates” and “he sits among the elders of the land.” Sounds like he doesn’t do much, right? But this really indicates that he is a prominent business man. The city gates were where the city business was conducted. Revisit the story from the book of Ruth concerning Boaz seeking to become Ruth’s redeemer/husband.

Verse 24 indicates that she was also involved in the business of making and selling items of clothing to the merchants. It seems there was “goodness” in the relationships they both have with others in the workplace and community. What opportunities does God give each of us to demonstrate “goodness” in our relationships and in our community with others?

The fruit of “faith” is described in verse 25, that she is clothed with “strength and honor” and is not afraid of what might come in the future, “can laugh at the time to come.” Verses 20 and 21 also indicate that she reaches out to the needy and the poor as well as taking care of the needs of her own family, not fearing for the time of winter, or hardship, but has been faithfully trusting God to meet these needs as they come.

“Kindness, gentleness and goodness” are demonstrated in verse 26, “she opens her mouth with wisdom and loving instruction is on her tongue.” She gives good counsel to those with whom she speaks. “Self-control, joy and peace” are the fruit that blossoms through her supervision of “the activities of her household” and the productiveness of her life “which is never idle” (verse 27). In the busyness of our lives, do we stop to take time to focus on the joy and peace that God wants us to experience through the opportunities to minister to and bless others in various ways?

The final verses (28 – 31) reveal the reward, the blessings, and, yes, the fruit, resulting from the overflow of the “Fruit of the Spirit” from the life of “a woman who fears the Lord” as she is known and praised by her works, her children, and her husband.

The “fruit” produced from within, the “Fruit of God’s Spirit” within us, is the fruit that will remain and be a blessing in the lives of others. And as with the fruit of an apple tree, the Fruit of the Spirit takes time to develop and mature in each of our lives; this is the “patience” part. But that fruit also is able to nourish others with the encouragement of “kindness, goodness, and gentleness”, and to reproduce fruit after its own kind through discipleship ministry of “faith, joy, and love” to a new believer. Also, as with the apple tree there are times in our lives when the “fruit” is not so visible, and evident, but God is still at work teaching us and growing the fruit of “peace” and “self-control”, as we learn to wait on His timing, and His Sovereignty, even in this area of our lives. Thinking of this, I’m reminded of the Scripture, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” The work and the “fruit” is His, not ours.

For this I am grateful and blessed……

DeEtta Marsh

DeEtta Marsh is presently serving as Women’s Ministry Assistant P/T, and with her husband, Stan, as Coordinators for Families For Christ ministry to Colony of Mercy residents and wives, and Colony Graduate Couples. Serving the Lord on staff at America’s KESWICK since summer 1995. Wife, mother, teacher, grandmother of 8, and great grandmother of 1.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:2-6
2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.
4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.

1 Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, TN; 2003; Bible Gateway.com

Recently my husband and I were at the Colony Reunion at America’s Keswick. What a wonderful weekend!! We enjoyed great teaching from Dr. Tuttle of Walk Through the Bible Ministries, we had fun renewing friendships and we had beautiful weather. However, a few days before we went I was notified that I was fired from my job. I was not told that there was a reduction in staff or that the services I provided were being privatized. I was told that I was not getting along with administration and staff and had to be let go. They felt they could do better. I was shocked and dumb founded. When I asked who had a problem with me, as I had not a clue, my evaluator told me that he was not at liberty to tell me. Of course I could request “a hearing” and all would be revealed. A hearing…….yikes……..who could I have possibly offended and what on earth did I do? I honestly had no idea.

Needless to say, I needed to go to America’s Keswick. I don’t think I shared those details with anyone over the weekend but I did ask for prayer as I had lost my job. God was at work.

Exactly one day before I was fired I had begun to fill out an application for an opening I saw that is closer to home. I prayed and asked God to make it clear if He would release me from my present place of employment to pursue another place. WOW, did I get my answer. Although I kept telling myself God knows all, He has a plan, I put my trust in Him…….a battle was raging in my mind. I could not sleep. Who did I offend? What did I do? There was that time I could have spoken with more compassion to………..and then there was that time………….you can surely fill in the blanks. Francis Frangipane says, “Negative experiences can drain faith from your heart. You lose the anticipation and power of faith and a spiritual paralysis immobilizes your soul.” That is what was happening in me. But God was at work.

During the weekend we had about 5 minutes of rain. After the rain a double rainbow appeared in the sky. Not one rainbow but two. God knows I love rainbows. Did He do that for me?? Well, I am sure it wasn’t just for me, but I am also sure it was for me. I smiled to myself and said, “Your promises are yes and amen. You have a future and hope for me.” Proverb 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Hope deferred can cripple our walk with God. No, I will not lose hope. I will walk in FAITH. Yes, God was at work.

