Monday, April 30, 2012
SPIRITUAL TEST
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
Exodus 20:20 "And Moses said to the people, Do not fear, for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin."
For as long as I can remember I had to take tests of different sorts for various reasons in my life. Many tests I experienced taking were common: my early years in school, driver's license, and they were simple to take. For my jobs in New York I also had to take a test. One of the jobs I applied for was a Civil Service job with the Department of Health; this test was challenging. The health department did not disclose what kind of test I would be taking at the time. When I had entered the room they were about five people near a large table; on the other side of the table an empty chair. I was instructed to go sit on the other side of the table. As I went around I noticed the camera in front of me and I got very nervous; the test was going to be filmed. They had presented different procedures, all they wanted to know was how I would apply what I had learned to these trials and the red light of the camera came on. I was glad when that test was over.
After living in Keswick for a couple of years I decided to go back to college. I took American Sign Language; every semester I had to take a test with a video camera. How much did I learn and how was I going to make it applicable. At the time I had no idea what I got myself into, it was difficult. After I had completed these semesters, I realized I learned a lot and it was a good experience for me.
I find in the Christian life, God will test the heart of men. His purpose is to know if the man will obey Him whole-heartedly. "And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not" (Deut. 8:2). My God is observing me and wants to know what I have learned from studying His book, the Bible. God will test me to see if I will obey Him, keep His commandments and apply the truth of His word to my life.
Dear Lord, I want to keep your commandments and obey your will; help me, Lord, to do this. I need your strength and guidance every day. Guard my heart that I may not sin against you. I want to pass the spiritual test, winning the race that is set before me. "You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me and have found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress" (Psalm 17:3).
Glory to God
Sandra Valdes
Staff Member - WOC Graduate
Friday, April 27, 2012
Lord, Keep Me Still
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
If you were to rate yourself on a scale of 1 - 10, with 10 rating you as a "very quiet still person", how would you rate yourself? For me, I would most likely rate myself between a 5 & 8. There are days that I can remain still and then there are those days that being still isn't an option. Recently, my husband & I took two of our granddaughters on a trip to Oklahoma. We had reservations to fly to Dallas, Texas; on our way to the airport we were notified that our flight was cancelled due to the tornado in the Dallas area. I had a choice to make: "be still and keep calm," "be in the moment and do the next thing," or be rattled. Of course, being rattled would have caused the girls to be alarmed, and I would have missed the opportunity to do the next best thing and that was to "pray". If I had allowed myself to be flustered, prayer would not have entered into my thoughts.
After we prayed we were able to get a later flight. I was thankful that I was "still" enough to know that God was in control and I wasn't. However, the Lord had another test for me to know the importance of "Be still, and know that I am God. ......" because upon arriving in Dallas we found out that there was no shuttle to the hotel that we made reservations with.....now, this was getting testy. It's 10:30 p.m. and we're all tired.....well, we did the next thing. My husband said "let's get the rental car and find a place to stay".
Again, we prayed and we found a really nice hotel. I thank God that I was receptive to hearing His voice, "Be still and know that I am God....." for a couple of good reasons: to be a testimony to my granddaughters and to exalt the Lord.
My dear sisters in Christ, is your life out of control? Is there discouragement in your world? Have your plans been changed? Know this that God desires us to "Be still, be quiet, and know that He is God"...Lord, keep me still in the storms of life! The benefit of being still and knowing that God is God and He can do what He says He can do is priceless.
Blessings,
Pat Spies
Women's Ministry Volunteer
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
If you were to rate yourself on a scale of 1 - 10, with 10 rating you as a "very quiet still person", how would you rate yourself? For me, I would most likely rate myself between a 5 & 8. There are days that I can remain still and then there are those days that being still isn't an option. Recently, my husband & I took two of our granddaughters on a trip to Oklahoma. We had reservations to fly to Dallas, Texas; on our way to the airport we were notified that our flight was cancelled due to the tornado in the Dallas area. I had a choice to make: "be still and keep calm," "be in the moment and do the next thing," or be rattled. Of course, being rattled would have caused the girls to be alarmed, and I would have missed the opportunity to do the next best thing and that was to "pray". If I had allowed myself to be flustered, prayer would not have entered into my thoughts.
After we prayed we were able to get a later flight. I was thankful that I was "still" enough to know that God was in control and I wasn't. However, the Lord had another test for me to know the importance of "Be still, and know that I am God. ......" because upon arriving in Dallas we found out that there was no shuttle to the hotel that we made reservations with.....now, this was getting testy. It's 10:30 p.m. and we're all tired.....well, we did the next thing. My husband said "let's get the rental car and find a place to stay".
Again, we prayed and we found a really nice hotel. I thank God that I was receptive to hearing His voice, "Be still and know that I am God....." for a couple of good reasons: to be a testimony to my granddaughters and to exalt the Lord.
My dear sisters in Christ, is your life out of control? Is there discouragement in your world? Have your plans been changed? Know this that God desires us to "Be still, be quiet, and know that He is God"...Lord, keep me still in the storms of life! The benefit of being still and knowing that God is God and He can do what He says He can do is priceless.
Blessings,
Pat Spies
Women's Ministry Volunteer
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving!!
The longer I walk with the Lord, the more I get to know myself and see me apart from grace, the more I am on my face before God crying out for mercy. The truth is, on any given day I probably give everyone that knows me at least one reason to be annoyed, perturbed, irritated, and flat out angry with me. In fact, for every person who says they like me there are likely a whole bunch of others who do not.
All by itself that could be distressing to my heart and provoking to my flesh and yet, in the midst of these days we are in, when troubles and trials of various kinds abound, there is a hope to be found, a relief and release from the frailties of the humanity which constrains us. In a word, it is Jesus! Lately, my eyes have been locked with the eyes of the Savior seeking to see me in light of His saving, redeeming and sustaining Gospel. Therein, I have found much to hope and glory in; I have found much to lift my heavy heart. The simple and profound way that the Holy Spirit accomplishes this in me is praise, prayer and thanksgiving!! Certainly it is not magic. God forbid that I would treat his Word so carelessly! What it is though, is powerful above and beyond what I'll ever be able to explain to you. His Word is deeply penetrating, even into my inmost parts.
My life verse, Philippians 4:4-9, says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things."
Sisters, are you troubled with the cares of broken relationships? Do your so-called friends shun you with or without cause? Do you feel alone and in need of boost? Lift your head and say, "Jesus, thank You! Thank You for the Cross. Thank You for being my Kinsman Redeemer; the Restorer of all breaches; the One Who Is, Who Was and Who Is to come! Thank You for grace upon grace upon grace; grace which has saved me from the uttermost darkness and depravity of my own soul. Go and pray to this Jesus Who sits at the throne and intercedes! Cry out to Him with a heart full of thanksgiving and praise! He is the Rock of our salvation and in Him there is no shadow of turning for He is indeed faithful!
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.
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
All by itself that could be distressing to my heart and provoking to my flesh and yet, in the midst of these days we are in, when troubles and trials of various kinds abound, there is a hope to be found, a relief and release from the frailties of the humanity which constrains us. In a word, it is Jesus! Lately, my eyes have been locked with the eyes of the Savior seeking to see me in light of His saving, redeeming and sustaining Gospel. Therein, I have found much to hope and glory in; I have found much to lift my heavy heart. The simple and profound way that the Holy Spirit accomplishes this in me is praise, prayer and thanksgiving!! Certainly it is not magic. God forbid that I would treat his Word so carelessly! What it is though, is powerful above and beyond what I'll ever be able to explain to you. His Word is deeply penetrating, even into my inmost parts.
My life verse, Philippians 4:4-9, says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things."
Sisters, are you troubled with the cares of broken relationships? Do your so-called friends shun you with or without cause? Do you feel alone and in need of boost? Lift your head and say, "Jesus, thank You! Thank You for the Cross. Thank You for being my Kinsman Redeemer; the Restorer of all breaches; the One Who Is, Who Was and Who Is to come! Thank You for grace upon grace upon grace; grace which has saved me from the uttermost darkness and depravity of my own soul. Go and pray to this Jesus Who sits at the throne and intercedes! Cry out to Him with a heart full of thanksgiving and praise! He is the Rock of our salvation and in Him there is no shadow of turning for He is indeed faithful!
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.
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Sanctuary
Ezekiel 11:16 "Though I removed them far off among the nations, and though I scattered them among the countries, yet I have been a sanctuary to them for a while in the countries where they have gone."
