Me? A complainer?

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” Philippians 2:14-15

One sunny afternoon, my son, my husband and I were walking across campus during his college orientation. We were talking about complaining when my son said, “You are both complainers.” His statement pierced me to the core. I could barely catch my breath. What was he saying? I don’t see myself as a complainer. But before I could question him, or defend myself, the seemingly “lighthearted” conversation took off in another direction.

The statement my son made stayed with me all day and a few days to follow. How could he possibly see me as a complainer? What do I complain about? I thought hard about it. Then the light started to dawn. It began as I realized for one, I complain about our 2 dogs and the inconvenience and mess they make. Oh, yes. I complain about the dogs, quite a bit. I do not like their infringement on my life. BUT does that make me a complainer? Then I realized, YES it does. Since that afternoon, I have become even more aware of my tendency to complain by the numerous times I have had to bite my tongue!

If I am prone to complain about the dogs, chances are complaining is not relegated to just one area of my life. I was only deceiving myself. Leave it to my son to make me aware of that. If we complain in one area, we are probably complainers in other areas. If we gossip about one person, we are probably gossips about others. If we are dishonest with one, we are probably dishonest with others. If we are undisciplined in one area of our life, we are probably undisciplined in other areas of our life.

How are you kidding yourself today? What area of your life does God want to put His finger on to reveal the problem is much more prevalent than you realize? Is it your conversation? Is it your anger/frustration/irritation? Is it your harsh tongue? Is it your critical spirit? Is it your undisciplined eating? Is it your procrastination? Is it your haughty spirit?

Praise God that we are not trapped by any of these things, because every one of them has been dealt with at the cross. We are free to say “no” to ungodliness and “yes” to righteousness. We are able to change, by His power and grace for His glory. “… put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24

Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America’s KESWICK

The Fruit Of Patience Part 3

The final work of patience is a concept we find in 2 Corinthians 4:10-12. “.. Always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.” NKJV

Let’s remember the prodigal from Luke 15 again. We know that the Father was having a work done in him. Patience in the circumstance, patience for the son. Patience should have it’s way as the Father should have been dying to his dreams, dying to what he thought was best for his child, dying to demanding his own way. I think the Father did a lot of dying to himself. I know I have had to. That one you need patience with has probably made you say, “They are killing me!”* They are supposed to! Death is working in us. Look at 2 Corinthians 4:10-12 again. We need to die to ourselves so that the life of Jesus is manifested in us. God just may be using the area where we need patience the most to work death in us. “So then death is working in us…”

Now think about the prodigal (or person or circumstance) that calls you to be patient. What was going on in the prodigal? Vs 12-19 tell us what kind of living he was choosing. He traveled far from home, he wasted his possessions, he began to be in want so he fed the swine, and he was hungry. These are hard things for parents to know. We know the wasteful living of our children and we grow impatient for them to come to themselves as the prodigal finally did. But what process is the prodigal going through? “…But life in you.” (Vs 12) Aren’t you thankful that Jesus is patient with us? Aren’t you glad that His priority is people not circumstances? He is working and His desire is to bring them life and life abundant! We may not see it but He is working in them to bring them to the end of their foolishness and give them life! He does not desire that any should perish so we wait patiently on Jesus as He waits patiently for our prodigals! He is working death in me but life in them. The desired result for me, you and the prodigal is that the old would be crucified and the new would be lived out.*

I am just a beggar telling other beggars where to find bread. These are points I learned recently. Few original thoughts have been written here. I hope you will allow patience to do its work in you. As you do, may you find hope in your circumstances and mercy for people even if your situation doesn’t seem to change. *Paraphrased form Beth Moore “Living Beyond Yourself” Session 6

Kathy Withers is a full-time staff member at America’s KESWICK, serving in the KESWICK Book and Gift Shop

The Fruit of Patience

Last Fall I attended staff chapel and had the sweetest experience. It was Thanksgiving and we were encouraged to share what we had been thankful for. Some had given thanks for their children and that they walked with the Lord. This was tugging on my heart because I want to see my children walking closely with the Lord. I want to see that day come so badly! Then I heard a voice say what was on my heart.

My co-worker stood and expressed her gratitude for the kids that were walking with Jesus but shared her grief over her children and her hope that one day God will bring her kids back. I just cried because someone had the courage to voice what I was thinking and reminded me to continue to hope and be patient.

