When suffering seems more than we can bear, we often are directed to 1 Corinthians 10:13. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” That can bring comfort or perhaps you find yourself doubting this Scripture because so often our suffering seems more than we can bear, that perhaps this time, in our case, God overloaded us.

But let’s look more closely to this verse. It doesn’t say anything about suffering or trials, it is talking about temptation.

God will not allow us to be TEMPTED beyond what we can bear and will always provide us a way of escape.

A few chapters later Paul seems to contradict the idea that God will not try us beyond our own ability. “For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” 2 Corinthians 1: 8-9 Paul indicates that God does indeed test us beyond our own ability to bring us to the end of ourselves so that we will rely on God.

These two verses deal with two different circumstances. The first deals with temptation, the second with trial and suffering.

God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to take the escape route. We will never be put in a situation where we do not have the choice to obey.

God will allow us to experience trials and suffering beyond what we can bear so that we will rely on Him rather than ourselves.

A great deal of complication comes when we confuse the two.

Diane

Have you made your reservation for one of our Anniversary Banquets Sept 8, 10, 14, 15, 16? Please join us in celebrating God’s faithfulness and goodness to America’s KESWICK for 112 years. Call today 732.350.1187.

We would love for you to rejoice in God’s goodness together with us. This year we also celebrate the 10th ANNIVERSARY of the WOMEN OF CHARACTER program.

If you can’t join us, may I invite you to send a contribution in honor of our Anniversary celebration? America’s KESWICK 601 Route 530, Whiting, NJ 08759- please mark your check ANNIVERSARY BANQUET – FROM VC SUBSCRIBER or you may go to our website http://www.americaskeswick.org and make your donation online. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Psalm 5:1-3 “Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

Prayer has become such an important part of my life. I have my prayer time in the morning…alone…just God and me. I feel that I can’t face the challenges of the day if I haven’t given it all up to Him. Then, I’m privileged to pray at the Colony, Monday through Friday, with the chaplains. I have come to love this time of raising our voices to our Lord with our praises of thanksgiving and our petitions for the coming day. Then there is that on-going dialog with God all day long…

I love this simple little prayer in Psalm 5. It’s a good example for us to follow. The psalmist in these passages is no stranger to prayer with God. He is pouring his heart out to him, petitioning for God to hear his troubles. The word “consider” implies thinking about something very carefully with the idea of taking some kind of an action and to treat the issue in an attentive or kindly way.(1) Isn’t this our cry, as well, when we lift our prayers? Don’t we want an attentive and kindly ear?

The psalmist doesn’t wait till noon or evening or when the situation is out of control. This isn’t a “fox hole” prayer but one that is raised up in the morning, laying it all out to the Lord. This psalmist knows he is in deep trouble and that his only peace, solace or rescue will come from the only One who can give it…the Lord.

My favorite line is the last, “I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” He’s just giving it to God, laying all his troubles at the feet of the Lord. It’s far too much for him to carry! Then he says…and this is the best part…I “wait in expectation!” How many of us can truly pray these words to the Lord, that I’m giving it all to you and however long it takes I KNOW you will answer my prayer!!!

I would love to be at this place with every prayer I pray and I have to say I’m not there yet…but I hope I can be.

Maybe we could all practice this little prayer in our prayer times. I imagine we would all experience a peace we have never experienced and answers to prayer we could never have dreamed of.

Psalm 5:1-3 “Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

MaryAnn

Have you made your reservation for one of our Anniversary Banquets Sept 8, 10, 14, 15, 16.? Please join us in celebrating God’s faithfulness and goodness to America’s KESWICK for 112 years. Call today 732.350.1187.

We would love for you to rejoice in God’s goodness together with us. This year we also celebrate the 10th ANNIVERSARY of the WOMEN OF CHARACTER program.

If you can’t join us, may I invite you to send a contribution in honor of our Anniversary celebration? America’s KESWICK 601 Route 530, Whiting, NJ 08759- please mark your check ANNIVERSARY BANQUET – FROM VC SUBSCRIBER or you may go to our website http://www.americaskeswick.org and make your donation online. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

1 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consider retrieved 8/13/09

Today I have decided to quote Kathy Howard from her study Before The Throne:

“God says He will purify His children by refining them like silver. I didn’t know anything about silver refining, so I did a little research on smelting, the process that extracts metal from its ore. I found that the steps for this original refining process are relevant to our study today. (Malachi 3:2-4, page 108)

The Process begins with a quantity of silver ore, which is basically rock with a little silver in it. The ore is first crushed to a powder, then it is washed to dissolve many unwelcome contaminants. This cycle is repeated until the water is clear.

