A few moments ago, I was reading an article in my local paper about “faking courage” which brought to mind a recent conversation I’d had with my good and faithful friend Diane. In that conversation I shared a string of thoughts which included a not-so- new-to-her-fact, that this almost 52 year old woman is afraid of the dark (among other things).

The Lord Himself knows how I wish I wasn’t, and yet, the truth is, I am. I can go way back in my childhood memories and pinpoint specific things, occurrences: such as scary stories, the bogeyman, etc. All of which cultivated in me this deep fear of what could be in the dark which I cannot see that could hurt me.

One of the statements the writer made in the article was: “To this day, I’m uncomfortable in basements and dislike sitting with my back to windows at night.”1 I can relate to that. In fact, I could add a whole bunch of other things to that list.

She goes on to say: “I know people whose fear of bridges or heights has stopped them from traveling. Several close relatives were so terrified of cats, they got goosebumps if they saw one. And what fears are more daunting than those of failure or success, which keeps us silent and immobile in the face of opportunity or change…everything we do out of our comfort zone is scary.”2

All of this brings my thoughts back to the myriad conversations I’ve had with Di over the years about stepping out of my “comfort zone(s)”. Personally, I like my comfort zones. Why? Well, because they’re comfortable. And yet, as true as it is that I could be a-okay with my status quo, I am not okay with settling for less than I was created for.

“He whom the Son sets free is free indeed.”3

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of POWER and of LOVE and of a SOUND mind.”4

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”5

If, in fact, I am free, then I must require more of me, as He enables and equips me for, rather than sitting still IN FEAR for fear of “whatever” could or would happen IF…

I can choose to get up and walk in power, thinking with the sound mind which the LORD has given me and walk forward doing the “whatever” in LOVE instead of fear.

“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”6

I could tell you lots of stories of my failure to walk in faith. But this Victory Call is not about all the ways I could and sometimes do let fear overwhelm. It is about Him and all the ways I could also tell you of His perfect love casting out fear IN moments of great distress.

Dear sister, whether you are like me or not, there may be a situation you are living with or within right now and there is only one thing for you to do – RUN!! Run to Abba!

Running to Abba Father in the Word has a huge impact on our soul! His Spirit in us is instantly quickened and we will find over and over again that to stand and persevere will reap a reward that all by itself accomplishes His will IN us.

In Psalm 56:11 the psalmist writes, “In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” This is an awesome testimony to the power of trusting in God. Regardless of what happens, the psalmist will trust in God because he knows and understands the power of God. The key to overcoming fear, then, is total and complete trust in God. Trusting God is a refusal to give in to fear. It is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting Him to make things right. This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is good. As Job said when he was experiencing some of the most difficult trials recorded in the Bible, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15 NKJV).”7

Stephanie

Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An “instrument of change” in the Redeemer’s Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America’s Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:10-11
10and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

1 Bobbi Seidel: Second Thoughts “Faking Courage..” Observer Reporter 1/27/2011
2 ibid
3 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%208:36&version=NKJV
4 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%201:7&version=NKJV
5 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%204:18&version=NKJV
6 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah%2041:10&version=NKJV
7 http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-fear.html

There are two Hebrew words that, when translated into English, mean love. One is agapao (verb) or agape (noun). The other is phileo (verb) or philanthropia (noun).

According to Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary, agapao and the corresponding noun agape is used to describe the attitude of God toward His Son (John 17:26), mankind in general (John 3:16, Romans 5:8), and those who receive Jesus (John 14:21). It is used to convey His will to His children concerning their attitude toward one another (John 13:34) and toward all men (1 Thes. 3:12; 1 Cor. 16:14; 2 Peter 1:7), and to express the essential nature of God (1 John 4:8). Vine’s Dictionary explains the meaning in detail. To summarize let me simply say that agape love is not the love of complacency, or affection. This love is not an impulse from feelings. It seeks the welfare of all; it seeks opportunity to do good to all. It is a deep and constant love with no account if the recipient is worthy of love.

You may not have the time to look up all of the scripture above, but if you want to read an example of agape love I would invite you to read and consider 1 John 4:7-21. We can love (agape) others because God first loved us. God is love and the one who lives in the place, with that kind of love, lives in God and God lives in Him. Amazing Grace, Praise God!!

