My younger daughter and I were riding in our car one day. It was rather warm, especially in the sun. We drove past an eighteen wheeler truck and I heard my daughter mumble something. So I asked her what she said and she replied, “I said thank you to the truck.” I said, “Why would you do that?” She said the truck gave her some shade and it felt good. It made me think about shade…how it feels to get some relief from the hot sun.

There was a time when I had been at the beach and had gotten very bad sunburn and every time the sun would come across my legs it would just burn! So that evening walking the boardwalk I would run from awning to awning to get to the SHADE so that my legs would not burn.

Have you ever run to the shade? Have you ever been at a baseball game wishing you had worn some kind of hat with a brim on it?! I’ve taken umbrellas to some of my kid’s baseball games! There’s something about getting out of the bright sunlight that just makes you take a sigh of relief!

It also made me think of a verse that had been discussed in the past few months. Psalm 91:1 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the SHADOW of the Almighty.”

When I think about that I think, “What a great God we have!! He provides SHADE for us – RELIEF from the heat of battle!!” We can run to His shade and rest. May we continue to dwell in His shelter so that we will get relief from the daily battle. Next time you put your hand up to shade your eyes, thank Him for the SHADE!

Sue Mercer
WOC Graduate

DIGGING DEEPER
2 Count it all joy, my brothers,when you meet trials of various kinds,
3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

(2 Kings 4:1-7)

As we turn from 2010 to 2011 many in our communities are concerned about their future supply. Many are unemployed and/or have accumulated debt that they cannot pay. These situations can open a door to fear, doubt and unbelief. They can also become an opportunity to open a door to a new way of living, at a new level of faith, obedience, wisdom, growth and relationship with the Lord Jehovah Jireh, our provider.

I would like to review a story from the scripture about a poor widow who had two sons and was in debt. It appears that her deceased husband must have been the son of one of the prophets in the day of Elisha. She has come to Elisha to seek his counsel concerning her need. Creditors had come to take her two sons as slaves (v.1). Interestingly, Elisha asks the woman “What do you have in the house?”(v.2). He did not ask about what she owed the creditors but rather what God had blessed her with. It was in that place she would find her supply, oil.

May you and I LOOK and SEE the place of blessing…especially when in a time of great need. It is in the place of blessing, it is where God’s presence is evident we shall find our supply.

Next Elisha advised her to borrow vessels from her neighbors (v. 3). I am guessing that this meant she was to humble herself and seek help from the body of believers who lived near her, those with whom she had fellowship. She was told to ask for items that likely were commonplace and would not shift her burden to neighbors, yet they could become partners in the releasing of her supply. The widow responded in obedience. Her neighbors did as well and provided the needed vessels.

May you and I humble ourselves in this New Year, respond in obedience to the Lord, and partner with Him where and how He is doing a work in our lives and in the lives of those in His church. Let us be generous in our giving.

Next she had to go into her home, shut the door behind her and her sons and begin to pour out her supply (v. 4). Sounds like she had to trust in God. By faith and in obedience she began to fill the borrowed vessels. Every vessel was filled with the oil.

May our households be faithful to quiet time with our God. May we shut the door to the empty promises of the world. May we move by faith. Let us put our trust in the Lord our God and step forward in obedience.

Next she returned to Elisha and explained what had happened. He told her to “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt and you and your sons can live on the rest”(v. 7).

Please consider that your supply will not run out. In fact the supply that God has blessed you with can multiply. Make His presence central in your life. Seek His face and His strategy for your supply. You too, not unlike the widow of 2 Kings 4, may discover that as you look to Jehovah Jireh your provider, as you move from a place of fear, doubt and unbelief and give thanks for your blessings, your eyes will truly open. You will see and have the gift of faith to move humbly and obediently into the plan God has for you and your household. You will pay your debts and you shall live on the rest.

Jehovah Jireh, our provider…His grace is sufficient for you, He shall supply all of your needs, and He cares for you.

Have a blessed 2011.

Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

In the United Kingdom, United States and Canada, military personnel become AWOL (US: Absence Without Official Leave) or AWL (UK, Canada and Australia: Absent Without Leave) when they are absent from their post without a valid pass or leave. The United States Marine Corps and United States Navy generally refer to this as Unauthorized Absence, or “UA.” Such people are dropped from their unit rolls after 30 days and then listed as deserters. However, as a matter of U.S. military law, desertion is not measured by time away from the unit, but rather:
* by leaving or remaining absent from their unit, organization, or place of duty, where there has been a determined intent to not return;
* if that intent is determined to be to avoid hazardous duty or shirk contractual obligation;
* if they enlist or accept an appointment in the same or another branch of service without disclosing the fact that they have not been properly separated from current service. – Wikipedia

There are times in the battles of my life where I have gone AWOL. Using the above definition the second bullet point stands out to me. I go AWOL when things get too painful, life becomes too hard, or I just can’t “do” what I am called to “do” anymore. We all get fatigued from being on the front lines. Sometimes we just have to get off the field.

