Psalm 37

For many years I have had my own condensed version of Psalm 37:1-7; 34.
“Fret not’ but “Trust”; “Delight” and “Commit”; “Rest” and “Wait” are instructions given to take our attention from things that could daily be very concerning to us if we focus on them. But by following these directives from the Lord our focus is turned away from the things that would cause concern and fretting toward the “new patterns” God wants to develop in us spiritually. Along with the instructions in theses verses, there are also many promises, but if we are just obeying the instructions as a command to get a reward, the focus of our thoughts and actions is not to bring glory to God, but on what we will get out of it. The end result could then be self-centered and discouraging, instead of God-centered and edifying to others as well as ourselves. As God develops these “new patterns” in us, we become more and more who He wants us to “be”, and the stress of trying to “do” all the right things fades away.
Recently in America’s Keswick’s “Real Victory for Real Life”, I read a devotional written by Candy Davison, “The Desires of the Heart”, based on Psalm 37:4. It gave me new insight to this verse and caused me to think about the words and meaning differently. “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” I questioned, “How do I “delight in the LORD”; what are the ways I can take delight in the LORD?” There are numerous answers-Bible reading and study, memorizing scripture, prayer and praise; grasping His truth; thankfulness for His love and provision, fellowship with Him, enjoying His creation, and so on. But does this mean God is going to give me everything that I want because I have been “doing” all these things faithfully. This is where Candy’s devotional gave a new understanding of the word, “give”, as she shared her experience of realizing that God truly places in us -“gives” – the desires that are what He wants to bless us through. Philippians 2:13 explains, “…for it is God who works in you to will and act (work, do) according to his good purpose.” God will “give” us the desires that He wants to use to bring about blessing and ministry in our lives that will then minister to and bless the lives of others.
Now let’s look at Psalm 37:4 again. Where is our focus now if we see this directive as delight or enjoyment, the pleasure of the LORD and His gifts to bring fulfillment and ministry? The desires of our heart are no longer on self, but now on bringing glory to God, trusting Christ, and edifying others. Psalm 37:34a states, “Wait for the LORD and keep his way…”

“…He will give you the desires of your heart.”

djm

Eternity in our hearts…
Ecclesiastes 3:11 “…He has put eternity in their hearts”

Time seems to be accelerating. The older I get the faster time seems to go. I once was speaking to my dear co-worker and friend John Caruthers who was expressing his frustration at how fast time seemed to be elapsing. I was somewhat naively dismayed that at 82 it hadn’t gotten any better, in fact on his report it continues to get worse. Many of us have trouble living by the clock. Others find it difficult to not live by the clock. Our lives are structured by time.
I remember one camping trip my husband and I took agreeing not to take our watches or any clocks with us. I chuckle as I remember that weekend clearly as we spent the weekend trying to guess what time it might be. I didn’t know when to start lunch or dinner or even when it was appropriate to go to bed. It just reiterated to me how reliant we are on timepieces.

On the fourth day of creation, God said “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs an seasons, and for days and years; …Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night.” (Genesis 1:14, 16). God created time in the very beginning of creation, not only after the fall of Adam and Eve. When I began this Victory Call, my point was going to be that time was God’s creation for man which became necessary AFTER the fall of man, but as I read the Genesis account again I saw this verse that said God designed the lights to be “for signs and seasons, and for days and years.” God created time for our benefit, not His.
In spite of time, God has put eternity in our hearts. Our spirits confirm this as each of us has experienced the strain and stress time can put on us. We are created for eternity. We will not be fully at rest until we are there.

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

Different yet the same

The phone rang, and when I answered my daughter said, “She’s perfect mom, absolutely perfect”. My daughter has just given birth to her second baby girl. Kate continued, “She looks nothing like Lexi, she has head of dark hair and blue eyes.” Now, we thought her firstborn was perfect too, but she had lots of hair that stood up like a rooster tail and brown eyes. How could they be so different yet both perfect?

You and I could be as different as night and day, complete opposites in personality, likes and dislikes, enjoy different foods, minister in very diverse ways, be in completely different walks of life, disagree on doctrinal issues and yet still both be in the process of being perfected by the grace of God as He takes each of us further and further in our sanctification, conforming us to the image of Jesus Christ.
Once we experience regeneration, become born-again, get saved (whatever your druthers), we all are on the same path “from glory to glory” yet we may look completely different. Oh, sure there will be similarities, but we are called to unity not uniformity (Beth Moore said that). I want to jump up and say, “Hallelujah!”
I cannot explain it, but somehow we can be different yet all perfected, because by His grace we are conformed into His image. The process will not be complete until we stand in the presence of The Almighty.

