The Law of Love III

The Law of Love III

"You, my bothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to
indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."

This week we have been having a frank discussion (more like a
monologue) about modesty. Today I want to briefly discuss the difference
between men and women and the lack of understanding of each other and for
each other. If you are single, hang in there because this is just as
important for you to understand as for us "old married women".

Men are visual. Women are tactile and relational. Men can be aroused
by someone they don't even know simply by the way she looks, dresses, and
moves. Women are not so much aroused by the way a man looks but more by the
way he looks at her. Sexual purity for men involves discipline with their
eyes first and foremost. Sexual purity for women involves discipline with
their hearts and emotions.

Ladies, we may not understand how quickly a man can become aroused,
how quickly he can be drawn away and tempted to lust, but I believe Jesus
calls us to have compassion not contempt. Our lack of understanding does
not invalidate the reality of the struggle for men. I know if your husband
is involved in pornography, this hurts. Perhaps we can "talk" about that
another week.

How does this relate to our theme-the law of love? If we as women
seek to understand and to be compassionate, I believe we would be much more
mindful of our dress so as to not increase the struggle.

I don't believe that contempt for people is ever the godly response.
Let's get angry at the culprit-Satan and pray for his failure in this area.

Your challenge today is to pray for understanding and compassion.

Diane

The Law of Love I

Sisters, late last summer I wrote a week series of Victory Call's on modest dress and sexual purity. Of all the VC's I have written I recieved more positive comments on that series than any other. I have tweaked them a bit and am running them again this week as we move into the summer with Memorial Day today.

The Law of Love I
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13

Warning!!! This week's devotionals are on modesty and sexual purity and are written with frankness and forthrightness. I apologize in advance if my frankness offends anyone. I would not do this if it wasn't a burden on my heart that I think God's wants His daughters to hear. I hope my mother is not reading these!
It's that time of year again, when the weather is hot and humid. For some of you this writing will draw a nod of the head, for others, I'm afraid I'm going to step on your toes. I am going to be bold today, bolder than usual that is.
It is time for Christian women to take a stand with regard to our dress. Hear me clearly; I'm not talking about being dowdy, unstylish or puritanical in our dress. I'm talking about just plain modesty. There are parts of a woman's body that need to be covered, plain and simple. A woman's breasts need to be modestly covered, front, middle and sides. Modestly covered does not mean with see through fabric, tight fitting or exposing the bra underneath. A woman's pubic area, upper thighs, mid-drift and buttocks need to be covered. I'm nervous about being so pointed but I've long since learned forthrightness and frankness minimizes misunderstanding.
I have worked at America's Keswick for almost 7 years. I have had my eyes opened to the sinful struggle of men and women, both which could be qualified as lust. I would venture a guess that the majority of calls I get from women relate to this issue of lust. It may manifest itself in ogling which means: to eye amorously or provocatively or to look at especially with greedy or interested attention (Merriam-Webster On-line Dictionary) or it may involve pornography, infidelity or inappropriate emotional ties. Statistics show that men are the primary offenders regarding the use of internet pornography sites, but there are a growing number of women falling into the same sinful trap. I did some research on-line to get some statistics regarding this problem - I was amazed. This is what I found: 28% of visitors to pornography sites are female, 1 or 3 visitors to all adult web sites are women, women, far more than men, are likely to act out their behaviors in real life, such as having multiple partners, casual sex or affairs, 9.4 million women access adult web sites each month.1 Thirty-four percent of female readers of Today's Christian Women's online newsletter admitted to intentionally accessing Internet porn in a recent poll.2
I think you have had enough frankness for today, but we are not done yet. There is much more to be said this week. I will explain through the week, how our verse relates to this topic.

Your challenge for today is to ask God if there is any outfits in your closet that HE would like you to get rid of. If you're courageous enough, ask your spouse or a close friend for an honest evaluation of how you dress.

Diane

1 http://www.familysafemedia.com/pronography_statistics.html accessed 4/28/06
2 http://www.blazingfrace.org/pornstatistics.html accessed 4/28/06

What am I supposed to do without my cell phone?

What am I supposed to do without my cell phone?

That was a line from a movie I saw recently. The dad was trying to talk to his teenage daughter, however she was in her room with the door locked, dancing to music that was blasting through her head phones and she couldn't hear him knocking. So what did he do? You guessed it... he called her on her cell phone from right out side her room. Of course she heard that and answered right away. The story proceeded with her dad reading her the riot act that she was locked up in her room away from the family, dancing provocatively to loud music and he could not reach her in his own house unless he called her cell phone! To top it off while in her room he finds a report card that reflected some failing grades. When he asked her about it she told him it was private and he shouldn't be looking at it. Are you done laughing...? I was hysterical! I mean is she kidding me! I was so...happy they did not portray this dad as a helpless bystander. He told her in no uncertain terms that he was in charge and she would comply with respect. As her punishment he took away her cell phone, to which she replied with a very sarcastic tone; "What am I supposed to do without my cell phone?" Here was the best part, he said; "Do I look like I care, look at me (very serious face) do I look like I care. Your right I don't. No cell phone!" I think I applauded so hard my hands hurt. I am so tired of seeing parents portrayed as wimps afraid to discipline their children for fear it will damage them, or maybe the child won't like them. Believe me; I do not think it is easy to discipline a child, but we shouldn't be shocked and unprepared when the time comes to apply it. Like the dad in this movie, we need to correct and discipline our children or they will continue in their way and we will have not done right by them or by the Lord. He wasn't upset she had a cell phone, he must have paid for it, but he was upset that she abused the privilege and dishonored him. This wasn't a dad who ran his house like a drill sergeant with no mercy or grace!
. This w
as a dad who saw his daughter drifting away from the fold of the family into dangerous areas and in love said NO!

Ephesians 6:4; And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the LORD.

Proverbs 3:12
For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Dina

What is a Quiet Day?

What is a Quiet Day?

A quiet day is a deliberate intention to be quiet, to rest from all your doing. I'm sure that the ways in which this can be accomplished are as varied as our individual personalities. For example, you may want to incorporate words of praise and adoration; choose to read from the Psalms; listen to the sound of the waves; pick up a long neglected sketch pad and draw whatever comes to mind; lay a blanket out on the lawn and watch the cloud...and so on and so forth. The possibilities are endless. But the quiet would be the special emphasis of the day.

A few years ago a small group of women from my church planned a quiet day. It's hard to imagine, all of us women together without talking, huh? Nonetheless, the idea of a quiet day appealed to enough of us that we had two van loads. The plan was to drive "in silence" to Longwood Gardens in Pa., and once we arrived, we were to disperse and just spend the day in quiet. My personal goal for the day was to listen to God and journal whatever He said to me. Unfortunately the day never happened. Three weeks in a row we planned the trip and three weeks in a row it poured rain on the day that we were to go. After that, our schedules got busy and...you know the drill. It just never happened. Recently a few of us have begun to talk about again and hopefully this time we can pull it off.

Your quiet day doesn't have to take you anywhere away from home, unless the distractions of home would make it virtually impossible for you to experience the quiet.

Maybe by now you're asking yourself, "Why a quiet day?" The answer for me is simple. Our souls need times of quiet for the purpose of restoration. In Psalms 23 David writes, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul..." We must take the time to be quiet and still, to allow the Lord to give quietness and contentment to our minds.

I can't remember any conversation I've ever had, with a woman regarding quiet and/or stillness, where she didn't get a longing look in her eyes. Whether we take the time or not, our souls are longing for moments of stillness and quiet. Or...we could call them "Mary moments". It's possible that you are the rare one who has already learned the discipline of quiet. Praise God for that gift! I wish I could say it was me, but it aint! Life is full of constant, yet mostly joyful doing.

In the Gospel of Mark you can read the following account. The disciples had just returned from doing the work that Jesus himself had sent them to do. You know the everyday work of anointing the sick with oil and healing them; casting out demons and calling people to repentance. They had also taken the body of John the Baptist and laid it in a tomb. After returning to Jesus and telling Him all they had done, He says to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile....and they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves." Mark 6:31
Ponder that. Pray and ask God to show you how "quiet" can become a part of your life.
Stephanie

I didn't say it I only thought it...

I didn't say it I only thought it...

Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, but his heart is not with you.

