Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  1 Peter 5:8

How tempting of a meal are you for that prowling lion?  Without diligence, discipline, and intentional watchfulness we put ourself on the menu.

We need to be alert and vigilant, not turning our back carelessly to our enemy.

Imagine a lion gets loose at the zoo and they can’t quite track down its location. I suspect the way you walk through that zoo as you head to your car is way different than if that lion was safely behind bars.  You would be watchful, alert and at-the-ready.  You would take that threat very seriously.  God tells us through Peter that our adversary prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.  Why do we take that threat any less seriously?

We have a very real adversay that requires a keen but not paranoid eye.  I am not suggesting we become obsessed about our adversary as some are prone to do.

I like the way Beth More puts it.  “Much about Satan, more about God.”

“Much about Satan, More about God.”

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is part of the Development and Addiction Recovery teams at America’s Keswick.  In addition to being a Biblical Counselor, she is a Women’s speaker for retreats, conferences and events.  She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. She has been married to her husband John over 28 years.  She has 2 adult children, 3 grandchildren, 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all.  She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.

There is a lot going on in my life this morning.  Some things are good, even exciting, but others are hard and difficult. It is easy to allow myself to be overwhelmed. I woke early this morning with everything spinning through my head. I came into work early to catch up on a few things. I sat at my desk and turned to the next card in my promise box and read “Precious Kathy….Let God have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you” (1 Peter 5:7).

First, I need to give all that was spinning in my head earlier to the Lord. Secondly, I need to trust that He is thinking of me and working out all the details. Thirdly, I need to remember that He is watching. His attention is on and His hands are working in my business!

Today perhaps you need that reminder as well. As you start your day give ALL your worries to the Lord, trust that His thoughts have been and remain on you and and know that He has His eye on you today!

Blessings,
Kathy

Kathy’s on staff at America’s Keswick in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 28 years.  They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and has taught Sunday School and Bible Studies for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.

“’I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered.  ‘May it be to me as you have said.’  Then the angel left her.” (Luke 1:38)

The angel Gabriel had just announced to Mary that she was going to bear a son, the Messiah, God’s promised and long-awaited Savior, who would be conceived in her by the Holy Spirit.  This was startling news!  Yet Mary’s response, though she was young, shows a very mature faith.

“A young unmarried girl who became pregnant risked disaster.  Unless the father of the child agreed to marry her, she would probably remain unmarried for life.  If her own father rejected her, she could be forced into begging or prostitution in order to earn her living.  And Mary, with her story about being made pregnant by the Holy Spirit, risked being considered crazy as well.  Still Mary said, despite the possible risks, ‘May it be to me as you have said.”  When Mary said that, she didn’t know about the tremendous opportunity she would have.  She only knew that God was asking her to serve Him, and she willingly obeyed.”

In addition to the risks mentioned above, Mary faced the very strong possibility that her fiancé, Joseph, would no longer want to marry her.  And, had Joseph decided to make a public spectacle of her, by the law of the day she could have been stoned to death.

As I consider all of this, I then picture young Mary, and her faith-filled response.  Am I as readily obedient to the Lord in much simpler matters, let alone something that looks potentially disastrous?  Lord, help us, by your grace, to be obedient in all things, whether or not we can see the outcome.

Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate

The Life Application Bible, New International Version Edition, Tyndale, Wheaton, IL 1991, p.1787.

Did you ever stop to think about God’s reputation?  We can get so upset when we think our reputation is in question through a misunderstanding, but what about God’s reputation?

As a biblically defined follower of Jesus Christ – regenerated by Holy Spirit power – we reflect our Father.  The family name – Christian—is at stake.
Growing up, were you aware, like I was, that what I said and did reflected on my parents, on my family?  In much the same way, what we say and do now reflects on the whole family of believers, our brothers and sister in Christ.  I suspect that you, like me, have heard comments and negative opinions about “Christians” other people know.  “Christians” that have not acted or lived like Jesus-followers.  Truth be told, I am sure there are ways that I have not represented the family name well.  Like when the irritation in my voice is evident with the incompetent clerk, or when I shake my head (like I did yesterday) at the truck driver that cut in front of me at a light… or the times I yelled at my young children IN PUBLIC (or at home).  In those moments, and I have had many, I am not living in Gospel truth reflecting my Father in an honoring way.

Beyond the family reputation, there is the reputation of our Father and Jesus, His Son and our Brother.  As a Jesus-follower, our lives should look and be different from our unregenerate neighbor.  I don’t want it to be said by those around me, “I never knew she was a believer.”