2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

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

Lord, use my mouth!
How do you feel when someone says “I love you”? or “You did a great job”? or “I like your hair darker. It makes you look younger”? If you have been practicing what not to say or biting your tongue I want to remind you of all the good we can do with the words that come from our mouths. Today is the part where we practice saying something nice.
For many of us we can remember the hurtful words spoken to us but rarely remember the positive things that were said. All the more reason to practice how we use our words. Words stick. They play over and over again in our minds even if they are false words said out of a dirty heart. As I was shopping the other day I heard how a mother was talking to her child. The hair on the back of my neck stood up. Before Christ, I sounded the same way! And even as I have shared I relapse at times too. I just know those words will play over and over again in that little girls mind for years to come, maybe her whole life! Words like stupid, ugly and good-for-nothing tend to follow us wherever we go. Knowing that, don’t you want to prevent your words from negatively following others around? We need to practice positive words; using words that build up and not tear down. Proverbs 15:4 says “a wholesome tongue is a tree of life.” Don’t you want to speak life? Our words should be full of thanksgiving. (Eph 1:15-16). Our words should point others in a good direction (Colossians 3:16). Our words should express hope (1 Thess. 5:11, 14). Our words should bring others together (Colossians 3:13).
Today our challenge is to use words of comfort, healing and love- especially when you would be tempted to do otherwise! Look for someone today who may need a compliment. Find someone who needs hope and encouragement. Answer those harsh words spoken to you with a well spoken word. Lastly, if you have a struggle with a family member or friend may words of peace, reconciliation and restoration be in your heart and on your lips. I am praying for you to have wisdom and courage as God uses your words today!

Kathy Withers serves in the Keswick Book and Gift Shop

Lord, shut my mouth.
I recently dyed my hair from blonde to auburn. As I have seen friends and family the reactions have varied. Some look shocked. Some laughed. Some thought I looked younger-my personal favorite! Some had the wisdom to remember their mommas told them- “If you don’t have anything nice to say; don’t say anything at all”. I have had a few reminders as I watch my heart and my mouth and strive to keep them washed clean. That saying is one of them.
Learning to just keep my mouth shut has been a very challenging exercise! It is a hard choice to choose- not being heard at all or heard saying the wrong thing in the wrong way. Maybe it isn’t that we CAN’T say something but that the mature thing would be NOT to say anything. Rather, you and I need to take the time to think about it, rehearse it over in our minds, to search our hearts, to pray hard for godly wisdom. I am usually reactionary so it is hard for me to bite my tongue. But I know no matter how hard it is the best choice is to simply say nothing at all. If I have to say something it should be something like- “Can I get back to you on that?” or “That is something I will have to really pray about before I respond. Can you give me some time before I answer you?” Proverbs 17:28 says “Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace, when he shuts his lips he is considered wise.”
Another reminder came through a challenge to pray the Prayer of Jabez. “And 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 keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” 1 Chronicles 4:10. Let me paraphrase or personalize- Lord, Keep your hand over my mouth, keep my mouth from evil, that my mouth may not cause pain! That has been a good prayer for me to pray!
Here are few more reminders that have helped me keep my mouth shut!
Proverbs 10:19 “Restraining your lips is wise.”
Proverbs 21:23 “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.”
Proverbs 12:18 “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.”
Ephesians 4:31 “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice.”
Today would you practice biting your tongue? Trust me, sister, I feel your pain!
Kathy Withers is a great Bible teacher/speaker and serves in the Keswick Book and Gift Shop.

Lord, wash my mouth!

My bathroom renovation is now complete with the exception of wall décor. I saw a framed picture a few years ago that would be perfect in my bathroom but I can’t find it now. The picture was a black and white still life of a water basin and pitcher in front of a window with flowing sheer panels. A small cut out in the matting read “Wash me and I will be made whiter then snow”. Recently, I had words with my daughter and thought of how those words had come out of my mouth. I saw again how I needed to have my mouth washed out. Washed, not from vulgar words, but of hurtful words. Words that cut; words not spoken with love. Words that only revealed my “superior” wisdom and her lack of wisdom. Words that rang with an unspoken “One day I will have told you so”. Oh Lord, my mouth needs to be washed!

Such a small muscle but our tongues can be such mighty weapons. Used without thinking. Let loose on unsuspecting people. Aimed often at the ones we love the most. As I think about the words I said, the Lord revealed something even uglier; He showed me my heart from which those words came. If my heart had been right those words never would have left my mouth to cause both of us pain. Fear and anger reigned in my heart rather then peace and trust. Self-righteousness proudly sat in my heart making compassion, mercy and grace unable to dwell there. I needed a big cake of soap and a loving heavenly Father to administer the washing! I have taken the punishment and as you can imagine- it didn’t taste good!

