A seed that was planted deep in my heart when I asked Jesus to be my Savior had appeared to stop growing. I looked in my heart to see where the problem was lying. It was there that I found the things of this world were taking root. There was despair, anger, love of money, distrust, overeating.

I thought to myself, “how am I to grow if I have allowed these things to take root in my heart?” I looked around to find help and saw the Word of God. I started to read every day the Word of God and was gaining knowledge, but that was not enough to remove the deep roots that were causing me to slide downwards. No, I had to move the roots and dig out the issues. I started to pray and seek God’s way instead of my own together with daily use of God’s Word.

Over time, I saw the roots being dug up out of my heart and in its place fruit began to grow. I often remember the song “the blessings will come down as the prayers go up.” This was true, I found myself thanking God for my family, hard situations, children, job, food. It was there that I saw the fruit of the Spirit come alive with love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, goodness.

I trust this will help you in your walk to allow the things of God to take root with thankfulness. Thankfulness flows out of a heart that is rooted in Christ.

“An evidence that our will has been broken is that we begin to thank God for that which once seemed so bitter, knowing that His will is good and that, in His time and in His way, He is able to make the most bitter waters sweet.” Nancy Leigh DeMoss, A Place of Quiet Rest.

Patsy Foley
WOC Graduate

DIGGING DEEPER
John 1:
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

Many people think the first year after the death of a loved one, or a divorce, is the hardest. Those “firsts” are big hurdles to get over – first birthday, anniversary, Thanksgiving, Christmas…. Each one is a challenge to get through. I think most of us try to gather ’round those we know and love who have experienced a deep loss and extend extra care at those times. But after a year has passed, we tend to forget, and life goes on.

But I’ve often heard people say that the second year is even harder than the first. Maybe it’s because most people don’t remember to extend that same care the second year. After all, most of us are so busy, especially at the holidays. Maybe it’s that, while the wounds are no longer fresh, the scars remain as a reminder of what was but is no longer.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:2-4 (New King James Version).

Maybe you’re one of those who has experienced loss and know what I’m talking about. One of the best bits of advice I’ve ever received is to get my eyes off myself and focus on others. Now is the time to find others who need to know the comfort that you’ve received. Send a card or an email. Make a phone call. Send flowers. Drop by for a visit. Invite someone over for coffee or dinner.

As we approach Christmas and New Year’s, reach out to someone you know who may be having a difficult time getting through the holidays, and bless them with the love of Jesus. You’ll be blessed in return.

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

DIGGING DEEPER
John 1:
3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

As Christmas approaches each and every year I am challenged to keep Christ on the throne of Christmas. It is so easy to get distracted with so very many things. This year I am going to do something a little different and I would like to share it with you. Perhaps you may want to join me.

I am a visual learner who generally benefits from visual reminders. This year I have placed three styrofoam cups where I can see them clearly.

In cup number one I have broken up a fourth cup and used it to fill the first one. This one will represent filling the season with “self.” I can really ruin Christmas by wanting things to go “my way.” Christmas is not about pleasing “me” My old “self” with my selfish ways has been crucified with Christ. Praise God. By His grace that old “self” will stay crucified. I do not want “self” on the throne this Christmas. (Consider Romans 6:6)

In the second cup I have cut out pictures of worldly things. For me worldly pictures represent vacation spots, free time, a good book, etc. The things of the world will grow strangely dim as I keep my eyes upon Jesus. I do not want the things of the world on the throne this Christmas. (Consider 1 John 2:15-17)

In the third cup is water. The water in the cup represents living water. This Christmas I want to be reminded every day to choose to be filled up with the living water of Christlikeness. When people come into my presence this Christmas I would like them to find Christ. Christ is on the throne this Christmas. (Consider John 4:10)

Perhaps you might want to find a place in your home to set out three cups. Allow the first to represent “self,” the second the things of the world that distract or pull at you, and the third to represent Christlikeness. Jesus is the reason for the season. Jesus likely was not born on December 25th. Mary and Joseph did not live by a Roman calendar. It is far more likely that Christ was born during the feast of Tabernacles. Nevertheless, any day is a good day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Let us pray that those of us who call Jesus our Messiah, our Lord, our Savior will honor Him and keep Him on the throne of our Christmas. (Heb 12:2)

Merry CHRISTmas,

Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate

For those who want to dig a little deeper:

Listen to “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” sung by Alan Jackson at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO4uIyz_d90&feature=fvw

Prayerfully consider the chorus:
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will go strangely dim;
In the light of His glory and grace.”

DIGGING DEEPER
Jonn 1:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God.

I have found that there are times that the Scripture for the week is exactly what I need at that time. If I may diverse for just a moment, I’d like to share a personal testimony from last week.