Some thoughts to ponder:
What a big mouth!
She looks so fat in that outfit!
I wish they would shut up!
I really hope he doesn't sit next to me...he smells bad!
What a pain that person is!
Oh no, here comes so and so I'm going the other way!

Ever had thoughts go through your mind similar to these? Ever say them out loud? No. Oh, well then I guess it's ok if we only think them, right? Well, God's word says; as we think (and our thoughts come from out hearts), so we are. Not only that, but did you know God was a mind reader? That's right, He knows our every thought! Stop reading and ponder that thought for a moment...
I don't know about you, but speaking for myself I have had thoughts like some of the above mentioned. And let's call it what it is, sin. I really had a good dose of medicine in this area when my son was telling me a comment about a teacher that wasn't very kind. I replied to him; "You didn't say that did you?" and he said; "No Mom I didn't say it I only thought it."
Now where would he get the idea that this would be an acceptable practice? From me, where else! Here I was asking him if he verbalized it, being relieved he hadn't then glossing right over the fact that thinking it was wrong in and of itself. We both can learn a valuable lesson from each other, we were both wrong. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our kids is come down from our high horses as MOM and humble ourselves before our God and in view of our children. I thank God I can go to the cross with all my sins and there is room there for my child to kneel beside me.

Here's some ammunition for you ladies, when the thoughts that don't honor God come, and they will come,we can have a power-filled store house of verses hidden in our hearts. A dear neighbor of mine is in the habit of writing down a verse on an index card and taping it above her kitchen sink. I have since picked up that good habit. Maybe you will too...And don't forget to tell the kids why you do it!

Psalm 26:2
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me, try my mind and my heart.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into obedience of Christ.

Dina

If you love me, you will obey what I command

"If you love me, you will obey what I command (John 14:15).

When there are only two choices.

God can use any number of circumstances to teach us about Himself and about ourselves. Recently when my son was traveling to Budapest alone, I was confronted with the reality that I literally had two choices. I could panic, or I could trust. Being somewhat familiar with panic, I didn't like that option, in fact I hated that option. I would do just about anything to avoid panic. Each time it came to my mind that he was alone navigating strange airports and customs in a foreign country I purposely and intentionally chose to trust God. I was able to go home from JFK airport and sleep. I was comforted by the truth that God is God of the air and God is God in the Budapest airport.
This caused me to think about spiritual applications-as I am prone to do. It occurred to me that as God calls us to obey Him, we have two choices - to obey or to disobey. Why is it, that disobedience is not as distasteful to me as panic? I refused to consider panic, yet I toy with disobedience. It seems to me, if I had a genuine sorrow over sin I would see disobedience as undesirable as panic. If you have ever had an anxiety or panic attack, you know that the first overpowering feeling is the desire to flee. Scripture tells us to flee sin...Flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18), flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14), flee these things (1 Timothy 6:11), Flee also youthful lusts (2 Timothy 2:22). When we have a "temptation attack" why isn't our first overpowering feeling to flee? When we toy with temptation, we are making provision for the flesh. Romans 13:14, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts."
Since we have only two choices, to obey or disobey, let us choose to cling to obedience because the option of disobedience is as abhorrent to us as it is to Jesus Christ.

Diane

Hope for Change

Recently, we began a new facet of our Heart-to-Heart Newsletter for the women and grads of the WOC Program. Every other month we plan to share a woman's testimony who has experiences not just God's saving power but also His transforming power. The first, "Thus Far..." testimony went out in April. The woman that wrote that testimony recently sent the following email to Stephanie:

"I just want to thank you for getting my testimony out there. I have experienced such wonderful healing from the Lord and it's awesome that I had a chance to share it with others.
I never realized how ashamed I was of my self and my past until I started writing my testimony. I started to figure out that the reproach that I was wearing was not of God. He has a life of victory just waiting for me to embrace! It means so much to me to get all of the things I was so ashamed of off of my chest. I feel like the power I had given the enemy is GONE! When I started to get honest with myself and then others, his grip on me was defeated. PRAISE THE LORD!
I have tears in my eyes just writing this and thinking about how far God has brought me. HE IS SO AMAZING."

I share that with you to encourage and edify your heart. Sometimes when we are going through a season of suffering or trial we begin to believe this is all there is. Every day will be like today. In Jesus Christ there is hope for genuine change, lasting change, heart change. This woman has experienced it. You can to!
Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Diane

He will be your God and you shall be His daughter

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" 1 John 5:3-5

Last week we looked at people from the Bible that started well but did not finish well. This week we considered Biblical examples of those that did not start well, but finished well. I want to close out this two week series by refreshing your spirit with promises to those who finish well.

Revelation 2:7; "...To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."

Revelation 2:11; "...He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death."'

Revelation 2:17; "...To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it."'

Revelation 2:25-26; "But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations..."

Revelation 3:5; "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels."

Revelation 3:12; "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name."

Revelation 3:21; "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne."

Revelation 21:7; "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son."

Whether you started well or not, if you have surrendered your life to Jesus Christ and set your affections upon Him, if you have been regenerated, saved, born-again... you can finish well. You can prevail and overcome and inherit all things. He will be your God and you shall be His daughter.

Diane

road to Damascus

As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Acts 8:3

This week we are thinking through Biblical examples of people that did not start well but finished well. We have considered Jacob, Rahab, and today we will consider Saul/Paul. Saul was a devout Pharisee, "If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless." Philippians 3:4-6 He was persecuting the very church that Christ came to establish. "Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciple of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem."
Acts 9:1-2
One day he came face-to-face with the Living Lord. "As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?'
And he said, 'Who are You, Lord?' Then the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' So he, trembling and astonished, said, 'Lord, what do You want me to do?' Then the Lord said to him, 'Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'" Acts 9:3-6 "Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God." Vs. 20.

Who are the people in your life that appear as if they will never hear, never submit, never bend their knee to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? Could there be a harder heart than Saul's? Humanly speaking, salvation seems impossible. But we're not humanly speaking. "Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:23-26

When was your time on the "road to Damascus"? Even after salvation, do we not have multiple "road's to Damascus" on which we make decisions to follow Jesus or to go our own way? To finish well, we must be sensitive and obedient to the promptings of Christ, to follow Him.

Diane

Rahab the Prostitute

Rahab the Prostitute

Start...
We don't know a whole lot about the beginning of Rahab's life. However, two things that most of us know are -she was a prostitute and she is named in the lineage of our Savior, Lord and Brother, Jesus Christ.
We know nothing of her birth or how she came to be a prostitute. And you know what, it really doesn't matter. What matters is that she was chosen, just as she was, for such a time as is recorded in Joshua 2-6.

Ponder that for a moment. Do you ever fall prey to thinking you have to clean yourself up, get yourself right, correct all your wrongs, etc., etc. before you can be saved? Rahab was used by God before she was saved by Him. Imagine that. She was born into a life that somehow led her to live as a prostitute. Not a very noble beginning and yet, in spite of that, in the midst of that, the Sovereign God of the universe was aware of her individually and He gave to her the opportunity of a lifetime.

Rahab, having no relationship with God, knew of God by His deeds. Before she believed Him, she knew who He was and she knew how much the people feared Him.

Without any apparent hesitation she gives aid to the spies whom Joshua had sent. She hides them and provides a way for them to escape. Even at great risk to herself she refuses to give them up to the king of Jericho and his men.
In spite of whom she was and how she made her living, this woman who had no relationship with the God, feared Him enough to obey Him.

Finish...
This, Rahab and all the family that was with her in her home were saved -her father, mother, brothers and all the relatives with her, were moved to a safe place.

"Then the Israelites burned the city and everything in it. Only the things made from silver, gold, bronze, or iron were kept for the treasury of the LORD's house. So Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute and her relatives who were with her in the house, because she had hidden the spies Joshua sent to Jericho. And she lives among the Israelites to this day." Joshua 6:24

So, what do we know from those final words. Rahab finished well. How do we know? We can surmise from the fact that she lived among God's people, the Israelites, that she no longer worked as a prostitute. It was by faith alone that Rahab did not die with all the other inhabitants of the land. She was made right by God with her actions.
And thus, Rahab finished well.
May it be said of us, that in spite of how we began or where we are now, we obeyed God and in faith, we believed God. May we, like Rahab, endure to the end and finish well.

Stephanie

Jacob (Part Two)

Jacob (Part Two)

Praise God for His transforming grace. Apart from His grace and His power, there would be no hope for change in our lives.
Let's continue on now with Jacob and see what we can glean from His conversion story.