I have been studying the fruit of the Spirit, specifically, patience. There are two words used for patience. As we would think of Job the word used for his type of patience is “hupomone.” It describes the patience Job had in his circumstances and is inspired by hope. Job had two hopes. He had hope that God was at work (Job 19:25-27) and Job trusted that what was happening in his circumstances would transform him (Job 23:10). The second word for patience is “makrothumia.” This is patience with people and it is inspired by mercy as we read in Galatians 5:22, 23 about the fruit of the Spirit.*

I need both of these, don’t you? I need patience in my circumstances- to have a hope. I need patience with people- to be merciful to those I would really like to shake! What or whom just came to your mind? My kids come to my mind. I have been told they are too old to put up for adoption, so what is a mother to do with her prodigals? Be patient. BUT, patience does not mean idle. Look at Luke 15 and the story of the prodigal son. In vs. 11 the Father is mentioned but then not again until vs. 20. What do you think he had been doing in the meantime?* I would guess he was learning patience (inspired by hope) in his circumstances. I would further guess he was learning patience (inspired by mercy) with his son! I know he would have been praying “Bring him home!” Maybe there is not a prodigal in your life. Perhaps you need patience (inspired by mercy or hope) with another family member, a neighbor, a co-worker, an ill parent or that lady at Bible study that just rubs at you. Maybe it is your job, finances, marriage or singleness. Being patient is hard work! Patience wants to do a work in us but you will have to wait until tomorrow to know what that work is!

*Paraphrased from Beth Moore “Living Beyond Yourself” Session 6

Kathy Withers is on staff full-time at the Keswick Book and Gift Shop. She is married to her husband, Dave and has 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 the Word of God and encouraging women to dig deeper into the truths of the Bible.

Living my Faith

Recently John and I vacationed in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This was our first trip there and I just fell in love with the people. We went out to dinner the first night and at the end of our meal our waitress said goodbye with a “Lord bless you.” Wow, I never heard that in New Jersey and I liked it! It seemed like every shop we went in, every attraction we visited, people just shared their faith with their words and the products they sold. They didn’t seem concerned at all about “political correctness.” This was such a warm and friendly place, a place you wouldn’t be afraid to share your faith or bring your family. We visited Dollywood and inside the park was a chapel that held Sunday service every week!

Here in the Northeast we don’t see of that kind of display of faith much…Oh, it happens, but much less frequently. I wonder why? Why don’t we – I – openly infuse all my speech with my faith? Am I afraid? Am I ashamed?

I’ve had the privilege to have lunch with a dear 90-year-old saint…Margie. She likes to ask the waitress how we can pray for her and then always leaves some kind of a tract with the tip. What a lovely way to share the love of the Lord. This was always the habit of Margie and her husband when they would go out for dinner and she continues to do so now that he has gone home to be with the Lord. Who knows how many lives have been impacted by this one simple act of faith?

Romans 1:16 “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”

1 Peter 4:16 “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”

Luke 9:26 “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”

I don’t need to be afraid and I shouldn’t be ashamed. God will give me power through faith, even if I meet with opposition. Jesus Himself tells me I shouldn’t be ashamed because there are consequences if I am. I don’t need a soap box and I don’t have to preach. All I need is a love for Jesus and for others…and maybe a few “Lord bless you’s” or whatever way I might choose to share my faith with those I don’t know.

Mary Ann Kiernan and John have been married for 35 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of two grandsons. She serves at America’s Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.

Thoughts from My Bike

The weather is cooperating and I need to get back to exercising! Gas prices and my desire to get in exercise time have motivated me to ride my bike to work. Let me share some of the things I have pondered on my rides to work.

1. It is better to keep my eyes a few feet in front of me then to stare at the upcoming hill. Looking at the hill only builds anticipation of what is to come and may cause me not to see the very thing that could cause a fall.Are you fretting over the future and what may be coming rather then seeing what God has for you today? Are you refusing to see what is right in front of you? Will your next choice, your next move, cause you to stumble?

2. When I go uphill I find myself saying something like “I can make it” or “I’m almost there.” I tend to concentrate much more going up hill; I check what gear I am in to get up that hill with “ease”and I notice that I use many more muscles when going uphill. Are you learning to stretch your spiritual muscles? Can you hear the Lord right beside you telling you that you will make it? Do you need to adjust the gear you are moving in either to slow down or get going?

3. When I go downhill I coast and enjoy the breeze. But when I need to start pedaling again I find I am usually in the wrong gear and my legs can’t keep up with the pedals and they briefly lose control. Are you coasting in your walk with Him? Are you in step with Jesus or are things spinning out of control?

4. I watch for landmarks. Often, I check where I am and try to gauge how far I have to go. My usual markers are Route 530, the JCPL site, Robert Miller Airpark, the Getty station, Pine Ridge, Congasia Road and then, finally, I reach Shamrock Gardens. Then I know I am almost there! Are you watching for Jesus? Do you look for Him as you go about your day? Do you anticipate the day we can say “I made it home!”?

Kathy Withers is on staff full-time at the Keswick Book and Gift Shop. She is married to her husband, Dave and has two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church. Her passion is the Word of God and encouraging women to dig deeper into the truths of the Bible.

