When our son was only nine years old, the ophthalmologist recommended Matthew start wearing contact lens. At that time we were staff members with Campus Crusade for Christ, and our budget was extremely limited. We were blessed to know a Christian optometrist who charged us almost nothing for his services. We had contact lens insurance which included a sizeable deductible. Matthew was very careful of his lens; however, as an active nine year old, he still lost several lens. I became overly protective and almost obsessed about Matt not losing those lens, especially about not having to spend the money we really didn’t have for the insurance deductible.

God spoke to me one day about trusting Him with everything in my life, including Matt’s lens! After much consideration, I gave the lens to God and to seal the deal, I told Matt what I had done. I told him I would not harass him any more. I could almost see that little guy physically relax and he breathed a sigh of relief.

Needless to say, it was not long until a neighbor child ran to our door and said, “Mrs. Heavilin, Matt lost a lens on the grass. He asked me to come and tell you because he is hunting for the lens.” On grass? As I walked over to the yard where Matt had been playing, I tried to gather my thoughts and compose myself. When I got to Matt, I said, “Matt, remember I told you I had promised God I would trust Him with your lens?” Matt nodded yes. “Well, Matt, can you pray and ask God to help us find your lens?” I have to admit, I wasn’t sure I could pray, so I asked Matt if he would. I will always remember as we formed a circle and held hands as Matt prayed. “Dear Lord, It sure would be nice if we could find my lens. But if not, thanks anyway, Lord.” After the prayer Matt, his friend and I knelt down and began to comb the grass. Suddenly Matt hollered, “I found it!” It was much easier for all of us to take time to thank the Lord for the miracle of the lens.

As I walked away, I realized God had answered my prayer to make me a kinder, gentler mom. God had taught Matt that God even cared about a tiny, almost invisible, little lens, and more than that, Matt learned God cared about him! We both learned we could pray for anything, in front of anyone.

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?…But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:27, 33).

Marilyn is a wife and mother, author, and international conference and retreat speaker. She and her husband Glen serve as Counselors-in-Residence at America’s KESWICK during the summer months.

My Physical Body Deteriorates, But Does My Spiritual Body Have to go with it?

Living in an “over-55 Community” is an interesting phenomenon. Yes, I will admit it (reluctantly) – I am over 55. How that happened is the topic for another time. The fact is that I am getting older and I can’t say that I am aging “gracefully.” Maybe no one really does, but I do see many that seem to have been able to “cheat” the mirror and look younger than their years.

I was sitting in my office a week or so ago, speaking with one of our volunteers. As we talked, she mentioned her age and I sat up straight in my chair. “You’re kidding!” I said. “You can’t be that old.” Thankfully she took it as the compliment I intended it to be. She seemed to have more stamina than I do, for sure. I must admit, that at that moment, I was a little jealous. Then we talked a little more and I realized that she had some physical challenges of her own. And if am really honest – I felt a little better – it was OK for me to have aches and pains.

But if I took better care of myself – ate a healthier diet (and praise the Lord, chocolate is now considered an anti-oxidant), exercised more often, and rested when I was tired (instead of staying up late to watch something on TV), I would be in better shape physically.

Then I got to thinking about the condition my spiritual body is in. Presumably, as I age in my Christian walk, I should be more mature and wise. But am I? Again, if I am honest, my spiritual body is suffering from aches and pains, just like my physical body.

And the same reasons that my physical body is suffering are the reasons my spiritual body is also not as healthy as it should be. My spiritual diet is too full of things that don’t contribute to building it up. “As newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby” (I Peter 2:2). My spiritual diet often is too superficial – no real milk – no protein, as it were, to build it up. I spend too much time doing stuff (and even though it is worthwhile stuff), I need to rest and set myself aside to have time to listen to what God wants to say to me through His Word and prayer. Then, and only then, is it time for me to exercise my spiritual body – maybe through volunteer work in my church, maybe through visiting a sick neighbor or friend to share some encouraging thoughts with them, maybe walking around my block and sharing the good news of God’s redeeming love and power with some of my unsaved neighbors.

Eventually, however, my physical body will wear out no matter how much good care I take of it, but praise the Lord, that as I feed on His Word, rest in Him and listen to His will for my life, and exercise my spiritual and other gifts for His glory, my spiritual body will grow stronger and healthier with each passing day.

