…often an expression we use when we feel like we can’t understand something. Have you ever felt intimidated by the Word? When I came to Christ ten years ago, I had a Bible that I rarely read, but never-the-less I owned one. I remember asking my Pastor if the one I had was alright to use. He said; “Sure, just start reading.” I did, and God continues to reveal Himself through it. This year I decided to read through the Bible in a year. What a blessing! It’s been tough to discipline myself, but I haven’t given up. If I miss a day or two, I just start where it begins that day and keep going. Did you know that God made a donkey speak? (Numbers 22) I didn’t. It’s really an adventure reading through the Bible, but it’s not a mystery nor is God the author of confusion.

I read a devotional once that stressed the importance of “really” understanding certain words by looking up their Greek meaning. It was sad that the author seemed to lead the reader to believe that if they didn’t understand Greek they really couldn’t understand what God was saying. That’s just not true. Knowing the Lord Who is the Author of each word is far more important than its Greek root. My fiancé attends Bible College and they have their students dig deep into the Word. I clearly see the benefit in that deeper study and am glad he’s the one with the homework!

Please understand, I’m not discouraging a deeper study, but encouraging you to study…study…study, whatever language you speak and trust the Teacher will interpret His Book. After all, His purpose in writing it was to reveal Himself to us.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Dina Seaton
Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer

DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:12-13
So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Everybody knows the expression “practice makes perfect.” I was told that over and over as a child taking piano lessons. The need to practice was essential.

However, the expression really is somewhat false. Practice does not make perfect, it just makes permanent. If you practice correctly, whatever it is you practice, then yes, it makes perfect the execution of what we are learning. But if we practice incorrectly, or the wrong way, then that pattern becomes ingrained in us and is very hard to break. Practice something the wrong way and you will always tend to do it the wrong way.

Maybe you’ve also heard this: Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson1

What we practice spiritually also becomes our habit, our character. What are our daily “practices” as we walk with God? Do we spend time with Him? Do we seek His face daily, in every circumstance? When difficulties come, is it our practice to run to Him? Do we worry, fret, try to figure out how to deal with things – or do we make it a practice to give it to Him?

These are things that I am learning, and working on practicing correctly so that practice truly does make “perfect.”

7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:7-14 NKJV, emphasis mine)

May we press on as we practice becoming perfect in Him!

Ruth Schmidt

1 http://quotationsbook.com/quote/10741/#ixzz1IwWCZrh6
on Quotations Book

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

DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:12-13
So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Special Project – you’re invited!
Calling all cooks! Keswick will be producing its own cookbook (the first new one in many years) and we want YOUR favorite recipes! Please submit your recipes to me by May 15. This can include favorite from the conference kitchen, as well as your own family favorites.

No limitations: appetizers, salads, soups/stews, casseroles, entrees/meats, vegetables/side dishes, breads/muffins/etc, desserts (cakes/pies/puddings/cookies/candy/etc.)

Please submit typed or CLEARLY printed recipes – check your measurements for accuracy. Include your name, and if there is a SHORT personal story about the recipe, include that as well (i.e. something you always have Christmas morning).

So start digging through those recipes cards and find your favorite. Email them to rschmidt@americaskeswick.org

Even though the skies have been gray and dreary I have attempted to do some spring cleaning. I can not tell you how much I dread the change-over of clothes, the cleaning of windows and so much more. It is not the act of doing these chores that I can’t stand. It is what I see and feel about myself that frustrates me.

Let’s begin in the closet. I think there is something about playing dress-up as a child that I never got over. I am at the point where I am ashamed at ALL that I have. I always see my heart when I open my closet. I see the little girl who was mocked for having her pants too short. (Today they are called ankle pants. I can’t wear them because to me they are “flood” pants and people laugh when you wear them!) I see the fourth daughter who always had hand-me-downs. (I would do well to shop more thrift stores!) I see the woman who is afraid, insecure and defines herself often by an outward appearance.

Moving on to the blinds and windows that hang in my bedroom I see last year’s pollen and dust. A swiffer will not be sufficient. Hot water, Mr. Clean and a rag will be needed. I begin this chore and get frustrated with the fact that if I did this more often it wouldn’t be so hard. I begin to think of the time I wasted when I could have been doing something productive. Although I am cleaning now, I feel like a lazy bum who spent too much time doing insignificant things that ate away at my time. As I lift the clean window into place, I find that I did something wrong. The window will not lock into its upright position. Now I am mad that I broke the window and wonder why I attempt to do anything at all! By time the first window is clean I have turned myself into an unworthy wife, a rotten mother and a complete failure at life!

Whether it be spring, summer, fall or winter I find it hard to live in my true identity. I fall back on what the world tells me more often. My false thinking tends to be like the pollen and dirt stuck to my windowsill. It takes a lot for me to get rid of it.

