Tuesday, January 31, 2012

I Don't Believe It

That's usually the problem. God gives us the assurance of something and then we waiver between faith and unbelief. When I read the following portion of scripture, something really upset me. It was verse 6... "And He marveled because of their (my) unbelief."

Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, "Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! 3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?" So they were offended at Him.
4 But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house." 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching
. Mark 6: 1-6 (NKJV)

Here's an example of what I've experienced at times and maybe you have too:
"Ok, Lord, so I know I heard you say this, and you've confirmed it to me today through this, but I still have doubts, could you send me a second confirmation? Great, got it. But still- what if I do that and it's not really you, maybe you haven't spoken this to me and it's just self-talk? I'm going to need another confirmation. Great, I got it. But Lord what if?" Sounds like I want to live risk-free. Or is it faith free?

Does anyone have a fleece handy?

I could just imagine Jesus shaking His head back and forth as He marvels at my unbelief. I guess you could say He just can't believe it.

"Dina...Dina...after all I've shown you, still you do not believe."

"Oh Lord, I don't want You to shake your head at my unbelief in any situation, after all the mighty works You've not only done in my life, but in the lives of those around me."

Those are the times that focusing on the past can give us the good shaking we need. Come on sister, look back, and remember the time God did ____________ and you thought, "Wow, Lord, You really did do just what You said You would. Why didn't I just trust You and believe?"

That's Him, same God. Faithful then, faithful now and faithful tomorrow.

So is your faith shaken or do you need a good shaking?

Dina Seaton
Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer

Monday, January 30, 2012

WINNING

I recently read a comment by Patsy Clairmont, one of my favorite authors and a member of "The Porch" for those of you who are familiar with Women of Faith. It was in the context of something totally different, but she said at the end of a comment she was making that "The purpose of an argument is to resolve conflict not to win."

Winning - a very important concept to so many of us in this day and age. Our favorite athletic teams are only deemed successful if they win. Our politicians are all about winning. Businesses are successful if they "win" the most customers, or are able to corner a larger percent of their particular market than their competitors. Translate that "winning isn't everything, it's the ONLY thing" philosophy to us as individuals, and we get caught up so easily in the "I must win" scenario.

For me, the desire to be a winner all boils down to my pride. I want what I want - and am willing to argue you to death until you say, "OK, you win." And I got what I wanted. It isn't even totally a matter of "I'm right, you're wrong." If I can get you to blink, then I have gotten MY way - right or wrong.

But what does God have to say about pride (and believe me, He has a LOT to say about it)? The verses that always strike a chord with me are Proverbs 6:16-17, "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination with Him: a proud look..." Now I don't know about you, but when God says He hates something, when God says something is an abomination to Him, I think it behooves me to sit up and pay closer attention. And while there are seven things listed that God hates, what is the number one thing on the list? "A proud look" or I have seen it translated as a "haughty spirit."

I have said if before - I struggle with pride. It seems as if I always have. And sometimes when I think I have it "under control," the Holy Spirit taps me on the shoulder, so to speak, and says, "Now aren't you proud that you have overcome your proud spirit." And I go, "duh," because I haven't beaten it back at all. It is still lurking just below (and sometimes not even just below) the surface of my actions or words waiting for me to rise up and proclaim how proud I am for saying or doing something instead of giving God the glory that He has enabled me to do it.

We live in a society which is all about recognition - having someone say we have done a good job or getting an award for having done something. But the ONLY One I want to hear say, "well done" is Jesus when I stand before Him to give an account of all of the things I have done with my life. Oh, I can bask in worldly recognition and get my prideful self all puffed up, but when I get to heaven, none of that will mean one thing. Unless what I have done I have done with the motive of glorifying God, doing HIS will and bringing the recognition to HIM, whatever I have done is meaningless in His eyes (or like "filthy rags" in Isa. 64:6).

So, once again, today, I am praying that Jesus Christ will infuse His humble Spirit into me and begin to make me into His own humble, and ultimately, glorious image.

Lynn Randall

Lynn Randall 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.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Valentine's Dinner Concert


with Dick & Mel Tunney

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 6:30 PM

With all followers of Christ, the growth process is a lifetime journey designed to reflect His Light to a dark and dying world. Dick & Melodie Tunney continue to spend their adult life in the process, pressing towards the ultimate goal of reflecting and magnifying Christ’s light to all whose paths they cross from their public platform of ministry.

You’re invited for a romantic evening out! Not just for the two of you, but for the three of you!…A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecc. 4:12). Jesus is never the third wheel but the cord that binds a couple together. We encourage you to invite HIM to be the unseen guest at your table. Fine food, the fellowship of other couples and amazing music that will minister to your heart and soul set the stage for themaking of a memory…



$20 per person includes dinner and concert.

Dinner begins at 6:30 PM, doors open at 6:00 PM

Advance reservations are required. Reserve Early! This event WiLL sell out!

Friday, January 27, 2012

Who would you Pick?

"Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor. "Barabbas," they answered.
"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked. They all answered, "Crucify him!"
"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"
When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!" All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!"
Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
(Matt. 27:21-26)

So, if you were in the crowd, what name would you yell? You probably want to believe that you would be different from everyone else and you would cry out "JESUS." Unfortunately, each one of us would have most likely joined in with the crowd and yelled "Barabbas" right along with the rest. At the beginning of that week everyone wanted Jesus, but things had changed.

Have things changed in your life? Did you at one time cry out for Jesus, but now He is being crowded out? Beth Moore states that "if we aren't worshipping God then we are worshipping something else."

What are you choosing to worship? Personal desires, Wants, Success, Money, Comfort, Family? Kathy Troccoli in her study on How to Live a Fulfilled Life presents the following thoughts:

In our affections, something else steals His place
In our addictions, something else holds His place
In our desires, something else fills His place
In our relationships, someone else takes His place

What or Who are you choosing to fill His place? Joshua challenged the people in Joshua 24:15 with the question - whom will you choose to serve? Both Joshua and the people picked to serve God. If we pick God, then we are also choosing to obey God and put away all other Idols (or things that take His place). "Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord, the God of Israel" (Joshua 24:23).

If you have chosen to pick Jesus - You Choose God - You have chosen Life! (Read Deut. 30: 15-20)

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8).
When we draw near (pick) to God, He will draw near to us. God requires that we exercise our desire toward Him first and He will embrace any believer no matter how long or to what extent we went away from Him. God stands ready to accept us with open arms. "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him" (Psalm 145:18).

Choose today to PICK JESUS!

Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor

Thursday, January 26, 2012

CONSIDER THE DEADLINE

I think something must have happened in my childhood to cause me to resist deadlines. I have been known to reject book contracts because they would add one more deadline to my life. My vote would go toward self-publishing because an author can set their own timeline.

I don't find the word 'deadline' in the Bible; however, as I look in scripture the word 'time' appears often, much to my dismay.

Gen 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass,

The word first appears in the fourth chapter of Genesis. (So soon?)

Do we really have to talk about deadlines so early in the year? I know, I know... I have already pointed out that Scripture spoke of 'time' early, too.

Apparently God dealt with deadlines, too.

Luke 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come....

Gal 4:4 But when the fullness of the time was come....

Apparently God has a plan that includes the right time.

I don't like to have to face deadlines, but even I must admit that there is one deadline that cannot be ignored.

Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

We all have one deadline God will not allow us to ignore. But we have warning that the judgment day is coming and we CAN be ready.

Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.

Marilyn Willett Heavilin

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.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

His Word

I am watching over my word to perform it… Jeremiah 1:11

Unlike us, God means every word that He speaks. Not only does He mean it but He, and He alone has the power to make it so. “…not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.”

He keeps His word. His Word has intention and purpose and He accomplishes every one, without fail.

Job said, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

Solomon said, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.”

Isaiah said, “The LORD of hosts has sworn: 'As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand … For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?'”

“declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,' … I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.”
“so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”


All those words are a comfort as we stop to consider that His Word is forever firmly fixed in the heavens. BUT have we stopped to consider that God Himself watches over His word to perform it? To me, it speaks of the intimate connection God has with each of us. He has not sent out His Word and turned to other things; He is watching over it to perform it in and around our lives.

Praise be to God that His Word is true, powerful, purposeful and certain.

Blessings,
Diane

1 Joshua 23:14
2 Job 42:2
3 Proverbs 19:21
4 Isaiah 14:24,27
5 Isaiah 46:10-11
6 Isaiah 55:11
7 Psalm 119:89

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Disconnected

There are two things I am constantly misplacing or forgetting. First are my keys and second is my cell phone. I am sure that I keep my neighbors quite amused. I live on a dead-end street and by time I get to the corner each morning, without fail, I have forgotten something. Obviously, not my keys if I am at the corner! But many times I end up backing down the street to retrieve my phone. It usually takes me no time at all to realize that I am not connected. Today, however, I got all the way to work without my phone. There was no going back so I am spending my day "disconnected." No emails, no calls, no texts.

I have to ask myself, "Do I miss being 'disconnected' from Jesus as quickly as I do my cell phone?" If I get a nudge from the Holy Spirit do I answer the call or do I ignore it? Yet the beeps, kurplunks and chimes of our cell phones get immediate attention. How much time can go by before I really miss connecting with God and hearing from Him?

How easy it is to be connected to the wrong things. Not that cell phones are bad or wrong but when do we cross a line to stay connected to technology while we forfeit what we need most? We have all heard about how we need to keep plugged into the source, which is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The old part of that is we forget what an electrical line looks like. One end is securely in place while the wire stretches out to the other end with a plug that has two or three prongs that fit into another source. (We remember these plugs when the computer isn't working, don't we?) It is still the same today. Regardless of how wireless we have become we must stay connected to the Source of our power. We know this to be true but do we miss being connected when we have moved away from the Source as quickly as we have moved away from our phones? Few of us can be anywhere and not make or receive a call. Yet we get into places where God's voice is muffled and sometimes barely audible. Do we miss hearing Him as much as we miss hearing from all our other contacts?

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me" (John 15:4).

Kathy Withers

Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 26 years. They have 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 to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Resolve to be Like Christ

"And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them" (Ezekiel 36: 27).