Next, the ore is placed in a furnace with lead or charcoal. The furnace is heated to an extremely high temperature (between 1450C-2000C) to melt everything- additional contaminants, the lead, and the silver within the ore. The lead acting as a scavenger, adheres to the silver. Then the metals, which are heavier than the contaminants, sink to the bottom of the furnace. The contaminants, or slag, can then be drained off the top.

After most of the slag is removed, the metals in the bottom of the furnace are tapped and poured into a mold. This mixture of lead and silver must be heated again to separate the metals. This time the furnace is heated to a temperature that is sufficient to melt the lead, but not the silver (about 900C). Even though this is an extremely simplified version of the smelting process, it helped me to appreciate how much time and work goes into the refining of even one ounce of silver.

God refines His people like silver, and His refining process in the life of a believer is not easy: beginning with just an ordinary lump of hard rock, crush, and wash and wash again, fire and heat, melt and separate, drain and mold, heat again, and shape. The result is a pure product that the Master Smelter can use in any way He chooses. Are you willing? Then ask God to turn up the heat!”

Next time you sing about being refined and asking God to bring His refining fire, be sure you know just what it is you are asking Him to do.

Kathy Withers

Have you made your reservation for one of our Anniversary Banquets Sept 8, 10, 14, 15, 16.? Please join us in celebrating God’s faithfulness and goodness to America’s KESWICK for 112 years. Call today 732.350.1187.

We would love for you to rejoice in God’s goodness together with us. This year we also celebrate the 10th ANNIVERSARY of the WOMEN OF CHARACTER program.

If you can’t join us, may I invite you to send a contribution in honor of our Anniversary celebration? America’s KESWICK 601 Route 530, Whiting, NJ 08759- please mark your check ANNIVERSARY BANQUET – FROM VC SUBSCRIBER or you may go to our website http://www.americaskeswick.org and make your donation online. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Isaiah 40:31 “They who wait for the Lord…”

Recently I wrote about waiting on the Lord. Today I want to share two possible examples of waiting. They are certainly not exhaustive. One I’ll call “fast food” and the other “gourmet.” I choose this illustration because it quickly brings a picture to mind that makes a clear distinction between these two specific types of eating.

As a person who enjoys eating, I can tell you without hesitation that I get pleasure from both. However you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that one is definitely better than the other.

Fast food is just that, fast. We rush in. inhale it quickly to fill the void and we just as quickly get back to the busyness of our day. Our tummies are full, thus our appetites have been momentarily satiated and our desire for food is no longer pressing in on us.

Gourmet, on the other hand, requires time, lots of time. The ingredients must be gathered and prepped. Each and every course has its own steps and details that make for an experience your palate won’t soon forget. There is no rushing. Focused attention on each course is essential to the end result and the final presentation. Whether it is a five or seven course meal, you sit for the full length of time required and savor each delectable bite, allowing the senses to be aroused. And you rarely, if ever, rush away from gourmet. First off, you are usually so totally satisfied that all you want to do is sit still and marvel over how good the meal was. Then, when you do get up, it isn’t to rush away and get busy, but rather to sit in a comfortable chair and bask in the fullness.

Now take a leap with me, and imagine the difference it would make in our daily lives if our time with God was more often than not gourmet. Sisters, believe me, I all fully aware of the argument that can be made for time. Gourmet requires time. Fast food is still food and it does keep you from getting hungry. In other words, fast food meets the need. My question for you is simple; does it really meet the need your soul and your spirit have for the Father, the One who is the Lover of your soul?

I, for one, know from first-hand experience that in the natural and in the spiritual, fast food is not enough to keep you healthy and strong.

Your challenge for the day is to plan, prepare and enjoy a gourmet meal with Him who was and is and is to come.

Stephanie

Have you made your reservation for one of our Anniversary Banquets Sept 8, 10, 14, 15, 16.? Please join us in celebrating God’s faithfulness and goodness to America’s KESWICK for 112 years. Call today 732.350.1187.