His Transformation...
In a dream Jacob has an encounter with God; the God of Abraham and Isaac. God speaks to this fleeing son of Isaac, and says....

"I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac, the land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants...Behold I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Genesis 28

In spite of how poorly he has behaved, God still chooses to come to Jacob in a dream and speak His transforming Word into Jacob's heart.
When Jacob wakes up, he is so shaken by the dream that right then and there he makes a decision to make God his God. "Surely the Lord is in this place." says Jacob.

He takes his stone pillow, anoints it with oil and sets it up as a memorial altar; a place of worship to God. Then Jacob makes a vow to give God one-tenth of everything that God will ever give him.

Thus begins Jacob's conversion story and the beginning of ongoing relationship, relationship, relationship with God.
Did you notice I said relationship three times? If you read the rest of Jacob's story, you'll find that he finished well. He is committed to honoring God with his whole life.

This was only possible because Jacob never forgot God in his day to day life. He never forgot his promise to God, nor did he waver from his decision to make the God of his father Isaac and His grandfather Abraham, the God he loved and served.

Does he do it perfectly? No. Just like you and I, Jacob makes many mistakes -mistakes which have consequences- but his heart is bent toward honoring the Lord in his life until the day he died.

I encourage you to take the time to read the biblical account of Jacob's life and find in it hope and encouragement for your own life. Whatever your mistakes have been; whatever the ways are that you believe you have messed up or blown it, take courage and know that the same God, who sustained our brother Jacob, can, will and does sustain you through each and every moment.
Jacob was a regular person; a simple person, like you and I, who trusted God in and through it all.
Stephanie

Jacob (Part One)

Jacob (Part One)

"When the time came for her birth, there were twin boys in her womb...After
this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau's heel; so he was
named Jacob." (Gen 25:24, 26a) Now get this. His name means grasps the
heel; figuratively meaning, he deceives. How about that for not beginning
well?
Jacob and his twin brother grew, and from the beginning were divided
by their differences. We know that Esau was a skillful hunter, while Jacob
was a quiet man. Esau was loved by his father and Jacob, by his mother.
Time passes and Jacob becomes a pretty good cook, as well as good at getting
what he wanted. We know this from verves 29-34 of Genesis 25. Jacob
convinced his brother to sell his birthright for a bowl of stew. Boy, that
must have been some good stew, and Esau must have been pretty hungry to give
up his birthright, simply to fill his belly. Hmmm? Have we ever done
anything like this?
Anyway, time passes and we find Jacob, once again, scheming to take
something of value from his brother. This time its Esau's blessing! Sadly,
Jacob accomplished this with his mother's encouragement and help. Jacob has
not yet learned to wholly trust God in the details of his daily life.
Up until now, Jacob's sin is pretty obvious. We see his struggle for
position and identity. We see the steps he's willing to take, to get what he
wants. We also see how easily he was led astray to participate in the sin
of others, namely his mother. We see how Jacob allowed his circumstances to
predict his plans, rather than trust, or even seek God.
At this point in Jacob's life, it appears that he has no relationship
with the God his father serves.
Isn't that just like us? So quick; so eager to get what we want, when
we want it that waiting on God and trusting Him to be God, is not given any
consideration.
As a result of Jacob's deeds, Esau's anger is murderous and he vows to
kill his younger brother. Once again, Jacob's mother intervenes and
convinces the son she loves to flee to her brother Laban's hometown in the
land of Haran, and tells him to stay until his brothers anger subsides.
Thus, with his father's blessing Jacob leaves the home of his birth.
Amazing love! In spite of his willful deception, his father still sent him
off with a blessing! How cool is that!! Grace! Grace! And more grace!
That's all I have space to write today. So come back tomorrow and see
how Jacob is transformed and renewed for this new journey he is on.

Question: When you think back over your conversion story, can you see
the clear hand of God in your life? Can you see a life covered by many
moments of glorious sustaining grace? Pause, ponder, and then praise the
Lord, your God for all that comes to your mind.

Stephanie

Colossal worthiness of God

I have been reading Ed Welch's book, Depression: A Stubborn Darkness for professional development. I was reading chapter 9 when I read this C.S. Lewis quote,
"[Screwtape warns Wormwood] Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our Enemy's [God's] will, looks around upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys." (From the Screwtape Letters)
Now if you are familiar with The Screwtape Letters you know that Screwtape and Wormwood are demon characters in Lewis' book.
When I read this quote the first time, I breezed through it but didn't quite catch it; so I went back and reread it more purposefully. The second time it stopped me in my tracks. Please reread it, carefully.

Our obedience has much more to do with the "Colossal worthiness of God" (as one Pastor put it) than it does with us.
"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." Romans 13:14 Every time we begin to debate with ourselves (or God) whether we will obey or not, we have made a provision for the flesh. Chances are high we will fall to the temptation. If only we would obey regardless of how we feel today, regardless of our attitude, situation or emotions. Our call and ability to obey is rooted in the person and power of Jesus Christ not in us.
You may wonder what this has to do with the other 4 Victory Calls from this week. Our illustrations this week were of people that started well but did not finish well. They started their walk of obedience but got off track and finished in dishonor. They allowed their feelings, emotions, personal wants, desires and purposes to supersede their desire to obey Almighty God.
To finish well, we need to finish each day well. And over time we will string together days, then weeks, then months and then years of finishing well so when we see our Father face-to-face we will hear from His precious lips, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Next week Stephanie is doing a series of individuals in the Bible that did not start well, but finished well.

Diane

Put on the whole armor of God

This week we have been looking at Bible characters that started well but did not finish well as a reminder to each of us that finishing well is not a forgone conclusion. Each day we make choices to obey God or to disobey God. Not choosing is also a choice. Each time we choose obedience we take a step towards finishing well. Each time we choose disobedience we take a step towards finishing poorly. I think sometimes we buy into the lie that we'll get more spiritual when we get older! Ha! I used to think that. Scripture tells us in Galatians 6:7-9, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
Each of our illustrations thus far have been individuals who reaped what they had sown. They didn't wake up one day and loose their way. They lost their way one baby step at a time. Today, as we consider Judas, He was no different. We may think we are very different from Judas, but don't we betray Christ every time we choose sin?

Judas, the disciple started well: "And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease." Matthew 10:1.
There are multiple references that indicate he did not finish well:"Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, 'What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you? 'And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him." Matthew 26:14-16 "Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying , "'I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.'...Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself." Matthew 27:3-5 (excerpts)
What was it that drew Judas away? Was it the money? Was it jealousy? Was it fear? I don't believe the Scriptures clearly tell us. Satan is subtle, he'll use anything to draw us away from heart devotion to Jesus Christ.
BUT we have the Holy Spirit by whom we can discern right and wrong, truth and error. Praise God we can be aware of Satan's scheme's and be watchful. Let me close with with this truth to infuse you with strength and courage to stand against the enemy. "Finally, my brethern, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities,against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:10-13
Amen. Amen. and Amen.

Diane

Is there anything in your life that consumes you more than Jesus Christ?

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5

As we wander through the Old Testament, considering the people in the Bible that started well but did not finish well, how could we not consider Solomon? Just like Saul which we considered yesterday, Solomon had numerous issues in his life from a father who murdered one of his servants to a brother that raped his sister, probably the epitome of a dysfunctional family. In reading the story of Solomon's life, he had many great successes yet he did not finish well. His downfall appears, at least in part, to stem from his lust for women. Although warned against doing so, Solomon had many foreign wives who turned his heart away from God. He failed to love the LORD God with all his heart.
There is no doubt that Solomon started well: "And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of his father David,...then god said to him: "Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, not have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, h0nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days." 1 Kings 3: 3,11-14.
However, Solomon did not finish well: "But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites- from the nations of whom the LORD had said to the children of Israel, "You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods." Solomon clung to these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David."
Just about anything or anyone can draw our hearts away from God. Is there anything in your life that consumes you more than Jesus Christ? Is there anything or anyone that you lust for that distracts you from your devotion to Christ? It can be very subtle and left unchecked will overwhelm you and draw you deeper and deeper into idolatry.
How will you demonstrate your obedience to the first great commandment today? "'Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?' Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.'" Matthew 22:36-38.

Diane

Pride can get us off course.