Lynn is the Director of Human Resources at America’s KESWICK. She is active in her church and is a gifted planner and organizer. She has a real heart for people as evidenced by her care, concern and practical encouragement.

Treasure
Matthew 6:19-21
What can I do with a 74 year old check? It’s for $6.00, made out to my mother. She never cashed it, and I can’t! I’ve waited too long.

The story is special, worth more to me than the check. You see, my mother sent my picture into a Gimble’s Department Store baby contest. I was about one year old. In May I will be 75! I won the contest, and my mom must have been so proud. She hung the photo in a frame with the winning $6.00 check in the corner of the picture. I’ve been going through some of Mom’s “treasures” and there they were. The check was behind the picture. Since Mom is now in Heaven, I can’t ask her why she never cashed the check. I do know it was the year of the “Depression” in 1933. Both the bank and Gimble’s are gone!

I know my mom loved my sister and me, but I also know how much she loved the Lord. She accepted Him into her heart when she was a child and served Him in many ways. Her life verse was Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.”

All her life, as my sister and I grew up, she taught children in Sunday School and loved them all. I was in her class and learned of Jesus. Her friends, and also our friends, were always welcome in our home. I remember I wanted to be like her! What a witness she was! She also visited a home for pregnant teenage girls, and along with her adult Sunday school class brought them God’s Word, love and gifts!

I’m so glad Mom “cashed in” the gift God gave her: John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever beleiveth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Claim that verse, too; accept Jesus into your heart and receive the treasure He promised you – everlasting life!

Dottie is the bride of Chaplain Jack Noel (50 years), mother of 3 married sons, and grandmother to 8. She is a genuine prayer warrior and her love for Jesus Christ is evident to all who know her.

Psalm 139:16: All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

You can imagine my amazement when I heard the following information presented on the Christian radio station I was listening to. It was reported that survey results indicated that the worst age to be is 44. On average, people indicated the most difficult year for them was the year they were 44. I’m sure you understand my relief when I realized I was past the worst year of my life by a few years (perhaps more than a few). The announcer went on to say that the reason the pollsters believed this was true was because 44 is smack dab in the middle of middle age!! Horror or horrors. MIDDLE AGE? My heart sank. I was under the impression all this time that I was gearing up to ENTER middle age, only to discover that I’m probably on my way past middle age!! What comes after middle age? I dare ask.

As I was driving home from work that day, hearing for the first time that I am not only not middle age I’m likely past it, my mind started to go where none of us want our minds to go, “to infinity and beyond” (it sounds better when Buzz Lightyear says it). A panic started to creep into my heart. Am I old? Absolutely nothing about that sounds right to me. I don’t feel old, in fact a good amount of the time I don’t even act my age. Before the panic could take root, I reminded myself of a few simple truths. I was only seconds older than I was before I heard the report of this survey, not years older. Nothing really had changed just my knowledge of what some define as middle age. Age is relative. We are all growing older at the same rate, one second at a time.

As a young child I had an inordinate fear of death, most likely triggered by the death of my Papa when I was about 7. As I have counseled some 17 years now, I have had the opportunity to speak to more than one adult who struggles with the fear of old age and death. For many it is the fear of the unknown. Can we trust God with the unknown?

Isn’t that really the bottom line? Do we trust God? Whether we are young, middle-age or elderly, do we trust God with our life and breath? Do we rest in His provision and care? Whatever lies ahead of us or around the corner, do we trust that God will be sufficient in those moments?

Whether you are 18 or 88, God holds your days in His hands, every single one of them.

Psalm 139:16: All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America’s KESWICK, Biblical Counselor, Conference and retreat speaker, Victory Call editor, wife, mother, grandmother, and nut.

True To The Word

Years ago, when I was a small group leader, I was challenged to have a Jehovah’s Witness attend the Bible Study I was serving in. Frankly, it scared me to death to have a very strong, vocal woman with differing views in my group. I had many other leaders offer me materials on Jehovah’s Witness’ so I would be informed of their beliefs. My Teaching Director very wisely stated, “Kathy already has everything she needs. She has the truth of God’s Word.”

