Psalm 138

In March I had major surgery. After I recovered from surgery I had a never-ending upper respiratory infection. It seemed that it would leave me only to return again. I won't give you the long details of seeking my healing from God, natural recommended solutions and medical intervention. Along the way I was comforted by Psalm 138.

I trust that you may be facing a challenge today that you cannot "fix". Therefore today I want to encourage you to share in the blessing. If you are not in a quiet place, I would encourage you to leave your computer, pick up your Bible and go to Psalm 138. Then find a quiet place where you can be still and alone for a just a little while. Read, consider, pray and then listen. Allow the love of God to touch you today.

A Psalm of David. (NKJV)

I will praise You with my whole heart;
Before the gods I will sing praises to You.
I will worship toward Your holy temple,
And praise Your name
For Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
In the day when I cried out, You answered me,
And made me bold with strength in my soul.
All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O LORD,
When they hear the words of Your mouth.
Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
For great is the glory of the LORD.
Though the LORD is on high,
Yet He regards the lowly;
But the proud He knows from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies,
And Your right hand will save me.
The LORD will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

Blessings,
Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate

Divine Worship

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26

Psalm 73 was written by Asaph and it speaks of where our hearts are when it comes to thoughts about the suffering we face as Christians. In this psalm Asaph is really ticked off at God. Like many of us, when we see good people hurting and evil succeeding, we begin to question God and ask the following questions why?

Why do the wicked prosper (73:1-5, 12)? We do not understand this because they don't seem to have any consequences for the evil or hurt that they do. Maybe if we saw the consequences, God, we would not be so upset and confused.

Why do the righteous have so much adversity (vs. 12-13)? Why do we suffer when we do everything right? Which unfortunately brings us to our next question - why do right if You (God) aren't going to do right?

These questions come because we believe the following: That God can rescue us and keep us from all evil... therefore, God can redeem us from trouble (Psalm 34:19).

As Christians we are taught the sovereignty of God and His ultimate control and reign over everything - including evil. So, therefore we conclude that if God can keep evil from me some of the time - why doesn't He keep me from evil all of the time?

Let me begin by saying that GOD's principles are the same for all of us, but His PLANS and PURPOSES are DIFFERENT. Christians all have the SAME DESTINATION (His image) - but we may all take a DIFFERENT ROUTE. Remember that our ways are not God's.

My husband has a saying when I can't figure out what he's doing and why he is doing it a certain way... he'll respond by saying, "there is a method to my madness". Now God isn't "mad", but He has his methods. I'm not my husband, so I don't always understand him. I'm also not God... so I certainly won't always understand Him. Therefore, just because something doesn't make sense to us, doesn't mean it doesn't make sense to God. In fact, everything fits into a perfect puzzle; there are no missing pieces and God uses evil to complete His puzzle. The Lord hath made all things for himself; yea even the wicked for the day of evil (Proverbs 16:4).

THE CROSS is the KEY to the puzzle. Compared to God - there are no good people; Jesus was truly good and yet bad happened. Why? It was for our benefit. God allowed the evil of this world to put to death the only good in this world so that we might live. Do you get that? God used evil for His ultimate purpose in our lives... to unite us with Him and make us into the image of His son.

So, instead of asking why did You let this happen to me or do this to me? We transform that "Why" question into - "Why did you do that for me? And why should I not suffer?" Remember that Scripture tells us that we will share in Christ's suffering (Rom 8:17, 2 Cor. 1:5). So, if God can take the greatest evil and turn it to amazing good, He can do that with any evil.

We must trust then that God will reward us in trouble. "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he had stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12). There is no temptation or evil that we may face here on earth, which compares with what we will experience in Heaven. (Romans 8:18, 2 Cor. 4:17)

"The supreme reward is for us to manifest God's glory throughout eternity. We will experience ultimate joy in His presence forever, but we don't have to wait; we can invest today by serving Him obediently and humbly." Charles Stanley

Basically that is where Asaph ends up in this psalm.
* vs. 16 and 17: He went to God
* vs. 18-26: He saw everything for what is was, who God was and who we are...
* vs. 28: "But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may I may tell of your works"

"When the worship service ended and Asaph had gotten his feet firmly grounded on the faith, he left the sanctuary and told everyone what he had learned. He had drawn near to God, he had trusted God, and now he was ready to declare God's works. "  (Warren Wiersbe in "Be Worshipful" p. 238).