Our speaker spent some time speaking about our Goliath. We have a choice to respond as David did with FAITH or as Saul did with FEAR. He advised us to find a stone, carry it and remember to defeat our Goliath. I thought I had rid myself of fear and hope deferred. We have been through addiction, cancer, job losses etc., etc. I know God is faithful. God was still at work.

I came home and while reading I learned that Goliath had a brother and sons. YIKES!! “Now when the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David went down and his servants with him; and as they fought against the Philistines, David became weary. The Ishbi-benob, who was among the descendants of the giant….intended to kill David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and struck the Philistine and killed him.” 2 Sam. 21:15-17 Ok, I did kill Goliath and now I have the opportunity to kill his descendants. I shall respond by FAITH, not by sight, not with fear, not without hope. My whole countenance changed. I went to work ready to do the best work ever until my last day. I went with a smile on my face. I slept that night. God is at work.

As the week unfolded, every day more and more people were fired. With every one it was the same story. They had never had a bad evaluation, until this last one. The accusation could not be confirmed except for one……..a girl was given a negative evaluation for having taken too many sick days. She did and she too was fired. The district knew she would be out and using her sick days as she donated her kidney to her bother. How could they do such a thing? They even fired a young man who just lost everything he owned in a fire. The list and the stories go on and on. Every one was up for tenure. For every one, tenure was denied. And so…..every day someone came to me with their story, their tears and fears. Every day I was blessed to minister life. I am giving out Bibles, prayer and words of encouragement. I am even planning a party for our first day unemployed……….July 1. God is at work.

Once again God has shown me, no matter what the circumstances, I can trust in Him. By His grace I can rise above the circumstances and be a blessing in the midst while waiting for Him to show me the way. Praise God who continues a good work in you and me until the day of Christ Jesus.

Perhaps you are finding yourself under the circumstances of your life and would like to join me in the following prayer, part of which was written by Francis Frangipane:
“Father, I come to you as Your servant. Like David, I have become weary fighting an enemy I thought I defeated. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, and in the mighty name of Jesus, I rebuke the enemies of doubt, fear and unbelief. I ask You, Lord, to cause faith to arise and the enemies of my soul to be shattered, for you are the Lord of Hosts. By your grace, show me the way to glorify you and rise above the circumstances of my life. By your grace, may I have eyes to see and a heart to receive the fullness of the future and the hope filled plan you have for my life. In the name of Jesus who is the lover of my soul I pray, Amen.”

Pat Wenzel
WOC Graduate

DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:2-6
2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.
4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.

The tongue. Being silent isn’t always the solution. I discovered that I could keep my mouth shut but my heart was whining and complaining. Our tongues are powerful within and without. Our words not only affect others that hear, but they affect us as well. I have used this week’s verse many times in counseling and to remind myself the tongue can make or break a day. The tongue betrays our heart, and the tongue affects our heart.

James 3:2-5
For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

Commentary:
…bits in a horse’s mouth and the small rudder on a ship are examples of very small things that control large objects. The tongue, one of the smaller organs of the body, has a similar control over everything a person is and does.

…boasts of great things. Pride… is a major cause of the misuse of the tongue. In a progressive series framed by the imagery of fire, the tongue is presented in all its terrible potential. The small fire is the proud “boast” or other careless use of the tongue, and the great forest fire is the resulting conflagration. (I had to look conflagration up in the dictionary. It means: “fire, especially: a large disastrous fire”1) [ESV Study Bible, study notes pg. 2395]

In other words, our tongues may seem small and insignificant but can have a deleterious impact.

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.

1 http://www.merriam-webster.com

“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” James 3:2

Points to Ponder:
Oh, how often I find myself not with just one foot in my mouth but two. I am often reminded of the Scripture that says, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise” (Proverbs 10:19 NIV). I have spoken to many, many people who have shared that they will walk away from a conversation and mull it over in their minds over and over rehearsing what they said and how it might have been taken. Our words have power for good or ill.

Have you noticed how a few words of encouragement can bring a smile to someone’s heart? Or a harsh word deflates their spirit? Sometimes our words are intentional and precise with the intent to hurt. Shocking? Not if your experience is anything like mine. I have been counseling 20 years, and I have witnessed it hundreds of times and if I were to be honest, I’m guilty of it myself.

James confirms that our tongue is an unruly member of our body, difficult if not impossible to perfectly control. It is such a powerful member that as it goes, so does the body. Pretty powerful member.

What hope do we have? “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” Psalm 141:3

To be continued…

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.

