Psalm 94:12-14 (New International Version)
12 Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD,
the man you teach from your law;
13 you grant him relief from days of trouble,
till a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not reject his people;
he will never forsake his inheritance.

“Blessed is the man (woman) you discipline, O Lord.” The NKJV says, “Blessed is the man whom you instruct.” I don’t know about you, but I think I prefer the word “instruct” over “discipline.” But no matter the word you use, the idea is the same. We are blessed when the Lord disciplines us and teaches us from His Word. There are times that I certainly haven’t felt blessed when the Lord was disciplining me. This is a further reminder that we need to base our lives on the truth of God’s Word, not on how we feel, because our feelings will so often mislead us.

And what is one of the benefits of His discipline? He will “grant (us) relief from days of trouble.” Yes, the Bible tells us “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33), as I am sure we can all attest to. And some trouble we encounter is through no fault of our own. But, this passage caused me to stop and think, how many times do I cause, or at least contribute to, my “days of trouble”? We need to be thankful for His discipline & instruction which teaches us right from wrong. We need to realize that He is “urging us to follow His paths instead of stubbornly going our own way,”1 which inevitably leads to “days of trouble.” “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).

Someday a pit will be dug for the evil one and all who do his bidding, and all trouble (& sin) will be done. In the meantime, let us allow the Lord to discipline, instruct, and teach us. Recognize it as proof of His love for us, loving us too much to allow us to go our own way. As His children, He will not reject us, He will not forsake us, and sometimes this means disciplining us. Ladies, by His grace and in His strength, let’s embrace it and allow Him to produce a harvest of righteousness and peace in our lives.

Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate

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

DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 27
3Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.

Join us this week for Victory Week 5 with Rev. Tony Hart and Rev. Wilbur Winborne. If you’re unable to join us in person, watch live at www.americaskeswick.org Monday through Thursday at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.

Join us this week for Victory Week 5 with Rev. Tony Hart and Rev. Wilbur Winborne. If you’re unable to join us in person, watch live at www.americaskeswick.org Monday through Thursday at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.

Psalm 66:3a – Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! (NKJ)
Psalm 99:3 – Let them praise Your great and awesome name– He is holy. (NKJ)
Psalm 145:6 – Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, And I will declare Your greatness. (NKJ)

Years ago I taught Kindergarten in a small Christian School. It was one of the most physically demanding jobs I ever had and yet in all my years of working in education, those seven years in Kindergarten were my favorite. We had a theme song; you may know it: “Our God is an Awesome God.” We sang it every day. Those precious little ones loved to sing and praise the Lord. Every time we sang, can you picture this, little arms and little hands were lifted in praise proclaiming, “Our God is an awesome God, He reigns in heaven above, with wisdom, power and love, our God is an awesome God.”

I think of those little ones proclaiming our God is awesome and find myself singing that song either to myself or shouting it out loud. Today I want to invite you to sing that simple song if you know it or if you can’t sing it, say the words.

Sing, say or shout “Our God is an Awesome God” while you look at a flower and think about our God who created zillions of flowers. Think of the many shapes, colors, seasons. Varieties of flowers grow where there is plenty of water while different flowers grow in the desert. There are flowers for each season. Amazing. Such a creative God who can make zillions of flowers in all different climates continues to be a God who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than you could think or ask (Eph. 3:20).

Sing, say or shout “Our God is an Awesome God” while you look at people. Many different people groups, with all the same body parts, fearfully and wonderfully made within the womb of their mother. Many colors, shapes and sizes are represented yet each unique. Amazing. He knows you full well. Trust Him with your body and its struggles. He is the One who can heal all of your diseases both physical and emotional (Psalm 139:14; Psalm 103:3).

Sing, say or shout “Our God is an Awesome God” as you gaze upon the sunrise, the sunset or the stars in the night sky. Each day a little different, each day right on time. Who could be so ordered and come up with such an array of color and leave us with night lights so beautiful? His timing is perfect. There is a time for every purpose under heaven. Do not grow weary; wait on Him to provide what you need and you shall be blessed (Eccl. 3:1-8; Gal. 6:9).

Sing, say or shout “Our God is an Awesome God” as you look upon the ocean. How wide, how deep, how powerful, how full, how amazing is the ocean that takes up so much of our earth yet we truly have so much to learn about the life it holds and the beauty within it. So too with our God. Our God created it and all it contains. Dear one, seek to know Him a little more each day. He is an all powerful, all mighty, able God (Psalm 29).

“Our God is an awesome God
He reigns in heaven above
With wisdom power and love
Our God is an awesome God.”