We would love for you to rejoice in God’s goodness together with us. This year we also celebrate the 10th ANNIVERSARY of the WOMEN OF CHARACTER program.

If you can’t join us, may I invite you to send a contribution in honor of our Anniversary celebration? America’s KESWICK 601 Route 530, Whiting, NJ 08759- please mark your check ANNIVERSARY BANQUET – FROM VC SUBSCRIBER or you may go to our website http://www.americaskeswick.org and make your donation online. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

I am sharing a devotional with you which first appeared in Real Victory for Real Life, published by America’s Keswick, 2004.

When I was at the height of my speaking career, I generally watched for bargain airfares and often bought my tickets a year in advance. Monetarily, that was a smart move, but if the reservations ever needed to be changed, it could be a nightmare.

I was scheduled to make a trip to the mid-west, but the sudden death of my father mandated I change the reservation. I dreaded making the call to American Airlines, fearing how much it would cost to change my reservation. As I was holding on the phone line, I felt God prompting me to say “I need favor” rather than “I need to change my reservation.” The prompting was very explicit. “Do not ask for A favor. Ask for favor.” Much to my relief, the agent was very kind and understanding and seemed to respond well to my request for favor. The fee change charge was nominal, and I was thrilled. As I was finishing the transaction, the agent said, “Mrs. Heavilin, the agent at the counter may not understand how I came up with the stated amount. Just tell her I gave you favor.”

As I was standing at the ticket counter later that afternoon, the counter agent was busily pushing all kinds of buttons, but finally in exasperation, she said, “I just can’t figure out how the telephone agent came up with this fare.” I blurted, “Oh, he said to tell you he gave me favor!”

“Oh,” the agent exclaimed, “I know what to do with that!” She pushed a few buttons and my ticket began to print. I had found favor with American Airlines. How do we find favor in the eyes of the Lord? First, we become His child, and we stay close to Him and follow His directions. Genesis 6:9 states: “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.” We are human and thus will never be blameless from a human viewpoint, but when we can find favor with God by confessing our sins and walking with Him day by day He is quite willing to put His favor into action on our behalf.

“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” (Genesis 6:8, NIV)

MWH

The Sounds of the Pines….

It was a beautiful spring day with the sun shining, birds singing and the smell of spring in the air. A guest walked in and said she just loved the sound of the pine trees in the spring. She said it sounded like “whispers in the pines.”

After she left I began staring out the window at the trees and remembered a time that those same trees had a howling sound going through them. The days were colder, the sun was not shining so brightly and the birds seemed to be nestled someplace where I could not hear them singing.

Where are you in life? There are times when we can sit back and feel God’s whispers in our lives….we feel the gentle breeze of His hand touching our lives, you can almost feel His warmth on your face like sunshine and instead of the bird singing….you are filled with words of song and praise.

Then there are times when the cold howling winds are creeping in your life. Your body feels chilled, cold and empty. The warm touch is gone and the songs have left your mind.

When I was chatting with the guest about the sounds she heard in the trees…she mentioned that she was from the city and ever since she moved here she just loved the sound of the trees. This made me reflect on how, in our own lives, busyness can crowd out the sounds we need to hear. Just like the tall buildings of the city, the large crowds, the loud noises from the cars and buses – these same types of sounds can creep into our lives and deafen the sounds of whispers.

The verse comes to mind….Psalm 46:10 “…be still and know that I am God.” Reflect on this verse for a minute with me.

Be Still – don’t move, no movement, freeze.

And know – feel it deep down, to truly know, no doubts.

That I am God – it ends here, He is the only God, He is my God, He is taking care of me.

These are the thoughts that came to my mind when I broke this verse down. To paraphrase this verse according to Lynn…..Don’t move, feel it deep down with no doubts, that I am your God and will take care of you. What does this verse mean to you?

If your life is busy with a “city” life style, loud noises, schedules running around you like loud cars and buses, and too many tall buildings crowding your vision or hearing; stop what you are doing and be still. Be still and know. Be still and know that. Be still and know that I am GOD.

Be still for a minute, breath in and out, take one long breath. Prepare yourself to listen for the whispers of God calling your name. Listen to the whispers of Him saying “I love you, my child.” Listen to the whispers of Him directing you. Let the springtime of whispers and sounds enter your life today.