"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not
to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think
soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." Romans 12:3

This week we are giving consideration to people in the Bible that
started well but did not finish well. I am hoping it will be an
encouragement to you not to make the same mistakes they did, to stand firm
and finish well. I selected this verse because I think it is an area in
which our next illustration derailed. As I read through the Old Testament
account of Saul, it seemed to me that among many other problems, one of his
downfalls was pride, thinking more highly of himself than he ought.

He started well: "There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the
son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a
Benjamite, a mighty man of power. And he had a choice and handsome son
whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the
children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the
people...As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said
to Saul, "Tell the servant to go on ahead of us." And he went on. "But you
stand here awhile, that I may announce to you the word of God." 1 Samuel
9:1, 2, 27.

But Saul did not finish well: "Now the word of the LORD came to
Samuel, saying, 'I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he
has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.'
And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the LORD all night...But Samuel
said to Saul, "I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of
the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel." 1
Samuel 15:10-11, 26.

Pride can get us off course. Thinking more highly of ourselves then
we ought will derail us every time. If we want to persevere, stay the
course, finish well, it requires a pervasive attitude of humility. "Humble
yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." James 4:10.

Diane

We need a fresh supply of God's grace each day.

Let me give you a picture of where we are going for the next two weeks. I
am going to write a series on people in the Bible that started well but did
not finish well. Next week, Stephanie will share a series on people in the
Bible that started poorly but finished well. Then we will cap off the week
with encouragement to live daily so we can finish well; a call to be
overcomers and delight in the promises of what is yet to be.

"His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were
faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter
into the joy of your lord.'"

Matthew 25:21

Recently, I was speaking at a women's retreat on the topic of
perseverance and was thinking through Biblical illustrations. In doing so,
I realized there are numerous individuals that started well but did not
finish well. It is unlikely that they heard these words from Matthew 25
when they met the Lord.

The first person that comes to mind is Samson. He started well.
Judges 13:24-25, "So the woman bore a son and called his name Samson; and
the child grew, and the LORD blessed him. And the Spirit of the LORD began
to move upon him at Mahaneh Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol."

But He did not finish well. Judges 16:18-20, "When Delilah saw that
he (Samson) had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of
the Philistines, saying, "Come up once more, for he has told me all his
heart." So the lords of the Philistines came up to her and brought the money
in their hand. Then she lulled him to sleep on her knees, and called for a
man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head. Then she began to
torment him, and his strength left him. And she said, "The Philistines are
upon you, Samson!" So he awoke from his sleep, and said, "I will go out as
before, at other times, and shake myself free!" But he did not know that the
LORD had departed from him."

Lest we loose our way, remember we need a fresh supply of God's grace each
day. We need to avail ourselves of His grace, daily, and not try to live
off yesterday's victory.

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always
having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good
work." 2 Corinthians 9:8

Diane

DESTORYING STRONGHOLDS

2 Corinthians 10:3-5, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 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.

We have looked briefly this week at some thoughts about spiritual warfare and I thought it would be appropriate to close the week with this verse from 2 Corinthians. So much of our battle is won or lost in our minds. Our thoughts have powerful influence over our emotions. Thoughts precede emotion. If I think depressing thoughts, I will feel depressed. If I think anxious thoughts, I will feel anxious. Our bodies do not know the difference between reality and fantasy. We know the difference in our minds but our bodies do not know the difference. Our body is like a thermometer. It simply registers the emotions connected to our thinking. As an example, have you ever watched a scary movie and felt your heart racing or watched a love story and cried? Why is that? It is not real, it's make believe, but you body doesn't know that it reacts as if it is reality.
Much of our battle whether it is self-inflicted or spiritual warfare is going to be won through the renewing of our minds through right thinking, by thinking truth. Romans 12:2, "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."
Some days it is battle to cling to truth when error is screaming in our ear, when error is what we feel. But ladies, we can choose to believe truth even when we feel the lie. Let me repeat that because I need to be reminded of that today. We can choose to believe truth even when we feel the lie. Our weapons for warfare are not carnal but MIGHTY in God for pulling down the strongholds of error.
I have been asking God to destroy a stronghold in my life and in any others in my family that struggle likewise in this bondage. I am learning that the process God goes through to destroy a stronghold requires opportunities to face the stronghold and to apply faith and walk in obedience. So I have to remind myself that when I am tempted once again, God is giving me another opportunity to break another link in the chain that shackles me. Step by step victory is won!! Step by step freedom is found and delighted in.

Diane

BALANCE

Balance.
In the realm of discussion about spiritual warfare, it is easy to tend towards one extreme or another. "We tend to give the devil either far too much credit or not nearly enough."1 I have experienced churches and individuals that have either lived as if Satan was not real or that he lurked behind every bush and rock. A number of years ago, I came across a statement in Beth Moore's book, Praying God's Word that I believe gives balance to this question. "The Bible has much to say about fighting the good fight of faith and becoming well-trained soldiers...but it also has far more to say about the pure pursuit of God, His righteousness, and His plan for us. I believe a wise conclusion to draw from the emphases in the Word of God is: give much time and thought to becoming well-equipped victors in the battle that rages, but give more time to the pursuit of the heart of God and all things concerning Him. Much about warfare. More about God Himself." (pg 311)Much about warfare. More about God Himself.

Diane

1 Beth Moore, Praying God's Word, Broadman and Holman Publishers, Nashville, TN, 2000.

CONFORMING TO HIS IMAGE

Ever have one of those days or weeks where you feel like you are the target of Satan's attacks? Perhaps your season was more along the lines of months or years. Often, we hear, "I'm really under attack". I know I have felt that way.
Recently, in working through the Beth Moore study, "A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place", I ready the following Henry Blackaby quote; "In every generation there seem to exist certain clich�'s used by members of the body of Christ. No doubt, on the top of the list for this generation are the words 'I'm under attack!' Every difficulty seems to be labeled 'spiritual warfare.' Without question we fight wars in the heavenlies' but before we can be sure it's spiritual warfare, we must be able to answer three questions negatively: 1) Am I living outside the will of God? 2) Do I have any unconfessed sin? 3) Is God simply working His completion in me? Far more often, our difficulties originate from one of these three realms."
I think this is a good reminder for all of us to not be too quick to jump to the conclusion that we are under attack by Satan and his demons. Considering the questions Blackaby offers can give hope. There is something we can do about at least the first two situations. We need to get back on track and live within God's will and we can confess our known sin. If God is working His completion in us, we can be grateful that He is in the process of conforming us to the image of His Son. 2 Corinthians 3:18, "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Diane

I blew it

I blew it

Yesterday, Dina's devotional challenge was about her 5 year-old neighbor that asked her if she had asked Jesus into her heart. Her neighbor would not give up until she knew for sure that Dina had experienced a saving transaction with Jesus Christ. After hearing that story, I was compelled to share how I failed to do what that little 5 year-old was bold enough to do.
A few weeks ago I was shopping with Dina and my daughter at Boscov's in the shoe department when I overheard the following conversation between 3 young clerks

Clerk #1: I wouldn't want to know, would you?
Clerk #2: Well, I sure would not want to get a phone call finding out it was going to be tomorrow.
Clerk #3: Do you even believe in an afterlife?
Clerk #2: (shuttering) I don't even like to think about it....I'm just afraid that there isn't anything. We just die and that's it. There is nothing.
Clerk #3: Well, according to the Bible, none of us can go to heaven anyway.
Clerk #1: My mother said they changed that...
Clerk #2: Oh, right! They changed the Bible?

What an opportunity, but I was not a part of this conversation and I could not think of a way to naturally get involved in it. After walking away, I thought of a few ideas but by then it was too late. It grieved my heart that these three young ladies are lost, confused and scared and I was too slow or chicken to offer them the genuine hope of Jesus Christ. It was an opportunity lost. Yet God is sovereign, and the salvation of those three young women was prevented because of my failure. Their eternal destiny does not rest on my shoulders, but on Christ's. However, that being said, I missed the opportunity and the blessing God was ready to pour out on me.