Patricia L. Wenzel
Woman of Character Graduate

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awesome_God: Awesome God” is an American worship song which became popular in the United States during the late 1980s, composed by Rich Mullins. Its title is inspired by a biblical expression (Nehemiah 1:5, Nehemiah 9:32, Psalm 47, Daniel 9:4, etc.), variously translated as “Awesome God”…………..

To view and hear “Awesome God” go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38V8jnN1Kpw

DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 27
1Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.

With the hectic pace of summer, I have found it difficult to keep up with my Scripture memorization. I know, as do you, that the effort is not in vain. This week’s Scripture refers to the vanity of building a house without the Lord, watchfulness without the Lord, restlessness void of the rest that God gives. Though those things are vain efforts, memorizing the Word is not in vain. If you have not yet joined our journey, perhaps today you will. If 5 verses are too overwhelming, pick one. Our theme this year is digging deeper into God’s Word. What better way than to hide it in your heart? Join us… it will change your life.

Psalm 127
1Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
5Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Commentary:”The basic theme of this wisdom psalm is that without the Lord’s blessing, all human toil is worthless. This is explicit in vv. 1-2, and implicit in vv. 3-5, where the pious are to see their children as the Lord’s gift. Psalms 127-128 are wisdom poems in the Songs of Ascents. Wisdom themes are suited to worshipful pilgrims, because in the OT, faithfulness in everyday life (the emphasis of wisdom) and vitality in worship go together…Christians need the same reminders. This psalm…is attributed to Solomon. “[ESV Study Bible notes Pg 1106].

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries and Director of 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 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Join us this week for Victory Week 5 with Rev. Tony Hart and Rev. Wilbur Winborne. If you’re unable to join us in person, watch live at www.americaskeswick.org Monday through Thursday at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.

Bless the LORD, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
Bless the LORD, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the LORD, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Points to ponder: As I sit here and ponder this Psalm, words cannot describe the blessing they are to my soul. I know I am blessed every time I stop long enough to tarry at His feet and gaze into His face. I believe this Psalm ushers us into His presence. Sit a while and enjoy!!!

Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries and Acting Director of 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 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Join us this week, live or on our website, for messages from Rev. Harold Vaughan and Dr. Bob Alderman, Monday through Thursdsay at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm; www.americaskeswick.org.

This man is blessed because he trusts in the Lord; his confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

If you are like me it is truly hard to know who to trust these days. Recently I bought a car – sorry, I don’t trust car dealers – you think you are working hard to keep them on the up and up and you still walk away thinking – I just got taken. Politics today is another area where we don’t know who to trust, or who to listen to regarding our government and future. I am sure each of you can list additional examples of who you don’t feel like you can trust: friends, salesmen, car repair shops, children, spouses, maybe even pastors. Today in my GriefShare group this same topic came up – as they asked who can you trust these days? Simply speaking we can only trust God fully. But, I won’t end there, let me explore this idea just a little more with you.

The Bible does not encourage us to trust one another; in fact almost the opposite is true. * Psalm 118:8-9 tells us that it is better to trust God than man. * Psalm 41:9, Jer. 2:37 paints the picture of someone losing our trust. * Isaiah 2:22, Jer. 9:4, 12:6, Micah 7:5 reminds us not to put any regard in man.* Jer. 17:5 tells us that our strength and trust should not come from man.
God also instructs us not to put our trust in objects, things, or our own strength. These things will fail us or God will judge us for our dependence on these things. (Psalm 20:7, Job 31:24)

We are to trust in God ALONE: Psalm 56, Proverbs 29:25, Jeremiah 17:5-7, because God will never fail us. If we were all honest, we can recall times when people have failed us or not come through for us when we were really counting on them. Unfortunately I can recall times that I have let others down even though it was not deliberate or intentional. It is very comforting to know that God never FAILS us; He never FORSAKES a promise (Psalm 145:13).

So what does it mean to Trust God? Let me just point out a few that come to mind. * Listen to Him (2 Kings 17:14)* Believe in His unfailing Love (Psalm 13:5)* Acknowledge who He is (Psalm 31:14)* Turn our ways to His ways (Psalm 37:5)* Believe in His Word (Psalm 56:4)* Believe He will help (Psalm 115)* Know His names (Psalm 118, Is. 50:10)* Turn over your heart to Him (Pro. 3:5)* Wait and Hope in Him (Isaiah 8:17, 40:31)

Now, before I end I want to go back to the beginning when I stated that the Bible tells us not to put our trust in man. And I know some of you are thinking, but there are those that we trust. God tells us that it is a different kind of trust, more a confidence in their abilities to help. We can also feel confident in some because we know that they are walking close with God and are His servants in our lives (Judges 9:26; 2 Thess. 3:4, Dan. 6:4, Luke 19:17, 1 Cor. 7:25).