God is Jealous for His name.
1. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another. Is 48:11
2. But I acted for the sake of my name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they lived, in whose sight I made myself known to them in bringing them out of the land of Egypt. Ezekiel 20:9
3. But I had concern for my holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they came. “Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. Ezekiel 36:21-22
4. And my holy name I will make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel. Ezekiel 39:7
5. I will be jealous for my holy name. Ezekiel 39:25
6. They have defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed, so I have consumed them in my anger. Ezekiel 43:8

May our lives reflect the character of Jesus our Savior and may they honor His Name and reputation.
Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt is part of the Development and Addiction Recovery teams at America’s Keswick.  In addition to being a Biblical Counselor, she is a Women’s speaker for retreats, conferences and events.  She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. She has been married to her husband John over 28 years.  She has 2 adult children, 3 grandchildren, 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all.  She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.

I grew up in a home where, although we did not read the Bible, “Holy Week” was very much celebrated. When it came to Holy Thursday, I was always especially interested.  We would celebrate “the last supper,” however, I always wanted to know more about that last supper, or what I came to know as Passover.

One day I was fortunate to be teaching across the hall from a Jewish girl who shared the story of Passover with me.  She also gave me a Haggadah, which is a booklet explaining what to do at Passover.  For years I used that Haggadah and celebrated Passover on Holy Thursday.  It is a celebration that points to Jesus.  Although in this brief devotional I cannot share much, here are just a few points of interest.

Passover is a celebration of God’s love and power in delivering His people out of the hand of their enemy.  This year Passover will be celebrated on April 14th.

Days before Passover Jewish families will clean their home.  Every speck of dust or crumb must be removed.  They are preparing the way for a celebration of God’s faithfulness.  We too can walk in a great blessing by asking the Lord to cleanse our hearts and minds, to renew an upright spirit in us  (Psalm 51:10).

God defeated the idols of the Israelites through ten plagues.  Each plague represented one of the gods of the Egyptians.  There are things in your life and mine that keep us from trusting God and moving forward into the destiny He has prepared for us.  Let us repent of any known sin or idol in our lives and recommit ourselves and our homes to the Lord.  “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).  We will put our trust in Him alone  (Psalm 62).

The Jewish people will read at least Exodus 12.  They will remember that their households were saved by placing the blood of a lamb without spot or wrinkle on the doorposts and lintel.  We too can be assured that death will not defeat us, by the blood of the Lamb of God.  Jesus went to the cross as a Lamb without spot or wrinkle during Passover.  He died so that we might live and walk in freedom and Truth.  It is the message of Passover.  Believe in your heart and shout it dear one, “I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb out of the hand of the enemy.”  Glory to the Lamb!!

Blessings,

Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate

To learn more:  Read The Messianic Church Arising by Dr. Robert Heidler, Glory of Zion International Ministries, 2006

To locate a Christian Haggadah go to: http://www.angelfire.com/planet/therationalchristian/passover.pdf

Sisters are the best people ever.
God chooses the ones that we get.
He gave me, Jeanne, a beautiful woman
With great love, compassion and wit!

We shared everything as children,
And best friends we always will be.
Raised kids, spent great times together
No matter how far apart we might be.

Part of life also brings hard times.
We shared them together as well.
God used these to bring us closer,
So on Him we would completely dwell.

It’s been hard to see her suffer;
Big sisters are to make things go right.
But God made me see that depending on Him
Was the best way that we could fight.

I love my sister immensely
And miss her more that you know.
She’s waiting in heaven with Jesus
Together with Richie, Lindsay Bear and mom, Flo!

Make sure you ask Jesus to save you.
He died for your sin, once for all!
Then we’ll all gather in heaven
When He decides it’s time for your call.

I know when I see Jesus in heaven
Forever it will be my home.
One by one I’ll call them together,
“Mom, Oh Lindsay, Hey Jeanne, I’m Home!”

Jan C. Welte

Jan Welte is the wife of our President and CEO, Bill Welte.

I recently attended the funeral for Jan Welte’s sister, Jeanne.  This poem was written by their mom many years ago.  It touched my heart and thought it might yours too. (Diane Hunt)

Mother, I’m Home!

Every afternoon about a quarter of four,
The peace and quiet ends with the slamming of the door.
And then I hear familiar words in the same familiar tone,
“Mother, O Mother, Hey Mom, I’m home.”

It’s “Mother, I got an ‘A’ in Math,
And was Mrs. Green a grouch.
Hey, can I have a bite to eat,”
As the coat gets thrown on the couch.

Then there’s “Where’s my shirt or where’s my shoes?”
And I just shake my head.
“They’re wherever you last put them
Before you went to bed.”

But the day will come when they’ll be gone.
And have children of their own
To hear the same familiar words,
“Mother, Hey Mom, I’m home.”

And to me the words will be memories,
But one day when God calls His own,
I KNOW I will hear my children
Calling, “Mother, Mother, I’m home.”

For God gave me the privilege
Of telling my children the way,
And hearing them ask Him to save them,
And wash all their sins away.