Vine’s Dictionary tells us that phileo or philanthropia represents “tender affections”. It is an unselfish love that is ready to serve others. This word for love is used as a warning in 1 Cor. 16:22. It is also the word the Lord used when he asked Peter the third time “Do you love Me?” In essence the Lord was asking Peter “Do you love Me with an unselfish love, that is ready to serve My sheep without concern for yourself?” (John 21:15-17). In the past Peter’s concern for himself caused him to deny Christ. It was a totally reasonable question and I think Peter understood what was being asked of him. He was now ready to serve Jesus’ sheep selflessly.

It appears to me that both agape and phileo love go beyond a warm feeling. These words represent a love that may not necessarily seem wise or even sensible. It is the kind of love that frees you from keeping accounts of wrongs suffered, or picking up an offense even when it could have been justified. Did you ever love someone so much you simply did not count the cost of loving? Such was a woman from Bethany. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were coming. Jesus is in the home of Simon the leper in Bethany. A woman came and broke an alabaster vial of very costly perfume and poured it over His head. Some of the people in the room got really upset with her, as the perfume was expensive. In fact the Word says it was worth over three hundred denarii. That would have been equal to about 300 days of wages for a rural worker in that time. No wonder they were upset. But she apparently didn’t count the actual cost of the perfume or the cost of being ridiculed. It would seem that God the Father revealed to her that she was to pour out that perfume on Jesus, whom she loved (phileo), and so she did so. With unselfish love she was obedient and served the Lord. Jesus responded by rebuking those who criticized her. He lets them know that she was chosen to anoint His body for burial. What an example of love. God loved her so much He chose her to anoint His Son for burial. Her love for God was such that she was confident that she was given a God assignment and responded in total obedience not counting the cost. Amazing love!!

I close with this prayer for you:
“Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that You are love and it is You who has loved each one reading this devotional so much that You sent Your Son to die and bear our sin. Father, because You are love and You are filled with lovingkindness I would ask that by grace You would pour out upon each the gift of love. May each of us know in a deeper, richer, more meaningful way the love You have for us. May each of us live in such a way that Your love is manifested in us, that we might demonstrate Your love, as we love others every day of our lives by Your grace. Father, we thank you, for the greatest of all gifts is love. I pray in the name of the One we give all praise and glory, Jesus our Lord and Savior.” (1 John 4:9; 1 Cor.13:13)

Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate

In preparing this devotional the following was used:
My Utmost for His Highest
Oswald Chambers; Welch Publishing Company Inc.

The Ryrie Study Bible
New American Standard Translation; Moody Press

Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words
W.E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, William White, Jr.; Thomas Nelson Publishers

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:10-11
10and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant. Does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. (1 Cor. 13:4-8a NAS)

February is the month to think about the gift of love. I am so thankful for the gift of love that has been poured out upon me. When I was a child I was loved by my Mom, Dad, brother and sister. I grew up in a home where I learned to honor and love God. What a precious gift.

As a young woman I met the man who would become my husband and I came to know a new kind of love. Then I became a mother. What kind of love is this? It was so new to me. My Mom often said I would understand how much she loved me when I had my own children. She was right. Then I was to have my second child. I was honestly fearful that I could love this baby as I did my first child. And then he was born and so came the increase of love. At no time did I make love happen. It came, it was there. And so I began to understand that love was a gift from God. He created us. He made us in His image. We are his His children. He loves us and He wants us to love one another. I came to understand sacrificial, unconditional love. Even in the times I did not like my children I always loved them and would to this day lay down my life for them. I began to understand the love God has for His children.

Over and over God has modeled love……….

…..It was His love that was patient with Abraham when he let fear overtake him and introduced his wife as his sister. (Genesis 12) Abraham still became the Father of nations.

…..It was His love that did not give up on Jacob when he deceived his father and Esau. (Genesis 27) He was to receive a new name, Israel, and also become the father of nations.

…..It was His love that did not take into account when Peter denied Jesus who was on His way to die for our sin. (Luke 22:54-62) Peter, an apostle of Jesus, was used by God to, in one day, lead 3,000 souls to Jesus, heal the sick and record the Word.

…..It was love that led God to send His Son into the world (John 3:16).

…..It was love that held Jesus to the cross, which bore all our sin, and endured all. (Luke 23)

Love is a gift. We can choose to receive that love and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. Or we can reject the gift of love. Over the years I have learned that the more I love and invest in my relationship with God, the more He can grow me that I might love as He loves. Apart from Him and the gift of His love, I am nothing more than a noisy, selfish gong. (1 Cor. 13:1)

Sisters, prayerfully consider the following verse. Invite the Lord to reveal His great love for you. Allow the love of God to fill you up, that you may know the unspeakable joy of so great a love.

Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant. Does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. (1 Cor. 13:4-8a NAS)

Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:10-11
10and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

Last week I divided the verses in an awkward place (between 9 and 10), so I’d like to include verse 9 this week to keep the flow of the verse.

Have you been tracking with us through the book of James? We are taking it in very small bites so everyone can join in. I would encourage you to read the book of James through in one sitting often.

James 1:9-11 “Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.”

Commentary:
“The place of Rich and Poor before God. Both poverty and riches bring enormous pressure on a person to focus on the world rather than on Christ. Thus James exhorts the poor to boast (or glory) in their high status in Christ. The lowly brother will be exalted or vindicated by God. In contrast, James, exhorts the rich to boast in their humiliation. (1) by realizing that their wealth is temporary and that it brings them no advantage before God, and (2) by identifying with the poor in their affliction. The church is to be a ‘countercultural’ community, which reverses the values of the world (cf 2:2-4). Given the context, James seems to be saying that the challenges of poverty and wealth may be one of the greatest “trials” for Christians, as would be suggested by his immediate emphasis (see 1:12) on the ‘blessed’ status of those who remain ‘steadfast under trial.’ ” [The ESV Study Bible study notes pg. 2391]

Have you been pondering James 1:9 this week? I hope you have also been reading the entire book of James as often as you can. You can probably read the entire book in 15 – 20 minutes. It is well worth the read. It will be our focus for 2011.

James 1:9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation (ESV)
James 1:9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, (NKJV)
James 1:9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. (NIV)
James 1:9 When down-and-outers get a break, cheer! (The Message)

Points to ponder:
I have to admit this took some serious pondering. At first glance it didn’t make much sense to me. In the ESV it says “the lowly brother should boast…” yet elsewhere we are told “o that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’ ” 1 Corinthians 1:31 And then further, to boast in his exaltation. According to Webster, ‘exaltation means an excessively intensified sense of well-being, power, or importance”1 So, I think we could say it means to be elevated. The NIV also gives a similar interpretation: “take pride in their high position.”
What could this mean?

Here is a good example of the need to consider the whole counsel of God. “for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:27 If we considered this verse in isolation we could come to the conclusion that we should be so proud of our humility. But when we consider the context of the Bible we come to a very different consideration.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6. Could our week’s verse be saying that the humble brother should declare, exclaim, and proclaim the mighty work of God in his life? When God lifts him up, that He give glory, thanksgiving and praise to God for His work of grace in his life? In otherwords, isn’t it possible that the boasting is not at all about self but rather God for what He has done in the life of a lowly brother (sister)?

Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America’s KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

1 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exaltation accessed 1.29.11

Joshua 3:12-17 Now therefore take twelve men from the tribes of Israel, from each tribe a man. And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap.

So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.

This is an amazing story of faith. The priests had to get their feet wet BEFORE God cut off the water. What did the Israelites have to go on?
1. God’s Word told them what they were to do
2. Their knowledge of God’s past faithfulness

That is no different than today. What do we have to go on?
1. God’s Word
2. Our knowledge of God’s past faithfulness to Israel and ourselves

When your faith wobbles or is challenged, do you intentionally remember? Do you call to mind the evidence of God’s faithfulness in the Bible (these are great faith growers) and the evidence of God’s faithfulness to you in the past?

Remember. Remember. Remember.

I so love this story of God’s faithfulness and the faith of His people that it is the name of the Bible Study several of us wrote. “Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in the Midst of Adversity.” Here is an excerpt from the Introduction:
The title Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in the Midst of Adversity, was chosen because it beautifully depicts the life of freedom that awaits those who choose to get their feet wet and to cross from the wilderness into the land of promise. Just like the Israelites, as you choose to step out in faith to move from your wilderness wanderings to lay hold of the Promised Land in your life, God will go with you. He will empower you moment-by-moment to lay claim to the promises of freedom and hope awaiting you on the other side of the Jordan.

Thanks to generous friends of the ministry this Bible Study will soon be in print. It has been a long time coming and we are excited to see this dream become a reality.

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America’s KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:9
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,

I have been dwelling on “what was God’s purpose for placing us here.” The answer came quickly thorough the scripture, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things and by Your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11.