Lynn W.

Jeremiah 4:29 “But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find Him, if you search after Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”1

With all your heart? With all your soul? I have read these words in Scripture many, many times over the years. However, it has only been in the last few years that I have begun to ponder them seriously. And it’s only been in the past few months that I have scratched the surface toward more deeply, more fully understanding the profound impact that “seeking with all your heart and all your soul” can and does have on my spirit. Without question I am closely acquainted with how thirsty and dry the spirit becomes when seeking is neglected. But what of this seeking and searching with the whole heart and soul? Who does that? How does one do that?!

I’ve heard the word soul defined as “mind, will and emotions.” Webster’s Dictionary defines soul as “the central or integral part; the vital core.” From the same resource, heart is defined as “the vital center and source of one’s being, emotions, and sensibilities.” So, in essence, anyone, anywhere, anytime can and will find God! If, if, if we do what we are being encouraged to do over and over and over and over again in the Word of our Lord. If and when, I commit myself to – seeking, locating, obtaining or reaching – God, with all my mind, will and emotions; and with all that is the source of my being. I, we, are promised to find Him

My question for you today:

When is the last time you sought and found God? When was the last time that you knew, that you knew, that you knew, that God was present tense, with you?

“When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.”

Jeremiah 29:12-14 (The Message)2

Stephanie

1 http://www.biblegateway.com

2 http://www.biblegateway.com

I recently saw a sign hanging in a store that shared this little piece of wisdom – “If you always follow the rules you don’t have any fun.” My sister-in-law would agree. We love to play games when the family gets together but one sister-in-law, who will remain nameless, enjoys breaking the rules or, as she would say – stretching the rules a bit.

It seems we live in a society where rules are bad and made to be broken, or at least stretched. Today we see so much compromise in the lives of believers. The same was true in Malachi’s day. God clearly had given the Israelites rules regarding many areas of life. In chapter 2:10-16 they are breaking God’s rules by how they deal with one another. God said, “Do not intermarry” but they did. God said, “Do not follow after foreign gods” but they did. God said, “Do not divorce” yet they did for no reason.

We live in a time when people want to update Jesus and put His words into a new context. They want to make up new rules. It is not just making new rules but it is compromising the rules already given.. We hear little of “thus says the Lord” these days. Kathy Howard, in her study “Before His Throne,” says this, “Did you notice that God’s expectations for His people did not change over the centuries? God declares, “I am the Lord, and I do not change.” (Malachi 3:6 NLT) Yet how many of God’s commands would we like to see updated with the times?” She also remarks “It seems like a no-brainer. Yet even with the ready availability of God’s Word to guide and warn, many Christians today fall into the trap of compromise.”

What have you and I heard God say through the Word yet we have chosen to change that rule and compromise? How can we keep ourselves from compromising the unchanging Word of God? Malachi 2:16 holds the key-“Therefore take heed to your spirit.” Heed means “to guard.” We usually compromise when our guard is down. Our guard is up and strong when we are walking with the Lord, undistracted. If you have let your guard down and now find yourself compromising on truth, ponder these “rules” for dealing with sin:

Recognize your sin.

Repent.

Remove the revealed sin.

Restore and renew your relationship with God.

Kathy Withers

Kathy serves at America’s KESWICK in Guest Services. She is married to Dave and has 2 adult children.

By now I guess you have figured out from the way I write, that I am a plain and practical person. Many times when I read the works from other writers I feel like meat and potatoes and they are either a chocolate covered dessert or filet mignon.

Well, for those of you who feel a hamburger on a bun….guess what ….it is the number one favorite of many people in America. With life spinning out of control, the stock market going up and down and just feeling like everything is out of whack, I need some simple burger bites daily…how about you?

For years, my husband, when things go crazy in our home, reminds me that the Bible says….God is not the author of confusion. We need to take a minute and remind ourselves of this very principle. The Lord knew there would be times and days like these; and that these little bites of wisdom would be just what we would need to remind ourselves of. He is not the author of confusion, disorganization or fear, AMEN!

The discussion I hear from people across the board is the cost of living, the rising cost of everything, the fear of disease, the fear of what is to come and so on.