Entering into the New Year I begin to take into account of certain goals I like to achieve this year. I must set aim and become resolute to carry out my goals. Of course I like them to be simple to achieve. I realize realistically I need help to accomplish the goals I decide to obtain. I mull over and question myself, am I doing everything I need to maintain my health? I have to start an exercise plan that is simple to attain, and then work my way to maintain my workout. This leads me to realize my eating habits are not good: no more cookies with my tea or potato chips in the afternoon and stop picking up a Hershey bar every day. I have picked the Hershey with almonds and have convinced myself it's healthy, humbug. I have to remember to take my vitamins, to ensure my body has the proper nutrients to be healthy.

However, I start to analyze what really takes precedence is my spiritual health. I ought to be praying more and take time to listen to the Father as I pray. My Father will lead me and guide me into the best path. "For such is God, Our God forever and ever; He will guide us until death" (Psalm 48:14).

As I memorize scripture my mind is being challenged and renewed spiritually. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2).

My heart must be exercised and guarded from evil. "With all my heart I have sought Thee; Do not let me wander from Thy commandments. Thy word I have treasured in my heart that I may not sin against thee" (Psalm 119:10-11).

I need to become skilled at and resolve to be Christ-like, acquaint myself by reading the Bible on a more intimate level. "Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interest of others" (Philippians 2:2-4).

As I walk with My Lord, I can be confident He will help me to achieve the goals, My God wants me to accomplish. "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him" (Colossians 2:6).

Glory to God!

Sandra Roman
Staff Member - WOC Graduate

Friday, January 20, 2012

First Things First

"Seek first the Kingdom of God..." Matt 6:33

OK, so I'll join the others that hit on the idea that this is a new year - will it also be a new you? Most of us contemplate resolutions; most of us never keep them. I am convinced this year that there is only one resolution that we as Christians should make or consider. That is the resolution to make First things First, or put simply to put our Faith development first and foremost in our lives. If you do that, then scripture promises that everything else will fall into place.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart ...in all your ways acknowledge him, and HE will direct your path" Proverbs 3:5-6. Simply stated again - it is time to surrender to His will and His ways. If we do that - all the puzzle pieces of our life will fit together. Remember God's plans for us are good, not harmful (Jeremiah 29:11).

Why do we as Christians struggle so with this? If you went to any 12-step group - do you know what the first thing they tell you that you must do? Surrender to God... Now, I'm not going to get into a discussion about what God they are really about, but the point is that they know we need to put something in first place besides ourselves. As Christians we know what that TRUE something is: GOD. Stephen Artherburn and David Stoop collaborated on a book on the keys to spiritual renewal.

Key number #1 - SURRENDER.
What is surrender? Webster defines it this way: "to yield to the power, control, or possession of another...; to give oneself over to something (an influence)." We surrender each day. We yield to peer pressure, temptation, the opinions of others, etc... Surrender like that does not lead to renewal - it leads to destruction and defeat. Godly surrender or putting Him first in our life, seeking His will before our will, getting ourselves and others off the throne and putting God on the throne - that is the surrender we need to resolve to this year in our lives.

2 Peter 1:3-4 tells us what our lives can be like when we resolve to make Him first. "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."

Are you ready this year to escape the world and live in His promises? Then surrender your will and put Him first. Everything I read and have experienced tells me that if we do... then 2012 will be the year that exceeds our plans and expectations.

Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Dream Big, Live Small

I've been reading a book lately that encourages the reader to dream big. To ask God for and pray for things that only He can accomplish in our lives. And I've seen God do big things in my life in recent days, but right now I can't really think of anything big to pray for.

So I just opened up a blog that I frequently read and the writer was talking about her New Year's resolutions. She usually makes big, grand ones - like saving the world. But this year she felt God was telling her to think small, and that just didn't seem fun, or challenging - boring, really. Until she realized that what is planted small, and fed and watered and nurtured day by day, can grow into something big, something wonderful, something God-sized.

It reminded me of the verse, And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities' (Luke 19:17). God requires us to be faithful in the small things before we can do big things. And very often, it's the accumulation of the small, daily things that end up being something big.

And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, (Deut. 10:12).

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

Sometimes God does ask big things of us. And sometimes He takes our big dreams and makes them become realities. But sometimes all He asks of us is that we be faithful in the everyday, the small, the routine, the boring.

So until He gives me another big dream, I want to be faithful in what He has given me to do today.

Ruth

Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Tarry a Moment

Lord, my prayer this morning as I opened Your word was, "Lord, prepare my heart to spend time with You as I tarry a moment with You."

As soon as I said it I realized the foolishness of that prayer - how can I tarry a moment? It sounds so contradictory; to tarry takes more than a moment.

Isn't that what characterizes my morning times? A moment! So often, I take but a moment, a brief time to read a chapter or two before I'm racing off to the next thing.

Tarry sounds so wonderful, so spiritual, as I envision Mary sitting at Your feet soaking in Your every word - basking in Your presence. But honestly, that does not describe my mornings with You.