Early, Late or Right on Time

Last week I wrote some Victory Calls looking at the lighter side of being on time or being late. After reading over the last one on the morning of June 26th I felt there was something lacking. The question that came to my mind was, “What’s the bottom line?”

The answer is quite simple. Being on time is always better that being late. There are no “ifs, ands or buts” about it. There is, however, a fly in this proverbial soup. Being on time ceases to be better the second you as the “on timer” or I as the “late arriver” begin to criticize or judge one another. The moment an attitude of, “I’m on time so I’m better than you” shows up, your “better” becomes an opportunity to glimpse an attitude of the heart that needs some serious spiritual insight and guidance. In the same way, the moment I poke fun at the “always-on-time” person or try to diminish them somehow, I am also in need of some spiritual medicine.”The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, him I will not endure.” ~~Psalm 101:5b.

As gently as I can say it, I am saying, God can’t stand arrogance. Be on time for the glory of God and forsake any way in which the flesh would glory in itself at the expense of others. Selah. Lest there be a shred of pride present in the person who thinks being less than on time is a-okay, let me ever so gently admonish you according to 1 Samuel 15:23a “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness is as inquity and idoloatry.”

How does this relate to being late? By being late I am consciously or subconsciously guilty of iniquity and idolatry. It’s me, on the throne of my heart, saying that what I want, when I want it and how I want it, is more important than…well, being on time. So, where does that bring us today? It brings us ALL to the level ground at the foot of Calvary’s cross. From this position of humility we bow and give thanks for the Spirit’s work in our hearts and ask for His help. From there, we pursue change for the Glory of God.

So if you’re on time, ask God to reveal the pride in your heart, and ask Him to show you the subtle or not so subtle ways you may sin by looking down at, judging or criticizing the perpetual late comer. If you’re the late arriver, ask God to reveal the pride in your heart and perhaps the rebellion as well, showing you the ways being late may be a sin against others.And let’s all of us, whether late or early, morning or evening, remember to remember to keep the main thing the main thing. — Stephanie Paul serves as Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries for Women

Today is my 25th spiritual birthday. July 1st, 1983, depressed and desperate, I asked Jesus to save me. I knew I needed Him in my life. I wanted Him to help me get through the day. I didn’t realize how very much I needed Him beyond that. I had no idea, that hot summer day, that I had become “born-again”. I understood I was now saved and heaven secure but I didn’t know I was born-again.

It was about 3 months later, when my fiancé, John, and I were at a Christian conference in Ocean City that we dined with a group of other attendees. The conversation, of course, focused on God and the born-again relationship. After dinner, as John and I were gathering our things from our rooms, I quietly said to him, “John, those people are born-again; I don’t want to eat any more meals with them.” He laughed, “And just what do you think you are? You’re born-again, too!” Oh my gosh! Horror of horrors, it can’t be! Although I believed my dead spirit was regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit that day back in July, I had no idea it was called something~ No less, born-again! You may be chuckling but growing up in a denomination that saw born-again people as weirdoes, fanatics, cultic, and certainly not bound for heaven, I had to overcome my misconceptions and fear associated with that term.

The first time I went to an evangelical church for a cantata, the very nice church members told me to meet them in the narthex. They had a lingo very unfamiliar to me. I was apprehensive about what they might say or do, so I sat as close to the door as I could in case I had to make a run for it. On the contrary, I was delighted by the participation of the attendees. When there was singing, the sanctuary was filled with heart-felt praise and worship, something I had never experienced. The people were friendly and kind, eager to help me and get to know me. Wow! It was the beginning of an amazing time in my life in which I fell head-over-heels in love with God and His people, and never looked back.

God saved me out of a life of anxiety and depression in which I tried various things, sinful things, to abate. None helped forlong. I turned my back on religious things literally, because even seeing a Bible triggered an anxiety attack. I avoided church and poured myself into my studies and other things to distract me. For much of my life, I had been driven by fear.

I remember vividly one morning, months after I was saved, sitting at my kitchen table with my Bible in hand. Before I opened it I prayed, “Lord, be gentle with me.” And He has been. Twenty-five years later, I have grown in many, many ways because of God’s gracious care, loving prompting and characteristic long-suffering. It has not been without pain or trials, trials that God has brought into my life to move me away from fear (trusting in self) to faith (trusting in God). It has been an unforgettable journey.

Thank You Lord for the cross, for the gospel, and for saving me. I love You more now that when we first began. — Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America’s KESWICK

QTWG

One of the things about becoming a Christian that took me years to understand was the relationship factor. Initially, I saw coming to faith in Christ and receiving salvation; getting saved; being born again as an event. In truth it is much more than that, so much more! It’s a relationship! Even more than that it’s a growing, transforming, powerful life-changing relationship with the most High God of all creation! The One who is the Great I AM!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” ~~ John 3:16

Because of this relationship, morning devotions or put another way, “quiet-time-with-God,” is becoming more and more precious to me these days. My longing to be WITH Him grows deeper and deeper. As I care less and less about all “the stuff” and “the nonsense” of my life, I’m discovering more space and time. The desire to hear His voice as He whispers in my ear is growing stronger every day and I sing glory to His name.

