On April 22, 2014 as a nation we celebrate the 150th anniversary of our national motto, “In God We Trust”.

Our national motto is a vital part of the history and heritage of the United States. In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed a law authorizing the United States Mint to add the phrase “In God We Trust” on the nation’s one-cent and two-cent coins. Since then, the phrase has been inscribed on most U.S. coins and paper currencies. On July 30, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved a joint resolution of Congress declaring “In God We Trust” as the national motto of the United States. On July 24, 2000, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution encouraging the display of our national motto in all public buildings.

The sentiment “In God We Trust” is deeply woven into the fabric of our civil society. The Declaration of Independence recognizes God as the source of our inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The word of God is clear, “Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock”. (Is. 26:4)

Join me in giving thanks to the Lord our God that our nation’s motto is, “In God We Trust”.  Tell your children, teach your grandchildren, do not allow this truth to be removed  (Deut. 6:7).

Finally on April 22, 2014 I invite you to join me and shout to the Lord, “In God I Trust”.

Blessings,

Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.  2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV)

When we are in the midst of affliction it seems anything BUT light and momentary.

When we are the one suffering it does not feel light.  Suffering, by its very nature is likely to be heavy, weighing us down.

Momentary?  In the midst of suffering our inclination is to do what we can to bring an end to it.  Often times it feels like it will never end.

In the midst of suffering, our own propensity is to focus on the suffering, the pain, the affliction.

          What was Christ’s example?  Hebrews 12:2 (ESV), “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

          In a similar way, our light and momentary afflictions are preparing for us an eternal weight of glory BEYOND ALL COMPARISON.

          It is difficult to do, but if even for brief moments at a time, we can glimpse past the suffering to see the incomparable weight of glory that lays beyond- in those moments we are strengthened to endure with joy.

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.

” …How long will you go limping between two different opinions?…”  (1 Kings 8:21)

           Elijah, confronting the prophets of Baal and the people of Israel, challenged their split loyalties.  He said to them “…If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him” (vs. 21). I believe the Christian Church today has a lot of people that are limping between two different opinions. Oh, I don’t mean they are following God and Baal but functionally they have split loyalties – which is not loyalty at all.

          Where do we split loyalty? Here are some thoughts: Sports – how many families miss Sunday service because of Sunday morning sporting events for their children? Money – how many of us find our security in our bank statements? Work – how many of us find our value, worth and identity in what we do? Self – probably the foundational warring ‘god’ is self.  Living life on our own terms. Sure, there is regular church attendance and maybe even daily Bible reading and prayer, but there is still much self-centered living – living life to please self rather than God.

          God is looking for whole-hearted followers, devoted followers and unabashed worshipers.  It is time to stop limping!!

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.

Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found and I ate them. And Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Thy name.

          As I have my time with the Lord, I have to make a decision to remove the worldly thoughts and humbly surrender totally to God, so that I may know the way of the Lord. I pray, Lord, may I learn from Your Word and may the eyes of my heart be open to understand your statutes.

          Job 23:12 I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. My greatest joy is to delight myself in God’s Word. When I spend time with our Father the experience of His peace is always there; and knowing He shares with me His amazing love and acknowledging His guidance in my life. The fellowship is truly a delight. Psalm 59:16 But as for me, I shall sing of Thy strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Thy lovingkindness in the morning. For thou hast been my strong-hold. And a refuge in the day of my distress. O my strength, I will sing praises to Thee; For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness. Ezekiel 3:3 And He said to me, “Son of man, feed your stomach, and fill your body with this scroll which I am giving you.” Then I ate it, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth.

           I pray, Lord, may I always hunger for Your Word allowing Your love to refresh my soul. I want to meditate on Your precepts so that I will be in Your presence to live by Your Word. For this is precious and a delight for me.

Glory to God!

Sandra Valdes

Full Time Staff Member at America’s Keswick & A Servant of the Lord

          Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day (2 Cor 4:16).