How about you? Do you tarry with the Lord during your times with Him? How can we say we love the Lord if we are so quick to move on to the next thing? If we have a friend or spouse that gives us a moment here and a moment there, quickly moving on to their busy lives, we would wonder how genuine their love for us is. Am I right?

Lord, I pray that I would want, even yearn, to tarry in Your presence - morning by morning and that I would be compelled to action to make it so.

Blessings,
Diane

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Love or Obey?

Recently, I was part of a group discussion and in the course of it, this question was asked?

"What are the most important four letters in the Bible?"

Like me, your first thought probably went right to L-O-V-E. I dare say, it wouldn't be a stretch to assume that most, if not all, would come to that same conclusion. However, the answer given was not L-O-V-E; rather, in their thinking the correct response was O-B-E-Y.

When I heard this I had an instant reaction: Huh? What? I didn't understand at all. Some discussion followed where there was some attempt at persuading the individual to see love as the most important thing. And, in turn, there was an effort and turning our thinking away from love being the most important word.

Without a doubt, we ought to know and understand that obedience is critical in the life of every believer. But the question is, why obey? Apart from love what is obedience? What value is there in keeping the law without love as the driving force?

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails...and now abides faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
~1 Corinthians 13:1-8;13

Without love: tongues, prophecy, faith, giving to the poor, giving one's body to be burned...it all fails. That must include obedience. For what is obedience; what is any of it without love?! Love spurs us on! Love compels us to want to obey our Creator, God and King!!

The morning after said discussion, I was on my way to work when the Apostle Paul came to mind. Here we have an excellent example of obedience as the primary thing. Paul so zealously obeyed the law that he went to great lengths to persecute Christians. Not until he met the Lord Jesus on the Damacus road was it revealed that he really didn't love God. He loved the Law.

It wasn't until his encounter with the One who is L-O-V-E personified, the One who is the reason to O-B-E-Y, that Paul motivated by LOVE Himself began to walk in true obedience out of a deep, abiding relationship with the Savior of his soul. Love which cost him his very life!

Selah
Stephanie

Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Covenant of Peace

Isaiah 54:10 "For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

As I was reading Isaiah and came across this verse, I asked myself, "What is His covenant of peace?" A little investigating drew me to Ezekiel 34:25-31. "I will make with them a covenant of peace and banish wild beasts from the land, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing. And the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase, and they shall be secure in their land. And they shall know that I am the LORD, when I break the bars of their yoke, and deliver them from the hand of those who enslaved them. They shall no more be a prey to the nations, nor shall the beasts of the land devour them. They shall dwell securely, and none shall make them afraid. And I will provide for them renowned plantations so that they shall no more be consumed with hunger in the land, and no longer suffer the reproach of the nations. And they shall know that I am the LORD their God with them, and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, declares the Lord GOD. And you are my sheep, human sheep of my pasture, and I am your God," declares the Lord GOD.

God promises peace to His children, His covenant of peace. With that promise comes security, blessing, belonging, freedom, protection, provision, satisfaction, acceptance, and peace. His promise. His peace.

In these times it is tempting to fret and worry about just about anything. But how would we stand apart from our unsaved neighbors if we fret and worry about the future? God promises that even if the mountains depart and hills are removed (such as we have seen with recent hurricanes, earthquakes and Tsunamis) HIS STEADFAST LOVE AND HIS COVENANT OF PEACE SHALL NOT BE REMOVED-NO MATTER WHAT.

You have HIS peace. Take God at His word. By faith, believe.

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren. Cross references:

A. Ezekiel 34:25 : Ezekiel 37:26; Isa 54:10
B. Ezekiel 34:25 : Lev 26:6; Hos 2:18; Isa 35:9; Isa 11:6-9
C. Ezekiel 34:25 : Ezekiel 38:8, 14; 39:26
D. Ezekiel 34:26 : Gen 12:2; Isa 19:24; Zech 8:13
E. Ezekiel 34:26 : Lev 26:4; Ezekiel 22:24
F. Ezekiel 34:26 : Mal 3:10
G. Ezekiel 34:27 : Ezekiel 36:30; Lev 26:4
H. Ezekiel 34:27 : Ezekiel 34:25
I. Ezekiel 34:27 : Ezekiel 6:7
J. Ezekiel 34:27 : Jer 30:8
K. Ezekiel 34:28 : Ezekiel 34:22
L. Ezekiel 34:28 : Ezekiel 34:25
M. Ezekiel 34:28 : Ezekiel 34:25
N. Ezekiel 34:29 : Isa 60:21; 61:3
O. Ezekiel 34:29 : Ezekiel 36:29
P. Ezekiel 34:29 : Ezekiel 32:24
Q. Ezekiel 34:30 : Ezekiel 34:24
R. Ezekiel 34:31 : Psalm 74:1; 100:3; John 10:16

Cross references:
A. Isaiah 54:10 : Num 25:12; Ezek 34:25; 37:26; Mal 2:5

Friday, January 13, 2012

Reminders

Recently I was privileged to graduate another wife from the Woman of Character program. Four months had passed since she walked into the Women's Ministry building fully aware that she was in need of help and change.