Where is your sanctuary? Where do you go for respite? Where do you rest and settle to regroup when things have drained or stressed you? Ezekiel is writing God's words to the exiles. There are some notable points in this verse. First, God put them where they are. He put them in exile amongst a nation not friendly with Israel. God scattered them among the countries. You may find yourself today in unknown territory -- unsure, uncertain which way to turn or where to go. You may be out of your comfort zone or in enemy territory - you are not there by mistake nor are you beyond the vision of God.
Second, although God put the Israelites in exile - it was through their own fault and rebellion that resulted in their exile. Perhaps you are in the circumstances you are in today through your own fault, choices or disobedience, or maybe not. Perhaps you are where you are through no fault of your own.
Third - I love this part. Even though the Israelites were exiled and scattered because of their disobedience, rebellion and hard hearts, YET God was their sanctuary even in their exile. This is a great reminder and comfort to know that regardless of how or why we are in our current circumstances, God is our refuge. He is our sanctuary in the midst of problems and strife. I hope that comforts your soul today like it does mine. What jewels I am finding in the book of Ezekiel. Who would have thought it? ....
God.Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America's Keswick. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 years. She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all. She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
Where is your sanctuary? Where do you go for respite? Where do you rest and settle to regroup when things have drained or stressed you? Ezekiel is writing God's words to the exiles. There are some notable points in this verse. First, God put them where they are. He put them in exile amongst a nation not friendly with Israel. God scattered them among the countries. You may find yourself today in unknown territory -- unsure, uncertain which way to turn or where to go. You may be out of your comfort zone or in enemy territory - you are not there by mistake nor are you beyond the vision of God.
Second, although God put the Israelites in exile - it was through their own fault and rebellion that resulted in their exile. Perhaps you are in the circumstances you are in today through your own fault, choices or disobedience, or maybe not. Perhaps you are where you are through no fault of your own.
Third - I love this part. Even though the Israelites were exiled and scattered because of their disobedience, rebellion and hard hearts, YET God was their sanctuary even in their exile. This is a great reminder and comfort to know that regardless of how or why we are in our current circumstances, God is our refuge. He is our sanctuary in the midst of problems and strife. I hope that comforts your soul today like it does mine. What jewels I am finding in the book of Ezekiel. Who would have thought it? ....
God.Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America's Keswick. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 years. She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all. She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
STANDARDS
WHAT'S WORTH TAKING A STAND ON
"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" (2 Corinthians 10:12, KJV).
As a young mom and a staff member of Campus Crusade, I heard a speaker say, "We must learn the difference between Christian standards and standards of Christians!" Christian standards can be found in the Bible, but standards of Christians can vary from family to family, church to church or even state to state. I reviewed that quote many times as other Christians tried to impose their thinking on me. I had to ask myself, "what does the Bible say about that issue?" I learned there are Biblical standards, church standards, people standards, and personal standards.
Christian standards are found in the Bible. They don't change from generation to generation. They are the principles God has given us on salvation, the Spirit-filled life, the sanctity of marriage, proper sexual conduct, and many other topics. In this day when adultery is rampant, abortion is commonplace, and some churches even have homosexual pastors, Christians need to be well-versed in Bible doctrine. Scripture takes a very definite stand on these issues and we need to be willing to take a stand as well.
It was a strong desire of mine to know how to do ballroom dancing, so for my 50th birthday, Glen enrolled us in a dance class. When I received the gift, my first comment was "Who's going to tell my dad?" Glen volunteered for the daunting task. That evening he told my dad, "Marilyn and I are doing something new and different. We enrolled in a ballroom dance class." My father rose from the couch and said, "Well, I guess it's time to go home!" He walked out the door and didn't talk with me for nearly two weeks! I can share that story because my dad and I have always been good friends, he apologized for his behavior, and we talked through our issues, and besides that, my dad has been gone for almost 16 years! My dad was caught in the church and people standards, the standards of Christians, and he had passed that legacy on to me. When you find yourself behaving in a certain way, ask yourself "Is this a Christian standard or a standard of Christians?"
This devotional is an excerpt from Marilyn Heavilin's new book, Profound Common Sense. The book will be available for purchase this summer.
Marilyn Heavilin, author of Roses In December,December's Song, Becoming A Woman of Honor,When Your Dreams Die,Grief Is A Family Affair, I'm Listening, Lordhttp://www.marilynheavilin.com/
Live so that others may safely follow. 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.
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" (2 Corinthians 10:12, KJV).
As a young mom and a staff member of Campus Crusade, I heard a speaker say, "We must learn the difference between Christian standards and standards of Christians!" Christian standards can be found in the Bible, but standards of Christians can vary from family to family, church to church or even state to state. I reviewed that quote many times as other Christians tried to impose their thinking on me. I had to ask myself, "what does the Bible say about that issue?" I learned there are Biblical standards, church standards, people standards, and personal standards.
Christian standards are found in the Bible. They don't change from generation to generation. They are the principles God has given us on salvation, the Spirit-filled life, the sanctity of marriage, proper sexual conduct, and many other topics. In this day when adultery is rampant, abortion is commonplace, and some churches even have homosexual pastors, Christians need to be well-versed in Bible doctrine. Scripture takes a very definite stand on these issues and we need to be willing to take a stand as well.
It was a strong desire of mine to know how to do ballroom dancing, so for my 50th birthday, Glen enrolled us in a dance class. When I received the gift, my first comment was "Who's going to tell my dad?" Glen volunteered for the daunting task. That evening he told my dad, "Marilyn and I are doing something new and different. We enrolled in a ballroom dance class." My father rose from the couch and said, "Well, I guess it's time to go home!" He walked out the door and didn't talk with me for nearly two weeks! I can share that story because my dad and I have always been good friends, he apologized for his behavior, and we talked through our issues, and besides that, my dad has been gone for almost 16 years! My dad was caught in the church and people standards, the standards of Christians, and he had passed that legacy on to me. When you find yourself behaving in a certain way, ask yourself "Is this a Christian standard or a standard of Christians?"
This devotional is an excerpt from Marilyn Heavilin's new book, Profound Common Sense. The book will be available for purchase this summer.
Marilyn Heavilin, author of Roses In December,December's Song, Becoming A Woman of Honor,When Your Dreams Die,Grief Is A Family Affair, I'm Listening, Lordhttp://www.marilynheavilin.com/
Live so that others may safely follow. 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.
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
Monday, April 23, 2012
HOPE
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you." And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all disputes. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. ~Heb. 6:13-19
"It is impossible for God to lie. He will keep His word. So I have His hope - that no matter what the circumstances, the struggles or yet unanswered prayers, HE WILL KEEP HIS WORD. I can run to Him, find refuge in Him, look to the hope set before me IN and THROUGH Christ, and in the Presence, behind the veil, I can rest."1
Sisters, are you having a day where your mind is troubled? Are you struggling to believe in the midst of circumstances which threaten to overwhelm? My encouragement to you is this: cling to hope!! You have an anchor for your soul which is both steadfast and sure and His name is JESUS!!
He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our grief and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. ~Isaiah 53:3-5
Stephanie Paul
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 Sharon Misiak
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you." And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all disputes. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. ~Heb. 6:13-19
"It is impossible for God to lie. He will keep His word. So I have His hope - that no matter what the circumstances, the struggles or yet unanswered prayers, HE WILL KEEP HIS WORD. I can run to Him, find refuge in Him, look to the hope set before me IN and THROUGH Christ, and in the Presence, behind the veil, I can rest."1
Sisters, are you having a day where your mind is troubled? Are you struggling to believe in the midst of circumstances which threaten to overwhelm? My encouragement to you is this: cling to hope!! You have an anchor for your soul which is both steadfast and sure and His name is JESUS!!
He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our grief and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. ~Isaiah 53:3-5
Stephanie Paul
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 Sharon Misiak
Friday, April 20, 2012
That He may be known...
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
As I have been reading through the book of Ezekiel the last few weeks, this phrase has jumped off the page over and over: "... know that I am the LORD." It appears in various contexts 72 times in the book, 72 times!! Sometimes God is saying that "they will know that I am the LORD" referring to other nations, enemies of Israel. He desired to be known among the nations, and still does. One day..."at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:10-11. One day, people from every tribe and tongue and nation will declare His glory. "And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation," Revelation 14:6.