For me, the problem is when I get to this point I feel guilty. The enemy comes right in and shows me how weak I am, how much of a failure I am, and how disappointed God is in me that I couldn’t fight better or longer. God knows when we will go AWOL. Rather than accusing, imprisoning or putting us on trial, He knows our limits. (We will see next time that He also knew despair and He asked if there be another way than to go to the front line, that it might be so.)

When I went AWOL recently a friend directed me to see God’s grace in the situation. Those of us who have been taught that what they “do” counts the most, often need to be reminded about God’s grace. She reassured me that God knew where I was in my pain and that it was okay to have a day just to feel despair, to kick and scream; after all, God knows all that too. Notice that by U.S. military law desertion is not measured by time away from the unit but according to the intent. I could not remain absent with no intent to return. I could not separate myself from my service to the King. Though I felt like it, I knew I could not and would not be a deserter.

While doing some work-related reading I came upon a chapter on change. Often, we go AWOL because things just went from bad to worse. The battle plan shifted and maybe took us by surprise. Then I read this quote about the difficulties some have with change:
“Once a week, people could visit Pity City. But they weren’t allowed to move there.”

If you have gone AWOL it’s okay…for a little while .. you just can’t move in and live there. We may not like the change that has occurred but then you and I need to adjust.

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

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 1
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Have you taken the opportunity to consider the book of James? It is a powerful, practical book. I believe as we meditate on the words within this book this year, we will gain much wisdom as we apply the truths within. I challenge you to come along on our journey.

James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Commentary:
The suffering state of Christians in this world is represented. It is implied that troubles and afflictions may be the lot of the best Christians. Such as have a title to the greatest joy may yet endure very grievous afflictions. The trials of a good man are such as he does not create to himself, nor sinfully pull upon himself; but they are such as he is said to fall into. …The graces and duties of a state of trial and affliction. … One Christian grace to be exercised is joy, v. 2. We must not sink into a sad and disconsolate frame of mind, which would make us faint under our trials. Philosophy may instruct men to be calm under their troubles; but Christianity teaches them to be joyful. Our trials will brighten our graces now and our crown at last. There is the more reason for joy in afflictions if we consider the other graces that are promoted by them. [Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume pg. 1930].

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.

Points to Ponder

James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.

Points to ponder:
James was the first book of the Bible that I read in its entirety after being saved. It is a short book, packed full of practical wisdom and written by James, the brother of Jesus. Can you imagine being the sibling of Jesus, the One that never sinned? You could never say, “Jesus did it.” Or point your finger and say, “He started it.” Yet, James grew up with Jesus and came to the place where he counted it an honor to be a servant of God and called his brother Lord. Amazing. It shows a spirit of humility and wisdom. I love this book and am looking forward to digging deep.

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 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Over the last days I have shared with you that God may call you to leave a battle that is not yours. I have also shared that God will call us to the front line to fight.

For me, the hardest battle is when I feel like I have lost and I can’t fight again. The enemy gained the upper hand or I disobeyed a command or there is no advancement on the ground. I despaired over the loss of the last battle when ice cream and sleep looked like the best strategic move I could make. I so wanted to be stronger! How was I going to get up again? First, I shared that I sought out a good friend. Her words and prayers helped me to look away from my despair to God’s grace. After that I began to read scripture as well as other meaningful devotionals. When I saw my friend again a few days later she shared with me a familiar story. “Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, ‘Sit here while I go pray over there.’ And he took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them. ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.’ He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.'” (Matthew 26:36-39) I was so grateful to know that Jesus knows how I feel. I am grateful that He knows my despair even unto death. But the key to getting back into the battle is a battle of wills. I want things my way but I am always challenged to submit to God and His plan. I may take some time to despair and I may take some time to finally let go but the sooner I can align my will with God’s will the better.

“A Prayer from the Front Line
Chosen leader of the Lord! May you never again allow fear to keep you from stepping onto the front line; I pray the Lord will be your strength as you fight the good fight. I pray, in Jesus’ name, that you will find great peace as you prepare for battle. May your life become an adventure filled with great joy in the midst of every trial you face, and may our Lord strengthen you and surround you with His heavenly host of angels in any and all of life’s challenges. May your courage to step out in faith bring revival to your family and friends, In Jesus’ name Amen.” (His Princess Warrior by Sheri Rose Shepherd, page 33)

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 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.

In the battle for my children I recently took a pretty hard blow. I was a mess. Tired, weary, doubting and battle fatigued, I hauled myself to a good friend’s office. I shared how I failed at the front line. I wanted to retreat and retreat I did. I retreated into my kitchen for my favorite ice cream sundae and then straight under the covers. I felt guilty for wanting to quit. I felt guilty for retreating to other things than the arms of my Heavenly Father. I felt guilty for not being stronger. I shared how I had recently watched Pearl Harbor and saw men willing to go on suicide missions to defend their country. I just wept about how tired I was and I was sick of being on the front line. My friend reminded me of God’s grace, cried with me and prayed with me and for me. The next day I opened a devotional that was recommended this past summer. This is what it read:

“My Princess,
You are not called to follow others, My beloved Warrior, I have appointed you to leave them to me.