During my first reading of Corrie ten Boom’s amazing book “The Hiding Place”, I was struck by the following story that she shared:

“Several years ago I was in Africa in a nation where a new government had come into power. The first night I was there some of the Christians were commanded to come to the police station to register. When they arrived they were arrested and that same night they were executed. The next day the same thing happened with other Christians. The third day it was the same. All the Christians in the district were being systematically murdered. The fourth day I was to speak in a little church. The people came, but they were filled with fear and tension. All during the service they were looking at each other, their eyes asking, “Will this one I am sitting beside be the next one killed? Will I be the next one?” The room was hot and stuffy with insects that came through the screenless windows and swirled around the naked bulbs over the bare wooden benches.

I told them a story out of my childhood.”When I was a little girl,” I said, “I went to my father and said, ‘Daddy, I am afraid that I will never be strong enough to be a martyr for Jesus Christ.”Tell me,’ said Father, ‘When you take a train trip to Amsterdam, when do I give you the money for the ticket? Three weeks before?’ ‘No, Daddy, you give me the money for the ticket just before we get on the train.’ ‘That is right,’ my father said, ‘and so it is with God’s strength. Our Father in Heaven knows when you will need the strength to be a martyr for Jesus Christ. He will supply all you need – just in time….'”

My African friends were nodding and smiling. Suddenly a spirit of joy descended upon that church and the people began singing, “In the sweet, by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.” Later that week, half the congregation of that church was executed. I heard later that the other half was killed some months ago. But I must tell you something. I was so happy that the Lord used me to encourage these people, for unlike many of their leaders, I had the word of God. I had been to the Bible and discovered that Jesus said He had not only overcome the world, but to all those who remained faithful to the end, He would give a crown of life.”

Although in 21st century America, we are blessed to not live in constant fear of becoming a martyr for Jesus Christ, we still do a whole lot of worrying. How many hours of our lives are consumed by anxiety? Why do we keep worrying about ourselves, our families, our friends, and all the what-ifs that life can bring our way when Scripture promises us that “my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Those of us with Type A personalities (yes, I admit I am one of them) don’t always accept this promise as enough. We want to know when and how God will supply all our needs. In contrast, God’s word commands us to “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7).

Corrie ten Boom’s story clearly illustrates that God wants us to not only trust that He will provide for us, but also trust that He knows when to provide for us, and that He may not provide for us until the very moment when we need it. When we are tempted to worry and fret, we can find encouragement in the words of the psalmist, “In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:4). We will go through difficult trials in this world, but if God is our rock and our salvation, we can look forward to an eternity spent with Him.

Andrea Poeth
Guest Services

DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:2-5 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says,he is a perfect man,able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yetit boasts of great things.

In this final devotional on the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives, let me just discuss briefly some of the things we can do to help with crop production. First and foremost we must plant the Word (Luke 8:11, Psalm 1:2). Nothing can grow without coming from seed. The Word is the seed which produces the fruit.

Now if you are like me, the next step is actually harder than the first, both in my life and my garden. We need to be plucking weeds. That is the weeds that grow up in our hearts (Matt. 13:18-23). We need to be careful of what wealth or the desire for wealth can do in our lives (1 Tim. 6:9). “So, whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is a sin” (James 4:17). Sin comes into our lives and literally chokes away all good that is trying to grow.

After planting and in the process of weeding, we need to continually water our garden. How do we do that? We do so by allowing the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and minds. We need to make room for the Spirit through the putting off process. For everything we put off in our lives – we make room for the Holy Spirit to put things into our lives (Col. 3). We especially have to put off bitterness, rage and malice because they choke out love and can eat away at even the good in our lives. With those things out of our lives we can be blessed with kindness and forgiveness, which acts like fertilizer in our lives to help our fruit produce in abundance and quality.

Once our fruit is produced, God can harvest it to feed others, to bless others, to glorify Him and bring praise to His name. Remember we reap what we sow!

“The growing of fruit does not happen in a day – the process is a slow but steady unfolding of the blossom, the formation of the fruit and at last its ripening. Luscious grapes are not produced in one week nor does a gracious mind mature in a moment.” (W. Phillip Keller)

Take a look at your garden
1. What is it producing?
2. What kind of crop?
3. Is the Master satisfied?
4. Is He getting what He hoped?
5. Is the fruit marketable?

Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor
Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies

DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:2-5 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says,he is a perfect man,able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yetit boasts of great things.

This group of fruit pertains to our relationship to our inner selves, which speaks volumes about our character and inner life.