Be alert. Be ready. Let the love of your Savior flow from your lips to the ears of a searching heart. 1 Peter 3:15, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear"

My neighbor "The Evangelist"

My neighbor "The Evangelist"

Recently I was going for a walk around the lake here at Keswick with my son and two of my neighbors. It was about 7:30 in the evening and the grounds were quiet. My one neighbor remarked how peaceful and quiet it was and she asked me if I enjoyed peace and quiet. To which I replied; "yes, it's great, I love the peace and quiet". She agreed and said she liked to spend time with her bible when it was quiet. She then shared with me that she had asked Jesus into her heart and she very directly inquired if I had asked Jesus into my heart. I told her yes I did and that I loved Jesus. She said she loved him too. Then I shared with her that my son also loved Jesus. She was very intent on making sure it was a true transaction of faith and asked me point blank, "But did he ask Jesus into his heart?" I assured her he had done so. She also shared her joy in her eternal security and said; "I am really glad I did that because I will forever be with God and I will never have to go to Hell, which is a burning lake of fire."
Rev. 20:15 If anyone's name was not found written in the Book of Life he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Let me let you in on the most remarkable part of this story; the neighbor I am speaking of is five years old! She is a fiery little thing with a sincere concern for the souls of people around her. Who knows what the Lord will do with such a passion.
I can relate to her passion, I had that same passion at one time and sadly I must admit I have not stoked the fire in me enough. It was also a humbling and convicting moment for me. How many times have I let an opportunity to witness to someone go by, or not even look for an opportunity! I was ashamed of myself and glad for the conviction. Later that evening I was sharing the story with my son (who is 11) and he asked me how hot I thought Hell was. I answered; "I'm not really sure but it's probably hotter than we could imagine." I added that even worse than the eternal fire would be the eternal separation from God with no hope of ever being saved. He then said; "Mom, don't you think God can be a little harsh?" I said no, He sent His only Son to suffer so we don't have to. We can choose.

Allow me to stoke the fire and make this personal;
Do you love Jesus? Have you set your affections upon Him? Have you asked Him into your heart? Have you surrendered your life to Him?

If the answer is no or you are not even sure how to be sure, let me extend the offer to email us back at Victory Call today. We are here for this very purpose

Mark 19:14

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these

Dina

WHAT ABOUT BOB?

Proverbs 16:9, "A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps."

Sometime that task that lay in front of us seems insurmountable. We wonder how we can possibly do this. It seems so overwhelming we never start. We stay frozen in indecision. "People who want to move mountains must start by carrying away very small stones."1

Perhaps you remember the movie from a number of years ago, "What About Bob" with Bill Murphy and Richard Dryfuss. You recall that Leo Marvin (played by Dryfuss) is a Psychiatrist that wrote a book called, "Baby Steps". After his first session with Dr. Marvin, Bob begins immediately applying the principle to get on the elevator. You can hear him talking to himself: "baby steps onto the elevator, baby steps onto the elevator, baby steps onto the elevator." Taking small steps he actually gets onto the elevator. As the doors close behind him, he screams all the way down. It's a funny, feel good movie but that truth is very practical.

Do you have an overwhelming task before you? Are you uncertain where to start? Begin by breaking the task into smaller more manageable tasks and then start with the first one and work at it until you complete it, then move on to the next one. It may even be helpful to give yourself some reasonable deadlines to complete each task by. Even if you don't hit the deadline perfectly, you will be surprised at what you can accomplish when to take thing in bite size chunks.
My Aunt Lorraine, who has long since gone to glory, used to say to me, "Inch by inch everything's a cinch.

What are you putting off because it looms too large in your thinking? Start by carrying away very small stones and look to the Lord to direct you steps

Diane

1 Vern McLellan, "Wise Words and Quotes" Tyndale House Publishers, 1998.

What is your passion?

What is your passion?
Synonyms for passion are fervor, ardor, enthusiasm and zeal. In my experience personally and professionally our propensity is to be zealous for the wrong things. We develop passions for people or things, but how often are we passionate about the things of God? "Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned back my wrath from the children of Israel, because he was zealous with My zeal among them, so that I did not consume the children of Israel in My zeal." What an illustration. Phinehas had a passion, a zeal for the things God has a passion for. Can you say that? Are you passionate about the things God is passionate about?
Let me share 3 foundations to appropriate passion:
1) Are you passionate to know and believe God?
a. "Isaiah 43:10, "You are My witnesses," says the LORD, "And my servants whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me."
2) Do you seek to love God passionately?
a. Matthew 22:37, "Jesus said to him, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind."
3) Are to passionate in your obedience to God?
a. John 14:15, 21, 23, 24, "If you love Me, keep My commandments...He who has My commandments and keep the, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." ...Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him...He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me."

What are you passionate about? Are you taking steps to pursue that passion to the glory of God?

PROMISES

Deuteronomy 31:8 "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."

Praise:
"And the Lord..." - the same Lord who works in our lives today. This verse is one given by Moses to Joshua. He instructs him in front of all Israel to lead the people into the Promised Land. His words are from the Lord to Joshua and the people, but they are also promises to us today in our lives.
Psalms 23:1 - my shepherd
Psalms 25:4-5 - God of my salvation
Luke 2:11 - a Savior
Philippians 2:11 - Jesus Christ, my Lord
Promises:
"...he it is that doth go before thee..."
He is not just in the past or in the present, but goes before you!
He knows everything in your path, and you need to trust Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - He will direct your path
Psalms 119:105 - His Word is a lamp unto your feet
Matthew 28:20 - I am with you always

"...he will be with thee..."
We all need to know we are not alone. He promises He is with us at all times.
Hebrews 13:5 - I will never leave you
1 Peter 5:7 - He care for you
Isaiah 55:6 - He is always near for us to call on Him

"...he will not fail you..."
So many people feel everyone has failed them, or they have failed everyone else.
1 Corinthians 13:8 - love never fails;
Jesus never fails
Psalms 119:76 - God is love and His love is unfailing

"...neither forsake thee..."
Jesus knew what it was to be forsaken as He hung on the cross. He cried out,
"...why hast thou forsaken me...". God could not look on the sins He bore for us
When we accept Jesus as Savior, He says, "I'll never leave you, my child."
1 Corinthians 15:13 - I will not forsake you
Psalms 9:10 - the Lord has never forsaken seekers of Him

Peace:
"...fear not, neither be dismayed..."
Christ's words are, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Instead, He offers peace. He calls us His little flock and says, "Do not fear."
He gives us perfect love, and perfect love casts out all fear.
John 14:27 - Christ's words
1 John 4:18 - don't be dismayed, put your trust in Him
Psalms 56:3 - instead of dismay, allow joy to take its place

Dottie

Last words

A few years ago I picked up a little book at Barnes and Nobles called, "Famous Last Words: Fond Farewells, Deathbed Diatribes, and Exclamations upon Expiration" complied by Ray Robinson.
I found some interesting and others humorous. Permit me to share a few:
"Death is nothing, nor life either, for that matter. To die, to sleep, to pass into
nothingness, what does it matter? Everything is an illusion." Mata Hari
"What have I lived for?" Lorenz Hart
"My dear, before you kiss me good-bye, fix your hair. It's a mess." George
Kelly
"Am I dying or is it my birthday?" Lady Astor
"My mother did it." Arnold Rothstein
"Don't let it end like this. Tell them I said something." Pancho Villa
You may wonder why I mention these. As I read this book it made me consider what my last words would be and further, what would I want to be remembered for?
What legacy are you leaving? What do you want to be remembered for? Will you have any regrets? You are leaving a legacy either intentionally or unintentionally. Which do you prefer?
Let me encourage you to give consideration to what statement to you want to make with your life to the generations that will follow you. Once you determine that, live every day in light of that goal with purpose and intention.

Jehovah Shammah "When you Feel Alone"

Jehovah Shammah "When you Feel Alone"

This name for God is translated "The LORD is there". God revealed himself as Jehovah Shammah during the time of Ezekiel when the children of Israel were in the 70 years of Babylonian captivity. During this time the Jewish exiles were convinced that God had deserted them and there was no hope. Psalms 137 clearly expresses their feelings regarding their present state of troubles.

It was during this time of discouragement that God gave Ezekiel the vision of the re-building of Jerusalem. After describing it in detail, Ezekiel ends his prophecy by revealing the new name for the city: "The Lord is There." (Ezekiel 48:35)

We do not have to wait until the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophesy to enjoy and be encouraged by the Lord's presence. That's what makes our God different from all the other religions ~ Jehovah dwells with His people.

