What we once were

There are times we look at our lives and wonder if we are changing at all; but every so often, God gives us a glimpse of what we once were. It is usually when we look at our ‘progress’ over years, not days or weeks, that we see the change God has accomplished in our lives. I know there have been times when I desperately wanted to change and be changed but progress seemed painfully slow or on-existent altogether. Yet, as months and even years passed, when I look back I see change has indeed occurred. “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” Philippians 3:12

I know, all too well, that there are times we just have to take God at His word because we can’t see it, feel it, taste it, or smell it. Trust He is at work!! “…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” Philippians 1:6″Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24″…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13

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

Genuine Care

I recently was inundated with e-mails telling me of a celebrity who had wandered off the path of solid Christian teaching. These e-mails warned the reader that they should disassociate themselves from the straying celebrity. These warnings were not sitting well with me.

As the e-mails increased, my burden and concern for this person increased. I challenged others to pray; I wrote letters to the celebrity; God woke me up in the night to pray for her. I actually shed tears over this person. I thought I was losing my mind. Finally, I cried out to God and asked Him to help me know if I had gone over the edge. I needed direction.

The next morning, as I was reading my daily Bible devotions from The Message, I read these verses: My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God. James 5:19-20

Sooo… I wrote another letter. I have no idea if my letters will ever reach the intended recipient or not, but I do know that someone will read them, and I am confident that God is in charge. All I need to do is be obedient.As I am writing this, God is speaking very clearly to my heart.

The person who has strayed doesn’t have to be a celebrity. When you hear a Christian has fallen, what have you done? Does that person know how much you love them and how their straying has hurt the cause of Christ? What are you doing about it?I am reminded that when Christ was facing the cross for us, He sweat drops of blood.Dear Jesus, while I doubt that I will ever have as deep a concern for souls as you do, just let me care enough to pray and maybe write or reach out in another way. JUST LET ME CARE. — Marilyn Heavilin is a speaker and author, and serves with her husband each summer at America’s KESWICK as a counselor-in-residence.

Hold All Things Loosely

I have been challenged within my own heart to hold loosely the things of this world. I am ashamed and embarrassed to look down and see such tightly clenched fists. And what is it I am holding onto so tightly? If I peer into my hands, just opening them slightly, I see my husband, my children, my house and all my “stuff.” Maybe it is the economics of our day. Maybe it is the politics of our time. Mostly it is just Jesus asking for all of me.

As I examine my heart and my fists I am disappointed in myself. As I shared these things with a good friend she put it this way…”We hold onto our little peanuts in our fists. Jesus wants to give us so much more but like little children we hold onto our peanuts and refuse to let them go. We don’t trust or believe that if we just let go of our peanuts God has better things for us. He says “I have something good for you.” We respond, “No thank you. I want my peanuts.” Again, He says “I have greater things for you if you will open your hand and give me your peanuts.” And again we say, “No, they are MY PEANUTS!””Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” 1 John 2:15, 16 NASB”But examine everything carefully, hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” I Thess. 5:21, 22 NASB

Look at your hands. Do you have a hand full of peanuts? Oh, if we could relinquish our peanuts and trust that God will fill them with more and greater than what we are clinging to. Will you open your hands with me and let God take your peanuts one by one?

KathyWithers 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.

“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do ALL to the GLORY of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31″

Whatever you do…” “do ALL to the GLORY of God”Whenever God speaks, He doesn’t let you go until you listen! He has been pressing this hard into me for the past few weeks.

I’ve just had the privilege of doing a study, Living Free by Beth Moore. Week three’s chapter title is: “To Glorify God.” I can’t go into great detail but one sentence cuts me to the quick. “We were created for the purpose of giving God’s invisible character a glimpse of visibility.”!!To give glory to God is to make Him known, to show WHO He IS!

Do you ever find that it is almost easier to “minister” for the Lord OUTSIDE of your home?? I have been finding that I’ve been drawn to others’ needs instead of my family’s. Maybe because our needs are too complex and very weighty that others’ seem to be solved in an easier way. However, God keeps drawing me back to my family and my heart is heavy with conviction in that I am not giving God glory in some of the things I do here in my home.

I am nowhere near showing who God is when I lose my temper or want to do what I want to do! Do I show patience to my children when they want something from me….again! Oh Lord, forgive me!It is my heart’s cry that I (we) glorify my (our) Lord and Savior here IN my (our) home(s).

Let us encourage one another in this area.”Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which GOD supplies; so that in ALL things GOD may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11

Sue Mercer is a wife, mother of 5 and women’s ministry leader at her church. Sue has a heart for women to experience deep, Biblical fellowship with Jesus Christ and each other. She and her husband, Matt, graduated from the Colony of Mercy and Women of Character programs at America’s Keswick in 2002.

The Crucible of Conflict

God is teaching me a great deal about myself through conflict. I can see that leadership is easy when everyone agrees and cooperates. But a true leader is formed and refined in the crucible of conflict, where every thing doesn’t fit into nice boxes.