Not only does God make Himself known to the nations, He makes Himself known to us, personally. "Then you will know that I am the Lord" Ez. 25:5, 7. God wants to be known. AND HE IS KNOWABLE. "And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Cross references: A. John 17:3 : [1 John 5:20]B. John 17:3 : Hos. 2:20; 6:3; 2 Pet. 1:2, 3C. John 17:3 : John 5:44D. John 17:3 : 1 Thess. 1:9; 1 John 5:20; [Jer. 10:10]E. John 17:3 : See John 3:17 John 17:3; and "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" 1 Corinthians 1:9.
How do we grow in our knowledge of God? Spend time with Him, in His Word and in prayer. As with all our relationships, the depth and richness of intimacy requires time and attention. Let us not neglect in attitude or action ... He who may be known.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America's Keswick. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 years. She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all. She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
As I have been reading through the book of Ezekiel the last few weeks, this phrase has jumped off the page over and over: "... know that I am the LORD." It appears in various contexts 72 times in the book, 72 times!! Sometimes God is saying that "they will know that I am the LORD" referring to other nations, enemies of Israel. He desired to be known among the nations, and still does. One day..."at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:10-11. One day, people from every tribe and tongue and nation will declare His glory. "And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation," Revelation 14:6.
Not only does God make Himself known to the nations, He makes Himself known to us, personally. "Then you will know that I am the Lord" Ez. 25:5, 7. God wants to be known. AND HE IS KNOWABLE. "And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Cross references: A. John 17:3 : [1 John 5:20]B. John 17:3 : Hos. 2:20; 6:3; 2 Pet. 1:2, 3C. John 17:3 : John 5:44D. John 17:3 : 1 Thess. 1:9; 1 John 5:20; [Jer. 10:10]E. John 17:3 : See John 3:17 John 17:3; and "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" 1 Corinthians 1:9.
How do we grow in our knowledge of God? Spend time with Him, in His Word and in prayer. As with all our relationships, the depth and richness of intimacy requires time and attention. Let us not neglect in attitude or action ... He who may be known.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America's Keswick. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 years. She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all. She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Cure for Selfishness?
Not too long ago I read Diane Hunt's Victory Call - "What Am I Holding Onto?" And it caused me to question, "How do I live MY life? IS it MY life to begin with?!"
I believe I found mySELF acting on, "what will make ME happy?"
I have a Bible app on my phone and I signed up for one of the reading plans called Jolt of Joy. I (I) guess I (I) felt I (I) needed some joy in MY life. (I hope you are getting the picture here...of MY SELFishness).
But GOD....time and time again GOD kept showing me as I was reading these devotionals that life is NOT about ME. The way TO joy is not about me....
Another morning I woke up thinking about MY life and my relationship with God and I asked myself this question, "Am I about ME or am I about HIM?" Within moments I was reminded of a familiar acronym for joy.
JOY=Jesus-Others-You
Right away, I thought, "Wait a minute here, is this the order in which I should live MY life?? If so, that means...I have to THINK and CONSIDER Jesus FIRST...then OTHERS....and THEN me??...What??!! I'M pretty far down on the list, don't ya think?
Hmmm, what does it say I will have if I choose to live MY life in THIS way? Could it possibly be JOY?
Think about it...does a life of SACRIFICE equal a life of JOY?
Tell me, does that make sense?!
NO!!
But then again, God's ways are NOT our ways; HIS thoughts are not our thoughts.
I feel I need to share and give testimony here that this is TRUE. For the past three to four months there have been things going on in MY life where it has been ever so tempting to just focus on MYSELF-but God!!
Over and over again He has intervened and provided "a friend that sticks closer than a brother" to lead me into close intimacy with my Lord and Savior Jesus!
The result! I've decided that no matter what is going on in my life, Jesus will be the calm in the storm, the peace that passes understanding, and the JOY that floods my soul.
JOY equals-Jesus-Others-You!
The cure for SELFishness!....Something to think about.
"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men." ~ Phil. 2:1-7
Sue Mercer
Women Of Character Graduate
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
I believe I found mySELF acting on, "what will make ME happy?"
I have a Bible app on my phone and I signed up for one of the reading plans called Jolt of Joy. I (I) guess I (I) felt I (I) needed some joy in MY life. (I hope you are getting the picture here...of MY SELFishness).
But GOD....time and time again GOD kept showing me as I was reading these devotionals that life is NOT about ME. The way TO joy is not about me....
Another morning I woke up thinking about MY life and my relationship with God and I asked myself this question, "Am I about ME or am I about HIM?" Within moments I was reminded of a familiar acronym for joy.
JOY=Jesus-Others-You
Right away, I thought, "Wait a minute here, is this the order in which I should live MY life?? If so, that means...I have to THINK and CONSIDER Jesus FIRST...then OTHERS....and THEN me??...What??!! I'M pretty far down on the list, don't ya think?
Hmmm, what does it say I will have if I choose to live MY life in THIS way? Could it possibly be JOY?
Think about it...does a life of SACRIFICE equal a life of JOY?
Tell me, does that make sense?!
NO!!
But then again, God's ways are NOT our ways; HIS thoughts are not our thoughts.
I feel I need to share and give testimony here that this is TRUE. For the past three to four months there have been things going on in MY life where it has been ever so tempting to just focus on MYSELF-but God!!
Over and over again He has intervened and provided "a friend that sticks closer than a brother" to lead me into close intimacy with my Lord and Savior Jesus!
The result! I've decided that no matter what is going on in my life, Jesus will be the calm in the storm, the peace that passes understanding, and the JOY that floods my soul.
JOY equals-Jesus-Others-You!
The cure for SELFishness!....Something to think about.
"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men." ~ Phil. 2:1-7
Sue Mercer
Women Of Character Graduate
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
MY GARDEN NEEDS WEEDING
A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the production of JONAH at Sight and Sound. Now, I must admit that while I have seen many of the shows there, I was especially interested to see this one because I wanted to know "how are they going to do the whale?" My interest in hearing the story of Jonah (after all, how many times have I heard that story dating all the way back to my Sunday School days - and believe me - that was a really long time ago) was not nearly as great as my interest in THE WHALE. How are they going to show Jonah in the belly of the great fish, the boat being pummeled by the storm, etc., etc.
But what I discovered was that as I reflected on the day, I found myself thinking about how much truth the developers of the show got out of that tiny book. Things that I had read or heard before but presented in a way that made me think of them differently. At one point in the show, one of the characters says something like, "selfishness and pride are like weeds that never stop growing and I guess that Jonah just got tired of pulling them out." Jonah allowed his pride to provide the fertile "soil" to allow the anger and bitterness and selfishness in his heart to take strong root and keep growing. At some point it became easier to just let the weeds grow up than to ask God to give him the resolve to help him overcome.
Trust me - I get the tired-of-pulling-out-weeds part. I don't have a big yard, but the small flower beds that I do have give me great pleasure. I have my favorite (and the deer's) flowers planted - lillies - and truly enjoy seeing them for the two days they bloom before the deer come to my yard, or as they know it, the salad bar. Why the dopey deer eat the flowers and leave the weeds is beyond me (maybe they aren't so dopey after all). But they do, so I am left to pull out the weeds. And it seems that while the blooms on the flowers fade (or are eaten) the weeds just grow and grow.
And so it is with the weeds of pride and selfishness in my life. They just seem to grow and the more I try to uproot them, the more they grow. Some days it is so hard to beat back my pride that it just seems easier to ignore it and hope that maybe it will go away. Hint - it never does. At least it never does on its own. It is only by constantly asking God to keep reminding me that I have NOTHING to be proud about. All I have, all I am, is because of His great love for me and because of Jesus Christ's sacrifice for me.
As we have just gone through the Easter season, I pray that my focus will not be on me - not on what I want or what I do or who I think I am - but on Who He is -- our awesome Father -- and on His Son, Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost: which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior. . ." (Titus 3:5-6).
"To God be the glory, great things He hath done"
Lynn Randall
Lynn is the Director of Human Resources at America's KESWICK. She is active in her church and is a gifted planner and organizer. She has a real heart for people as evidenced by her care, concern and practical encouragement.
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
But what I discovered was that as I reflected on the day, I found myself thinking about how much truth the developers of the show got out of that tiny book. Things that I had read or heard before but presented in a way that made me think of them differently. At one point in the show, one of the characters says something like, "selfishness and pride are like weeds that never stop growing and I guess that Jonah just got tired of pulling them out." Jonah allowed his pride to provide the fertile "soil" to allow the anger and bitterness and selfishness in his heart to take strong root and keep growing. At some point it became easier to just let the weeds grow up than to ask God to give him the resolve to help him overcome.