Are you ready to worship? Really worship, even though you have or are facing trials?

Yet in these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor

A Work of Heart...

While waiting with my mom in her heart doctor's office, I noticed a poster on the wall that had a detailed diagram of the human heart with the title above it, "A Work of Heart." I thought it was pretty funny, since we often tell her that she is a "piece of work." No disrespect intended. My mom is 88 years old and recently had a pacemaker put in. Our visit to the doctor was just a follow-up and things seem to be going well in that area. She has many other health-related issues, most of which are being managed as best as possible, all things including her age taken into consideration.

Spiritually, our hearts are heavy in that she does not know the Lord. We pray He will do "a work of heart" in her before it is too late. She has heard the Good News many times, including the personal testimonies of both my sister and I. We pray, talk with her about the Lord at every opportunity He gives to us, and cast our care for her on Him.

I was reminded recently as I sat through a memorial service for a 31-year-young man, that life is precious and our times and the number of our days are ordained by the Lord. He knows them all before yet there is even one of them. Since we do not, we'd be wise to make them count for His purposes.

Maybe there's something you've been putting off until tomorrow that you know you should have already attended to? Or someone you meant to call, hug or write a note to but just haven't gotten around to it. So what are you waiting for? We're mid-way thorough this year already, it's wise from time to time to check our priorities? Time...the clock marks time for a reason.

So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 (AMP)

Dina Seaton
Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer

Can You Hear Me Now?

Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk" (Acts 3:6).

It is easy to skim over words and phrases until I turn to a devotional and have it brought out in more depth. Recently I heard a teacher on the radio explain that when Jesus is saying something three times in Scripture it is to make a point and we need to pay close attention. So when I read Scripture or devotional and hear a verse over and over again, I have to believe that there is a point Jesus wants me to understand! After reading this verse I read from a devotioanl called God Calling. This is what I read:

Dear Name

"Jesus." Say my name often. It was in my name Peter bade the lame man walk. "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth arise and walk."

"Jesus." The very sounding of My Name in Love and tenderness drives away all evil. It is the word before which all the hosts of evil flee.

"Jesus." My Name is the call for a life-line to rescue you from temptation.

"Jesus." The Name that banishes loneliness-dispels gloom.

"Jesus." Summons help to conquer your faults.

I will set you on high because you have known My Name.

Yes! My Name "Jesus." Use it more. Use it tenderly, Use it prayerfully. Use it powerfully.

How about you? Is there something from your reading that has become a recurring theme? What is Jesus speaking to you lately? Are you and I paying attention?

Kathy Withers

Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 26 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.

BIBLICAL GRIEVING

As most of you know I am quite familiar with the grieving process having buried three sons, two parents, my parents-in-law, several relatives and many dear friends.

I have learned that especially those who have not experienced grief are often the first to tell you how you should grieve. I have had the privilege of reading through the Bible, many versions, many times. The verses that talk about grief seem to jump out at me. For example:

"So Absalom fled and went to Geshur and was there three years. And King David longed to go to Absalom. For he had been comforted concerning Amnon," (2 Samuel 13:38-39).

When our son Nathan was killed in a car crash caused by a drunk driver, I realized one year of grieving simply was not enough. I needed more time and I felt guilty because I thought a person was supposed to be limited to one year. But then I read the above verse and realized that it took David THREE years to resolve his grief over Amnon. I don't believe that most people are ever OVER their grief, but it took David three years to RESOLVE his grief. I take the word RESOLVE to mean that King David was not wrestling or questioning the loss any more.

As I read that verse, I decided if it's good enough for King David it's good enough for me.

There are many verses that deal with a Christian's response to grief. I challenge you to look them up and see what the Bible says about grieving.