All credit for this work of grace goes to Abba Father who faithfully worked in her a greater desire to be in His Word and to be a godly wife, a woman of character for the pleasure and glory of her Heavenly Husband!

A few of the things she shared which were very important reminders for her are also vital for the rest of us. Therefore, I decided to share them with you in this Victory Call. This is the reason we take time to write the VC in the first place: to encourage you to live in visible victory before the face of God.

Here are the truths she shared:

* "t is impossible for anyone to save himself. We are all saved by grace, through our faith in Jesus Christ.
* God desires that we rely on Him more than we rely on any other person or thing in our life.
* God keeps His promises, every single one.
* I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me - Philippians 4:13.
* The solution to addiction is not a method but rather a Savior.
* What comes out of our mouths is a reflection of the issues of our heart.
* God's anger is just and right, whereas, mine is not.
* Faith begins with the belief that my loving, heavenly Father is in control.
* A lifestyle that is truly free is one where we submit to Christ in every aspect of our lives.
* Anything we look to for comfort, love, or well-being other than Christ, draws us away from the one, true lover of our soul."1

Dear sisters, may you be reminded today of these simply truths, may I encourage you to also seek Him, who is the Lover of your soul! Seek His face only today as you continue to walk by faith and not by sight!

Stephanie

Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.

1 RA Hurst

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Resolve to be Like Christ

"And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them" Ezekiel 36: 27.

Entering into the New Year I begin to take into account on certain goals I like to achieve this year. I must set aim, become resolute to carry out my goals. Of course, I like them to be simple to achieve. I realize realistically I need help to accomplish the goals I decide to obtain. I mull over and question myself am I doing everything I need to maintain myself healthy. I have to start an exercise plan that is simple to attain, and then work my way to maintain my workout. This leads me to realize my eating habits are not good; no more cookies with my tea or potato chips in the afternoon; stop picking up a Hershey every day. I have picked the Hershey with almonds and have convinced myself it's healthy, humbug. I have to remember to take my vitamins, to ensure my body has the proper nutrients to be healthy.

However, I start to analyze what really takes precedence is my spiritual health. I ought to be praying more and take time to listen to the Father as I pray. My Father will lead me and guide me into the best path. "For such is God, Our God forever and ever; He will guide us until death" Psalms 48:14.

As I memorize scripture my mind is being challenged and renewed spiritually. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" Romans 12:2. My heart must be exercised and guarded from evil. "With all my heart I have sought Thee; Do not let me wander from Thy commandments. Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against thee" Psalm 119:10-11. I need to become skilled at and resolve to be Christ-like, acquaint myself by reading the Bible on a more intimate level. "Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you, regard one another as more important than himself, do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interest of others" Philippians 2: 2-4.

As I walk with My Lord, I can be confident He will help me to achieve the goals, My God wants me to accomplish. "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him" Colossians 2:6.

Glory to God!

Sandra Roman
Staff Member - WOC Graduate

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Signs...The City...and Some things to Think About...

Ah...the city...arts and culture, a diversity of ethnicities, quaint shops and markets, trendy hotels, a place where old, run-down warehouses can become much coveted prime spaces to live. After, of course, they've been completely renovated, except for the original brick walls, updated with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, brushed nickel fixtures, wood floors throughout, or maybe bamboo, since everyone is "going green" right now. Don't get me started! I'm all for conservation but when I read bumper stickers that say things like: "THE EARTH DOESN'T BELONG TO US...WE BELONG TO THE EARTH," well...I get a little nuts! The truth is the earth and everything in it belongs to God.

To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. Deuteronomy 10:14 (NIV)

But that's another conversation; let's get back to the city...

Just like any city there's usually areas such as I just described, and areas much less affluent. One day, while strolling from one to the other, I passed a home that had a sign on its front porch that read: "IF YOU DON'T LIVE HERE-YOU DON'T SIT HERE." Apparently, there are people who would have no problem cozying up on someone else's porch swing. It's not the safest place to live, although I've been in much worse. In fact, it reminded me of the area I grew up in. Where I was raised, you were taught to live life on the defense. Lock your door behind you, always lock your car door, beware of strangers, and look for the angle. Suspicion can be very exhausting. We didn't grow up with the philosophy that a stranger is just someone you haven't met yet. We grew up with the philosophy of: "Do not talk to strangers, beware of them and be ready." As I said, exhausting! I believe there needs to be a balance.

Another sign I saw read this: "TO THE PERSON WHO STOLE MY BIKE, I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT...NEXT TIME YOU COME BACK MY DOG WILL EAT YOU!" I can't help but wonder, where was this dog when the bike got stolen? Hmmm...maybe he or she was on a break from its "watch" so to speak. I mean come on...with all the rights we've bestowed on our four-legged friends they must take breaks, no? Did you know you could actually go to jail for abuse of an animal? YOU CAN! Don't get me wrong, I love most dogs and I believe if you have a pet you should take care of it.

A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
Proverbs 12:10 (NIV)

But since there are people who abuse their children running around free as a bird...can we capture them first and maybe just fine the animal haters or something? If I wanted to "adopt" a dog I'd actually have to allow a home visit. I'm sorry but that is hysterical. I brought home my newborn baby and no one even asked me if I had a home never mind visited it!