Trust me - I get the tired-of-pulling-out-weeds part. I don't have a big yard, but the small flower beds that I do have give me great pleasure. I have my favorite (and the deer's) flowers planted - lillies - and truly enjoy seeing them for the two days they bloom before the deer come to my yard, or as they know it, the salad bar. Why the dopey deer eat the flowers and leave the weeds is beyond me (maybe they aren't so dopey after all). But they do, so I am left to pull out the weeds. And it seems that while the blooms on the flowers fade (or are eaten) the weeds just grow and grow.
And so it is with the weeds of pride and selfishness in my life. They just seem to grow and the more I try to uproot them, the more they grow. Some days it is so hard to beat back my pride that it just seems easier to ignore it and hope that maybe it will go away. Hint - it never does. At least it never does on its own. It is only by constantly asking God to keep reminding me that I have NOTHING to be proud about. All I have, all I am, is because of His great love for me and because of Jesus Christ's sacrifice for me.
As we have just gone through the Easter season, I pray that my focus will not be on me - not on what I want or what I do or who I think I am - but on Who He is -- our awesome Father -- and on His Son, Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost: which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior. . ." (Titus 3:5-6).
"To God be the glory, great things He hath done"
Lynn Randall
Lynn is the Director of Human Resources at America's KESWICK. She is active in her church and is a gifted planner and organizer. She has a real heart for people as evidenced by her care, concern and practical encouragement.
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Filtering Our Words
As I continue to read Proverbs, The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived by Steven Scott, and sit under my pastor's teaching on James, I am getting hit over the head with information about the tongue. Even this morning my husband called me because he heard a teaching on the radio during his commute. This pastor called the tongue a "Two ounce slab of destruction". Ouch!
There are many ways I could share with you on this subject but this is what I have been pondering all weekend. This past week I opened Facebook to find a post from a young lady that took me back. This young lady has claimed to have a relationship with Jesus. It has been a few years since we have had much contact but her post was a prediction of her future career from a fortune telling site. The career choice was definitely not a godly business. First of all, why would you even open yourself up to this? Second, why would you participate further? Third, why would you post the results? This is a case in point of the present day "tongue". It's not just about what we speak verbally. Social media has opened up a whole new way to blab. Just like the words that come out of our mouths and cannot be retrieved, our "posts" often get us into trouble, and then? Well, those words are just "out there".
I am afraid that our filters are gone. We no longer have to write letters that would take weeks to be delivered, with deep thought and wise word choices. We no longer have to wait to get home to make a phone call. We can speak whatever is on our minds in seconds. But just because technology has made it quick and easy to "share our minds" doesn't mean that we should not be filtering our words in whatever fashion we choose to use them.
Here's another way in which our tongues can be misused. Proverbs 26: 18-19 speaks of a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death. This man deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!" Perhaps this young lady's Facebook post was meant as a joke but I'm not seeing the humor. My husband recently quoted Cary Grant from one of his films where he said "I am at my most serious when I am joking." Scripture says so much about the tongue. Perhaps we need to be less wordy and when we do speak by phone, email or Facebook, let's choose to be careful and filter our words and use them wisely.
Blessings,Kathy
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.
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
There are many ways I could share with you on this subject but this is what I have been pondering all weekend. This past week I opened Facebook to find a post from a young lady that took me back. This young lady has claimed to have a relationship with Jesus. It has been a few years since we have had much contact but her post was a prediction of her future career from a fortune telling site. The career choice was definitely not a godly business. First of all, why would you even open yourself up to this? Second, why would you participate further? Third, why would you post the results? This is a case in point of the present day "tongue". It's not just about what we speak verbally. Social media has opened up a whole new way to blab. Just like the words that come out of our mouths and cannot be retrieved, our "posts" often get us into trouble, and then? Well, those words are just "out there".
I am afraid that our filters are gone. We no longer have to write letters that would take weeks to be delivered, with deep thought and wise word choices. We no longer have to wait to get home to make a phone call. We can speak whatever is on our minds in seconds. But just because technology has made it quick and easy to "share our minds" doesn't mean that we should not be filtering our words in whatever fashion we choose to use them.
Here's another way in which our tongues can be misused. Proverbs 26: 18-19 speaks of a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death. This man deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!" Perhaps this young lady's Facebook post was meant as a joke but I'm not seeing the humor. My husband recently quoted Cary Grant from one of his films where he said "I am at my most serious when I am joking." Scripture says so much about the tongue. Perhaps we need to be less wordy and when we do speak by phone, email or Facebook, let's choose to be careful and filter our words and use them wisely.
Blessings,Kathy
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.
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
Monday, April 16, 2012
Faith vs. Faithless
Ezekiel 15:8 And I will make the land desolate, because they have acted faithlessly, declared the Lord God.
It was early and my cup of tea had not yet completely cleared the cobwebs of a good night's sleep, so I almost read right past this verse. At first read - I thought it to mean, again, that God was displeased because "they" the Israelites, were rebellious and disobedient, and they were. I'm only in chapter 15 of a 48 chapter book and that fact is abundantly clear. They were a rebellious, hard-hearted people.
But even as I breezed through this verse - my eye and heart caught on the word "faithlessly", they have acted faithlessly. It caused me to wonder - Scripture says, "The righteous shall live by faith." Gal 3:11
How, on a daily basis, do I live by faith? How, on a daily basis, do you live by faith? In Frances Chan's book "Crazy Love" (which I have a love/hate relationship with) he made the following statement. (I know I have recently referred to this quote but I believe it bears repeating.) "Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens - they have their savings account. They don't need God to help them - they have their retirement plan in place. They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live - they have life figured and mapped out. They don't depend on God on a daily basis - their refrigerators are full and, for the most part are in good health. The truth is their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God." Pg. 78
Have we structured our lives so we don't have to live by faith? When was the last time you attempted something greater than you can pull off? When was the last time you gave more than or all you had? When was the last time you shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ inspite of your knocking knees and racing heart? I work at a Christian ministry yet I wonder how much I do daily in my own strength that requires little or no faith. Are you comfortable in your walk? Perhaps it's time to trade in your sneakers for a pair of flimsy sandals and start following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ living in full dependence on the Father and Spirit. Believe God for more.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America's Keswick. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 years. She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all. She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
It was early and my cup of tea had not yet completely cleared the cobwebs of a good night's sleep, so I almost read right past this verse. At first read - I thought it to mean, again, that God was displeased because "they" the Israelites, were rebellious and disobedient, and they were. I'm only in chapter 15 of a 48 chapter book and that fact is abundantly clear. They were a rebellious, hard-hearted people.
But even as I breezed through this verse - my eye and heart caught on the word "faithlessly", they have acted faithlessly. It caused me to wonder - Scripture says, "The righteous shall live by faith." Gal 3:11
How, on a daily basis, do I live by faith? How, on a daily basis, do you live by faith? In Frances Chan's book "Crazy Love" (which I have a love/hate relationship with) he made the following statement. (I know I have recently referred to this quote but I believe it bears repeating.) "Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens - they have their savings account. They don't need God to help them - they have their retirement plan in place. They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live - they have life figured and mapped out. They don't depend on God on a daily basis - their refrigerators are full and, for the most part are in good health. The truth is their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God." Pg. 78
Have we structured our lives so we don't have to live by faith? When was the last time you attempted something greater than you can pull off? When was the last time you gave more than or all you had? When was the last time you shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ inspite of your knocking knees and racing heart? I work at a Christian ministry yet I wonder how much I do daily in my own strength that requires little or no faith. Are you comfortable in your walk? Perhaps it's time to trade in your sneakers for a pair of flimsy sandals and start following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ living in full dependence on the Father and Spirit. Believe God for more.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America's Keswick. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 years. She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all. She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
Friday, April 13, 2012
Until When?
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
I was recently editing a message for Keswick's new monthly podcast ministry, Discovering Victory, when the speaker said something that caught my attention. I'm paraphrasing but in essence what he said was that when he was younger there were times when being married just wasn't very convenient for him, it just didn't fit in with what he wanted to do, or where he was at, so to speak. BUT...regardless of how he "felt," he was and is committed to his marriage.
It was this comment specifically that caught my attention, he said, "We're staying together until one of us walks the other to the grave."