Do you know what lurks in your heart? Today would you commit to listen to yourself carefully? What do you hear when you hear yourself talk? Are there a basin and a cake of soap waiting for you?

James 3 tells us what a struggle you and I have with our untamable tongues. Verse 2 says “We stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.” I am far from perfect! How can I become perfect in this area? I am relieved to learn that the word “perfect” means mature. I know I will not attain perfection but I can strive to be mature. Maturity is a process; you and I will stumble. We will need to have our mouths washed many times as we strive to bring maturity to our hearts, minds and mouths! Will we strive to take the necessary steps to a mature heart and mouth?

Kathy Withers serves in the Keswick Book and Gift Shop and is great Bible Teacher and speaker. You can contact her to speak by calling Ruth Schmidt @ rschmidt@americaskeswick.org

Fleeting Fantasy

“Getting treasures by a lying tongue is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.” Proverbs 21:6

Fleeting fantasy-a picture of the deceptiveness of sin. Whether our sin is to gain treasure by lying or gossip, or gluttony or pride or … you fill in the blank, we sin because we want something apart from God’s will. We sin because at that moment we want what we want more than we want what God wants. Regardless of our sin, it provides just a fleeting fantasy of what we thought it would do for us. Because of the hollowness of sin it never satisfies for long, soon leaving us empty-handed.
Sin never delivers.
Sin never satisfies.
Sin never fulfills.
Sin never quenches.

Sin is a fleeting fantasy-fleeting, fleeting, fleeting. Perhaps if we can call this to mind when we are tempted we will be less inclined to fall into temptation.

Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries

Sovereignty and Free Will

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1

Sitting in the counseling office, seeking to offer comfort and hope to another hurting person distressed over the wayward choices of a loved one, I offer the truth of our day’s scripture. God holds the heart of kings in His hand and He turns it as He chooses. If He holds the kings heart, surely he holds the hearts of our loved ones. Not only does He hold the heart of our loved one but He can change the heart of our loved one.
Invariably, the reply I get is “Yeah but, God also gave us free will right?” Right, but does free will negate the sovereignty of God? It cannot be or sovereignty is not sovereignty.
Today’s verse: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” is recorded in the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament. Free will is not a recent concept that God threw in as an afterthought. Free will was just as present when Proverbs 21:1 was penned as it is today.
How do these two truths coincide? How do God’s sovereignty and man’s free will co-exist, both being true? It is a mystery. Why would we expect to be able to understand all the things of God? He is God after all, and God says they both are true, therefore we know both are true.
Let us not negate the sovereignty of God in the lives of our loved ones by believing the lie that their free will gives them greater power in their lives that God.
We need to ask ourselves the question: Do I believe that God is sovereign in the life of my loved one despite the free will God has given them?
If we choose to take God at His word, believing that His sovereignty and our free will somehow work together, we can pray in great hope and faith for loved ones.
Diane

Does this offend you?
Some time ago, my then mother-in-law had prepared Christmas dinner. The main dish was a roast. Let’s just say this roast was…well…extremely well done. (The men in the family prefer their beef very rare.) We sat down at the table and one of my nieces (about 7 years old) said; “Have you ever seen such an overdone piece of meat in your entire life?!” It was exactly what we were all thinking. Thankfully, the cook didn’t hear her! I know she would have been highly offended.
Offenses can so easily come, most of which are unintentional. If we put more thought into our words we could potentially avoid offending someone. I feel awful when I realize I’ve said something that has caused an offense, most of the time; but there have been times when I have spoken the name of Jesus and instantly caused an offense, just by mentioning His Holy name! There have also been times when I have shared a scripture with someone and they have been highly offended. For example; John 14:6, “Jesus said to him; I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” It’s not my desire to offend but to bless.
Sometimes I’ve sinfully held back words of Life, precious words of Life, because I didn’t want to offend. Did I want to please man or please God? This would be my nightmare on Judgment Day: I’m standing across from someone I had the opportunity to speak to and with wailing and gnashing of teeth they ask me why didn’t I tell them about Jesus. I feel sick at the thought.

Jesus was concerned with people hearing the words of life that they might hear and believe.

“As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven-not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.” These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum. Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?”
When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them; “Does this offend you?” What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:57-69)

Colossians 4:5-6
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

Lord, let us throw off all that binds us or causes us to hesitate in redeeming the time.

Dina Seaton serves in our Marketing department at America’s KESWICK and is available to speak at your women’s event. For information, contact Ruth Schmidt at rschmidt@americaskeswick.org