Marilyn Willett Heavilin

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

Ode to Joy

And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; It shall rejoice in His salvation.  Psalm 35:9

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays.
Stars and angels sing around Thee, Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, Flowery meadow, flashing sea
Chanting bird and flowing fountain Call us to rejoice in Thee

Thou art giving and forgiving, Ever blessing ever blest,
Well spring of the joy of living Ocean depths of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother All who live in love are Thine.
Teach us how to love each other; Lift us to the joy divine

Mortals, join the mighty chorus Which the morning stars began
Love divine is reigning o'er us, Leading us with mercy's hand.
Ever singing march we onward, Victors in the midst of strife
Joyful music leads us sunward in the triumph song of life!

This poem was written by Henry van Dyke, the music by Beethoven, melody from Ninth Symphony.

My youngest daughter played the piano during her elementary years in school. I have two favorite songs that I would make her play on the piano every time she practiced and this is one of them. As she played, I thanked God for the gift He blessed her with and enjoyed the music immensely. You can only imagine the numerous times the same songs were played over and over by my request. Having to hear the songs now it brings memories of her sitting on the piano, working very diligently. (Thanks, Jen!) It makes me think of our relationship that we have now and the joy that it gives me, especially the times on the phone and the short times we get to spend together. I praise God for the relationship that I have with my children.

Last Sunday they played this beautiful song during worship service. As I sang to the Lord and meditated on the words it made me reflect on the goodness of God. The almighty God bestows joy to His children with an abundance of richness in His fellowship.

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. Psalm119:14

Glory to God!

Sandra Valdes
Staff Member - WOC Graduate

Discover

My niece graduated from High School this year. As I was preparing to send her a card and, of course money, that is what I was sure she was looking forward to, I wanted to add something to the card. I searched for perhaps a small gift, or words to write that might touch her heart. I found a card about reaching your dreams and a rock with the word "discover" on it. It seemed altogether perfect.

Remember back to the time you graduated from High School? I sure do. I was anxious to move forward, excited about all the potential things they lie ahead of me. I was very ready to grow up and get my college career started. I imagine she feels the same way.

I search my concordance for the word "Discover".

We can discover history (Ezra 4:15.... so that a search may be made in the record books of your fathers. And you will discover in the record books and learn that that city is a rebellious city and damaging to kings and provinces, and that they have incited revolt within it in past days; therefore that city was laid waste. NAS) I wish students today would learn the history of our nation and the biblical foundation on which it was founded. I wish that they would study failed cultures and the behaviors that led to their crumbling. I am sure my niece will discover many new things at college in the field of her choosing.

We can discover if we are on the wrong path and make a change of direction. (Jer. 8:4 Jeremiah, say to the people, 'This is what the LORD says: "'When people fall down, don't they get up again? When they discover they're on the wrong road, don't they turn back? NLT) I pray if she is on the wrong path, Holy Spirit will lead her to a path of righteousness and the destiny God has prepared for her.

We can discover that God is TRUE. (John 3:33 Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. NLT) Yes and AMEN; May she find that God and His Word is True!!

As you and I study the Word may we, too, discover new things we have not known before. May the Word reveal if we are on a wrong path and may Holy Spirit shift us to a path of righteousness, a path leading to the destiny that the Lord has prepared for us. May we daily find that the God we serve is TRUE. He is true to His promises; He is true to His Word

Be blessed as you DISCOVER today.

Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate

What's the Difference?

Lately, as the result of different things transpiring in my heart and life, I have been confronting this question. What difference does it all make? In other words, has being born again, made brand new in the image and likeness of Christ, made a difference in the way I do life? If so, what does that difference look like in my daily life?

One discernable difference should be in the way I love.

Scripture every believer is undoubtedly familiar with is 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a:

Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud or rude.
Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record or wrongs that others do.
Love rejoices in the truth but not in evil.
Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. (CEV)

Love is patient and kind;
Love does not envy or boast;
It is not arrogant or rude.
It does not insist on its own way;
It is not irritable or resentful;
It does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never gives up. (ESV)

Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut.
Love doesn't have a swelled head. Love doesn't force itself on others.
Love isn't always "me first". Love doesn't fly off the handle.
Love doesn't keep score of the sins of others. Love doesn't revel when others grovel.
Love takes pleasure in the flowering of truth. Love puts up with anything.
Love trust God always. Love always looks for the best. Love never looks back.
Love keeps going on to the end. Love never dies.