Life will become a great adventure if you will step out into the front line and fight for those who are too weak to fight for themselves. Do not look back on what you have lost; look forward to the great victories that are in front of you. You don’t have to hide behind your fears and insecurities any longer. I can and will turn your pain into passion to change the world around you. As you find your way to the front line, hide this truth in your heart: ‘This fight is not just for you; it is for all those you dearly love.’

Love, Your King who fights for you”*

God knows our weariness. He knows when our strength is zapped. Sometimes He calls us not to just hold our ground but to dig our heels in even more. Sometimes He will call us to step up to the front line.

He will say to them, “Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them.” Deuteronomy 20:3 NLT

*His Princess Warrior by Sheri Rose Shepherd, page 30, 31

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 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.

Many years ago I had a co-worker who was a real ladies man. It didn’t take me long as a new Christian and object of his womanizing until I needed to put up my guard and fight off any advances that came my way. My idea was that God and I were big enough to battle together. I took a firm stand against this co-worker by politely saying no to any invitations and was always on guard against this foe. One morning while reading the Word I came across 1 Corinthians 6:18 which exhorts us to “flee from sexual immorality.” I realized that the battle plan was not to remain on the front line and take it but to run and run fast! My strategy changed as I lined up with God’s Word on this issue. I began to avoid this man like the plaque. If he was at the coffee machine I was not. If he was working in an area where I need to walk by him I would take the long way around. I began to realize that in my weakness, say after a disagreement with my husband, I could have lost ground had I remained on the front line. God certainly does not call us to wage war when He clearly and wisely intends for us to flee.

Some battles are not for us to fight. Some battles are won by heeding God’s battle plan through obedience. Normally, the call to “retreat” means you have lost. But when God calls us to “retreat” He fights the battle and we win too. His Word is faithful to direct us in all situations.

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 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.

We are off and running into 2011. We anticipate a great year of digging deeper into the very Word of God. I heard this quote last week, “make it a practice to breathe in what God has breathed out, inhale what God has exhaled” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” Does that capture your heart today? Do you embrace how vital being in, meditating on, and memorizing God’s Word is to your well-being, peace, joy and obedience? Dive in with me and let’s dig deeper into the book of James. By the end of 2011 we will have systematically meditated on the book of James. If you memorize as we go you will have memorized the entire book by the end of the year. Join me won’t you?

James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.

Commentary:
“Greeting. Jesus chose 12 disciples to signify the twelve tribes and thus to identify the church as the new Israel…James reminds these Jewish Christians of their spiritual heritage as the people of God, gathered by Jesus the Messiah. In the Dispersion. The tribes of Israel were scattered throughout the world by the Assyrians and Babylonians. They looked forward to being regathered as a people (Jer. 31:7-14; Ezek. 37: 15-28). James implies that the true Israel is now also dispersed (away from its heavenly homeland) and oppressed, but assured of their final gathering to the Lord.” [ESV Study Bible notes pg 2391]

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 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Have you considered your year-end giving options? If Victory Call has encouraged you, would you please encourage us with a year-end gift for the ministry of addiction recovery. You can donate online (www.americaskeswick.org) or call 800-453-7942. Thanks for your consideration.

Recently, spending some time with my sister and her 6 children, I witnessed some of the difficulties she has daily with a particularly bright but strong-willed son. He just turned 11 and is the second oldest with 4 younger siblings (2 sets of twins). He wishes he was an only child.

To give you a glimpse of what I’m talking about let me share my observation. My nephew can be a delight. He’s smart, observant, and his smile can light up a room-when things are going in his favor. But, when things are not going as he would like- he’s still smart, he’s still observant but his scowl and angry, hurtful words bring a dark cloud over a room.

When he’s asked to do something he doesn’t want to do, he resists, argues and his behavior progressively becomes angrier as he doesn’t get his way.

In a sense, he’s rebelling against my sister’s authority in his life. He wants his own way and will fight tooth and nail to try to get it.

I share all that because in observing that in my nephew, God clearly showed me my own heart. Oh, sure I’ve got 40 years on him, and I’ve matured along the way so my heart of rebellion is not so blatant – to people, but to God – He sees even what others don’t. In fact, I believe every one of us is very much like my nephew every time we chose sin. Am I right? When we chose our own way over God’s aren’t we in action, doing what my nephew is doing in words?

Aren’t we “saying” to God – “you’re not the boss of me.” “What is it to you?” “What do you care?” “Leave me alone.” “You can’t do that!” “I don’t care.” “So?” “So what?”

Even as I write this now, weeks after God showing this to me – my heart is pricked anew.

Lord, forgive my arrogance, my rebellion, my sin. Let me see my sin in all its ugly reality. I love you Lord. May my attitudes and actions reflect that every day.

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 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.