Selah....let us pause and consider that...
and the two are united into one '"since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together." Mark 10:8-9 (NLT)
Dina Seaton
Visit our website www.americaskeswick.org and listen to the full podcast messages from March through May featuring Dr. Richard Allen Farmer. His teaching will encourage and inspire you to press toward the goal...
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
I was recently editing a message for Keswick's new monthly podcast ministry, Discovering Victory, when the speaker said something that caught my attention. I'm paraphrasing but in essence what he said was that when he was younger there were times when being married just wasn't very convenient for him, it just didn't fit in with what he wanted to do, or where he was at, so to speak. BUT...regardless of how he "felt," he was and is committed to his marriage.
It was this comment specifically that caught my attention, he said, "We're staying together until one of us walks the other to the grave."
Selah....let us pause and consider that...
and the two are united into one '"since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together." Mark 10:8-9 (NLT)
Dina Seaton
Visit our website www.americaskeswick.org and listen to the full podcast messages from March through May featuring Dr. Richard Allen Farmer. His teaching will encourage and inspire you to press toward the goal...
Thursday, April 12, 2012
What Are You Looking At?
"But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge..." Psalm 141:8
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor. 4:18
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." Hebrews 12:2
The gift of sight is precious. The Lord has created the earth with infinite beautiful sights to behold. And in today's technological age, the sheer volume of what is available for us to look at through TV and the internet boggles the mind. Some are worth a second or even a third glance, and some things should cause us to look the other way. But what are we fixing our eyes on?
The Bible says we should fix our eyes on Jesus. How do we do that? I would suggest that it is a mindset, and a "heart set". Are we thinking of Him throughout our days? Are we in continuous communication with Him?
What about when we are in the midst of difficult circumstances? Are we fixing our eyes on Him? Or are we preoccupied with the troubles around us?
"'Come', He (Jesus) said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' He said, 'why did you doubt?'" Matthew 14:29-31
As long as Peter had his eyes focused on Jesus, he was doing just fine; in fact, he was actually walking on the water! But as soon as he took his eyes off Jesus and became distracted by the storm around him, he began to sink. How often are we like that? As long as we are looking to Jesus in all things, we are doing well, even in the midst of life's difficulties. It is when we take our eyes off of our Lord and start looking at the things around us that we start to sink.
Let's not become distracted by the things of this world, nor by our problems, but rather let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus always, so that, whether we are in calm seas or in the midst of a fierce storm, He will keep us afloat.
Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor. 4:18
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." Hebrews 12:2
The gift of sight is precious. The Lord has created the earth with infinite beautiful sights to behold. And in today's technological age, the sheer volume of what is available for us to look at through TV and the internet boggles the mind. Some are worth a second or even a third glance, and some things should cause us to look the other way. But what are we fixing our eyes on?
The Bible says we should fix our eyes on Jesus. How do we do that? I would suggest that it is a mindset, and a "heart set". Are we thinking of Him throughout our days? Are we in continuous communication with Him?
What about when we are in the midst of difficult circumstances? Are we fixing our eyes on Him? Or are we preoccupied with the troubles around us?
"'Come', He (Jesus) said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' He said, 'why did you doubt?'" Matthew 14:29-31
As long as Peter had his eyes focused on Jesus, he was doing just fine; in fact, he was actually walking on the water! But as soon as he took his eyes off Jesus and became distracted by the storm around him, he began to sink. How often are we like that? As long as we are looking to Jesus in all things, we are doing well, even in the midst of life's difficulties. It is when we take our eyes off of our Lord and start looking at the things around us that we start to sink.
Let's not become distracted by the things of this world, nor by our problems, but rather let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus always, so that, whether we are in calm seas or in the midst of a fierce storm, He will keep us afloat.
Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
USING THE ULTIMATE MEASURING STICK
"I have tried my best to find you - don't let me wander off from your instructions. I have thought much about your words, and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin" (Psalm 119:10,11, TLB).
Each time I read the Bible, I marvel at how up-to-date it is. The Bible has perceptive instructions regarding relationships between husband and wife, and between parent and child. It teaches us how to love, comfort, instruct and exhort one another. The Old Testament gives us numerous examples of what family life should and should not be. Proverbs has many practical hints for parents and their children. The New Testament tells us much about the fellowship of believers and the excitement of the Christian life.
When my parents were raising me, basically only one translation of the Bible and only a few commentaries were available. Books on the practical aspects of the Christian life, child-rearing and marriage were scarce. Although I have often found these supplemental books to be helpful (and as an author I am guilty of adding a book or two of my own to the local Christian bookstore shelf), I sometimes wonder if my parents weren't better off.
I have observed there is a danger when people have so many points of view readily available to them. As in the Bible, when the early Christians became followers of either John the Baptist or Paul, today's Christians tend to become followers of one writer or speaker, adhering to that person's theories on evangelism, marriage, divorce, or rearing children. What the Bible has to say often gets lost among our shelves of books and stacks of tapes.
The True Measuring Stick
We can avoid this pitfall if we determine always to use the Bible as our measuring stick. Oswald Chambers states, "It is vastly important to remember that our duty is to fit our doctrines to our Lord Jesus Christ and not to fit our Lord into our doctrines."i[i]
If we measure the Bible by a theory or an opinion, using the theory as the measuring stick, and the Bible disagrees with the theory, we may be tempted to re-interpret the Bible and conform it to our new theory. That's dangerous.
For example, I recently heard a well-known radio evangelist explain why he felt there were times when a lie was justified. If admitting you were a Christian might be a threat to your life, he contended, than a lie would be acceptable. He asked, "What would be gained by telling the truth and losing your life?"
His theory doesn't stand against the book of Daniel. Three Hebrew children willingly risked their lives rather than deny their belief in the God of Israel. Look what was gained by their telling the truth. God not only spared their lives, but an entire nation acknowledged the God of Israel as the only God.
Also, in the New Testament Stephen refused to deny his belief in Christ. In that particular case, God allowed Stephen to die at the hands of an angry mob, but we read that Saul, who was later to become the apostle Paul, witnessed Stephen's stoning and was very moved.
In both cases, Scripture teaches clearly that we are to tell the truth and leave the outcome to God.
This devotional is an excerpt from Marilyn Heavilin's new book, Profound Common Sense. The book will be available for purchase this summer.
Marilyn Heavilin
author of Roses In December,
December's Song
Becoming A Woman of Honor,
When Your Dreams Die,
Grief Is A Family Affair,
I'm Listening, Lord
www.marilynheavilin.com
Live so that others may safely follow
i[i] Oswald Chambers, The Best From All His Books (Nashville: Oliver Nelson Publishers, 1987), p.94.
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
Each time I read the Bible, I marvel at how up-to-date it is. The Bible has perceptive instructions regarding relationships between husband and wife, and between parent and child. It teaches us how to love, comfort, instruct and exhort one another. The Old Testament gives us numerous examples of what family life should and should not be. Proverbs has many practical hints for parents and their children. The New Testament tells us much about the fellowship of believers and the excitement of the Christian life.
When my parents were raising me, basically only one translation of the Bible and only a few commentaries were available. Books on the practical aspects of the Christian life, child-rearing and marriage were scarce. Although I have often found these supplemental books to be helpful (and as an author I am guilty of adding a book or two of my own to the local Christian bookstore shelf), I sometimes wonder if my parents weren't better off.
I have observed there is a danger when people have so many points of view readily available to them. As in the Bible, when the early Christians became followers of either John the Baptist or Paul, today's Christians tend to become followers of one writer or speaker, adhering to that person's theories on evangelism, marriage, divorce, or rearing children. What the Bible has to say often gets lost among our shelves of books and stacks of tapes.
The True Measuring Stick
We can avoid this pitfall if we determine always to use the Bible as our measuring stick. Oswald Chambers states, "It is vastly important to remember that our duty is to fit our doctrines to our Lord Jesus Christ and not to fit our Lord into our doctrines."i[i]
If we measure the Bible by a theory or an opinion, using the theory as the measuring stick, and the Bible disagrees with the theory, we may be tempted to re-interpret the Bible and conform it to our new theory. That's dangerous.
For example, I recently heard a well-known radio evangelist explain why he felt there were times when a lie was justified. If admitting you were a Christian might be a threat to your life, he contended, than a lie would be acceptable. He asked, "What would be gained by telling the truth and losing your life?"