Lately, when I open my closet, I am convicted of my abundance of “stuff.” I need to heed the warning that my life does not consist of my possessions and I better be on guard against my greed (Luke 12:15). We, as women, are told it is about how we look, what we wear, what we have, blah,blah,blah! But we need to cling to truth more then we cling to our “stuff.”

When I clean a window I think about the lack of repentance in my heart. How much junk has lived and lurked in there without being cleaned out? The truth be told, if I spent more time on my heart being right and in alignment with Christ, the cleaning out would not be so heavy and burdensome.

Regardless of what we still have to clean this spring it may be time to sit and reflect. Forget the closets, the windows and let’s not even think about the garage! Let’s do some inner cleaning and ponder on this truth.

“Behold, you desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part you will make me know wisdom. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” Psalm 51:6,7,10,17

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 2:12-13
So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

This is the final week before the Family Freedom Walk (Saturday, May 7th). If you would like to sponsor one of the staff or Colony men, please contact Guest Services at 1.800.453.7942 or go to our website http://www.americaskeswick.org (Give Now button). By the way: Ladies, we are doing well in the Freedom Fighters/ Victory Call competition.

The whole idea of focusing on a short passage of Scripture each week is to allow time for us to dig deeper. Many of us, myself included, skim along the surface of the Word like a stone skipping on the water, hesitating just long enough to get wet but not coming to rest in that spot. Do you savor the Word? Do you mull it over, meditating on its meaning and truth? Do you embrace it and allow it to dwell in you richly? I am speaking to myself first. I am, far too often, the skipping stone, but I want to dig deeper.

James 2:12-13
So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Commentary:
“A person who shows no mercy and compassion for people in need demonstrates that he has never responded to the great mercy of God and, as an unredeemed person, will receive only strict, unrelieved judgment in eternal hell (cf. Matt. 5:7). Mercy triumphs over judgment. The person whose life is characterized by mercy is ready for the day of judgment, and will escape all the charges that strict justice might bring against him because, by showing mercy to others, he gives genuine evidence of having received God’s mercy.” The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur pg. 1887.

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 2:10-11 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.

I think most of us have no problem acknowledging that we are sinners, but there certainly are people out there that just don’t get it. There is no way they believe they are sinners. I remember speaking to a woman one time and in the process of sharing the gospel with her, I asked if she was a sinner. She said, “no way, I’ve never done anything that bad. Maybe some stuff that would put me in jail but certainly not anything that would make me a sinner.” How interesting some people’s views of sin are.

I spoke at a ladies lunch one time and was told by the organizer that I should not mention sin because it left people with a bad feeling. Wow!

If we don’t see our sin, acknowledge our sin, confess our sin, how would we ever know our need for a Savior?

If I’m not lost, I don’t need to befound.
If I’m not dead, I don’t need life.
If I’m not in the dark, I don’t need light.
If I’m not a slave, I don’t need to be redeemed.
If I am not in bondage, I don’t need freedom.
If I am not a sinner, I don’t need a Savior.

As Christians, Jesus died for all of our sins. Jesus died for each of our sins. Each one required payment. Each one required the shedding of blood, the priceless blood of Jesus.

Rejoice that there is a Savior for us transgressors.

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.

UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk – call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter’s team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.

If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the “DESIGNATION” area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America’s KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America’s KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. We’re in the lead, ladies! Let’s keep up the good work!!

Because Achan kept some of the things that were to be given to the Lord, the Lord became very angry at the Israelites (Joshua 7:1, NCV).

I have read this verse many times and realize that the initial reference was to items that Achan kept from the captured city of Jericho. Precisely what the Lord had instructed the Israelites not to do. But this time, as I read the passage, I was led to think of the things that are to be given to the Lord, that we tend to withhold from Him, such as:

Doubt: Mark 11:23, “Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.”

Worry: Psalm 37:8 “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”

Fear: Joshua 11:6 “And the LORD said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them,'”

Good intentions: Luke 10:41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things

Oh dear one, are you holding something back? Perhaps I mentioned the thing you are hanging on to, but perhaps I didn’t. You know the “thing” you are hanging on to. Take time to sit at his feet and listen to Him. Give every “thing” to him.

THE REAL ME

I sit at your feet
Into Your face I stare.
The real meaning of me
Is someplace in there.

I fix my eyes on You,
My reflection then I see.
The image cast from Your eyes
Is not my picture of me.

When I look into my mirror,
I see everything that’s wrong.
When I look into Your eyes,
I see someone you’ve made strong.

My sin, my failures, my shame,
Are not shadowed in Your face.
I see the cross, the pain You bore
Radiating to me Your grace.

Poem by Marilyn Willett Heavilin, 1992

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.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:10,11
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.

Special Project – you’re invited!
Calling all cooks! Keswick will be producing its own cookbook (the first new one in many years) and we want YOUR favorite recipes! Please submit your recipes to me by May 15. This can include favorite from the conference kitchen, as well as your own family favorites.