It’s not so much that I don’t like people to disagree, I welcome it because there have been many times I have overlooked something and another person’s viewpoint has been very beneficial. I don’t see disagreement as conflict as much as an exchange of ideas that challenges us to move from good, to better, to best. Conflict, as it were, is a disagreement in which one or both of the individuals is unwilling to compromise or yield their viewpoint to the other.

James 4:1-2, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it…”

Conflict reveals the heart issues of both individuals involved. God has been teaching me the issues of my own heart through recent conflicts. For one thing, pride: I want to be right. For another, fear of man: I want to be liked. And yet another, self-righteousness: I want to be respected. God has also shown me how these very same issues impacted my parenting as my children grew up. I often backed down from conflict out of a sinful response on my part and in so doing I failed to follow-through with what I knew was the right thing.

God has shown me that to be an effective, godly leader I must learn to love and lead in the midst of conflict, in spite of conflict. Being aware of this area of weakness, it will only be the power of Christ in me that will grow me up in Him, our perfect leader. 2 Corinthians 12:9, “”My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

I truly am grateful for the recent conflict in my life because God is using it to reveal areas of weakness in me and I believe He is preparing me for the work in my life that only He can accomplish. Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America’s KESWICK

Through the Eyes of Grace or the Eyes of the Law

A little while ago, after completing an errand, I exited the main building on the Keswick property and my eyes were confronted by a dark image. Walking in, as I was walking out, was a very young couple who were walking so close together, they were moving in complete unison with one another. On top of that they were dressed head to toe in black; they were pierced in too many places for me to count without staring and appearing rude. It was obvious the sun was not their friend as they were both very pale in complexion.

Now hear me on this okay? I saw them! Everything I just described was observed in a matter of seconds and in that moment I had a decision to make. I know me very, very, very well and that means I know before anyone ever needs to tell me that I can be a critical judgmental person. I praise my God and Father for His patient, teaching, counseling, affirming grace. I thank Him for the freedom that I have (we have) in Christ every moment of every day to see others through His eyes.

As I walked past that young couple the Spirit of Christ in me rose up and something happened -or should I say, didn’t happen- that was simply sweet. I found myself NOT judging them. They were two people made in the image of God, JUST LIKE ME, whom He loves, JUST LIKE ME, and cares for JUST LIKE ME, and loves, JUST LIKE ME and forgives, JUST LIKE ME and YOU!In that moment I chose to see them through the eyes of grace rather than the eyes of whatever law I think they are breaking.

As I write this Victory Call I am praying for me, for all of us to see everyone we come in contact with through new eyes; eyes that have been set free from the yoke of slavery to old stinky thinking that has nothing to do with grace; nothing to do with love and therefore, nothing to do with Christ in us and through us, the hope of glory.”It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” ~~ Galatians 5:1 (NIV)”But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” ~~ 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

Selah

Stephanie (originally appeared September 10, 2007) Paul is a member of the Women’s Addiction Recovery Team at America’s KESWICK

Modesty Check Part 2

Yesterday I shared the first portion of a brochure called Modesty Check written by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore and Janelle Bradshaw. Today I share the remaining portion for your encouragement and challenge:Before you leave the house, do a modesty check. (What are some things you should look for as you stand in front of your mirror?)

Starting at the top…* When I am wearing a loose-fitting blouse or scoop-neck, can I see anything when I lean over? If so, I need to remember to place my hand against my neckline when I bend down.* If I am wearing a button-down top, I need to turn sideways and move around to see if there are any gaping holes that expose my chest. If there are, I’ve got to grab the sewing box and pin between the buttons.* The same check is needed if I am wearing sleeveless. When I move around, can I see my bra? If I do, I need the pins again.* Am I wearing spaghetti-strap, halter-top or see-through blouse? Not even pins will fix this problem! Most guys find these a hindrance in their struggle with lust. It’s time to go back to the closet.* Can I see the lace or seam of my bra through my shirt? In this case, seamless bras are a better option.* More key questions: Does it reveal any part of my cleavage? Does my midriff show when I raise my hands above my head? Is my shirt just plain too tight? If the answer is “yes” to any one of these questions, then I need to change my outfit.Moving on down…* Does my midriff (or underwear) show when I bend over or lift my hands? If so, is it because my skirt or my pants are too low? Either my shirt needs to be longer or I need to find a skirt or pants that sit higher.* I also have to turn around to see if what I’m wearing is too tight around my derriere, or if the outline of my underwear shows. If so, I know what I have to do! * And for my shorts – I can’t just check them standing up. I need to see how much they reveal when I sit down. If I see too much leg, I need a longer pair.* The “sit-down” check applies to my skirt or dress as well. And I must remember to keep my skirt pulled down and my knees together when I’m seated.* And speaking of skirts, watch out for those slits! Does it reveal too much when I walk? Pins are helpful here.* Before I leave, I need to give my skirt a “sunlight check.” Is it see-through? If so, I need a slip.* Finally, I must remember to do this modesty check with my shoes on. High-heels make my dress or skirt appear shorter.* And don’t forget – this all applies to formal wear as well.* A note on swimwear: It’s not easy but you can still strive to be modest at the pool or beach. Look for one-piece bathing suits that aren’t cut high on the leg or and don’t have a low neckline.This is part two of a two part series from the Modesty Check (c) Sovereign Grace MinistriesRepublished in Girl Talk: Mother-Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womanhood by Carolyn Mahaney, and Nicole Whitacre (Crossway Books)~~ used with permission.If you are interested the Modesty Heart Check brochure, it can be found in PDF form as a free download at: http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=A1170-06-59.