I was at the doctor early in the week and she has concerns and has ordered some tests. Now 15 years ago, I would have fallen apart, but alas I do see evidence of God’s grace and growth in my life.

I was walking on the treadmill a day or two after my visit and memorizing Matthew 6:30-34. As I rehearsed verse 34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for it will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble”, I was encouraged again that God has my back. He holds tomorrow, I do not. Some of the best Biblical counsel I can give people who worry is to stay in the moment. Some think that “one day at a time” is an AA phrase, but it is actually Biblical. I want to say God thought of it first but that sounds like it occurred to Him, and that would not be accurate, but the truth is He has always known it. So try it. For today, stay in the moment.

This week our meditation passage is:
John 1:1-7
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.

Commentary:
Three “basic truths about Christ as the Son of God are featured in the prologue: (1) the eternal Christ (vv. 1-3); (2) the incarnate Christ (vv. 4,5); (3) the forerunner of Christ (vv.6-8)…” if you read further through verse 18 there are 3 additional basic truths,”(4) the unrecognized Christ (vv.9-11); (5) the omnipotent Christ (vv.12, 13); and (6) the glorious Christ (vv.14-18)” [The MacArthur Bible Commentary pg. 1343]

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.

Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Points to Ponder:
I don’t believe this is expressing a “name it and claim it” philosophy. Sure you could take the first sentence out of context and come to that conclusion but when you take the paragraph in its entirety it seems the Scripture is expressing the goodness of God. That He is the giver of good gifts. The phrase “how much more” causes us to reflect on our own feeble efforts to bless others that we love. We are not going to intentionally give a poor gift or something we know will disappoint our loved one, are we? NO. Of course not. If we as humans understand the delight in giving pleasure to a friend with a gift, HOW MUCH MORE does God. He loves to give us good things. We can trust His heart.

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.

On my way to work I often run the chance of getting behind some slow pokes on the road. This morning I was behind a large work truck that was barely doing the speed limit. I was impatient as I had a hot coffee to deliver to a co-worker. It was not long before my mind started asking, “Couldn’t you just speed it up a bit?” Then to add fuel to my impatience his brake lights came on and off and on and off. No longer contained in my head, out of my mouth came my next thoughts. “Buddy, are you kidding me? What is your problem?” Just ahead the car in front of the truck made a right hand turn and the truck picked up to a normal and legel speed limit. God revealed my impatience but He also asked, “Who or what are you mad at?” My anger was misplaced and an innocent driver was victim to my wrath. The Lord began to show me my anger and how I can express that emotion to my husband and children. It’s like my family is the truck. They are the big thing that’s in my way. But there are unseen things that are at the root cause of my frustration and it is usually that I don’t like to take a good look at myself. It is easier to yell at the truck than to see beyond to the car. My husband recently said it best. “Our frustration with the kids is because we see so much of ourselves in them.” Very true, yet I hate to admit that my anger comes from me. How easy it is to point the finger and blame others for the way we feel. How often do you and I wrongly lash out and accuse the innocent party rather than facing the real and true cause? It is quicker to act out than react properly. It is easier to speak than to hold the tongue. It is more comforting to blame and deflect then to admit and search our own hearts. Often, we shoot first and ask questions later.

As this incident just took place an hour ago I have no words of wisdom to lend. No scriptures to offer at the moment. Just a challenge that you and I take the time to see beyond the truck.

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
Matthew 7
11 If you then,who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

The longer I walk with the Lord, the more I get to know myself and see me apart from grace, the more I am on my face before God crying out for mercy.

The truth is, on any given day I probably give everyone that knows me at least one reason to be annoyed, perturbed, irritated, and flat out angry with me. In fact, for every person who says they like me there are likely a whole bunch of others who do not.

All by itself that could be distressing to my heart and provoking to my flesh and yet, in the midst of these days we are in, when troubles and trials of various kinds abound, there is a hope to be found, a relief and release from the frailties of the humanity which constrains us.

In a word, it is Jesus!

Lately, my eyes have been locked with the eyes of the Savior seeking to see me in light of His saving, redeeming and sustaining Gospel. Therein, I have found much to hope and glory in; I have found much to lift my heavy heart. The simple and profound way that the Holy Spirit accomplishes this in me is praise, prayer and thanksgiving!!

Certainly it is not magic. God forbid that I would treat His Word so carelessly! What it is though, is powerful above and beyond what I’ll ever be able to explain to you. His Word is deeply penetrating, even into my inmost parts.

My life verse, Philippians 4:4-9, says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”

Sisters, are you troubled with the cares of broken relationships? Do your so-called friends shun you with or without cause? Do you feel alone and in need of a boost?
Lift your head and say, “Jesus, thank You! Thank You for the Cross. Thank You for being my Kinsman Redeemer; the Restorer of all breaches; the One Who Is, Who Was and Who Is to come! Thank You for grace upon grace upon grace; grace which has saved me from the uttermost darkness and depravity of my own soul.