Let’s take a minute and think about a few things the Lord tells us….Cast all your cares upon Him; God has not given us the spirit of fear; God is not the author of confusion; the Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want.

So what has changed in your life that makes you feel anxious, fearful, confused? We are at a time in our country and lives where we need to rethink how we do things, some practical changes are in order. A new budget might be needed, a look at how and what we spend, update our schedules, take some time to reorganize. These little things seem so small but in the big picture they can make a huge difference.

I find that when things are crazy I need to take the time and reflect on what changed and then come up with a new fresh game plan. Change in life is not easy for most people. It makes us feel unsettled and fearful. I like all my ducks in a row, but in my life with 2 boys at opposite ages, one being in his twenties and one in grade school and with disabilities, and a husband with a disability, and working full time and still trying to retain a life for Lynn as well…a new game plan is sometimes a daily task that needs to be done.

Looking at some practical things such as, having twenty four hours in each day and making sure we are using it wisely can make a difference. Many days it does not seem to be enough time….on those days I decide what is really important in life and what is not. Dishes can wait but spending time with our kids or taking time for the Lord is important and cannot wait. Reorganizing our homes, our cars, even our pocketbooks can make life a little simpler. I find that just by clearing out a closet and putting things in place… makes it easier each time I need to go into it. It saves time, keep things organized and less stress.

How about your spending, do you need to have a fresh game plan? At times we have complained that the cost of gas was at $4.00 per gallon but yet we spend $4.00 on a cup of coffee at the coffee shop that we don’t even finish. We complain we have no money since the cost of living is so much. But if you watch the home shopping channels, people spend $1500 on a ring or another items and they sell out of these things before the show ends. Again, what is important? The Lord tells us in Proverbs to figure the cost and to see if we have enough money. Money is tight for every one of us and will continue to be….so refresh your budget and decide what is really important.

We are fearful when we watch the spread of the flu, etc….across the world. We worry that this could affect us. Again, take the time to prepare the best you can. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating correctly, taking vitamins, etc….keeping up with your health and not getting run down is not fool-proof that you will not get sick, but it can prevent many situations. Again, the Lord tells us to take care of ourselves.

These little bites or practical reminders might just be as simple as a burger on a bun and not filet mignon, but today is a good day to get practical. Take some time to reflect on God’s practical verses and simplify your life.

Remember, He did not create confusion, fear and crazy life styles in our lives, we did. Yet the Lord is there to help take these feelings away and provide for us in so many ways. Ask Him today to be part of your practical life and to help show you the changes you need to make.

Lynn W.

2 Corinthians 5:15 “…and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”

The alarm clock clicks on and the morning weather report becomes audible. More rain. Yuk. DO DEVOTIONS. I’m too tired. I got to bed late last night and I didn’t sleep well. I’m sure God understands. I’ll get to them later. I doze off.

The hot shower feels good. PRAY. Father, thank You for another day.. I pray for Dana and her family as they go through this difficult time… Dinner – What should I take out of the freezer for dinner? I remember that recipe I wanted to try from Joan. Joan, I wonder how her niece is doing. Niece!? Saturday is little Elizabeth’s birthday, I better get a gift.

The drive to work. PRAY. I turn on the radio instead. The music is soothing and after all it is Christian. What could be bad about that?

Lunch with a godly friend is enjoyable. She shares about how God is blessing her life through her Bible reading and study. Pangs of guilt and longing. Tonight, I’ll spend time in the Word after dinner.

Driving home from work- daydreaming about mostly nothing. I’ll call Mom – HANDHELD DEVICES ARE ILLEGAL WHEN DRIVING – oh, I’ll be careful.

Dinner dishes are dried and put away. I’ll read my Bible now, I mean right after I put that load of towels in the dryer, then I’ll read my Bible.

On my way upstairs, I notice my husband is watching the ball game. I’m sure God wants me to spend time with my husband. COME SPEND TIME WITH ME. I’ll read and pray before I go to bed.

Bedtime – I’m too tired to read the Bible, I wouldn’t get much out of it. I’ll read something else for a few minutes. In minutes, I’m asleep.

The alarm clock clicks on and the morning weather report becomes audible…

2 Corinthians 5:15 “…and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”

The choices you make today – are they evidence that you are living for yourself, or for HIM?

Diane