I know I was a bit redundant here and yet I do not apologize for belaboring the point. Love is one thing our lives as believers, is to be deeply marked by. Love looks like something and the Lord made it as plain as the nose on our faces.

Let us begin today to be love to the people we live with, work with and coexist with.

Loving, gracious Father, help us to love others as You have so loved us. Even when it's hard Father, may we chose to remember we have been bought with so great a price. Even when the one you bring before us to love isn't all that nice or pleasant to be around, may we resist what comes natural to us and love them, whether we feel like it or not. Your own humility and weakness provided for us a way to live love and to be lovely.

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 Director.

The Great Exchange...

Romans 15:4 "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

The Holy Scriptures are not an easy read. It is a serious pursuit to know the One that wrote the book through the pen of mere men. The Word of God - the written word is God's primary means of communication to people. Imagine, no really stop for a moment and consider that reality. The God who created the universe which FAR exceeds our ability to see, FAR exceeds what our brain can comprehend, the God who has ALWAYS existed, the God who sustains ALL things. THAT GOD reaches down from heaven and speaks to you and to me through the written Word.

Do we take seriously what a precious gift that is? Do we treasure it as the greatest treasure? Do we delight to have it in our hands -- the very words of God?

As I write this devotional, I am being carried away in my own imagination - I hope you are too.

I am picturing a woman in a simple white cotton dress with wispy curls framing her face - a face that is bursting with joy, excitement and delight with a smile so big you know it goes down to her very soul. She is dancing. She is dancing with delight. What is that she's holding in her arms? Yes, I see it - she is clinging to her Bible, pressed to her breast with both arms yet I can see it. It is a well-worn, well-used Bible.

Oh, the image - it is obvious that every hour she has spent enduring, abiding and feeding on the Word has resulted in the tattered pages of that Book and that a divine exchange has taken place.

She was once broken and tattered, weary and worn. Her Bible filled with grace and truth, and beauty and power, and joy and treasures. Over time her Bible has become worn and tattered from much use, and she has become a radiant reflection of the Son.

Sisters - that does not happen through duty but delight. That does not happen by "doing devotions" but by being devoted. That does not happen by simply reading the Scriptures but by abiding in the Word.

Press on, beloved. Seek hard after Him. Endure, seek, and pursue Him through His Word. It is never too late to start or to start again.

Do you hear Christ calling your name? He's inviting you to join Him, to sit at His feet, to abide with Him in the Word. Come join the dance of delight....

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.

A DAY AT A TIME

It's been a tough week. We lost a very dear Keswick brother - a man who loved the Lord and was serving Him with his whole heart. Another friend is struggling in his walk with the Lord and has stumbled back into sin. And just yesterday, a family member was given a very scary health diagnosis, along with lingering uncertainty until more tests are done.

There is a reason that the Lord has divided our lives into 24-hour increments called days. He knew that we would only be able to handle life in 24-hour segments.

The Bible says in Deuteronomy 33:35 that "your strength will equal your days." That is a wonderful promise. The Lord knows exactly how much strength we will need for each and every day and He promises to provide it. Notice He doesn't say, "your strength will equal your weeks," or "your strength will equal your months." No, He says, "your days." It's like when God provided the daily manna for the Israelites in the wilderness. Each day they had to go out and gather what they needed; they couldn't save any of it until the next day (except for the day before the Sabbath). So we can't look to have tomorrow's strength, or next week's, or next month's......we can only look for today's strength. He will give us tomorrow's strength when we get to tomorrow.

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matt. 6:33-34)

"Give us today our daily bread" (Matt. 6:11). When Jesus prayed this, He showed us that we need to be asking the Lord daily to provide for our needs. Every morning, we can "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).  And the grace that He will give us is sufficient for us, it is enough, it is not lacking (2 Cor. 12:9).