“That the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:12.

There you have it – everything is for God’s will and glory. Will means “determination.” In other words, God created us because He wanted to.
The word glory means “the unveiling of God’s character.” It might, at first, seem selfish that God created things for His glory. But think about it for a minute. What are the best possible circumstances that we could live in? Total dependence upon God – in other words, immersion in God’s character. So what God wants for us is the very thing that is best for us. Notice that 2 Thessalonians 1:12 includes the words “and you in Him.” This isn’t God’s selfishness, it’s His love.
We can be very thankful that God has taken an interest in us and revealed Himself to us. God’s love may be the most incomprehensible aspect of God’s purpose in creating us.

The next time you are struggling and trying to figure out why you are are, think about the reasons why God created us and rejoice in who He is and your struggle will lessen.

Patsy Foley
Women of Character Graduate

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:9
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,

If you are anything like me, there are times when you feel as if your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling. We wonder, is God really hearing me? Is He ever going to answer me? When this happens, what do we do? Do we end up praying less, or even ceasing altogether? Or do we press on, going by faith rather than feeling? And do we tell the Lord how we are really feeling?

Recently, I’ve been reading through Psalms. I was struck by how very open and honest David was with the Lord about how he was feeling. Psalm 13:1-2 says, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and everyday have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” David was a man who could openly and honestly communicate with the Lord how he was feeling. Many of his Psalms begin with an earnest, oftentimes desperate, plea for help. David would then pour out his heart and lay out his requests before God, and most times, by the end of the Psalm, his whole outlook changed. Psalm 13 ends, “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me.” (vs. 5 & 6)

We see a similar pattern in Psalm 28. Verses 1 & 2 say: “To you I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help.” Then verses 6 & 7, “Praise be to the Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.” David was already thanking the Lord for hearing and trusting Him to help.

Psalm 55:1-2, “Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught.” After pouring out his heart to the Lord, David says in verses 16-18, “But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.” And verse 22, “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.”

I think we can all learn a lesson from David who was, after all, a man after God’s own heart. May we seek the Lord earnestly, being totally honest with Him (He already knows our feelings anyway), and then, by faith, expectantly wait for Him to answer. Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

Allow the truths of Scripture to re-affirm and strengthen your faith. “Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him.” (Psalm 4:3) “When you feel as though your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, remember that as a believer you have been set apart by God and that He loves you. He hears and answers, although His answers may not be what you expect. Look at your problems in the light of God’s power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problems.” 1

Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate

1 Life Application Bible – NIV by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (c)1991
DIGGING DEEPER

James 1:9
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,

As I sat down to write the Victory for this week, I had to chuckle at my own verse division. I thought, “why on earth did I choose to break the verse there?” But I trust the Lord knew all that when I set up the year’s verses. Let’s rely on the commentary to help this week.

James 1:9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation (ESV)
James 1:9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, (NKJV)
James 1:9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. (NIV)
James 1:9 When down-and-outers get a break, cheer! (The Message)

Commentary:
“glory. The word refers to the boasting of a privilege or possession; it is the joy of the legitimate pride. Although having nothing in this world, the poor believer can rejoice in his high spiritual standing before God by grace and the hope which that brings (cf. Rom. 8:17, 18; 1 Peter 1:4) [The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John Mac Arthur, pg. 1882]

Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America’s KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

I hope you have joined us in our journey through James this year. We are taking it in small morsels so it should not be overwhelming. May I encourage you to meditate on the Scripture selection each week and by year’s end you will have meditated your way through the book of James.

James 1:6-8
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Commentary:
“There is one thing necessary to be observed in our asking, v. 6. There must be no wavering, no staggering at the promise of God through unbelief….Sincerity of intention, and steadiness of mind, constitute another duty required under affliction…To be sometimes lifted up by faith, and then thrown down again by distrust – this is very fitly compared to a wave of the sea, that rises and falls, swells and sinks, just as the wind tosses it higher or lower, that way or this. The success of prayer is spoiled hereby, b. 7. Such a distrustful shifting, unsettled person is not likely to value a favour from God as he should do, and therefore cannot expect to receive it. A wavering faith and spirit has a bad influence upon our conversations, v. 8. There will be great unsteadiness in all our conversations and actions. He that is unstable as water shall not excel.” [Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume pg. 1930-1931]

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America’s KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.