“He gives strength to me, as I worship Him
And my mouth is filled with praise.
Jesus breaks the bands
as I lift my handsbringing glorious liberty.” ~~ unknown

Like a young bride entering the bridal chamber into the arms of her waiting groom, I enter into His Presence and experience His love – love He waits patiently to lavish on me and you.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” ~~ James 4:8a I challenge you today to take time to BE WITH GOD. Take time to THINK ABOUT GOD. Take time to TALK TOOOOO GOD. No matter how busy you are, you/I need time alone with God to stay spiritually strong. We must purpose to keep God first in our hearts in order to know Him better and to trust Him more.

Stephanie Paul serves in our women’s addiction recovery ministry.

I’LL ADMIT IT…I’M A MARTHA

Over burdened, unappreciated, distracted, pulled in too many directions — yep, that’s me. And if truth be told, I’ll bet many of you out there are nodding your heads “yes” and thinking “me, too.” We all know the story of Mary and Martha, and how Martha wants to do everything to prepare for Jesus and Mary prefers to stay close to Him and hear His words.And my reaction is usually like Martha’s – “Jesus, why don’t you send someone to help me (like Mary) so I don’t have to do this all by myself?”

The pity party begins shortly thereafter – poor me, no one cares, I’m left all alone to handle things. And then Jesus says, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part…” (Luke 10:40-42). Substitute my name (or yours) for Martha’s and you get the picture.

One of things I learned when I came to serve at America’s KESWICK is that there is no shortage of work that needs to be done. I picked up on that very quickly. What has taken me much longer to get is that I don’t need to do it all myself. In fact, not only do I not NEED to do it all myself, but God doesn’t WANT me to do it all myself. Is that a hard lesson for us Type A personalities to learn? You’re not kidding. But I am trying to learn that, in the midst of all the busyness, there is only one thing that helps me to keep focused and that is to draw close to Jesus and sit at His feet.

Without making the time to spend with Him, to hear Him speak to me through His Word, to share my anxious thoughts with Him in prayer, and hear Him remind me to rest in Him and His plans, I cannot make it. Without that, I get cranky, filled with self-pity and generally, hot and bothered.That does not mean that the things I may be doing here at KESWICK, or in my church, or other places, are not good things and needful things, but they are not the most IMPORTANT things.

Guarding my time with Jesus and letting Him minister to me is the best preparation for a busy day. How can I expect to be His servant when I haven’t consulted Him on what His plans are for me that day? And sometimes, for me anyway, it also means allowing others to help – sharing the opportunities for service with others, and giving them a chance to be blessed for their efforts.My encouragement for you today, ladies, is to be less like Martha and more like Mary, and SIT at Jesus’ feet. Lynn Randall is Director of Human Resources at America’s KESWICK and is a collector of many things, including Precious Moments figurines.

Early, Late or On-Time ~~ Four
In yesterday’s conclusion, I mentioned the word “FINISH.” This word came to me, clear as day, a couple of weeks ago when I had a few days off. I had the grand goal of completing a long list of tasks which I soon discovered I didn’t have time in that week to do. In the beginning part of this week, I was attempting to do a number of things all at once, which is my usual mode of operation. It didn’t take long for an old familiar feeling to begin creeping in and I knew if I didn’t talk to God about it I’d get overwhelmed and put most of it off until later, and thereby accomplish a lot less than I was capable of. Clear as day I heard the word, “FINISH.” My spiritual ears perked up and I had this little chat with God. When it was over, I was much calmer and I knew that all I was going to do for the entire week was focus on one task at a time. No matter what the task, my focus was going to be on finishing it for the glory of God and for my mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.Sistas, let me tell ya, it was sweet! While I didn’t get everything on my original list done, I did completely finish every task or project that I began. This is freeing me up to give time to other things that God has called to my attention and my plan is to give my time and attention to Him and seek to diligently accomplish whatever it is, and to do it ON TIME.What is God calling you to start or finish? Is He speaking to your heart about anything at all which you have, for a long season, turned a deaf ear to? What is it time for you to do?StephanieEphesians 5:16″See that ye walk circumspectly,” says the Apostle in the preceding verse, “not as fools, but as wise men, redeeming the time;” saving all the time you can for the best purposes; buying up every fleeting moment out of the hands of sin and Satan, out of the hands of sloth, ease, pleasure, worldly business; the more diligently, because the present “are evil days,” days of the grossest ignorance, immorality, and profaneness.”(1)”To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to gain, and a time to lose;a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” ~~Ecclesiastes 3:1-8