Modesty Check Part 1

I found this Modesty Heart Check brochure very insightful and helpful. I pass it along in two parts for your consideration and edification:Modesty Heart Check By Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw”…

Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness-with good works.” 1 Timothy 2:9-10Start with a heart check…”

How does a woman discern the sometimes fine line between proper dress and dressing to be the center of attention? The answer starts in the intent of the heart. A woman should examine her motives and goals for the way she dresses. Is her intent to show the grace and beauty of womanhood? Is it to reveal a humble heart devoted to worshipping God? or is it to call attention to herself and flaunt her beauty? Or worse, to attempt to lure men sexually?

A woman who focuses on worshipping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearance.” John MacArthur [Emphasis added]* What statement do my clothes make about my heart?*

In choosing what clothes to wear today, whose attention do I desire and whose approval do I crave? Am I seeking to please God or impress others?* Is what I wear consistent with biblical values of modesty, self-control and respectable apparel, or does my dress reveal an inordinate identification and fascination with sinful cultural values?* Who am I trying to identify with through my dress? Is the Word of God my standard or is it the latest fashion? * Have I asked other godly individuals to evaluate my wardrobe?* Does my clothing reveal an allegiance to the gospel or is there any contradiction between my profession of faith and my practice of godliness?

This is part one of a two part series from the Modesty Check (c) Sovereign Grace Ministries; Republished in Girl Talk: Mother-Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womanhood by Carolyn Mahaney, and Nicole Whitacre (Crossway Books)~~ used with permission.If you are interested the Modesty Heart Check brochure, it can be found in PDF form as a free download at: http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=A1170-06-59.

Get dressed intentionally

Steph, DeEtta and I were talking last week about this annual series and in the course of the conversation, Steph made the statement that “people get dressed intentionally.” I thought that would make a good Victory Call topic.

If you do not think you dress intentionally, perhaps it is time to start dressing intentionally to the glory of God. Many girls/women dress intending to turn a head, to draw the eye of a particular man, or men in general. A woman can feel a sense of excitement from getting a positive reaction from a member of the opposite sex. My theory is that this sense of excitement is the female form of lust. Lust is defined as personal inclination or intense desire (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). For men, lust is an issue of the heart but is typically enticed through the eyes. For women, I would say the same is true with a significant variation. For women, lust is an issue of the heart but is typically enticed through the eyes looking at her. For men, lust is passive in the sense that it is fanned into flame through what he takes in from outside of himself, what he sees or looks at and then mulls over in his mind. For women, lust is active in the sense that it is fanned into flame through what she sends out from inside herself, how she dresses, sits, or moves her body which results in a reaction from a man. The power to entice and the intense longing for attention can cause women to dress in a sensual way.

The styles today can create a problem simply because of the fabric they are made with. I know a lot of women who do not wear slips. Sometimes that can create a less than desirable result. I saw a woman recently in a cute modest dress but she wasn’t wearing a slip and that dress clung in all the wrong places, and I doubt she was even aware of it.

Romans 6:13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

I only see two options: either we will present ourselves to God as an instrument of righteousness and dress to glorify Him, or we will present ourselves as an instrument of unrighteousness and dress to glorify self. Not choosing to dress intentionally to glorify God will, by default, result in dressing to glorify self. Which do you choose today?

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

Some cold hard facts

Yesterday I shared about the attitude of our hearts regarding the battle the enemy has mounted in the area of lust and sexual immorality. I believe he is gaining ground. Lest you think I’m wrong consider these pornography statistics taken from http://familysafemedia.com/pornography_statistics.html#anchor4 (accessed 5 22 08):

The United States ranks 4th in the world in revenue made on pornography.
The United States is ranked #1 in pornographic video production.
Each day there are 68,000,000 pornographic search engine requests.
Each day there are 2.5 billion pornographic emails.
42.7% of all internet users view pornography.
35% of all internet downloads are pornographic.
The average age of internet pornography exposure is 11 years old.
26 Children’s character names are linked to thousands of pornography sites.
72% of visitors to pornographic websites are male; 28 % female.
17% of women reported having a pornography addiction.
53% Promise Keeper men reported having viewed pornography in the past week.

Here are two Hunt statistics: We are 100% responsible for where our eyes go and hearts linger. We are 100% responsible for our choice to be women of modesty, purity and dignity.

Women, will you step up and join the battle against evil by dressing intentionally to the Glory of God?

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America’s KESWICK. You can contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org