For since each of them know the Master,
If first He should call me home,
One by one I’ll wait for their voices,
Calling, “Mother, O Mother, I’m home.”

by Flo A. Toms (Jan Welte’s Mom)
Jan Welte, is the wife of our President and CEO, Bill Welte.

This Victory Call is a simple reminder that we do not live onto ourselves but in a community.  As followers of Jesus Christ we are part of the Body and we are called to one-another one another.

Are you at peace with others?  Mark 9:50
Are you loving others?  John 13:34
Are you being kindly affectionate and giving preference to others?  Romans 12:10
Are you of the same mind toward others?  Romans 12:16
Are you like-minded toward others?  Romans 15:5
Are you able to admonish others?  Romans 15:14
Are you serving others?  Galatians 5:13
Are you bearing with others in love?  Ephesians 4:2
Are you being kind, tenderhearted and forgiving towards others?  Ephesians 4:37
Are you submitting to others in the fear of God?  Ephesians 5:21
Are you bearing with and forgiving others?  Colossians 3:13
Are you comforting others?  1 Thessalonians 4:18
Are you able to exhort others?  Hebrews 3:13
Do you consider others? Hebrews 10:24
Do you refuse to grumble against others?  (Ouch)  James 5:9
Do you confess your trespasses on others?  Do you pray for others? James 5:16
Do you have compassion for others?  1 Peter 3:8
Are you hospitable to others?  1 Peter 4:9
Do you minister to others with the gifts God has given you?  1 Peter 4:10
Are you submissive to others and humble in your interaction with them?  1 Peter 5:5

Well, how did you do?  Are you loving your neighbor as yourself today?
May God work genuine love into each of our hearts for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt is part of the Development and Addiction Recovery teams at America’s Keswick.  In addition to being a Biblical Counselor, she is a Women’s speaker for retreats, conferences and events.  She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. She has been married to her husband John over 28 years.  She has 2 adult children, 3 grandchildren, 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all.  She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.

Do we hold the Word of God in high regard?  In theory, I know we do but I mean in reality?  Do our attitudes and actions reflect and communicate that we hold the Word of God in high regard?

Nathan, when he confronted David regarding his sin with Bathsheba, poses this question to him, “Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight?” (2 Sam 2:9).

When you stop and think about it, isn’t that really what we are doing every time we sin, every time we go our own way, every time we do what we want rather than what God wants?  Every time we are despising the Word and it seems to me the Author if it as well.

It seems rather harsh to say “you have despised God’s Word” because it sounds appalling to consider such a thought, but let’s face it – when we sin, we are not embracing and cherishing His Word.

So for today, would you remind yourself often to despise not the Word?

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is part of the Development and Addiction Recovery teams at America’s Keswick.  In addition to being a Biblical Counselor, she is a Women’s speaker for retreats, conferences and events.  She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. She has been married to her husband John over 28 years.  She has 2 adult children, 3 grandchildren, 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all.  She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.

Is God Reliable?

Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (ESV)

God will give us peace and He will guard our hearts and minds as we live in Christ Jesus (emphasis mine).

Recently, I experienced more than I could handle.  God will give us more than we can handle: for the purpose to rely upon Him and to grow in our faith in Christ Jesus. During a recent crisis in my family I had so many “what ifs” or “this could happen” or “that could happen” that my emotions were running wild with crazy thoughts, and they were downright worrisome.   You may know these kinds of thoughts that can tantalize your mind and weaken your heart.  Well, because I had more than I could handle I closed my eyes and begged God.  No, I yelled “I need your help NOW!” I can’t do this! God retrieved from my memory just one promise at a time: “He is my Refuge” and then “He is my Shepherd.” “He will never leave me.” “He is keeping watch”…….

Do you ever feel abandoned by God? Our emotions change but God’s promises never change – He will never leave us or abandon us (Deut 31:8 Emphasis mine).  Emotions are not reliable but God is always Reliable. Dependable, Trustworthy….. – He is God: the Creator of the universe so with that said “He can always be depended on and trusted with whatever comes into our lives.”  Our lives can change at any given moment, so keep His promises hidden in your heart.

God’s promises will replace our worries with His peace.

God will:
1) Make known to us (me) the path of life; He will fill us (me) with joy in His presence  (Psalm 16:11)
2) He is my Shepherd  (Psalm 23:1)
3) He will guide us (me) in His truth and teach us (me) (Psalm 25:4,5)
4) He is my refuge; my fortress, my God in whom I trust (Psalm 91:1,2)
5) Though I walk in the midst of trouble , He preserves our (my) life (Psalm 138:7)
6) His love endures forever (Psalm 138:8)

When life tosses you a curve and it’s more than you can handle Trust God and Keep His Promises close to your heart.  Read the Scriptures and you’ll find many more Promises!

Best of all you will be set free from the things that can tantalize your mind and heart. God Sees; God Knows; God cares!!!!

Blessings,
Pat Spies
A Servant of the Lord and a friend of America’s Keswick