BE STILL

“Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has wrought desolations in
the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the
bow, and shatters the spear, he burns the chariots with fire! ‘Be still
and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in
the earth!’ The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our
refuge.” (Psalm 46:8-11)

One of the challenges, especially for those of us who are Type A
personalities is to BE STILL. Some of us our so wrapped up in the DOING
of the Christian life, that we neglect BEING all that God wants us to
be. Most men are afraid to BE STILL. We avoid it at all costs. But God
wants us to learn this wonderful truth.

Mrs. Cowman in her classic devotional work, STREAMS IN THE DESERT, wrote
these words: “I do not believe we have even begun to understand the
wonderful power there is in being still. We are in such a hurry, always
doing, that we are in danger of not allowing God the opportunity to
work. You may be sure that God will never say to us, ‘Stand still,’ ‘Sit
still,’ or ‘Be still’ unless HE is going to do something. This is our
problem regarding the Christian life: we want to do something to be
Christians, instead of allowing HIM to work in us.

Think of how still you stand when your picture is being taken, as the
photographer captures your likeness on film. God has one eternal purpose
for us: that we should be ‘conformed to the likeness of His Son’ (Romans
8:29). But in order for that to happen, we must stand still. We hear so
much today about being active, but maybe we need to learn what it means
to be quiet.”

Be still, my soul! the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul! thy best, thy Heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul! thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul! the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul! the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul! when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Katharina Amalia von Schlegel

Good words to ponder as we worship the Lord today — on HIS day!

THE LOVE OF GOD

“For the love of Christ compels us . . .” 2 Corinthians 5:14

From the pen of Oswald Chambers (MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST — available
at the KESWICK ONLINE BOOKSTORE . . . http://www.americaskeswick.org)

“Paul said that the was overpowered, subdued, and held as in a vise by
‘the love of Christ.’ Very few of us know what it means to be held in
the grip of the love of God. We tend so often to be controlled simply by
our own experience. The one thing that gripped Paul, to the exclusion of
everything else, was the love of God. When you hear that coming from the
life of a man or woman it is unmistakable. You will know the Spirit of
God is completely unhindered in that persons life . . .

When this happens . . . we will accept EVERYTHING that happens as it
were happening to Him, whether we receive praise or blame, persecution
or reward. No one is able to take this stand for Jesus Christ who is not
totally compelled by the majesty of His power. It is the only thing that
matters, and yet it is strange that it’s the last thing we realize.

Paul said that he was GRIPPED by the love of God and that why he acted
as he did. People could perceive him as mad or sane — he did not care.
There was only one thing he lived for — to persuade people of the
coming judgment of God and to tell them of ‘the love of Christ.’ This
total surrender to ‘the love of Christ’ is the only thing that will bear
fruit in your life. And it will always leave the mark of God’s holiness
and His power, never drawing attention to your personal holiness.”

O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me,
Underneath me, all around me,
Is the current of Thy love;
Leading onward, leading homeward
To my glorious rest above.

O the deep, deep, love of Jesus,
Spread His praise from shore to shore.
How he loveth, ever loveth,
Changeth never, nevermore.
How He watches o’re His loved ones,
Died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth,
Watcheth o’er them from the throne.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Love of every love the blest;
‘Tis an ocean vast of blessing,
‘Tis a haven sweet of rest,
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
‘Tis a heav’n of heavens to me;
And it lifts me up to glory,
For it lifts me up to Thee. Samuel Trevor Francis (1834-1925)

Good words for us today!

WHO PREACHED THE MESSAGE FIRST . . .

As you prepare for the Lord’s Day, here are some thoughts for your
consideration . . .

“The first sermon preached each Sunday is not by the minister, but by
YOU! You preach a message of good cheer when you say ‘good morning’ to
those who you meet as you are parking, in the hallway, and classrooms.

You preach a message of welcome! — ‘We have room for you’ when you
slide over in the pew instead of forcing others to squeeze in front of
you. You peach a message of hope and joy when you enthusiastically sing
and worship.

You preach a message about the power of prayer when you fervently enter
into out time of prayer together. You preach a message about respect
when you listen attentively while the special music is presented.

You preach a message of love with your smile, say hello, and introduce
yourself to visitors. You preach a message of faith why you give your
tithes and offerings. You preach a message about the importance of
Scripture when you open your Bible to the day’s text.

Many messages are preached BEFORE the Pastor stands up to bring HIS
message. If your message is positive and consistent, then the message
given from the pulpit will be much better received. Go Sunday morning
prepared to preach YOUR best sermon.” from Pulpit Helps

Good words to consider as we prepare our hearts for the Lord’s Day.