His theory doesn't stand against the book of Daniel. Three Hebrew children willingly risked their lives rather than deny their belief in the God of Israel. Look what was gained by their telling the truth. God not only spared their lives, but an entire nation acknowledged the God of Israel as the only God.
Also, in the New Testament Stephen refused to deny his belief in Christ. In that particular case, God allowed Stephen to die at the hands of an angry mob, but we read that Saul, who was later to become the apostle Paul, witnessed Stephen's stoning and was very moved.
In both cases, Scripture teaches clearly that we are to tell the truth and leave the outcome to God.
This devotional is an excerpt from Marilyn Heavilin's new book, Profound Common Sense. The book will be available for purchase this summer.
Marilyn Heavilin
author of Roses In December,
December's Song
Becoming A Woman of Honor,
When Your Dreams Die,
Grief Is A Family Affair,
I'm Listening, Lord
www.marilynheavilin.com
Live so that others may safely follow
i[i] Oswald Chambers, The Best From All His Books (Nashville: Oliver Nelson Publishers, 1987), p.94.
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Benefits of Re-Reading
Anyone who knows Bill Welte knows that he is a voracious reader. He can go through 6 or 7 books a week. He will frequently give me a book he has recently read, which is full of highlights, and ask me to type up everything he has highlighted. He'll then use that material for Freedom Fighters or sermons. It's a tedious process, but I really enjoy it because it's like getting the "Cliff's Notes" version rather than reading a whole book.
I recently finished typing up his highlights from "Thirsting for God" by Gary Thomas. And there was highlighting on almost every page, so it took me quite some time. I ended up with 43 pages of quotes! As I was typing, certain statements would really jump out at me and I'd think, "I need to spend some time thinking about that. There's probably a Victory Call in there."
So, now that I've finished the book, I'm going back and re-reading all those quotes.
Here is one that hit me: "Sin's power needs more than an 'I'm sorry' to be defeated. It often needs a plan. I know this sounds awful. It sounds like a lot of work, but growth takes work. Salvation is free, but maturity comes with a price."
It reminded me of Philippians 2: 12-13: Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
We need to figure out where our weak areas are, and then come up with an action plan. Are there places we need to avoid? People we should not spend time with? Activities that are not good for us?
Genuine sorrow over sin and repentance are essential - but to grow as believers requires that we take action to keep from repeating the same sins.
If you knew that there was a giant pothole on a street on your way to work and traffic always backed up there, but you could go a block over to get around it, wouldn't you go around the block to avoid it? In the same way, we need to find detours around the areas in our lives that trip us up so that we don't keep on the same cycle of sinning and being sorry.
I need to really examine the areas in my life where I could make some changes in order to take a step or two forward in my spiritual life.
Mr. Thomas goes on to say, "'That's just the way I am' is a confession of sloth, not humility. It's admitting that we are too spiritually lazy to change, to selfishly indifferent to the way our weaknesses and lack of virtue hurt people. Whether we have a bad temper or an overly indulgent lifestyle, we injure others, weaken our virtues, and grieve our Lord."
May God give me the grace to stop excusing bad habits and call them what God calls them - sin - and then work to change them through His grace.
Ruth
Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
I recently finished typing up his highlights from "Thirsting for God" by Gary Thomas. And there was highlighting on almost every page, so it took me quite some time. I ended up with 43 pages of quotes! As I was typing, certain statements would really jump out at me and I'd think, "I need to spend some time thinking about that. There's probably a Victory Call in there."
So, now that I've finished the book, I'm going back and re-reading all those quotes.
Here is one that hit me: "Sin's power needs more than an 'I'm sorry' to be defeated. It often needs a plan. I know this sounds awful. It sounds like a lot of work, but growth takes work. Salvation is free, but maturity comes with a price."
It reminded me of Philippians 2: 12-13: Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
We need to figure out where our weak areas are, and then come up with an action plan. Are there places we need to avoid? People we should not spend time with? Activities that are not good for us?
Genuine sorrow over sin and repentance are essential - but to grow as believers requires that we take action to keep from repeating the same sins.
If you knew that there was a giant pothole on a street on your way to work and traffic always backed up there, but you could go a block over to get around it, wouldn't you go around the block to avoid it? In the same way, we need to find detours around the areas in our lives that trip us up so that we don't keep on the same cycle of sinning and being sorry.
I need to really examine the areas in my life where I could make some changes in order to take a step or two forward in my spiritual life.
Mr. Thomas goes on to say, "'That's just the way I am' is a confession of sloth, not humility. It's admitting that we are too spiritually lazy to change, to selfishly indifferent to the way our weaknesses and lack of virtue hurt people. Whether we have a bad temper or an overly indulgent lifestyle, we injure others, weaken our virtues, and grieve our Lord."
May God give me the grace to stop excusing bad habits and call them what God calls them - sin - and then work to change them through His grace.
Ruth
Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
Monday, April 09, 2012
Coming Out of the Fog
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
I was traveling down Route 539 when up ahead I saw fog and flashing lights. I recalled getting a message that the Fire Department was doing a controlled burn in the area so I was not concerned about what was happening. I am a bad judge of distances, but I will say that for a mile or more I had to drive through smoke. It was a bit eerie. Finally I passed through the smoke and everything was bright and clear again. My thought was this: is what it will be like to arrive in heaven? After being in this world and then in a split second to be with Jesus; To see all things as they should be; To no longer be caught up in the things of this world? YES!
My next thought was that even here and now I often find myself living in a fog. Dwelling on things I cannot change, not being healthy, disciplined and not tending to things that matter most put me in a fog. I find I can be my own worst enemy rather than living life abundantly. My husband says that I love deeply and when relationships cause me pain I tend to take things really hard. True story! And when I am hurt the "facts" run through my head at 100 mph. Then I load up on sugar which causes an even heavier brain fog. And a vicious cycle goes round and round. To clear up the fog I need to keep things in proper perspective, eat right and exercise. It's always a struggle for me. But the fact is I do feel better emotionally and physically when I make better choices.
I share this to ask you what can you do today to get yourself free from the fog that wants to consume you? Prayerfully consider what the Lord might have you do. Don't settle into the fog when you can find clarity and well-being in Jesus Christ, and take steps to take better care of yourself.
Don't know where to start? Here's the best place to begin:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. Philippians 4:6-8
Blessings,
Kathy
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.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
I was traveling down Route 539 when up ahead I saw fog and flashing lights. I recalled getting a message that the Fire Department was doing a controlled burn in the area so I was not concerned about what was happening. I am a bad judge of distances, but I will say that for a mile or more I had to drive through smoke. It was a bit eerie. Finally I passed through the smoke and everything was bright and clear again. My thought was this: is what it will be like to arrive in heaven? After being in this world and then in a split second to be with Jesus; To see all things as they should be; To no longer be caught up in the things of this world? YES!
My next thought was that even here and now I often find myself living in a fog. Dwelling on things I cannot change, not being healthy, disciplined and not tending to things that matter most put me in a fog. I find I can be my own worst enemy rather than living life abundantly. My husband says that I love deeply and when relationships cause me pain I tend to take things really hard. True story! And when I am hurt the "facts" run through my head at 100 mph. Then I load up on sugar which causes an even heavier brain fog. And a vicious cycle goes round and round. To clear up the fog I need to keep things in proper perspective, eat right and exercise. It's always a struggle for me. But the fact is I do feel better emotionally and physically when I make better choices.
I share this to ask you what can you do today to get yourself free from the fog that wants to consume you? Prayerfully consider what the Lord might have you do. Don't settle into the fog when you can find clarity and well-being in Jesus Christ, and take steps to take better care of yourself.
Don't know where to start? Here's the best place to begin:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. Philippians 4:6-8
Blessings,
Kathy
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.
Friday, April 06, 2012
Silence my Thoughts
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 12th. YOU can help in two ways.
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2
I have to request of the Lord to suppress my thoughts, on a daily basis. My mind gets invaded with thoughts that are negative and of the world. At times people have shared their thoughts without being cognitive of the harm it can create. Then the evil takes place, which I am exposed to, and lies are created that are against the word of God.
I pray, even as I begin to pray, I have to discipline my mind "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" 2 Cor.10:5.
In the course of the day, being aware of the negative and worldly thoughts, I find myself putting warnings up, for example: Do Not Enter, Not Allowed to Dwell, Lies are Not Permitted. I thank God for His commandments and wisdom. "Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind'" Matthew 22:37. The Lord teaches on the things to think on: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things" Phil.4:8.