We may not know all that our day holds, but our Lord does. So let's ask Him to provide the strength and the grace that we need; we can trust Him to give us just the right amount.

And as we begin our day, don't forget......."And the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee. He will be with thee. He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee. Fear not, neither be dismayed" (Deut. 31:8).

Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate

It is finished! It is finished! It is finished!

It really, really, really is finished! There is nothing I can add or take away from what has wholly been accomplished on the Cross by the Crucified One. Obedient to His Father, He accomplished the work He came to do. He began and He finished.

History records no single event to suggest that He did anything other than that which He came to do. His work, His reason for being, was to do the will of the Father who sent Him. Nothing more; Nothing less.

He sought no glory for Himself. He simply came to do as the Father bid Him, for the Father's glory. He never lost sight of the single purpose of His birth. Nor was He distracted or enticed by the world's trinkets, trappings, or delicacies.

Even His food was to do the will of the Father. "Jesus said to them, 'My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work.'"

As daughters, sisters, girlfriends, wives, mothers, grandmothers, friends, caregivers, etc., our reason for being is to be His hands, His arms, His embrace, His image bearers to any and every soul our life encounters.

By now, you may be wondering to yourself, "What is she trying to say?"

No work you or I do today or tomorrow will add one iota of meaning to what our Savior and Lord has already done. If, like me, you have moments where you find yourself sorely tempted to give up the thing that you do, if you find yourself cast down because your laboring appears to be in vain, if you catch yourself wondering - what, oh what, is the point to all of this! - I encourage you as strongly as possible to BE STILL!

Stop and remember your God! The work you do is His and His alone. He owns the seeds and the fruit and by His Spirit, He alone will reap the harvest. No matter how bleak the outcome appears to us, hope to the end! Finish the thing! Pray for increased faith to believe what seems impossible and finish!!

"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted with me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God." Psalm 41:11

".....Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished." 1 Chronicles 28:20

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 Director.

Serving With a Clear Conscience

In one of his letters to Timothy, Paul writes Timothy and tells him, "I have served with a clear conscience". As I read this in my devotions this morning, those words jumped out at me. I sat thinking and asking myself, "Am I serving with a clear conscience?" My instant response to myself was, "Of course you are girlfriend." But, as is common for me, I began to work the question again and again, going over the details of my life and I must confess to you, I came up sorely wanting. As I sat and pondered, my mind darted came across a few stones that would likely have remained unexamined and unturned were it not for the Holy Spirit's prompting.

I suspect part of Paul's ability to be secure in his heart and mind lay in His honest assessment of himself. Paul didn't judge himself according to himself. I believe he saw himself clear as day. He never lost sight of who he was apart from relationship with his Redeeming Lord. In fact, Paul's own words were, "chief of sinners". From that humble position Paul did not neglect time with the Lord who saved Him. Night and day he prayed. Night and day! Therein lies one of my own revealed stones.

Pray for me, dear ones, as Father and I do business concerning the stones in my heart and life. Praise God with me for His Word and its ability to consistently lay truth before us in the Person of Jesus, the written WORD of Life.

Praise Him that in this walk of faith, the call to victory is a grace-saturated process and we can all serve Him with a clear conscience.

My Challenge For you Today:

Go before the LORD. Prostrate yourself before Him. Seek Him for anything that may hinder your time with Him and then seek to destroy that thing, no matter what it cost!

May we all be able to say with Paul, "I am not ashamed, I am serving with a clear conscience."

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 Director.

Social Promotion

Perhaps you have heard of a practice in schools called social promotion. It is a practice of moving students along regardless of whether they do well or not in their studies. Even if a child fails, schools that practice social promotion promote the student to the next grade.

Flunking is a thing of the past in these schools. The problem, of course, is that these schools are graduating students that are fundamentally illiterate, lacking basic math and grammar skills.

I believe the motivation behind the practice of social promotion is the idea that holding a child back would bruise their self-esteem. I'm pretty sure it's been proven that it doesn't work. No surprise there.