"My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there..." (Psalms 139:7-8)

"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's spirit lives in you?" (1 Cor. 3:16)

Every Believer can truly say, "Jehovah Shammah", the Lord is with me. If he doesn't seem to be in you - come back to him and let him in. Often we start crowding God out and leave little space for God in our lives. He wants to be present ~ allow God full access! "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." (Psalms 145:18). Call on him today and he will be there ~ he is Jehovah Shammah.

Lynne

Jehovah Tsidkenu "When you are Guilty"

Jehovah Tsidkenu "When you are Guilty

We are all guilty at some time or another. In fact, 1 John 1:8 reminds us that we deceive ourselves if we think we are without sin. When we are guilty it is Jehovah Tsidkenu "The Lord our Righteousness" that we can run to. In the book of Jeremiah we learn about Judah's sins: immorality, political corruption and apostasy. We learn that the spiritual leaders of the time were not seeking after God. In Jeremiah 22 we are told about the judgment to come if the nation does not turn to God and repent. However, just a few verses later God declares that what He is going to do ~ He will provide the Lord, the author of righteousness and justification.
Now, I don't know about you but not unlike Israel and Judah I too need the Lord of righteousness and justification. Without Jehovah Tsidkenu in my life I must remain stuck in my guilt. Praise the Lord I can be free of my guilt (any and all guilt) because I know Jehovah Tsidkenu. How do I receive it? How can you receive it? We need to look no further than 1 John 1:9 where it states that He will cleanse me from my sin. All I have to do is admit I can't do it myself.

"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Cor. 5:21)
This righteousness can be yours through faith in Jesus (Rom 3:23). If you already have this faith be released from the guilt of your sins ~ Know Jehovah Tsidkenu. Are you free? Or Are you burdened with guilt? Turn to Him.

GOD TURNS IT AROUND

Do you make these statements? I do!

For any negative thing you say about yourself - God has a positive answer for it!
Read His answers to you.

You say, "It's impossible."
God says, "All things are possible." - Luke 18:27

You say, "I'm too tired."
God says, "I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28-30

You say, "Nobody really loves me."
God says, "I love you." - John 3:16; 13:34

You say, "I can't go on."
God says, "My grace is sufficient." - 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalms 91:15

You say, "I can't do it."
God says, "You can do all things." - Philippians 4:13

You say, "It isn't worth it."
God says, "It will be worth it." - Romans 8:28

You say, "I just can't manage."
God says, "I will supply all your needs." - Philippians 4:19

You say, "I can't forgive myself."
God says, "I forgive you." - 1 John 1:9; Romans 8:1

You say, "I am afraid."
God says, "I have not given you a spirit of fear." - 2 Timothy 1:7

You say, "I'm always worried and frustrated."
God says, "Cast all your care on me." - 1 Peter 5:7

You say, "I feel all alone."
God says, "I will never leave you or forsake you." - Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5

You say, "I can't figure things out."
God says, "I will direct your steps." - Proverbs 3:5 & 6

I find these verses helpful over and over. Some I got from Inter Scan, but you can add to them, as I have, as you read the promises He gives in His Word
Write and add ones He gives to you.

Dottie

THEIR ONLY HOPE

Exodus 14:13-14, "And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand
still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you
today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more
forever. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."

Lynne's devotional yesterday on Jehovah Nissi -the Lord of our battles
reminded me of this verse in Exodus. Can you just imagine the scene? Moses
leading a mass of people who, in great fear, realize they are trapped
between the Red sea and their approaching enemy. "And when Pharaoh drew
near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians
marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel
cried out to the LORD." Exodus 14:10

The Israelites had limited options. There is no way they could defeat the
Egyptians in their own strength. Their only hope was if Someone came to
their rescue. That someone was their God. "So the LORD saved Israel that
day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on
the seashore. Thus Israel saw the great work which the LORD had done in
Egypt; so the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD and His servant
Moses." Exodus 14:30-31

Do you have a battle that you simply cannot fight, let alone win? Cry
out to Jehovah Nissi and "Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD,
which He will accomplish for you today."

Diane

Jehovah Nissi "The Lord of our battles"

The Lord is my Banner is the literal translation for Jehovah Nissi. This is the name we turn to when we are having serious problems. Moses declares that when we lift up our hands to him in trouble the Lord will go to battle for us. We read about this in Exodus 17:8-16, when Moses lifted up the "rod of God" asking God to help them defeat their enemies.

We are not unlike the Israelites; we are attacked on all sides. Many want to defeat us in our Christian Walk, our own flesh wars against us when we are tired and warn out. The Christian life can be a constant battle between our sinful nature and the Spirit of God. There are struggles we cannot win alone ~ no matter how hard we try. When I try to fight my battles I get tired just like Moses, it is only with God's help I am victorious.

Do you want Victory? God only asks that we live as he has called us. If we are walking in Him He is fighting for us! David knew this personally, in Psalms 118:6, he declares "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid, what can man do to me?"

Are you raising God's banner? Is He fighting your battles or are you trying to do it alone? God waits for you to invite Him into your battles ~ why don't you turn your battle over to Him today? "...We are more than Conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37

LDJ

Christ is greater than Moses...

Christ is greater than Moses...

Hebrews 3:3-4
"For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house. For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God."

The heading in my bible above chapter 3 in Hebrews reads; "Christ is greater than Moses." And as I read the above verses they made me think of how often we hear honor being given to the things of this world rather than the creator of the things of this world. There are a number of TV shows narrated by people who truly are in awe of an object or animal etc... but whose eyes are blinded to the fact that it is an arrow. Huh?? Yes, I said an arrow; pointing at none other than the Creator. Whether it is a crocodile, a whale, a tree, a flower, an ocean, a painting, a house or a human, it's all His handiwork. Even a painting needs an artist to envision it; a house needs substances to be made from. I love the term "man-made", we take such pride in ourselves sometimes, nothing would be "man-made" without first creating the man! Now don't get me wrong I think there are many educational programs about the world God created. But it would make me feel better to admit that some of them make me...well...nuts! When I see a man "fawning" over a snake or a tarantula that he's trying to tell me evolved over a gazillion years...well, like I said I get nuts! I have had a family member say; "we are so glad we decided to make our little girl." I remember when I didn't know Christ and I wanted to have a baby. His dad and I planned on it, we hoped that we would get pregnant; it wasn't a surprise when five months later I was pregnant. But I knew that it was God who let me be pregnant...I wasn't yet saved but I knew without a doubt that this was beyond anything I or my husband had created in and of ourselves. From time to time I will admire this child of mine, look at his face, his hair, even his finger nails and say wow he looks just like his dad and I mean just like his dad! But his Designer, his Creator is the Father God, Creator of all things; who is worthy of all honor. As we admire beautiful, awesome things He so delights to let us see, touch, feel, smell and taste; let us venerate HIM and only HIM.

Dina

Praying together...

Praying together...
So ladies what do think about that idea? No... not with the women, I mean with your spouse, fiancee, or boyfriend. Maybe you already do that, maybe you never have, maybe you'd like to... There are many couples who for whatever reason do not pray together. They may be in prayer fellowship with the Lord individually but not as a couple. They are missing a real blessing.
How often do you hear about married couples who are not enjoying physical and emotional intimacy in their marriage? I did not pray with my husband, we were not saved when I was married so that was not our practice. The marriage suffered as a whole.
I feel burdened to stir up your thoughts on this subject. Marriages in the church are suffering, and it hurts me deeply to watch couples who love the Lord end up divorcing. Or maybe staying together but emotionally and functionally divorced in a relationship with no signs of life.
The Lord came to give us life in abundance! John 10:10; "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
Please don't misunderstand; I know there are serious problems out there even in marriages that have a healthy prayer life and intimacy. But...I also believe praying together can change things. It would be hard to stay angry at someone you are praying with. It would be great to share your dreams, fears and concerns together before the One who holds the power to make things happen.
Why not be real with each other and with God (He already knows your deepest thoughts and emotions anyway). If I marry again, I hope prayer will be a central part of our life.
Dina

Jehovah Rapha "When you need Healing"

Jehovah Rapha "When you need Healing"

So often in life we speak of the strength and power of God to get us through the tough times in life. The Egyptians faced all kinds of hardships in the Wilderness and it is there we are introduced to Jehovah Rapha ~ "I am the LORD who heals you" (Exodus 15:26). This is the God who can heal physically and emotionally.