GOOD REMINDERS

One of the disciplines of life that I encourage men (and women) to do is
to journal. I have shared with you before that I journal my morning
prayers. Yes, I write out my prayers. It has helped me to stay focused
on what I am praying rather than have my wandering mind go all over the
place.

I also put dates and notations in my Bible and devotional books of
things that are taking place in my life. If you were to look at them,
there would not really be any significance to you, but for me, it is a
historical record of the things that the Lord is doing in my life. I
have noted by doing this, cycles of ups and downs in my spiritual
journey that help me understand how God has wired me. I find that some
of my staff go through cycles in their lives. It has been a good
exercise and one I commend to you.

Yesterday was one of those reminders of God’s faithfulness in a very
difficult situation. Several years ago we were facing a monumental
financial struggle at America’s KESWICK. Our employee health insurance
bill was due and we needed $25,000 to pay the bill. The bottom line was
that we did not have the money. Our staff gathered to worship and pray.
We knew we couldn’t borrow the money — so there was only ONE who could
provide it.

And the Lord did so in a dramatic way. A friend of the ministry loaned
us $25,000 as a short-term loan but said, “the real deal will be here on
Friday.” Friday came. Friday went. No money. On Saturday morning before
our Board meeting, I met with God in the morning and from the devotional
STREAMS IN THE DESERT, here were the words from the WORD:
“This is my doing.” (1 Kings 12:24)

As I read the message for the day, God reminded me that He was in
control and knew all about our situation. These words jumped off the
page, “Are you having problems with money, finding it hard to make ends
meet? “This is my doing,” for I am the One who keeps your finances, and
I want you to learn to depend on Me. My supply is limitless and I “will
meet all your needs.” (Philippians 4:19) I want to prove MY PROMISES so
no one may say, “You did not trust in the Lord your God.” (Deut. 1:32)

An hour later, God proved HIS faithfulness. A Board member shared with
me that a friend had wired money into his account for America’s KESWICK
on Thursday. On Friday when he went to the bank to transfer the money to
his checking account — the amount? $25,000!!! The real deal WAS there
on Friday. And the amazing thing is the person who gave the money lives
in France! How did she know? OUR GOD IS AWESOME! HE KNEW OUR NEED.

Facing a challenge in your life? Financial? Health? Kids? Talk to Him
about it. Trust Him! He wants to WOW you with HIS goodness. And when He
does it — take time to write it down. It will be a great reminder to
you and to your children and your children’s children of God’s
faithfulness and amazing work in your life.

COUNT IT ALL JOY . . .

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and
complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Listen to the words of Fenelon about how to handle the trials we face:
“Don’t bargain with God to get out of this mess in the easiest, most
comfortable way. Embrace the cross. Live by love alone. Let God do what
He needs to do to root out your self-love. Pray within yourself all day
long. Live in prayer — let it touch everything you do. Be aware of
God’s presence with you — even when you are busy. Do this and peace
will be yours.

You will not become perfect by hearing or reading about perfection. The
important thing is not to listen to yourself, but silently listen to
God. Talk little and do much, without caring to be seen. God will teach
you more than any book or person can. Do you need to go to school to
learn how to love God and deny yourself? You already know much more
about good than you currently practice. What you need is to put into
practice what you already know! Don’t try to gain knowledge before you
practice what you already see.”

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has
stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised
to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NIV)

“Growth and depth and strength and consistency and fruitfulness and
ultimately in Christlikeness is only possible when the winds of life are
contrary to personal comfort. Just as the storms make it possible for
eagles to soar, so suffering makes it possible for you and me to attain
the highest pinnacles in the Christian life. Suffering develops our
faith. God uses His will, which can go against human logic and sense.
The reason is to focus on our faith, not on our friends . . . or ability
. . . or resources . . . or knowledge . . . or strength . . . or
ANYTHING other than HIM ALONE!” — Anne Graham Lotz

Good words for today, my friend. May God bless you.

THE SEEKING HEART by Fenelon and MY JESUS IS EVERYTHING by Ann Graham
Lotz, are available at the Keswick Online Bookstore —
http://www.americaskeswick.org

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR

“And He shall be called WONDERFUL COUNSELOR . . . ” Isaiah 9:6

“The Amplified Bible gives six names that could equally be translated
from the word ‘counselor’. Each name, as defined by Webster’s
dictionary, describes a different aspect of the Person of the Holy
Spirit. He is our:

Counselor: One Whose profession is to give advice and manage causes.