Go and pray to this Jesus Who sits at the throne and intercedes! Cry out to Him with a heart full of thanksgiving and praise!

He is the Rock of our salvation and in Him there is no shadow of turning for He is indeed faithful!

Selah,
Stephanie

Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An “intrument of change” in the Redeemer’s Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America’s Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.

DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 7
9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?

You recall the story of Pharaoh in the time of Moses when God was preparing to bring the Israelites out of Egypt after 430 years of bondage. If not, let me encourage you to read Exodus 3-14. It is that story that is the basis of our Victory Call today.

As the Scriptures go, Moses, called by God to represent Him to Pharaoh, goes into the Ruler to demand that he release the Israelites that they may go into the wilderness to worship their Lord God. Pharaoh rejects his request, so God brings the plagues.

1. He turns water into blood – “So Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened” (Ex 7:22)
2. Frogs – “But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them” (Ex 8:15)
3. Gnats – “But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them…” (Ex 8:19)
4. Flies – “But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and did not let the people go” (Ex 8:32)
5. Livestock die – “But the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.” (Ex 9:7)
6. Boils – “But the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he did not listen to them…” (Ex 9:12)
7. Hail – “Then Pharaoh sent and called Moses and Aaron and said to them, ‘This time I have sinned: The Lord is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. Plead with the LORD, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.’….But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned yet again and hardened his heart, he and his servants.”(Ex 9:27)
8. Locusts – “But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go.” (Ex 10:20)
9. Darkness – “But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go.” (Ex 10:27)
10. Death of the first born -(Ex 12)

I would like to focus for a moment on #9, the seventh plague. Pharaoh indicates that he finally gets it. He finally understands. He even seems to acknowledge his sin. This is an important observation about human behavior. In the midst of his suffering, he “repents.” He appears to understand and acknowledge his own fault and sin. He admits he is wrong. From Moses’ seat it seems like it is finally happening. So he prays that the hail stop, and God stops the hail. When the source of Pharaoh’s suffering is removed, he has yet again a change of heart. “But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased…he hardened his heart.”
(9:27)

What’s my point? Two-fold:
1. Our inclination is to be very motivated to change in the midst of suffering, but when that suffering is removed, we revert to our old ways. Our repentance and desire for change is situational, not genuine.
2. When loved ones seem to repent of attitudes or actions in the midst of their suffering, the only way we can know if that brokenness is genuine is if they follow through on their word. If the immediate suffering is removed and they return to their old ways, their repentance was not from the heart.

Counsel we often give family members of prodigal children, addicted family or friends when they are wringing their hands because they just don’t know what to do is this: You will know that their repentance is real when they follow through with their promises. People caught in the bondage of addiction often make promises they do not keep. The only way to know when genuine change has taken place is not through their words (though you would really like to believe them and have made that mistake many, many, many times), it is through persistence to keep their word over a significant period of time that gives evidence of genuine change.

We are all like Pharaoh in some ways. Let’s be people of our word in suffering and out.

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.

DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 7
7Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
8For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

How are you doing? Have you been tracking with us for the last 11 months? Perhaps you have opted to skip over the Monday and Friday Digging Deeper Victory Calls. Let me encourage you to join the journey even now. Perhaps you have been meditating and memorizing right along with us. Kudos. The value of doing such a discipline will be well worth the effort. We have only a few weeks left. Finish strong. Finish well.

Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Commentary:
“ASK: Disciples should come to God in humility and conscious of need. SEEK connects one’s prayer with responsible action in pursuing the will of God. KNOCK suggests perseverance. Disciples are to persist in prayer, confident that their Father will provide whatever is best for them, according to his sovereign, gracious will.” [ESV Study Bible notes, Page 1834]

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.

Matthew 6:30-34
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Points to Ponder:
We fret; we stew about what might happen. The “what-if” question races around our thoughts like a hamster running on his exercise wheel. This Scripture reminds us that we need to stay in today. Tomorrow is not promised. We would eliminate so much of our stress, anxiety and worry if we rest in knowing that our lives are in God’s hands. Whatever comes, so does His grace. We can’t borrow grace. We get it when we need it, not a moment before. God’s grace is sufficient for our reality not our fantasy (those things we THINK MIGHT happen).

Oh, my friend, rest. Rest in knowing that HE IS ALL Sufficient. He IS Enough. He cares for you. Nothing has slipped by His notice. Nothing that has or will happen to you has caught Him by surprise. Nothing is beyond His redemptive power. Rest. Rest. Rest.

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.