The fact that God needs to be the "Lord who heals" tells me several things about myself. First, there will be times I will need physical healing. Second, and probably more importantly, I will need emotional and spiritual healing. Even the best of us have "down days" and times of discouragement. In 1 Kings 19 we see Elijah needing the touch of Jehovah Rapha. Elijah prays the most powerful of prayers in 1 Kings 18 ~ then he learns Queen Jezebel plans to kill him. So what does he do... he runs away and flees into the desert and asks God to take his life. Have you ever been that discouraged? Take heart the "Lord of Healing" is available to you just like he was to Elijah. God sent an angel to give rest and nourishment to Elijah then Elijah travels to Mt. Horeb where he talks with the Lord. (1 Kings 19:9-12). After Elijah pours out his heart to God ~ the Lord healed him through a whisper. Are you looking for grand fireworks from God? Listen, He is there in a still small voice.

When you are weary and burdened, Jesus invites you to come to Him and he will give you "rest". Do you like Elijah need to seek his emotional rest? Jehovah Rapha is ready to HEAL.

LDJ

Miracles of care.

Miracles of care.

Matthew 14 tells of the great miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000. In fact, it was 5,000 men besides women and children. Jesus had gone to a desert place to be by himself. He had just heard of the terrible death of John the Baptist, His cousin. However, He was not alone for long.

Great multitudes came to find Him. He had compassion on them and not only healed their physical bodies, but fed them as well. From one boy's small lunch of two fishes and five loaves of bread, He fed thousands. The disciples had said, "Send them away." Jesus said, "Give them to eat." Can you just picture that miracle of Jesus continuing to break the fish and bread without them disappearing?

Then when the multitudes left, He went again to be alone, this time to a mountain to pray. The disciples had gone into a ship out on the sea when a big storm came. The winds and waves brought great fear to the men. Then another miracle happened. Jesus heard the cry of the disciples and walked on the water to them. They feared it was a ghost. Jesus calls to them, "It is I. Don't be afraid." Peter's cry to Jesus is, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." And Jesus said, "Come!"

Peter began to walk on the water to Jesus. However, the storm with its great waves caused Peter to fear, and he took his eyes off of Jesus and began to sink. Then peter cried out, "Lord save me!" And Jesus immediately did! He reached out His hand and caught him, but said, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the storm stopped, and all of them in the boat worshipped Jesus. They cried out, "Truly you are the Son of God."

Lessons to learn are about the compassion of Jesus:
He cares about your needs, your fears, your life.
Also know that Jesus wanted to be alone - to pray. If He needed this, what about us?
And we can't take our eyes off of Jesus. This is when we fall.

I thank Him for His love and for His care. Truly He is the Son of God and Savior.

Dottie

Sabbath Rest

Sabbath Rest
What is Sabbath rest? The precedent was set in the Book of Books; God's Holy inspired Word, in Genesis 2:2-3; "And on the seventh day God finished His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all His work that He had done in creation."
"he (Moses) said to them, "This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD;'... -- Exodus 16:23

"See! The Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore on the sixth day He gives you bread for two days. Remain each of you in his place; let no one go out of his place on the seventh day." -- Exodus 16:29

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." -- Exodus 20:8

What comes to your mind when you consider the Sabbath? Is it one of those things that's been relegated to the historical record and thus deemed, not for us, and not something we can realistically do today?

More and more I am thinking about it. I guess it's because I keep hearing the Lord's call to develop some quiet and stillness in my week. Times when I cease from my laboring; from all clamoring, all busyness...everything!

Many books have been written on this topic and I admit I've only partially read one of them. Despite that, I am drawn to figure out how to cultivate this discipline in my life.

This Victory call is a simple attempt to scratch the surface and encourage us all to think about doing as the Lord God of heaven did -He rested!

One baby step that I've made in this direction has been to prepare my Sunday meal on Saturday afternoon or evening. I know it's not much, but it goes a long way toward helping me to get more rest in my Sunday. We come home from worship service, we eat our dinner and I go into chill mode.
Another step is to get all my clothes washed and ready for my upcoming work week, on Saturday evening instead of Sunday night. Baby steps, baby steps. Nothing profound or new, but it makes a marked difference in my Sunday if I don't have to cook and do laundry.

Understandably, I'm no theologian, so I can't say with any degree of authority that we "should" all cease and rest on the Sabbath. I don't even know that it has to be on Sunday or if it's Saturday. But I can and will say that rest is a beautiful thing. Setting a day apart each week that is different from all the rest, has to be a good thing. Don't you agree?

Taste and see that the Lord, He is good. Stephanie

Should, Should, Should!

Should, Should, Should!

I have a confession to make. I am appalled at my own personal use of the word 'should'. For months now, my awareness at my casual use of 'should' has grown tremendously.
I think the spark for all this awareness came first and foremost from the Holy Spirit resident in my believing heart. Secondly, from a number of conversations I've had with my daughter and son.
More and more, I've become vividly aware, of the use or dare I say overuse and misuse of the word in the body of Christ. We say it in reference to ourselves and just as much, if not more often, in reference to other people. It's no wonder, that so many of us feel no sense of victory. Living my life with a list of all the things I should be doing better, or that I should have done better is to live life in virtual defeat.

How you may ask. The shoulds give us an out when we willfully sin. For example, the TV is on and your ear gates and eye gates are being assaulted by images which affect your Christian sensibilities. But rather than turning it off or turning to something more life-giving, we sit and watch, knowing and even feeling that we should not. When it's all over we either think or say something like, I really shouldn't have watched that." "I should've spent that time doing something more constructive and God-honoring."

Now you may not be the "TV Watcher", you may be the "Cookie Monster" who stands with her hand in the bag, devouring the cookies until, all of a sudden, your brain engages after the 12th cookie and you say to yourself, "What am I doing? I shouldn't have done that. I should've stopped at 1 or 2."

Okay so that may not be you either. Maybe you're lying in bed trying to doze off to slumberland, but your brain won't shut off because of your 'should have' list. You know the list that some of us have of all the things we were going to accomplish that day, beginning with purposeful time in the Word; just being with Jesus. We might drift off into sleep night after night feeling and thinking, "I should have done more. I should have done it better. I should have spent time with the Lord. I should have hugged my kids. I should have kissed my husband. I should have called my Mom, my dad, etc. I should have screamed less, played more, whined less, eaten less, exercised....etc., etc., etc. I don't need to go on.

This "Victory Call" is a challenge and an encouragement to all of us. Let us choose to move beyond the "should have and should be", and choose to will and to do and to be all that God has called us to be. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Stephanie

Obedience

I was involved in teaching a weekend seminar here at America's KESWICK on a particularly difficult topic. Well the topic itself isn't difficult but to most wives it is very difficult. Add to that mix that the women I was speaking to were women whose husband's are either currently in the Colony of Mercy or have been in the past which means their husband's have been involved in addiction as a lifestyle.
Our topic on this particular weekend was the unconditional call of God for women to respect their husband's. The teaching was based on a book by Emerson Eggerich: Love and Respect which expounds on Ephesians 5:33, "Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."
Some of the women okay more that some, really struggled with this biblical command. I finally said to them, "Your argument is not with me nor the author of the book, your argument is with God, it's His word."
I was out walking the following Monday on a beautiful, sunny, warm day rehearsing my Scripture memory verses when I came across Romans 11:33-12:1, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 'Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?' 'Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?' For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."
That alone would be sufficient to give us cause to delight in our obedience to the Lord, simply because He is worthy. But the verse continues, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship." It's when I read the last verse that it hit me. Our obedience to whatever the command of God may be is a spiritual act of worship, an act of worship. That puts things into a fresh perspective. Obedience is not about what others are doing or not doing, it's about our relationship with Jesus Christ and our desire to worship Him through our obedience.

Diane

You made me...