I am growing increasingly concerned that believers remain true to the Word of God. I have seen the distorted views some are taking when it comes to the Bible. If you have yet to hear of the Emerging Church or the direction some churches are taking to market themselves to the world, you will. Recently, a gentleman came into the Bookstore and we began to chat. He stressed his “spirituality” but did not use the Bible as his standard for living. I have heard “Jesus was a nice guy” and “The Bible is a good narrative” from others. How can we be prepared when truth is under attack or considered unimportant?

I have personally had to get an education on the Emerging Church in order to know the ideology of this movement. I don’t want to encourage you to fill your mind with the other worldly views. I want to encourage you to remain faithful to the truth found in the Word! Simply- know your Bible! Over the last year or more I have dug into the Word more then I ever have. I am seeking truth over legalism, truth over tradition and truth over the deceit of this world.

In these last days the Bible tells us that false christs and false prophets would deceive even the elect (believers) if possible (Matt.24:24). Do you see it happening? I do! Satan’s tactics are the same. Remember the Garden of Eden? Satan asked Eve “has God indeed said…”. He caused doubt and he deceived Eve. You and I need to know what God has indeed said……be in the Word…know TRUTH!

My prayer is Psalm 119. The title in my Bible says “Meditations on the Excellencies of the Word of God”. Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm but; read it; pray it, and even memorize it! May God find us faithful!

Kathy is on staff fulltime 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.

Blah
Have you ever had a blah moment? You know, those days when you don’t want to know or be known by anyone? Every once in a while I have one (some) and while I am spiritually aware of the darkness that surrounds such moments, I am also aware of how subtly my flesh enjoys that darkness.

My soul (my mind, my will and, my emotions) can sink in to the mist of my darkness and before I know it, set up camp. Like sticks gathered for a nice warm fire, my mind gathers all of its stinky thoughts and along with my will and emotions have a grand ol’ time rehashing the injustices, the pains, the slights, and the unfairness of it all.

In moments like these, I allow my flesh to rise up and wander down corridors and into doors long since closed and sealed…along with all their dirty little secrets. I feel emotions long since surrendered and I feel the draw of dread, despair or hopelessness.

Even though everything in me knows better, I still do it. I allow myself to be sucked in and I make a conscious choice to do nothing. At its worst, in moments like these I begin to identify myself with all that I am feeling. Ugly, fat, stupid, unwanted, unloved, worthless…

Though it seems like hours have passed, the reality is, it has only been moments. Mere moments and I have been swallowed up; dragged deep down into a pit of my own making.

And then, and then I hear the sweetest sound. Oh how I love that sound! Only He; the One who is Hope; who speaks to my deepest inmost parts can make this sound; a sound that is barely a whisper, but it’s enough to capture my attention. I wish I could put it in a word but I can’t. All I know is I hear it and it causes me to lift my eyes upward, thus breaking hold of the downward spiral.

Tears begin to flow, and with each stream of tears; with each cleansing breath the blah simply vanishes. It’s just gone! With my voice I cry out and the Comforter is there to counsel me and remind me who I am and who I am not.
I am not my bad feelings. I am not my worst moments. I am not my mistakes. I am not defined by any of that. I am who Father says that I am!

How are you feeling today? Are you having a blah moment? Stop, look up, listen and remember whose you are! You are a daughter or The King; the Most High God! The One Who Is Holy! He, Christ Alone is our hope; our comfort; our peace; our sanity; our every, everything. Together, let’s kick blah to the curb and stand in the power of Christ, fully persuaded that nothing can or will ever be able to separate us from Him or His love.
Stephanie

Bondage. We all know it in some form. What area of sin in your life keeps rearing its ugly head? Is it anger? Gossip? Is it worry, anxiety or fear? Gluttony? Pride? How am I doing? Have I stepped on your toes yet? If you are not walking in total freedom, then by definition, you continue to have areas of bondage.
Bondage is not easily thwarted. It is an area of life in which we have yielded ground to the enemy which he continues to have a strangle hold on and will not release without a fight. He is not going to just turn it over to us; we are going to have to reclaim it. That would be a frightening thing if we had to enter battle on our own, but alas, we do not. For truly the battle is the Lord’s and He has already won the victory. Satan is a defeated foe. It is by His grace that we will experience the fresh breeze of freedom blowing in our faces. Can you feel it? Stop just a moment and imagine it. New life, a new beginning, freedom. Pure, unadulterated freedom. Yours, without condemnation.