FAITHFULNESS is loyalty or trustworthiness – Heb. 12:2 tells us that Jesus is the author of faithfulness. Not only is the Lord our best example (Lam 3:22-23, Isaiah 25:1), but His name means Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11). I like this quote regarding faithfulness from Phillip Keller: “I actively, energetically give of my best to another outside of and apart from myself”.

Why be faithful? Because the Bible commands faithfulness (Prov. 3:3), and because it brings to us the blessings of God and man (Prov. 3:4). There are many ways to demonstrate the fruit of faithfulness in our lives. We need to be truthful in our words and promises (Prov. 12:22). Our work needs to be exemplary – without question (Col. 3:22-24). Showing faithfulness and stewardship in our finances is another way we display this fruit in our lives (Luke 16:11, Psalms 37:21). Most of all we want to be known for our faithfulness to the Lord. It will be grand to someday hear well done thou good and faithful servant (Matt. 25:21).

GENTLENESS is “power under control.” A gentle person is not weak, but very strong and able to control their emotions and actions – this is also referred to as spiritual tenderness. Think of it this way: MEEK MEN are not WEAK MEN. If we are not gentle then fruit flies or weeds begin to spring up in our lives: pride, self-assertion, arrogance, self-indulgence, aggressive and abrasive behaviors – which overwhelm the other fruit.

To be Gentle we need to: Tame our tongues (Prov. 15:1 and Psalms 141:3), some of the ways we do this is by:
o Blessing Others – Luke 6:28
o Refusing to retaliate with words – I Peter 2:23
o Avoiding gossip – Prov. 16:28B
o Being strong enough to forgive and not hold grudges – Matt. 18:22, Gal 6:1 (restore in Love)

We must deny ourselves, take up the Cross…

SELF-CONTROL is also known as “Temperance” in scripture (Gal. 5:16, 2 Peter 1:5-7).
Prov. 25:28 tells us that self-control is that wall that protects from temptations of the evil one like the ancient walls that kept the enemy out. When I have self-control over my emotions, passions and appetites (1 Cor. 13: 1-7) then my whole self comes under the control and surrender of Christ. I become governed by God.

If you have “wild vines” you are not self-controlled. Areas in our lives that especially need to be tamed:
* Our tempers: Prov. 29:22
* Our words: Prov. 12:18a
* Our responses: Eph. 4:26
* Our appetites and rights when we refuse to concentrate on temptation: Eph 4:27
* Our finances: Ecc 5:10 and 1 Tim. 6:10a

The Good Gardener wants to come into your garden gates. He wants to be given the ground of your entire being to do with as He wishes to do, to produce what His will is, the way that He wills. He wants to be the controller of crop production in our lives, not us. Who are you allowing to cultivate your inner self?

Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor
Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies

DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:2-5 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says,he is a perfect man,able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yetit boasts of great things.

As we launch this week into the section in James regarding the tongue, I am excited because I love this section of scripture – I use it often in counseling; but I am also wary because I know that God still has much to teach me about my own.

“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” James 3:2

Commentary:
in what he says. A person’s words reflect his character and thus are a key to his whole being. James emphasizes the importance of good works but also acknowledges that all Christians stumble (a metaphor for sinning; …) in many ways. James’s call for good works, therefore, must not be seen as expecting perfection. When James says that a person who can control his mouth is a perfect man, he probably has absolute perfection in view. It is a perfection, however, that will be attainable only in heaven. Still, believers should always seek to grow in holiness.” [ESV Study Bible study notes pg. 2395]

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 3:1
“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”

Points to ponder:
For many years I had the privilege to teach women’s Bible study. I loved the interaction and opportunity to share God’s Word. I have many fond memories of past groups I had the honor to study with. It has been about 18 months since I had to stop teaching due to other demands on my time. Several years ago, a few women joined me to write a Bible study to be used with the wives of the men in the Colony of Mercy. It was an intense and lengthy process of writing. After 5 years we completed the 14-chapter topical study and started using it as the foundation for the Women of Character program for the wives. We have been amazed and humbled by how God has seen fit to use it far beyond the walls of America’s Keswick.

Recently, we were offered the opportunity to publish the book and I am currently in the process of working with the publishing house editors. Honestly, it is overwhelming, not just the process but because of the truth of this week’s Scripture. The Bible study is a form of teaching and once published we do not have control over who reads it or how they interpret the words or intents. As I review each chapter, I am prayerfully asking God to guide my thoughts and to keep me from error. One day I will stand before God and answer for the words on those pages. I covet your prayers along with me that every word, every thought, every concept be rooted in truth – God’s truth – and not my human opinion. God knows who will read it and what life struggles they will be dealing with. Please pray He will guide my pen.

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.