No limitations: appetizers, salads, soups/stews, casseroles, entrees/meats, vegetables/side dishes, breads/muffins/etc, desserts (cakes/pies/puddings/cookies/candy/etc.)

Please submit typed or CLEARLY printed recipes – check your measurements for accuracy. Include your name, and if there is a SHORT personal story about the recipe, include that as well (i.e. something you always have Christmas morning).

So start digging through those recipes cards and find your favorite. Email them to rschmidt@americaskeswick.org

It can happen anytime, any place, to anybody as we are going along through life feeling good and thinking all is going well, enjoying life as a believer in Jesus Christ and trusting God to direct us. Then something happens that rocks our boat ~~ something someone does, or says, or maybe just the way someone looked at us, or perhaps didn’t seem to notice us at all.

The next thing we know, we are caught in the emotions of that moment and get stuck there, focused on ourselves, forgetting all about God’s truth, His Word concerning who we are in Christ and His promises of love and care for us. It doesn’t take long for us to begin to spiral downward as Satan seeks to seize that moment to disillusion us about God’s truth. In Genesis 3, we read of Eve’s encounter with “the serpent”, Satan in disguise. She had everything she could have wanted, everything that she needed, her life was really perfect, but questions were raised to her, subtle lies were spoken to her and she began to question God’s goodness (see verses 1-5). Sometimes we may encounter a similar situation if we are not “on guard”. Those self-centered thoughts, unkind thoughts, doubts about the future, things loom up from the past – failures and hurts, fears and anxieties are all attempts that Satan might use to seek to disillusion us and destroy our fellowship with God.

If we do not quickly detect these ploys of Satan in our thinking, we then become discontent, thinking even as Eve did (v.5, 6), that God is holding out on us. Instead of counting our blessings, we begin to covet what we don’t have or can’t have. We’re like little children wanting what we think we are being deprived of, whether it is for our good or not. By not trusting God and that He is in control of all our situations and circumstances, we continue to focus on self, our wants and our desires, becoming manipulative, covetous, and contemptuous in our thinking.

Continuing to believe the lies, rather than God’s truth, we become discouraged when things aren’t the way we want them to be; when we are not getting what we had hoped for. Here we must examine our motives and ask ourselves, “Am I willing to sin to get what I want?”, “Is this an ‘idol of my heart’?” Perhaps it’s not some “thing”, but approval or acceptance that is being sought after and not being realized. As an “idol” becomes the focus of our life we are pulled deeper into the downward spiral becoming defeated.

All of life seems to be a disaster – out of control and out of sorts. When we try to read God’s Word, the Bible, and pray, there seems to be a heavy load of guilt, we’re defeated and depressed. Through Christ alone we must reclaim the ground surrendered to Satan when choosing to believe his lies. At each of these turns that lead us downward – disillusionment, discontentment, discouragement, ending in disaster, there is a choice to be made. Are we going to satisfy our flesh, or believe God and trust in His truth. Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” As we confess and repent, asking God’s forgiveness, renouncing Satan’s control in our lives, our fellowship with God, our Heavenly Father, is restored through Jesus Christ. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you….Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:7, 8, 10)

Ahhhh ~~ Now that we’re back on track, what’s the best way to stay “on track”, walking in fellowship with God to keep from getting side-tracked again?

1 Peter 5:6 – 9a, gives us these instructions, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in faith…” 2 Peter 1:2 – 9, gives us further instructions in being effective and productive through our knowledge of Christ, escaping “the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” Someone once referred to vs.5-7 as “our Spiritual vitamins” to keep our focus on persevering and growth in the “divine nature” of Christ. Be encouraged to keep on taking your spiritual vitamins to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power one day at a time.

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.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:10,11
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.

Do you have a huge stone that is holding you back from the fullness of the destiny God has prepared for you? We did. Praise God…..the gift of the death and resurrection still can roll away that huge stone.

Let me tell you a little about our story. A little more than three years ago my husband recognized that he could not set himself free of an addiction to alcohol. He had been battling alcohol for most of our married life. I had asked him to go to America’s Keswick but he always had the same answer……..He just could not go away for four months and leave his job.

But God is good and with all my heart I believe God wanted to see Glenn healed even more than his children or I.

The alcohol was keeping him from a rich relationship with God. It was keeping all of us from the destiny God had prepared for us. God had a future planned for us. The plan was good and was filled with hope. (Jer. 29:11) I believe God allowed things to get so bad that Glenn had those four months available without any work to go to.

Months before God had told me I would not have to go through this any more. I didn’t know how but whatever it would take, I was ready.