Comforter: One Who relieves another of mental distress.

Helper: One Who furnishes with relief or support. One Who is of use and
Who waits upon another.

Intercessor: One Who acts between parties to reconcile differences.

Advocate: One Who pleads the cause of another.

Strengthener: One Who causes another to grow, become stronger, endure,
and resist attacks.

Standby: One Who can be relied upon either for regular use or in
emergencies.

Can you image how wonderful it would be to have Someone with these
attributes in your life? Are you distressed today? Then you need the
Comforter.
Are you facing a major decision? Then you need the Counselor.
Do you need relief from, or support in, your responsibilities? Then you
need the Helper.
Do you have a broken relationship? Then you need the Intercessor.
Are you being criticized, falsely accused, misunderstood? Then you need
the Advocate.
Are you constantly defeated by habits of sin? Then you need the
Strengthener.
Are you unprepared for an emergency? Then you need the Standby.
The Holy Spirit is EVERYTHING that Jesus is!”

“You will never know that Jesus is ALL you need until Jesus is ALL you
have. When Jesus is all you have, you’ll know that Jesus is ALL you
need.” — Dr. Mark Corts

Powerful reminder today from the pen of Anne Graham Lotz in her new book
JESUS IS MY EVERYTHING (Countryman) — available at the Keswick Online
Bookstore (www.americaskeswick.org).

The Keswick Institute of Biblical Studies begins on February 7th. Please
check out our website for details.

CONTENT

Are you content this morning where God has placed you? Content with your
car? Content with your job? Your living situation? I share with you this
morning a letter written by the wife of a Vietnamese pastor’s wife who
was forced to live with her children on a balcony after her husband was
placed in prison. God used even her surroundings to become a sanctuary:

My dear friends,

You know around here we are experiencing hardships, but we thank the
Lord He is comforting us and caring for us in every way. When we
experience misfortune, adversity, distress, and hardship only then do we
see the real blessing of the Lord poured down on us in such a way that
we cannot contain it.

We have be obliged recently to leave our modest apartment and for over
two months have been living on a balcony. The rain has been beating down
and soaking us. Sometimes in the middle of the night we are forced to
gather our blankets and run to seek refuge in a stairwell.

Do you know what I do then? I laugh and praise the Lord, because we can
still take shelter in the stairwell. I think of how many people are
experiencing much worse hardships than I am. Then I remember the words
of the Lord, “To the poor, O Lord, You are a refuge from the storm, a
shadow from the heat” and I am gratefully comforted.

Our Father . . . is the One who according to the Scriptures does not
break the bruised reed nor put out the flickering lamp. He is the One
who brings blessings and peace to numberless people. I do not know what
words to use in order to describe the love that the Lord has shown our
family. I only can bow my knee and my heart and offer to the Lord words
of deepest thanks and praise. Although we have lost our house and
possessions, we have not lost the Lord, and HE IS ENOUGH. With the Lord
I have everything. The only thing I fear losing is His blessing!

Could I ask you and our friends in the churches abroad to continue to
pray for me that I will faithfully follow the Lord and serve Him
REGARDLESS of what the circumstances may be? As far as my husband is
concerned, I was able to visit his this past summer. We had a
twenty-minute conversation that brought us great joy.

I greet you with my love.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi An (quoted from A MINUTE OF MARGIN — Restoring Balance
to Busy Lives by Dr. Richard A. Swenson, NavPress)

Wow. What powerful words. Are you content this morning? Paul said,
“Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6) and “in
WHATEVER circumstance I am in, therewith to be content.” (Philippians
4:11) Can you pass the contentment test this morning? Good words to
consider as we begin this new week.

Check out today’s broadcast of KESWICK TODAY on the website —
http://www.americaskeswick.org.

THE GOD WHO SEES

I really don’t know how she did it. She was facing the piano which was
at the front of the room. Yet somehow, Dot Keenest, our Junior High
Youth leader could see what was going on in the room and would often
call us out by name if we were fooling around. We really did think she
had eyes in the back of her head. She seemed to be able to see
everything we were doing.

But there really is ONE who sees EVERYTHING we do. He not only sees the
EXTERNAL things we are doing, He is the searcher of the INTERNAL as
well. There is NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING that escapes His eyes. He
sees where we are — what we are reading — what we are looking at on
the computer –He sees EVERYTHING. And He sees into our hearts and knows
what we are really thinking and feeling when no one else can.