What happens to their self-esteem (not a biblical concept by the way) when they get into the work force (if they do) and lack the basic life skills to keep a job?

Anyway, none of that is my point today, but it helps me make my point.

Here's my point: God does not practice social promotion.

His plan is much more effective in preparing His children for a holy, blameless life -- that is -- to be like Jesus. His plan is progressive sanctification.

God is in the process of growing each of His children in the image of His Son. He is committed to the conforming process - in fact, He promises it.

Romans 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

I think there are times I live as if God practices social promotion. Whether I obey or not, He'll move me along towards maturity. I ask for more of God yet I fail to be faithful to what I already have. I ask God to be my wonderful counselor but I don't heed His counsel.

I wonder if I'm not alone. Do you find that when you fail God's test, that somehow He circles around again and again until you get it?

Do not despair for "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire" 2 Peter 1:3-4.

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.

He Knows It All

Is it possible that there is anything about you that God -- Father,; Creator, who is everywhere present, all the time -- doesn't know about you? Sisters, embrace and believe the truest thing. There is nothing about you that God does not know. No matter how much yuck or muck there is in your life which may hold you captive, God sees, hears and knows!

O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there were none of them.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

In the words of Betsy Ten Boom as quoted by her sister Corrie, 'The Hiding Place', "There is no pit so deep that God's love is not greater still."

Dear sisters see Him, hear Him and know Him!

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 Director.

God's Plan is ALWAYS Perfect

Recently, I spent some time on the Jersey beach. My plan was to take some time out to relax and read. Thinking of Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God"......isn't so easy, especially when my type personality is "A" driven. So, what does that mean, "Type A"? Well, it means I can always find something that needs attention, so for me to get some R&R I need a place where I can go where no interruptions are calling me. I'm not saying that things that need attention at home should be left undone or office responsibilities should be set-aside. But, can you really get some R&R at home, or at work? I suggest you find a place where there are no interruptions. Jesus is our best example on getting some R&R. He took time out to rest!!!

My trip to the beach was planned so I could have some time with the Lord: sitting by the ocean is very relaxing for me, and it gives me the sense of God's presence as I observe the ripping and roaring of the raging sea. Only God can control that body of water. As I planned this day, I packed a lunch, chair, umbrella and my Kindle so I could read. When I arrived I realized "how will I carry all this" - no husband or grandkids with me....well, needless to say it all worked out. The next hurdle was "who will put my umbrella in the sand"? Well, ask and you will receive - there were some teen boys and girls walking by and I asked for help.....the young men were very helpful while the young ladies told them how to put the umbrella in the sand. Just like a woman, gotta tell the man!

The beach was full of laughter from children; moms chasing the little tikes to spray them with sunscreen. Ah, like any other day at the beach it was windy - so the sunscreen went by the wayside and maybe a little on their skin. Umm, I wonder how many times did the Lord want my attention but it dropped by the wayside. Imagine God chasing us down to tell us to take some time with a friend to encourage her in her walk with Him, or to "just be there". For me to keep the lines open I must take time in the morning to pray and ask for His direction in my life for the day. I may have a plan but am I willing to let God interrupt my plan and yield to whatever He calls me to do? How do I handle interruptions? Sometimes I miss opportunities from the Lord because I think my plan is the best. As I said before, I am a "Type A" personality whereas I am driven to get whatever I've planned done. My plan may be good, but God's plan is ALWAYS perfect. This brings me to the story of Abram and Sarai. Sarai may have had a good plan, but God had the perfect plan. But, Sarai acted on her plan. Sarai didn't wait on the Lord - I'm guilty sometimes of not waiting on God. Genesis 16 & 17 tells the story of Abram & Sarai waiting for a child.

Genesis 16: 1-6 Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had not been able to bear children for him. But she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. 2 So Sarai said to Abram, "The LORD has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her." And Abram agreed with Sarai's proposal. 3 So Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian servant and gave her to Abram as a wife. (This happened ten years after Abram had settled in the land of Canaan.) 4 So Abram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she became pregnant. But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt. 5 Then Sarai said to Abram, "This is all your fault! I put my servant into your arms, but now that she's pregnant she treats me with contempt. The LORD will show who's wrong-you or me!" 6 Abram replied, "Look, she is your servant, so deal with her as you see fit." Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away.