My Lord, You are the great teacher, Your Word is refreshing to my mind, it is the living water. Silence my thoughts that I be completely attentive to Your Word. "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind" Ephesians 4:23. "Listen, O daughter, Consider and incline your ear, Forget your own people also, and your father's house; So the king will greatly desire your beauty; Because he is your Lord, worship Him" Psalm 45:10-11.
Glory to God!
Sandra Valdes
Staff Member - WOC Graduate
ONE. WALK - call guest services (732.350.1187) to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
TWO. Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Go to Family Freedom Walk Support . Be sure to designate your gift to FFW: VC
Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $5,350.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $100.00. Victory Call WON, by ALOT! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $43,136.00!!
Come join in the fun. Please?
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2
I have to request of the Lord to suppress my thoughts, on a daily basis. My mind gets invaded with thoughts that are negative and of the world. At times people have shared their thoughts without being cognitive of the harm it can create. Then the evil takes place, which I am exposed to, and lies are created that are against the word of God.
I pray, even as I begin to pray, I have to discipline my mind "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" 2 Cor.10:5.
In the course of the day, being aware of the negative and worldly thoughts, I find myself putting warnings up, for example: Do Not Enter, Not Allowed to Dwell, Lies are Not Permitted. I thank God for His commandments and wisdom. "Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind'" Matthew 22:37. The Lord teaches on the things to think on: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things" Phil.4:8.
My Lord, You are the great teacher, Your Word is refreshing to my mind, it is the living water. Silence my thoughts that I be completely attentive to Your Word. "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind" Ephesians 4:23. "Listen, O daughter, Consider and incline your ear, Forget your own people also, and your father's house; So the king will greatly desire your beauty; Because he is your Lord, worship Him" Psalm 45:10-11.
Glory to God!
Sandra Valdes
Staff Member - WOC Graduate
Thursday, April 05, 2012
Knowing God Part 2
Yesterday I shared with you that I felt the Lord has challenged me this year to "know God" as indicated in 1 John 2:13a "I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning." I believe this has been a call for me to "grow up" in my walk with the Lord. I believe the Lord has challenged me to know His Spirit in a deeper more personal way.
With that in mind, when I heard the following song I couldn't help but jump up and make it mine. I invite you to review the lyrics of this song today and choose this day.......... Is it time for you to GET UP and GROW UP too. Be blessed, know GOD, invite Holy Spirit to direct your life!!
Get Up
I've been bought with a price
I've been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
I've got the love of the Father and His Spirit is living in me
Now I'm having done with my old ways
And I'm looking ahead to some new days
And I'm leaving behind my previous destiny.
I'm ready to get up, show up and speak up
Raise up a howl, put my hand to the plow
I won't back down, back up, quit or let my love grow cold
I'm finished with tame faith, smooth knees, small dreams
No more mundane living or cinchy giving
I've grabbed ahold of the hem of His garment and I won't let go
I've counted the cost
I have stepped across the line
I can't be bought off, scared off, lured away or compromised
My way is straight and my road is narrow
I know He's watching me cause His eye is on the sparrow
And I'm leaning on the everlasting arm until the storm goes by
No more murmuring and no complaining
No more excuses and no more blaming
No more fear or unbelief or mediocrity
I'm gonna get prayed up, paid up
Lord I'm gonna grow up
Whenever there's a need, you can bet I'm gonna show up
And when Jesus comes for His bride
He won't have any problem recognizing me.
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
Get Up
Words by Chuck Pierce and John Dickson
Music by John Dickson
2001 Glory of Zion International Ministries, Inc.
Available at www.gloryofzion.org
With that in mind, when I heard the following song I couldn't help but jump up and make it mine. I invite you to review the lyrics of this song today and choose this day.......... Is it time for you to GET UP and GROW UP too. Be blessed, know GOD, invite Holy Spirit to direct your life!!
Get Up
I've been bought with a price
I've been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
I've got the love of the Father and His Spirit is living in me
Now I'm having done with my old ways
And I'm looking ahead to some new days
And I'm leaving behind my previous destiny.
I'm ready to get up, show up and speak up
Raise up a howl, put my hand to the plow
I won't back down, back up, quit or let my love grow cold
I'm finished with tame faith, smooth knees, small dreams
No more mundane living or cinchy giving
I've grabbed ahold of the hem of His garment and I won't let go
I've counted the cost
I have stepped across the line
I can't be bought off, scared off, lured away or compromised
My way is straight and my road is narrow
I know He's watching me cause His eye is on the sparrow
And I'm leaning on the everlasting arm until the storm goes by
No more murmuring and no complaining
No more excuses and no more blaming
No more fear or unbelief or mediocrity
I'm gonna get prayed up, paid up
Lord I'm gonna grow up
Whenever there's a need, you can bet I'm gonna show up
And when Jesus comes for His bride
He won't have any problem recognizing me.
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
Get Up
Words by Chuck Pierce and John Dickson
Music by John Dickson
2001 Glory of Zion International Ministries, Inc.
Available at www.gloryofzion.org
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Knowing God
Every New Year I ask the Lord for a scripture from His Word that will direct me in my study of His Word. This year it was 1 John 2:13a "I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning." As I began to seek more understanding and read more of the chapter, it appeared to me that God was telling me it was time to know Him in a deeper, perhaps even more personal way. My response was "YES LORD"!! Let me share with you a bit more of the scripture:
1 John 2:13-14 (NKJV)
I write to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
Because you have overcome the wicked one.
I write to you, little children,
Because you have known the Father.
I have written to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men,
Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you,
And you have overcome the wicked one.
It appears that as little children in the Lord we come to know Father God who loved us so much He sent His only Son to die for us. As we study the Word we learn to overcome Satan, and the things of this world become strangely dim. We become strong young men (and women) and the Word abides in us. This is good. But when we mature, the Word indicates we "know God".
As I considered my "knowing God", I began to seek what God meant for me. I realized of the three persons in the Trinity, the one I know least is Holy Spirit. I grew up in a liturgical church where Christianity was following a good deal of ritual and a set of rules. It wasn't bad, but it was incomplete. Personal experience with a personal God was simply never presented to me. When I came to a personal relationship with Jesus and began to study the Word, the focus was on Christ, and the Word. This was good but again it was incomplete. Holy Spirit was mentioned only in passing. I had a sense that "things of the Spirit" were emotional, silly nonsense. The Holy Spirit miracles in the New Testament were for the New Testament church, those things no longer existed.
It was time for me to dig into the Word. I also found a book that helped me in my search by Dr. Robert Heidler, "Experiencing the Spirit". What I found is that Holy Spirit is in the Word from Genesis to Revelation. Holy Spirit plays a vital part in the work of God on earth.
Bill Bright, who was the President of Campus Crusade for Christ and a leading evangelical speaker, wrote of the Spirit's ministry: "He guides us (John 16:13), empowers us (Micah 3:8) and makes us holy (Romans 15:15). He bears witness in our lives (Romans 8:16), comforts us (John 14:16-26), gives us joy (Romans 14:17). As our teacher of spiritual truths, the Holy Spirit illuminates our minds with insights into the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:12,13) and reveals to us the hidden things of God (Isaiah 40:13,14). As you are filled with the Holy Spirit, the Bible becomes alive, prayer becomes vital, your witness becomes effective and obedience becomes a joy. Then, as a result of your obedience in these areas, your faith grows and you become more mature in your spiritual life." WOW!! No wonder Jesus told His disciples to "wait in the city until they were clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:49)
Dr. Heidler presents so much in his book but here is just a sampling: "The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He has intellect (1 Cor. 2:10, 11), a full range of emotions (Romans 15:30; Hebrews 10:29), He teaches (John 14:26); He speaks (Galatians 4:6), He prays (Romans 8:26). We can grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30) and He can be disobeyed (Act. 7:51)."
Today I invite you to seek a deeper "knowing" of Holy Spirit. Take a fresh look with me and review the scriptures listed above. Perhaps it is the time God will use us to be the generation that will partner with our almighty God and see the restoration of the ministry of Holy Spirit.
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
Bill Bright, The Holy Spirit: The Key to Supernatural Living (San Bernardino: Here's Life Publishers, Inc. 1980) pp116, 121
Robert Heidler, Experiencing the Spirit (Regal, 1998) Chapter 1
1 John 2:13-14 (NKJV)
I write to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
Because you have overcome the wicked one.