Some things to think about...better yet, and much more effective... pray about.

Dina Seaton
Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Looking Like What We Are Not

Isaiah 63:19
We have become like those over whom you have never ruled, like those who are not called by your name.

Footnotes:
a. Isaiah 63:3 Or their juice; also verse 6
b. Isaiah 63:4 Or the year of my redeemed
c. Isaiah 63:9 Or he did not afflict
d. Isaiah 63:11 Or Then his people remembered the days of old, of Moses
e. Isaiah 63:15 Or holy and glorious
f. Isaiah 63:18 Or They have dispossessed your holy people for a little while
Cross references:
A. Isaiah 63:1 : Isaiah 34:6
B. Isaiah 63:1 : Psalm 68:7
C. Isaiah 63:2 : Rev 19:13
D. Isaiah 63:2 : Lam 1:15; Rev 14:20; 19:15
E. Isaiah 63:3 : Joel 3:13
F. Isaiah 63:3 : Isaiah 59:16
G. Isaiah 63:4 : Isaiah 34:8
H. Isaiah 63:5 : Isaiah 59:16
I. Isaiah 63:6 : Isaiah 49:26
J. Isaiah 63:7 : Psalm 145:7
K. Isaiah 63:9 : Judg 10:16
L. Isaiah 63:9 : Deut 7:7, 8; Ezek 16:5, 6
M. Isaiah 63:9 : Deut 32:10-12
N. Isaiah 63:10 : Exodus 15:24; Num 14:11; Psalm 78:17, 56; 95:9; Ezek 20:8
O. Isaiah 63:10 : Psalm 78:40; Acts 7:51; Eph 4:30
P. Isaiah 63:11 : Psalm 77:11-20
Q. Isaiah 63:11 : Exodus 14:19-22
R. Isaiah 63:12 : Exodus 14:21; Josh 3:16
S. Isaiah 63:12 : 2 Sam 7:23; Neh 9:10
T. Isaiah 63:14 : Num 10:33
U. Isaiah 63:14 : Isaiah 63:12
V. Isaiah 63:15 : Deut 26:15
W. Isaiah 63:15 : Psalm 33:14
X. Isaiah 63:15 : Isaiah 59:17; Zech 1:14
Y. Isaiah 63:16 : Isaiah 64:8; Deut 32:6
Z. Isaiah 63:16 : Isaiah 43:14
AA. Isaiah 63:17 : Isaiah 6:10; John 12:40
BB. Isaiah 63:17 : Psalm 90:13
CC. Isaiah 63:18 : Deut 4:25, 26
DD. Isaiah 63:18 : Isaiah 64:11
EE. Isaiah 63:19 : Jer 14:8

Have you ever had occasion to ask yourself, "Do I look, act, respond or think any differently than my unsaved neighbor? What evidence is there that I am a Christ-follower?"

Certainly there are times where we look no different and therefore begs the question, "What difference does it make that I know Jesus Christ?" When we are living like our unsaved friends we are denying the work and power of Almighty God. To a watching world there would be no evidence that there is a God in heaven, or if there is, that He has chosen us. In such a case, our very lives deny our own true identity. It doesn't negate our true identity but it does deny it. That true identity is given to us by God when He chose us, saved us, regenerated us, redeemed us by the blood of the Lamb.

When we live as if we are NOT called by His name we are living hypocritically because it denies who God says we are.

Have you ever thought about that? When we live "like those who have never been ruled" we are living like a hypocrite, denying the power of the One who saved us.
May we never live in a way that denies who we are or Whose we are.

"Then all flesh shall know that I am the Lord your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob." Is 49:26

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Monday, January 09, 2012

Christmas in Review

This year I was deeply touched by our Lord's attention to details, but then He has always been a God who paid close attention to details.

I don't think that when Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world, he knew that he was being used to send Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem so that Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, would be born in the very place it was prophesied that He would be born. It was the place, Bethlehem, where lambs without spot or wrinkle were raised to be sacrificed in the temple. The shepherds who raised and cared for the sheep were the first to recognize and honor the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world for all time. Amazing!! The prophecy was fulfilled. The requirement of the law of the day was honored. (I have posted the scripture below. I know Christmas has passed, but just in case you didn't have the time to be still and read the Christmas story, you can review it now.)

I believe that our wonderful Lord and Savior continues to be interested in the big and small details of our lives. The place we were born, the family we were born into, the place where we live is important in God's plan for our lives. The hurts in our today, the anxieties, the struggles .........He cares about all of that on our behalf. He continues to be able to raise up kings and use even a donkey to speak. We serve a mighty, able God.