Oh, Lord, keep me mindful of you so that I don't miss your perfect plan.

God's plan is ALWAYS perfect.

Blessings,

Pat Spies
Women's Ministry Volunteer

Fearing God's Warnings

As I was looking for some material to use as a pop quiz I came across a few questions based on 2 Chronicles 7 & 8. One of the application questions was in reference to the promise and warning stated in 2 Chronicles 7:12-22. The promise - "If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). The warning - "But if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments which I have set before you and go and serve other gods, and worship them, then I will uproot them from My land which I have given them; and this house which I have sanctified for My name I will cast out of My sight, and will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples" (2 Chronicles 7:19-20).

And here is the application question - "Do I fear the the fulfillment of God's warnings as I desire the fulfillments of His promise?"

We have become very familiar with the verse containing the promise but how many of us could have recalled the warning? Throughout the years I have worked in Christian bookstores, I have seen many Promise Books: Promises for Men, Promises for Women, Promises for Teens, paperback and leather edition. Yet, I have never seen a book of God's Warnings. We love to be reminded of God's great promises but do we notice when He extends a warning for us to follow? Faithful are His promises but faithful are the consequences of disobedience as well. Promises make us "feel" good. Warnings make us squirm because we often want our own way. Like the children that we are we desire to rebel against our Father who is warning us for our own good, and from the purest motivation of love.

Here is the challenge - Can you and I trust not only great and precious promises, but also trust His many warnings and guidelines?

Blessings,

Kathy Withers

Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 26 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.

Tribulation

"These things I have spoken to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer I have overcome the world." John 16:33

As we all know, we will go through some degree of affliction or distress, pain or sorrow in our Christian life. Our Lord doesn't want us to deny the pain or try to hide our sorrow; He knows what we are going through. "My heart is stricken and withered like grass, So that I forget to eat my bread" Psalm 102:4. God gives scripture so that we may learn to be different from our old ways of the world. My reaction to tribulation is really what is important, to live the word of our Lord to be true. I have to rely on His promises even when I can't understand the situation and my emotions are weak. It's vital for me to seek God and live out His instruction, trusting Him, anticipating the joy that is set before me. In my most painful moments I cry out to God. He reveals His holiness and quiets my cries, His faithfulness strengthens me to wait on Him. I reflect on how much He suffered to save my soul. I begin to worship Him and praise Him for all His love and realize the holiness of almighty God. I comprehend His sovereignty; with prayer He calms my soul to be still, to see His wondrous work. As I go through the most difficult times with God, God reveals Himself, gives me His strength, teaches me the intimacy of His love and changes me.

The people that don't know Christ will also go through tribulation. As Christians we have the opportunity to live God's word to be true or not. That makes the difference from the world's perspective. When I choose to pray and obey I can walk by faith and continuously trust in God. "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him" (Job 13:15). Let's see what God has to say regarding tribulation:

"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;" (Romans 5: 3). We are to rejoice in triumph, to be steadfast with our Lord.

"Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (2 Cor.1:4). We can understand and relate to others that are going through similar afflictions and give them comfort.

"Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying" "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). God gives us strength, encouragement and admonition.

"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and it fell, and great was its fall" (Matthew 7: 25). That we don't fall away from God.

My precious Lord, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me; thank you, Lord, I can do nothing without You. I need Your continuous help and guidance for my faith to grow and may the lost see Christ in my life.

Glory to God

Sandra Valdes
Staff Member, WOC Graduate

Women on the Front Lines

Women, God has given women many incredibly wonderful assignments throughout time. From the beginning God created woman because it was not good for man to go it alone. He needed a helpmate. (Gen. 2:18) God blessed THEM and said to THEM "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it and rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth." (Gen. 2:28).