Glenn entered Keswick in March of 2008. The Spirit of God began to work. I have a journal of his time at Keswick that is marked with anger, resentment, bitterness, tears of fear, worry, then tears of praise, joy, thanksgiving and more praise. While at Keswick Glenn was fed the Word, the Word, the Word. The things of the world did not distract him; he was set apart from the world for those four precious months. Our Pastor, his wife and a team of intercessors faithfully prayed for Glenn and me. I joined the Women of Character and through that was directed into the Word, the Word, the Word. I believe the Word is true. The Word is never returned void. The Word began to tear into that huge monster stone that was literally killing Glenn and our marriage.

Passover came on April 19. I cleaned our home and asked the Lord to clean Glenn and me. The intercessors and I proclaimed the power of the blood of Jesus our Passover Lamb who paid the price so that death had to pass over.

Death did pass over. Soon after when I saw Glenn he told me that he wanted Jesus to fully be Lord of his life, not just his Savior. He understood the difference. Praise God!! He was making progress. On June 8, 2008 we celebrated Pentecost and with all of my heart I believe the Word washed Glenn and that stone broke into tiny pieces. When he came home in July he was one new man, filled with the Word of Truth and committed to staying faithful to the reading of the Word. There continues to be no greater joy for me than seeing my husband reading and walking in the Truth.

The Word is the not-so-secret reason America’s Keswick is a place where God is free to speak to hearts and transform lives.

Is there a stone separating you from the destiny God has prepared for you? Don’t wait another day, another hour, another minute. Get into the Word. As one of my favorite authors, Dutch Sheets said, “God never intended that Adam should function intellectually apart from His influence and instruction. Jesus is called the Logos, the Word of God……He is God’s message to us.”

May I encourage you to submit yourself to the Word, dear one, for the Word will set you free it can still roll away your stone.

Patricia L. Wenzel
Graduate, Women of Character

Suggested reading:
The Word of God: Roll Away Your Stone, Living in the Power of the Risen Christ by Dutch Sheets, Bethany House

DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:10,11
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.

UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk – call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter’s team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.

If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the “DESIGNATION” area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America’s KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America’s KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. We’re in the lead, ladies! Let’s keep up the good work!!

It seems so appropriate the day after we celebrated the Resurrection to be considering a verse that expresses the pervasiveness of sin. When I was a grad student, before I was saved, I remember wondering, “what if there was a cut-off of the number of sins we could commit that determined if we went to heaven or not? What if I’m allowed 1 million sins and I’m at 1 million and 1? What if I’m not allowed any sins? I know I have committed at least one, and many more than one. What hope was there for me?”

This verse makes it clear that it is not a matter of my good outweighing my bad. If the scales tip in my favor when I stand before Christ, I get in. If the scales tip against my favor, I don’t get in. That is not biblical, but that’s exactly what I thought for many years.

I remember hearing the illustration of the rotten egg. If you make an omelet with 4 eggs, and 3 are great but the 4th is rotten, you have contaminated the whole omelet. The same with sin. If you keep the whole law (which is humanly impossible) but failed at just one point, you are a transgressor of the whole law.

James 2:10-11 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.

Commentary:
accountable for all of it. The law was considered an interdependent whole, and any infraction constituted a breaking of the law as a whole. Jesus said, ‘not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished”(Matt. 5:18). This favoritism (James 2:9) makes one “accountable” (Gk. enochos, a legal term for “liable” or “guilty” before God’s court) for the whole law. [ESV Study Bible – study notes page 2393]

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.

Special Project – you’re invited!
Calling all cooks! Keswick will be producing its own cookbook (the first new one in many years) and we want YOUR favorite recipes! Please submit your recipes to me by May 15. This can include favorite from the conference kitchen, as well as your own family favorites.

No limitations: appetizers, salads, soups/stews, casseroles, entrees/meats, vegetables/side dishes, breads/muffins/etc, desserts (cakes/pies/puddings/cookies/candy/etc.)

Please submit typed or CLEARLY printed recipes – check your measurements for accuracy. Include your name, and if there is a SHORT personal story about the recipe, include that as well (i.e. something you always have Christmas morning).

So start digging through those recipes cards and find your favorite. Email them to rschmidt@americaskeswick.org

James 2:8-9
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture,”You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

Points to Ponder:
So much of what we do as followers of Jesus Christ is mediated by the law of love. Six of the Ten Commandments have to do with loving others more than self.

As believers we do have freedom, according to the law of liberty. However, the law of love supersedes the law of liberty. The law of liberty serves us, the law of love serves others.

Partiality, in a sense, serves us because it is based on our opinion of who is most favored. It seems to me to be mingled with pride – because my opinion is right, best. I can see why it would be offensive to God. James calls it sin.
Are there ways you may be expressing partiality?

Diane Hunt

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.

UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk – call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter’s team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65.

If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the “DESIGNATION” area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America’s KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America’s KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. We’re in the lead, ladies! Let’s keep up the good work!!