           Thinking about this verse one morning as I was attempting to commit it to memory, I realized in a fresh way its encouragement. I could quip that most women, not all (so don’t write me), wrestle with our outer self that doesn’t appear to be wasting away but rather gaining… But  truly as we age — and we all are, one day at a time—our physical body is aging.  No matter how good of shape you are in – it may sound morbid but, reality is, everyone of us has a death date predetermi9ned by our Creator. It might be 70 years from now, but one consequence of the fall is that our outer self — our bodies — our earth suit (as Dr. Bill Gillham called it) – our tent – will waste away and experience death (unless Jesus returns first).

          Lest you get stuck there in your head, the second part of the verse is pretty amazing… our inner self is being renewed day by day… Meditate upon that for a minute. As you face trials today remember your inner self is being renewed.  As you experience physical ailments, remember your inner self is being renewed. As life takes unexpected twists and turns, remember your inner self is being renewed. As finances run out before the bills do, remember your inner self is being renewed. As you wipe runny noses, change diapers and mop the floor today, remember your inner self is being renewed. God is at work in your life in ways you cannot see, renewing your inner self day by day. What an exciting reminder. May that truth fill your heart today.

          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.

Prov. 10:19 (NLT)  Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

          Have you ever thought, “Why did I say that?” I am reminded of the saying, “Bite your tongue!” Some people don’t allow the statement “Shut up” to be spoken in their house, but sometimes I think it needs to be said. I suppose it depends on the way you say it. You can say shut up as a command, or you can say shut up as an instruction or recommendation. I remember a time when I often got in trouble on the telephone. I was guilty of saying more than I should have said, so I taped the Scripture verse which said, “be slow to speak and swift to hear” (James 1:19, NJV ) on the lower portion of my phone as a reminder to “keep my  mouth shut.” That reminder did help. I don’t often say more than I should, but when I do, I know the steps to redemption. 1. I must go to that person and ask for forgiveness. 2. Then I must go to God and ask for forgiveness for not paying attention to His Word and for offending my friend. 3. Now comes the hardest thing of all: I need to turn from my old ways of saying what I want to and be willing to depend on God to guide my words. Are you willing to make that change? It takes a lot of effort and determination on your part. “Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”

Marilyn Willett Heavilin

Is a wife and mother; author & International conference speaker Author of Roses In December December’s Song Becoming A Woman of Honor Profound Common Sense When Your Dreams Die Grief Is A Family Affair I’m Listening, Lord Walking Victoriously through the Valley of Grief

          “For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.” Josh 4:23-24
Simple question:  What is God doing in you, through you or around you so that others may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty?
I have run in Christian circles for about 30 years now. The longer I’ve been a believer the more I see mediocre Christianity which amounts to basically living a moral life, keeping one’s nose clean and being a generally nice and good person.
When I hear stories of heroic faith happening amongst my brothers and sisters, I am reminded that their powerful faith that seems to move mountains is a rarity.
I am in numerous churches over the course of a year for various job responsibilities and family visits. I hear many stories of churches that are empty monuments to the past, once vibrant but are now dying on their feet.
Generally speaking, we are having a tough time attracting newcomers to churches and most that do come are transplants not new believers or unsaved.  Why?  Oh, people far smarter and educated that I am are struggling to answer that question.
I personally think that if we who are Christ-followers started to exercise our faith and live out our lives in unabashed, passionate obedience, proclaiming the gospel in word, deed and attitude then we could be a showcase of the mighty hand of God — that others may see and know our God is a great God, our God is the One True God.
That, my sisters, will draw others to want to come and see! So I ask again, what is God doing in you, through you or around you so that others may know the mighty hand of the LORD is mighty?
Food for thought today – no calories!
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 and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all.  She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.

          Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deut. 6:4-5 (NKJV). This brief but all-important scripture became the Jewish people’s profession of faith.  According to Rabbinic law the Shemah was recited every morning and night.  It is not surprising that the Jewish people put such an emphasis on this scripture.  The verse following commands them further: “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Deut. 6:6-7 (NKJV). It appears that God very much wanted parents to put considerable attention to teaching their children the importance of loving God. When Jesus walked the earth one of the scribes asked Him “What commandment is the foremost of all?”  In other words, what commandment is most important?  Jesus answered and said, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.” Mark 12:29-30 (NKJV). Are you wondering: what is the most important truth to apply in your life or what is the most important truth you should impart into your children? May I suggest that you consider repeating this profession of faith often? After all, if God said it was important and Jesus said it was important, perhaps the Jewish people have a good tradition that you may want to make part of your morning and evening prayers with your family…the Shemah……… “Hear     (put in your name or say it as a family with each family member name)  The Lord my God, the Lord is one! I (we) shall love the Lord my (our) God with all my (our) heart, with all my (our) soul, and with all my (our) strength.    Adapted from Deut. 6:4-5

Blessings, Patricia Wenzel

WOC Graduate

          How many times I have heard people use the open door theology to determine Gods’ will. Now let me say, God can and does open doors for His saints to walk through but I have heard some wacky decisions because “God opened the door,” even some sinful choices because God must have wanted me to do that. Seriously? Satan provides all kinds of open doors – right into sin. So a word of caution, an open door does not necessarily mean a good decision.

          For example: in 1 Samuel, the account of Saul mercilessly pursuing David to kill him. On at least a couple of occasions, David discovered Saul was right in the palm of his hand. “Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wild goats’ Rocks.  And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now, David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave.”  1 Samuel 24:2-3. Saul was unaware David was in the cave. David had the element of surprise in his favor and he had men around him encouraging him to take Saul out. “And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’ Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.” 1 Samuel 24:4. David was close enough to trim a corner off Saul’s robe. By all appearances God delivered Saul right into his hand. But David responded, “…”The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD’s anointed.”  So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul.” 1 Samuel 24:6-7.

          A few chapters later, 1 Samuel 26, David finds he is again has the advantage over Saul.  Saul and his men are in a deep sleep. “So, David and Abishai went to the army by night. And there lay Saul sleeping within the encampment, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head, and Abner and the army lay around him.  Then Abishai said to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand this day. Now please let me pin him to the earth with one stroke of the spear, and I will not strike him twice.” 1 Samuel 26:7-8. Again from all appearances, God has opened the door for David to kill Saul, but again David said, “Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”  And David said, “As the LORD lives, the LORD will strike him, or his day will come to die, or he will go down into battle and perish.  The LORD forbid that I should put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. But take now the spear that is at his head and the jar of water, and let us go.” 1 Samuel 26:9-11.

           Open doors are not necessarily God’s way of saying “go this way” and they are NEVER His way to guide you if it leads towards temptation or sin.  An open door never supersedes God’s 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 and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all.  She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.

          “I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild beasts multiply against you. Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and possessed the land.” (Ex 23:29-30) As the Israelites were fleeing Egypt, the place of their bondage, God was leading them to a land flowing with milk and honey. (Ex 3:7-8) God is up to the same thing in the lives of His children today. He is in the process of making us like His son (2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:29).  He is taking us from the place of bondage to the place of freedom (John 8:36).  Could He do that in an instant?  Yes. But this Old Testament illustration in Exodus 23 gives us some insight into God’s ways… There is value in the process. The journey from bondage to freedom affords many opportunities for God to reveal Himself to us.  The journey itself strengthens us in ways that are necessary to sustain our freedom.  God sustains our freedom but we must walk in it. The journey teaches us how.  Little by little is often frustrating to us because we want to posses the land “now” but God has the bigger picture and can see the dangers we cannot.   Rest assured He is up to something in your life.  He is up to something in your journey from bondage to freedom.  The journey itself is part of His sanctifying grace in your life.  “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

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 and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all.  She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.