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

How can this be? How does this happen? How do we go from bondage to freedom? The tentacles of bondage will loose their grip when we discover something more powerful, more delightful, more intriguing to set our affections upon, when we fall in love with something, Someone else As we grow in our understanding, knowledge, love and passion for Jesus Christ, those things which hold us bound will fade in comparison to the all-surpassing greatness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence, and the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst.” Isaiah 19:1

Egypt is a picture of bondage. The idols, false gods, will not be able to stand in the presence of the One True God. Neither will the idols of our hearts be able to stand in the presence of the Almighty.

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries

Encourage Someone Today

I ONLY WANT WHAT I DESERVE

How many times have we heard that phrase – or something very much like it? “I want what is coming to me” or “I want what I am owed.” Worse yet, how many times have we said that or thought it? In my case, I am forced to admit – waaaay too often.

We live in an age of entitlement. It is our right to say something, do something, or have something. No one has the right to tell us what to do. Our television screens, newspapers and magazines, and other media sources all scream out the message “Do whatever you like whenever you like.” It’s all about our personal rights – we should get what we deserve.

And we, as Christian women, buy into that philosophy. Oh, not deliberately. It creeps up on us very subtly. But it is there nonetheless. Many of us work outside the home, so we deserve to have a nice place to live, nice clothes, vacations. Many of us are “retired” and worked hard all our lives, so don’t we deserve to be able to live comfortably in our old age? Many of us carry the entitlement attitude to our children. They have the right to a good education, etc. I think you can see where I am going.

And then I am pulled back by the voice of my Savior saying to me, if it weren’t for my sacrificial death for you on the cross, you WOULD get what you deserve. Eternity in hell, separated from God, never having the opportunity to worship and praise Him in glory. Ephesians 1:7 tells us, “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His glory.” Because the result of my sin is death as I am reminded in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

So the next time I am tempted to ask for what I “deserve” let me remember that what I deserve is death and a God-less eternity, but what I receive because of God’s mercy is life and joy and peace and eternity with Him.

Thank you Lord every day of my life that I don’t ever receive what I am owed, nut what I have been given.

Lynn is the Director of Human Resources at America’s KESWICK; is active in her local church; and enjoys serving and encouraging others.

The Prayer of Jabez tells us that Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain! So God granted Him what he requested.”

Recently we (the staff) at America’s Keswick were issued a challenge. A sincere heartfelt challenge to pray this prayer daily for 31 days and to then share with one another the fruit; the various answers to prayer. The challenge was issued on December 4th and right away I decided, “Yep, I’ll do this.” And that day, I did. I came back to my office and tacked the prayer card to my office wall.

The very next day I received a package in the mail from my Keswick penpal and enclosed was a 2008 calendar. Not just any calendar, but a Jabez prayer calendar covering a varity of topics: faith, dignity, grace, dedication, discernment, surrender, etc. Hmm, that was an interesting coincidence.

It would be seven more days before I’d pray the prayer again. (Sure, I’d read it a few times in between, but I’d yet to pray it from my heart.) It has been two days now that I have sat in my car (after arriving at work) and talked to God through this prayer. From my inmost heart I have asked the Lord to bless me indeed, to enlarge the territory of my heart. I’ve asked that His hand would be with me to keep me from evil speaking, evil thinking, or any other evil, that I may cause no pain to others or to myself.

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you.”
~~ Proverbs 4:23-24 ~~

Dear ones, God has demonstarted His faithfulness and the heart that seemed to be shrinking is being enlarged by grace and oh how sweet it is! Once again I am learning that I (we) do not have the luxury of forgetting. Above all the other ways that any one of us could or would seek to guard something which is precious to us, WE MUST GUARD OUR HEARTS!! ~Selah, Selah~

Stephanie Paul, child of the Most High God, is a wife and mother of two grown children. She currently serves as part of the Addiction Recovery Ministry at America’s Keswick as Women’s Ministry Assistant. Her passion is to be an instrument of change in the lives of wounded, hurting people.

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