My very first counseling class was taught by David Powlison, the best earthly teacher I ever had. One of his first lecture illustrations had to do with a commonly used expression or phrase. The words ending the phrase are as varied as are the situations it is used in. However the beginning words, "You made me..." remain pretty much the same. And more often than not the phrase implies that someone other than the speaker is responsible for something that the speaker has said or done.
Let's say, for example, that in a heated conversation with someone I become angry. Let's say that in my anger, I then use my words to insult, abuse, or tear down. Fast forward to the end of the scene, where by now, I am calm and attempting to explain my actions. It's in that situation and many others I have observed over the years that we are likely to say things like, "You made me so angry." "You made me very upset." "You made me lose my temper."
Standing in front of the class that night, Powlison held up an empty Styrofoam cup. Satisfied that we saw it was empty, he proceeded to pour water into it. He then proceeded to lightly punch the cup with his fist, which then caused water to come out of the cup. He looked at the cup that had lost some of its contents and then looked out over the silent lecture hall and asked this simple question. "What made water come out of the cup?"
You probably have the same expression on your face that most of us did. Some of us thought, surely this was a trick question. A number a hands shot up seeking permission to answer his question. Every single person he called on gave the same answer, "Sir, water came from the cup because you hit the cup." It was the first response that had come to my mind.
In his ever humble way he let us all know that our answer was incorrect. The correct answer was as follows: "Water came out of the cup because water was in the cup."

Huh? You're kidding right? We all know that if he hadn't hit the cup, the water would have stayed inside. We sat thinking through this concept, and as we began to ponder his words, the truth sunk in. What spills out of us when heat, pressure, stress, etc., is applied to our lives, came from within and not from without. Yes, everything that happens to us has an impact on us. One way or another we are affected by "stuff". How we respond; what we do and say is entirely up to us.

"The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." --Luke 6:45
In other words, what the mouth commonly speaks, generally agrees with what is most in the heart.

Ponder this, my sisters. Consider the fruit of your lips in the details of your everyday life and praise God that He hasn't left you without hope for true help and change.

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37

Stephanie

Getting to KESWICK (Part II)

Getting to KESWICK (Part II)

"Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday." Psalm 37:3-6

So how did He do it? I don't know why it should be any surprise, our God parts the sea and He walks on the sea! First thing that had to happen was for me to actually apply for the job! I was folding laundry one day and the Lord spoke so clearly to my heart, He said; "Stop folding laundry and go give Mr. Welte your resume."
It took a little time to hear back from Keswick, and in the mean time I had every prayer warrior in my church on this assignment. And they did pray me right in here. The continued commute to work was actually a blessing, as I listened to some great bible teachers and Christian music for three hours every day. The Lord was using that time well in my life.
The call finally came from Keswick for an interview and formal application and then it was time to wait again. Oh, how I love to wait!!! One day while I was leaving work I was very discouraged, I didn't think I would get the job, it had been too long. And as I walked out the doors I prayed; "please Lord let it be today." As Bill Welte loves to say, "Our God is the God of the previous." The message for me to come to Keswick was already on my voice mail. I got the job, but still all these obstacles. One by one they were crossed off the list in my bible!
1. Sold house in three days for CASH and more than I thought it would.
2. Apartment opens up at Keswick.
3. I am able to have storage on the grounds.
4. There is a school bus that comes right to Keswick.
5. Finances are worked out.
6. My son did struggle with moving, but since then, the Lord has given him a second home with his dad a few blocks from where we used to live! God is good.
I've been working at Keswick since the summer of 2002 and I love it here. It's been a growing experience for sure. Keswick is truly a special place because it's filled with so many very special and gifted Staff and guests. In addition to my regular job responsibilities I also have the privilege of sharing with you through Victory Call. It still amazes me that the Lord lets me have a part in His awesome plan and do it with such a great team of people here at America's KESWICK, where God is still speaking to hearts and transforming lives every day!

Dina

Getting to KESWICK, (Part I)

Getting to KESWICK, (Part I)
Psalm 37:3,
Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Before I came to work at America's KESWICK I was working quite a distance from this area and commuting each day. I knew when I had come to Christ two years prior in 2000 that I wanted to look for another job. I'd been at this one a long time and the atmosphere was to say the least uncomfortable. But...the Lord had other plans. I'd begun to pray about and look around for other work. But the Lord had me stay there for another year and a half, just long enough to tell everyone that I had known for years about Jesus and what He had done to make a difference, all the difference in my life. Ok, I thought; Well Lord that's everybody, now can I leave? And He said; "NO, I am bringing a few back". And not until I had witnessed to the very last one did He move me. The truth is I wanted out of there because I was uncomfortable with my past. But I was in love with the Lord and on fire to tell anybody and everybody that would listen what He had done. As much as it was difficult to do, I truly was blessed and privileged to be the one of all people to be sent to tell my peers the Truth.
In the mean time my son had been invited to an Open Home School Swim at America's KESWICK. I had heard of it at my church when I went to my first Christian Concert. Men from the Colony of Mercy had come to sing and present the ministry at the concert. A few months later Bill Welte, the Executive Director of America's KESWICK, came to our church again, this time to lead a Hymnsing. And then a few months later there was the Colony of Mercy again! This time another man gave his testimony, Tom Paschke, (Keswick's Director of Housekeeping). I remembered him. He was the guy sitting in front of me at the concert. One of the things that stands out in my mind was what was written on the back of his shirt. It read "Strong in the Strength of Someone Else.
It seemed the Lord wanted to keep Keswick in the forefront of my mind. After procrastinating for a while I decided to compose a resume'. But I hesitated sending it to Keswick. I didn't see how God could do away with all the obstacles that in my mind stood in the way of taking a position here. I had to sell my house, pay off some debts, find a place to live, find a way to get my son to and from school and not to mention a house full of stuff I had no place to store. I actually made a written list, put it in my bible and said ok Lord if you want me there, you'll have to do it. Well you guessed it HE DID IT! I'll tell you how tomorrow...

Dina

Sacrifice to Test Your Obedience

"Then He said, 'Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.'" Genesis 22:2

Recently I was working on a Bible study which directed me to look up this verse on the call of God for Abraham to sacrifice his only son, who he loved. Here was Abraham, who probably couldn't love Isaac any more than he did, yet when God called him to sacrifice him he "rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him." Genesis 22:3
It struck me that God calls all of us to sacrifice that thing which we love. I'm not talking about literal sacrifice like with Isaac but rather are we willing to offer to Him anything that may detract our affections from Him, first and foremost. It could be anything: our marriage, our children, our home, our status, our own way, our reputation, our financial security, friendship, stability, comfort, food, convenience, etc. It is not that any of these things are bad, but if we love them more than God, God will ask us to sacrifice that idol.
It's somewhat humbling to consider the passion and commitment of Abraham to obey God and the extreme he was willing to go to in that obedience, an evidence of his faith.
So when I look at the passion of Abraham to do such a difficult thing to obey God, I realize that thing in my life God wants me to sacrifice pales in comparison, yet, I have difficulty laying it on the altar of sacrifice.

Let me offer a very rough paraphrase to bring this closer to home. You fill in the blank. Then God said, "Take __________________________, which you love, and offer it as a sacrifice unto the Lord."

What is it in your life that God is calling you to sacrifice to test your obedience? Are you being faithful? Are you being obedient? Are you loving Jesus above all else?

Diane

WHY AM I HERE?

WHY AM I HERE?

Growing up I had a lot of brothers and sisters and mom and dad. My siblings range in age from 62 to 38(that's me). There is six years difference between the sixth child and myself. Most of my playmates as a child were actually my nieces and nephews. It was kind of cool being referred to as Aunt Dee when I was five years old.
Dad and mom both worked, so after school one of my older siblings kept an eye on me, but I spent a lot of time occupying myself (mostly with an extensive Barbie collection).
Obviously I had a lot of time on my little hands. I used to like to sit and ponder things, still do. In our house we had a big mirror that hung behind our couch which I would peer into. I'd get close and stare at myself as long as I possibly could and then ask myself as I looked in the mirror, "Why are you here?" And then as no answer came, I found myself frightened as if I had to go away and do something else to get my mind off the question. It was a deep question, not why am I on this couch, or in this house but why am I in the world, what is my purpose here?
Eventually I stopped doing that. It wasn't until about twenty-eight years later that the answer to the question came. I was in my pastor's office and had been blessed with eyes to see and ears to hear, as I had just received Jesus Christ as my Savior. In the very next moments HE spoke to my heart and said; "You're here for ME." It was God confirming in my heart that what just took place was real and so was HE.
God was there in that room with me as a child, He knew my question and my heart. At the exact moment He ordained before the beginning of time HE answered my question. Later on that evening I took my little boy and cuddled up with him in mommy's big bed and as I laid my head down on the pillow I knew for the first time that I could go to sleep in peace, God was with us and HE was never leaving.

Matthew 1:22-23 (NKJV)
So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," Which is translated, "God with us."

Dina