Listen to what it says from the WORD: “You are the God who sees . . . O
Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my
rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path
and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not
a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether . . .
such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.

The eyes of the Lord are in EVERY PLACE, keeping watch on the evil and
the good. The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He
ponders all his paths. GOD KNOWS YOUR HEARTS! For what is highly
esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. The eyes of
the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself
strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” (Genesis 16:13;
Psalm 139:1-4); Proverbs 15:3; Proverbs 5:21; Luke 16:15; 2 Chronicles
16:9)

This is a good reminder for all of us today. Is there something you are
doing in your life that you forgot He sees? A relationship you are
hiding? Looking at things on the computer that you don’t think anyone
sees? Looking at or reading material that you think you are hiding and
covering up without someone seeing? What is going on in your heart?
Bitterness? Jealousy? Lust? HE KNOWS! HE SEES! On this Lord’s day, take
some time today to talk to HIM about those things. Get right with Him.
And if you need help today, we are here for you. Respond to this email
and we will get back to you. We are here for you!

Protection on your computer is essential in this ever-changing, crazy
world. Now you can protect yourself and your family from internet
garbage that can take you out. Visit our website today and get
information at SAFE EYES. It’s an investment that you can’t afford NOT
to make — http://www.americaskeswick.org.

BE STILL AND LISTEN . . .

I love the writings of Fenelon, written over 400 years ago, but still as
fresh as if just written . . . In his writings, THE SEEKING HEART, he
says: “Avoid anything that drains or excites you. Your prayer life will
dry up if you don’t. Don’t expect to feed your inward life if you live
only for what is outward. You really must learn to renounce all that
makes you too outspoken in your conversations. How are you going to
cultivate an inner silence if you are always talking? You cannot want
God and the things of the world at the same time. Don’t you realize that
your prayer will be affected by what you cultivate in your daily life?

Fear your excessive enthusiasm, your taste for things of the world, and
your hidden ambitions. Don’t get so excited over politics and parties.
If you get too worked up, it will be harder to calm yourself before God.
Speak little and work steadily. Let actions take the place of your
flowery words.

After you learn to deal with your wandering thoughts, you must learn to
come to God to renew your strength. Learn to do this even amidst the
mundane tasks of the day. Keep looking to the Lord for His gentle
leading. But don’t be so noisy that you can’t hear Him.

You will lose your way the minute you decide to go your own way. When
you seek God’s will alone, you find it everywhere, and you cannot go
astray. Wanting what GOD wants always put you on a straight path. The
future is not yet yours; it may never be. Live in the present moment.
Tomorrow’s grace is not given to you today. The present moment is the
only place where you can touch the eternal realm.”

Chambers said: “Jesus Christ knows YOUR circumstances better than we do,
and He says we must not think about these things to the point where they
become the primary concern of life. Whenever there are competing
concerns in your life, be sure you always put your relationship to God
first.”

How do we apply this truth — do what David said: “Be still . . . ” Stop
talking for once and allow Him to speak to your heart — You know what?
He may transform your life in way you have never dreamed possible.

Good words for you today! THE SEEKING HEART is available from the
KESWICK ONLINE BOOKSTORE — http://www.americaskeswick.org.

WHO AM I IN CHRIST

We have looked this week at the amazing truth from God’s Word that
reminds us WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST.

29. You have been saved and set apart according to God’s doing! (2
Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5)
30. You are sanctified and you are one with the Sanctifier. He is not
ashamed to call you brother! (Hebrews 2:11)
31. You can come boldly before the throne of God to find mercy and grace
in time of need! (Hebrews 4:16)
32. You are a partaker of God’s diving nature! (2 Peter 1:4)

As I thought about these wonderful truths, I was reminded of the lyrics
to this amazing praise song by Casting Crowns. May these words encourage
your hearts
this morning.

Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt,
Who am I?
That the Bright and Morning Star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart,

Not because of who I am,
But because of what You’ve done,
Not because of what I’ve done,
But because of who You are,

I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean (ocean),
A vapor in the wind,
Still You hear me when I’m calling,
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling,
And You’ve told me who I am..
I am Yours.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin,
Would look on me with love,
and watch me rise again,
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me,

Not because of who I am,
But because of what You’ve done,
Not because of what I’ve done,
But because of who You are,

I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean (ocean),
A vapor in the wind,
Still You hear me when I’m calling,
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling,
And You’ve told me who I am…
I am Yours, I am Yours.

I am Yours,
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
‘Cause I am Yours,
I am Yours.