My prayer for each of us as we move into the new Roman calendar year 2012 is that we would "see" the beautiful details in our lives so carefully and lovingly crafted by our Savior. That we would "see" and be open to the miracles He has prepared for us from the beginning of time. That we would walk confidently and respectfully under His watchful, guiding lovingkindness. That we would trust Him and submit fully to Him as Lord and Savior. Let us all trust in the Lord with all of our heart and lean not on our own understanding, rather in all ways let us acknowledge Him!! (Proverbs 3:5)

Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate

Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while [ a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen: which were just as they had been told. (NIV)

Friday, January 06, 2012

Flat Tire

On my way into work one morning I passed a car moving slowly on the side of the road. While passing it was easy to see the driver's problem. The driver's side front tire was flat, barely hanging onto the rim. I came to a red light and was surprised when the driver pulled up behind me. I couldn't think that he could go much farther with his tire in that condition. As the light turned green and I began to continue on my way, he continued too. Soon he was pulling over to the side again but still going. I thought about where he might get help. We were traveling a section of Dover Road and Route 530 where the only thing in sight is pine trees. Then I thought, most likely this guy passed 2 gas stations before I passed him. Even if his tire blew after passing the stations, why not stop, knowing help was not too far away?

Certainly more damage would be done to his car by driving a distance on the wheel of the car. Now, he was heading in a direction where help would be miles away regardless of which direction he turned farther up the road. While thinking, "Silly man! Why don't you stop and get help while you can?" the Lord whispered the same thing to my heart. "Kathy, you've been going on a flat tire for quiet awhile now. You have been refusing to slow down for any length of time or come to a complete stop for My help. You passed Me miles back and have chosen to keep going. Sure, I am up ahead to help you at anytime but you are likely to experience more damage riding on your flat tire."

I know that my flat tire was caused by grief and a spin on the black ice of life. Things I didn't see coming, well, they came at me fast. But I have been pushing ahead while just getting enough air to go a little farther. Through our Grief Share Group here at Keswick, I learned that in times of grief you can pull closer to God or push Him away. I have been pushing. I don't know all the reasons why and I hate that I do it. I know I need to pull over for more than a shot of air yet I stubbornly try to inch ahead on my flat tire. Maybe I don't want to feel the depths of my pain. Maybe I don't want to get out of the driver's seat right now and have no control. Maybe I don't want to mourn fully because ...then what?

I can't see the road ahead. Still, I know that Help is there. He is not just up ahead, He is right next to me. I know it. Now, if I could just stop more often and get the tire fixed!

I don't know what may have caused your flat tire today. I don't speak as one who has all the answers but here are two. First, pull over. Get a little air. Second, consider the help of a group like Grief Share and Divorce Care or a good friend.

Knowing that my tires will one day be filled seems far off. I don't know when I will come through the road of grief before me. Lynne Jahns assures me that I will get through. When I do I'll look forward to us passing one another on the road one day. I will stop if your tire is flat and wait with you. If your tires are full and your ride is smooth I will rejoice with you!

(For information on Grief Share or Divorce Care please visit our website www.americaskeswick.org or call 800.453.7942.)

Blessings,
Kathy Withers

Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 26 years. They have 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 to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.

Thursday, January 05, 2012

The Gig Is Up...

I remember the first Sunday service I attended church as a believer. I was a new babe, so to speak. Looking around at the others there, I felt humbled. These were God's people. Then I thought, well, as soon as they find out I'm not like them the gig will be up. Wait a minute, that thought came from the pit of hell and smelled like smoke! It took a very short time for the Lord to renew my mind in that area and for me to understand and believe I was one of them, and that they were just like me. Sinners saved by grace.

That was 11 years ago and there are still times when I have to remind myself of who I am in Christ. It's not that I've forgotten, but I do have an enemy who likes to keep score of sins. I can just see him rubbing his slimy, condemned hands together as he attempts to torment; "Ah ha! Wait until I pull this skeleton out of her closet. I'll make it a real good one; this one's not B.C., it's one from after she was washed as white as snow...ha ha! There - take that mud on your testimony Miss "I'm one of God's people!"

Oh, go ahead pull whatever skeleton you want out. B.C. or after, it doesn't matter, all those bones have blood on them. The Blood!

Godly sorrow and the Holy Spirit's conviction, are meant to lead us to repentance and restoration. The accuser's condemnation leads us to hopelessness and helplessness.

I guess what "they" say is true, whoever "they" are; "Misery loves company." Well, no thanks. I'd rather keep company with Jesus.

So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord."
And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."
(John 8:7-11, NKJV)

God is so good to us.

I keep a large stone on my desk with the word "First" written on it. When you turn it over it reads: Let he who is without sin, throw the first one.

It reminds me that I'm forgiven of my sins. All of them. It also reminds me that I won't ever be justified in throwing it.

Dina Seaton
Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Hard Lessons

"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Psalm 119:71

Have you ever noticed that we tend to learn much more about the Lord and grow in our relationship with Him during tough times rather than when we are having smooth sailing? I know it has been that way for me.

I remember an illustration that Beth Moore used in one of her Bible Studies. She said that the Lord starts out teaching us something "in the classroom". If we don't learn the lesson "in the classroom", He will then "take us on a field trip". I don't know about you, but I've been on a number of "field trips" with the Lord. (And they weren't the fun kind that I took as a child in school!) It would have been easier to listen to Him and learn to obey in the classroom, but so often, it doesn't seem to work out that way; we need to learn things the hard way. But I am thankful that the Lord is patient with us, that He doesn't give up on us, and that He persists in teaching us what we need to know, even if it means some tough lessons, rather than just leaving us in our sin.