I want to share with you critical times when God used women on the earth. I submit to you He chose a woman at those times because He wanted a woman on that assignment. It was not because there wasn't a man around. God uses all of His people to accomplish His assignment to "rule all that moves on the earth". He used a woman held in captivity, Esther, to save her nation (Esther 1-10). A woman, Jael, killed Sisera, a military leader with 900 chariots and a huge army (Judges 5:21). God used Deborah to judge His nation Israel (Judges 4-5). When Jesus revealed Himself to the Samaritan woman she likely became one of the first evangelists and told her whole city about Jesus, the Christ (John 4:39-42). When Jesus rose from the dead He appeared first to two women (Matthew 28:1). He had those women go and tell the others (Matthew 28:10). It was a businesswoman, Lydia, who was known as a worshiper of God whose home was a place of prayer in her community (Acts 16:14-16a).

The Word tells us that a woman builds her house up or tears it down (Prov. 14:1). And last, but surely not least, the Proverbs 31 woman is one amazing woman. What is her secret, and likely the "secret" of all the women God finds He is able to use to bless His people? It is fear of the Lord, which is not fear as in afraid of a snake. Rather it is an awesome reverence of our God. You see, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised, Give her the product of her hands, and let her works, praise her in the gates" (Proverbs 31:30-31).

Ladies, lets not hold back.....get to the front lines......and in obedience, reverence and praise of our Lord.....tend the garden where you have been planted; build up your household, never tear it down; take down the enemy who comes against the destiny God has prepared for those you love; evangelize a nation; start a prayer movement; tell all those you can find that.........Jesus is alive!!

Blessings,

Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC graduate

DINA!

That's what my little, and I do mean little, (not quite 2) neighbor says as he escapes from his yard. (Although, I have yet to hear it from him in person.) Those little feet are on a mission...a mission for an Oreo cookie. Preferably split apart for his enjoyment, and double stuffed, of course. He's always accompanied by his two older siblings who have trained him well. He associates me with cookies. Actually, before he could say my name, he'd just look out his front door, point to my place, and say, cookie! What can I say; I'm a sucker for these kids. They use me for sweets! That's fine with me. I'm happy to sweeten them up.

On the other side of the yard, two new little friends popped up last summer. As you might imagine, they got in on the act pretty quickly. They use me for sweets, too! Or do they? I don't think any of them "use me" in the sense the world might define that term. They don't take advantage of it; in fact, they are all very thankful. I do think the Lord is using me in their little lives. They're not just dropping by for a cookie, they're sharing their little hearts too, and boy, is it fun to listen...

"Hey, Miss Dina...guess what?" Then they proceed to share with me all kinds of sweet little tidbits that are happening in their lives. Who's had a sibling, who's got new shoes, who just woke up from a nap and is grumpy, who found a snake (keep that at home). They are so funny! Especially when I'm not at home and they question me with, "Miss Dina, where were you? We came and you weren't here." All that to say, last week they really surprised me when two of them brought me cupcakes. "Hi, Miss Dina, we made you cupcakes, thanks for everything you've done for us."

Precious babies. I wonder if they know how much fun it is for me? I'll never tell...and don't you either.

Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, "Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me." Mark 9:36-37 (NKJV)

Dina Seaton
Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer


P.S. By the way...it's not just me that spoils the little ones...when my son was their age, our Keswick neighbor (she shall remain nameless, but her initials are S.M.!) used to hang a whole package of Oreos from our door knob for him to find. He loved it, and still remembers her for it.

At a distance...

A couple of months ago we came through the Easter season. On Good Friday morning I was reading again the account recorded on those last days and hours of Jesus' earthly life. Like you I am very familiar with the account so it would be easy to gloss over the details.

I came upon this statement, "And Peter was following him at a distance..." Matthew 26:58.

As others look on, would they say I follow Jesus at a distance?

Before I became a Christian, I heard some friends say they were "closet Christians." "It's private and personal" they said. I passed it off as making sense because, after all, what did I know, I wasn't a Christian.

But now, nearly 30 years later, I realize that is not faith -- not genuine, vibrant, living faith.

I am reminded of 2 verses:

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. Luke 9:26

If I am a Christ-follower - then may my walk look like it, up close and personal!

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.