I write to you, little children,
Because you have known the Father.
I have written to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men,
Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you,
And you have overcome the wicked one.
It appears that as little children in the Lord we come to know Father God who loved us so much He sent His only Son to die for us. As we study the Word we learn to overcome Satan, and the things of this world become strangely dim. We become strong young men (and women) and the Word abides in us. This is good. But when we mature, the Word indicates we "know God".
As I considered my "knowing God", I began to seek what God meant for me. I realized of the three persons in the Trinity, the one I know least is Holy Spirit. I grew up in a liturgical church where Christianity was following a good deal of ritual and a set of rules. It wasn't bad, but it was incomplete. Personal experience with a personal God was simply never presented to me. When I came to a personal relationship with Jesus and began to study the Word, the focus was on Christ, and the Word. This was good but again it was incomplete. Holy Spirit was mentioned only in passing. I had a sense that "things of the Spirit" were emotional, silly nonsense. The Holy Spirit miracles in the New Testament were for the New Testament church, those things no longer existed.
It was time for me to dig into the Word. I also found a book that helped me in my search by Dr. Robert Heidler, "Experiencing the Spirit". What I found is that Holy Spirit is in the Word from Genesis to Revelation. Holy Spirit plays a vital part in the work of God on earth.
Bill Bright, who was the President of Campus Crusade for Christ and a leading evangelical speaker, wrote of the Spirit's ministry: "He guides us (John 16:13), empowers us (Micah 3:8) and makes us holy (Romans 15:15). He bears witness in our lives (Romans 8:16), comforts us (John 14:16-26), gives us joy (Romans 14:17). As our teacher of spiritual truths, the Holy Spirit illuminates our minds with insights into the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:12,13) and reveals to us the hidden things of God (Isaiah 40:13,14). As you are filled with the Holy Spirit, the Bible becomes alive, prayer becomes vital, your witness becomes effective and obedience becomes a joy. Then, as a result of your obedience in these areas, your faith grows and you become more mature in your spiritual life." WOW!! No wonder Jesus told His disciples to "wait in the city until they were clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:49)
Dr. Heidler presents so much in his book but here is just a sampling: "The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He has intellect (1 Cor. 2:10, 11), a full range of emotions (Romans 15:30; Hebrews 10:29), He teaches (John 14:26); He speaks (Galatians 4:6), He prays (Romans 8:26). We can grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30) and He can be disobeyed (Act. 7:51)."
Today I invite you to seek a deeper "knowing" of Holy Spirit. Take a fresh look with me and review the scriptures listed above. Perhaps it is the time God will use us to be the generation that will partner with our almighty God and see the restoration of the ministry of Holy Spirit.
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
Bill Bright, The Holy Spirit: The Key to Supernatural Living (San Bernardino: Here's Life Publishers, Inc. 1980) pp116, 121
Robert Heidler, Experiencing the Spirit (Regal, 1998) Chapter 1
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Who Are You Trying to Please?
"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10
Why do you do what you do? Where does your motivation come from to do or not to do certain things? Unfortunately, often the answer lies in who we are trying to please, who we are trying to make happy or win over. Or maybe it's to look good to you, to please yourself. Maybe you are you trying to please a boss, a spouse, or maybe a child, and in the process you end up frustrated, unhappy and/or confused?
Is it possible you are trying to keep up with the Jones'? The groomed lawn, the car, the attire, etc... Problem is - there is no end to that. Do you try to live your Christian life the same way someone else does? Worship or sing the same songs someone else does?
Are you seeing a pattern here? Do you not do anything outside of the observation of who it will please or how others will see you? God has another way. We are not to be about comparison and measuring up to others. When we look at our lives we need to ask ourselves - in doing this who am I trying to please? As Christ's children and servants our desire should be only to please God - to love and live as He did. Are you living in holiness, in humility, in peace? Are you being faithful to His call and Words?
In Christ we have all we need, and He will supply as we need it to do His work, not our work or the work of others.
Meditate on these verses as you think about your life and whose approval you are seeking.
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Col. 3:17 (ESV)
"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
"...but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts." 1 Thess. 2:4 (ESV)
"...not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart," Ephesians 6:6 (ESV)
May we each learn to daily lay aside our need to please man, and live only to bring Him honor and glory and point others to Him.
Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor
Why do you do what you do? Where does your motivation come from to do or not to do certain things? Unfortunately, often the answer lies in who we are trying to please, who we are trying to make happy or win over. Or maybe it's to look good to you, to please yourself. Maybe you are you trying to please a boss, a spouse, or maybe a child, and in the process you end up frustrated, unhappy and/or confused?
Is it possible you are trying to keep up with the Jones'? The groomed lawn, the car, the attire, etc... Problem is - there is no end to that. Do you try to live your Christian life the same way someone else does? Worship or sing the same songs someone else does?
Are you seeing a pattern here? Do you not do anything outside of the observation of who it will please or how others will see you? God has another way. We are not to be about comparison and measuring up to others. When we look at our lives we need to ask ourselves - in doing this who am I trying to please? As Christ's children and servants our desire should be only to please God - to love and live as He did. Are you living in holiness, in humility, in peace? Are you being faithful to His call and Words?
In Christ we have all we need, and He will supply as we need it to do His work, not our work or the work of others.
Meditate on these verses as you think about your life and whose approval you are seeking.
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Col. 3:17 (ESV)
"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
"...but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts." 1 Thess. 2:4 (ESV)
"...not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart," Ephesians 6:6 (ESV)
May we each learn to daily lay aside our need to please man, and live only to bring Him honor and glory and point others to Him.
Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor
Monday, April 02, 2012
Live Unoffended
One morning as I sat down to do my morning Scripture reading, I picked up a book sitting next to my chair - "Circle Makers" by Mark Batterson. I just flipped through the yet-unfinished half and my eyes dropped to the phrase - LIVE UNOFFENDED.
My eye briefly scanned a sentence or two and was drawn to the idea of God's sovereignty. That thought stuck with me -- live unoffended. Oh, how much time, energy and effort are wasted by mulling over a perceived offense? I've had people come back to me and say - "I passed you on Tuesday (2-3 days prior) and you didn't say 'Hi' - are you upset with me?" I wouldn't even remember seeing them. Oh, but I'm just as guilty, thinking I know why someone did or said something or didn't do or say something. OH, WHAT A WASTE! And we are probably wrong.
When we carry an offense -
1. It drains our energy
2. It distracts our attention
3. It is a result of living life focused on self
4. We are failing to love others as we love ourselves
5. It is sin
As I thought about it, in a sense - living unoffended is an acknowledgement and evidence of a life fully submitted and surrendered to the sovereignty of God, unwilling to waste time dwelling on a perceived offense which the enemy wants to blow way out of proportion to keep us distracted from what really matters --- JESUS.
Oh, Lord, I want to live unoffended, unwilling to be robbed of that which is most important, most precious, not me, but Thee.
Blessings,
Diane
PS - When I read more carefully pg. 88-89 of Batterson's book the concept of living unoffended was referring to not being offended by God when He answers others' prayers and not yours, but for me that morning - this was the lesson God wanted me to hear.
My eye briefly scanned a sentence or two and was drawn to the idea of God's sovereignty. That thought stuck with me -- live unoffended. Oh, how much time, energy and effort are wasted by mulling over a perceived offense? I've had people come back to me and say - "I passed you on Tuesday (2-3 days prior) and you didn't say 'Hi' - are you upset with me?" I wouldn't even remember seeing them. Oh, but I'm just as guilty, thinking I know why someone did or said something or didn't do or say something. OH, WHAT A WASTE! And we are probably wrong.
When we carry an offense -
1. It drains our energy
2. It distracts our attention
3. It is a result of living life focused on self
4. We are failing to love others as we love ourselves
5. It is sin
As I thought about it, in a sense - living unoffended is an acknowledgement and evidence of a life fully submitted and surrendered to the sovereignty of God, unwilling to waste time dwelling on a perceived offense which the enemy wants to blow way out of proportion to keep us distracted from what really matters --- JESUS.
Oh, Lord, I want to live unoffended, unwilling to be robbed of that which is most important, most precious, not me, but Thee.
Blessings,
Diane
PS - When I read more carefully pg. 88-89 of Batterson's book the concept of living unoffended was referring to not being offended by God when He answers others' prayers and not yours, but for me that morning - this was the lesson God wanted me to hear.
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