Can we say as the Psalmist did that it is good for us to be afflicted in order that we might learn His will, His way, and become obedient followers of Him? Only by His grace can we say that. Having been through some tough times that have brought some tough lessons, I can now say from the other side that it was good for me, even though it was hard. I think it is much more difficult to say that in the midst of a trial, but often, once we come out the other side and see all that the Lord has accomplished through it, we realize He was able to use it for our good, and for His glory.

If you have just come out of a time of trial, through eyes of faith, look back and see what the Lord accomplished through it, and thank Him. If you are finding it hard to see any good, ask the Lord, He'll show you. And if you are in the midst of a time of trial right now, hold on. Seek His face and know that the Lord is working in all things to accomplish His purposes in you and for you (Rom. 8:28). By faith, believe that on the other side, you will be able, by His grace, to say, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees."

Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

The Blood Covenant

Over the past few months a team of intercessors I pray with regularly have been digging deeper into the study of the blood of Jesus. Our desire is to pray effective prayers as a righteous man that can accomplish much to the glory of our God (James 8:16b). What we are learning is that apart from the blood of Jesus there is no healing, no redemption, no mercy, and no fellowship with the God whom we serve.

When seeking revelation on the blood of Jesus we decided to start at the beginning. Genesis 3:21 tells the story of the very first blood sacrifice. God did it. He killed an animal to make a covering for Adam and Eve when they had sinned. He loved them so much He did not leave them in that place. He made a covering for them. Genesis 4:4 tells us of Abel's offering of blood, and Genesis 8:20 of Noah's offering. By the blood, Abraham and God "cut" a covenant (Genesis 15).

Who could forget the story of Passover when death passed over the homes of the Jewish people who obediently put the blood on the doorpost and lintel (Exodus 11-12). By the blood, the covenant was established with Moses and the Jewish people (Exodus 24). By the blood the Hebrew people could receive forgiveness of sins (Exodus 25:8). God, our holy God, wanted and continues to want to dwell with His people. But the blood was the only way for a holy God to dwell with His people.

Our God is still a covenant God. The Bible is a covenant book. A covenant is a solemn and binding commitment between two or more parties. It is endless. We have the most wonderful privilege to be under a new covenant. There is no need for animal sacrifice. Every time we take communion it is good for us to remember the seriousness and proclaim the promise of the covenant established by the blood of Jesus. We belong to Him. He paid a dear price. If He is your Lord, you are in covenant relationship with Him. Your enemy is His enemy. His enemy is your enemy. He has inscribed you and I on the very palm of His hands (Isaiah 49:16). Jesus said on the cross, "It is finished", and so it is (John 19:30). The assignment was completed. The blood of the Lamb without spot or wrinkle has been sacrificed for all time (1 Peter 1:19).

Therefore, if you have made a decision to enter the covenant relationship available to you by the blood of Jesus, cry out in thanksgiving. God is committed to YOU!! May He find you and me faithful.

Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate

Monday, January 02, 2012

Perfect Love

Once again, the Lord brought a moment as only He can and does. Someone came into my office with a ministry-related question and in the course of it, seemingly by accident, shared the concern and heavy burden that was presently weighing down their heart.

As surely as I'm human - of flesh, blood and bone- I found myself one hundred percent relating to their serious concerns. Though situationally different, the truth God reminded us of IN THE MOMENT was this: PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT FEAR!!

The calling of ministry is hard work! Life is hard work and few of us do it as well as we'd like. Yet, one day at a time, we rise up determined to bring our best to bear in all of our comings and goings, in all of our doings for the Lord's glory and our present joy!

But then, something from our past raises its ugly head demanding our attention; something which has circled in a corner of our consciousness for days, months...and now, it's time to pay the piper. Yes, it's time to take care of the issues that can no longer be ignored. What to do?

The first instinct of our flesh is to push "play" on the jumbled reel of our history and see all the mistakes, the lost opportunities, the moments we coulda, woulda, shoulda. If only we had or hadn't. The tape rolls on and the enemy has a party at our expense. Why? Because he has convinced us to forget WHOSE we are! We take this feature film of past woe and succumb to fear and stinking thinking! We forget to remind ourselves of this truth: the Spirit of Truth abides in us. Therefore, WE CAN FUNCTION IN FAITH rather than fear!

Do your worst, devil! We shall not be moved! Abba Father, Sovereign God, did not give us a spirit of fear! Nope! He gave us a spirit of POWER, and of LOVE and of a SOUND MIND!

So I ask you/us: what is the thing that demands attention or has demanded your attention which has been ignored, pushed aside as something to do LATER? Well, today is our later! Let's choose today to let LOVE HIMSELF abide and cast out the fear that has kept us from wanting to do what is required of us to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God!

Let our doing (whatever it is) testify of the LORD!

Has He not brought us up out of the miry clay and set our feet upon THE ROCK?! Has He not redeemed us from the house of bondage! Dear ones, the LIVING WORD is calling us to remember now! We have all seen and tasted the righteousness of the LORD, the love of GOD! What can come before us to ever separate us from Him! Nothing!!

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God! ~ Micah 6:8

Stephanie

Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.