Who or what are you trusting in for today? – For tomorrow? If it is not God and God alone, you are trusting in sinking sand. Put your trust in Him and you will stand on the solid rock when life gets stormy and uncertain.

LDJ

Lynne Jahns, Christian Counselor; Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies

DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 103:22
22 Bless the LORD, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Join us this week, live or on our website, for messages from Rev. Harold Vaughan and Dr. Bob Alderman, Monday through Thursdsay at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm; www.americaskeswick.org.

When my children were little I remember they played a game called “opposite world,” where everything they said was the opposite of what they meant. I was reminded of that when I read today’s Scripture: Isaiah 29:16 You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, “He did not make me”;or the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”?

Doesn’t this describe our heart every time we sin? Every time we say I’m going to do this my way. I’m going to do or get what I want. Every time I think, “I hear you Lord, but I can’t, it’s too hard.” For certain—- in those moments we are believing we are the potter rather than the clay, the maker rather than the made, the one who formed rather than the one formed. Father, I see myself here as clear as clear can be. Thank you that the cross paid for ALL my sins. I don’t want to live in the Upside-Down World where I am king of my own life. Lord, I pray that daily I remember and live in light of the reality that You are the Potter and I the clay, You are the Maker, and I the made, You are the One that forms and I the formed one.

Psalm 95:6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!

Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries and Acting Director of 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 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

DIGGING DEEPER
21 Bless the LORD, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!

Join us this week, live or on our website, for messages from Rev. Harold Vaughan and Dr. Bob Alderman, Monday through Thursdsay at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm; www.americaskeswick.org.

And no creature is hidden from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account. Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help. Hebrews 4:13-16

“Meaning that there is no hiding! We will be held accountable for our sins before God and it is only because of Jesus’ payment on our behalf (done because of God’s love for us) that we are deemed righteous.”1

Dear sisters, my encouragement to you today is to lavish in this truth. We, you and I, are deemed righteous because Jesus paid the price, ALL OF IT, on our behalf!! We bring nothing to the table!! No amount of good works or deeds! Apart from His perfect righteousness WE ALL STINK!!

Come! Shower with me in the abundance of His tender mercy, lovingkindness and His sufficient, amazing grace!! Let this truth motivate us to obey the living God and live according to His Word.

Stephanie Paul

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

DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 103:20
20Bless the LORD, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!

1 Brie Burggraf

Join us this week, live or on our website, for messages from Rev. Harold Vaughan and Dr. Bob Alderman, Monday through Thursdsay at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm; www.americaskeswick.org.

Last week, when Dr. Zimmerman was our conference speaker at America’s KESWICK, he shared an illustration that I would like to paraphrase. He said we are not hoses, we are trees. What is the difference between a hose and a tree? A hose has water come in one end and out the other end, unchanged. A tree, on the other hand, takes in water at the roots and sprouts fruit from the top. He said a hose-type takes in Scripture and can spout Scripture, but it is merely words, the person remains unchanged by the words. However, a tree-type takes in Scripture and is affected and changed by the truth and produces fruit. I think that is a wonderful truth that gives us pause. I know I am surely guilty of far too often being more a hose than a tree. As we start another week, would you ask God to make your meditation and memorization of Scripture fruit-bearing in your life?

This week completes our consideration of Psalm 103:20-22
Bless the LORD, O you his angels,you mighty ones who do his word,obeying the voice of his word!Bless the LORD, all his hosts,his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the LORD, all his works,in all places of his dominion.Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Commentary:”After listing all these benefits, the psalm returns to urging various creatures to bless the Lord, echoing vv.1-2. The addressees go beyond the individual “soul” to include the angels and mighty ones (vv.20-21) and even the material creation (all his works, in all places of his dominion; cf. v. 19). The overflow of goodness and steadfast love that God’s works reveal compels his people to call on the angels and all of nature (cf. 19:1) to join in their celebration. The song closes with the singer returning to urge his own soul to bless the Lord, with a deeper appreciation of how much praise and admiration he owes.” ESV Study Bible study notes Pg. 1069

Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries and Acting Director of 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 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Join us this week, live or on our website, for messages from Rev. Harold Vaughan and Dr. Bob Alderman, Monday through Thursdsay at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm; www.americaskeswick.org.

15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from
everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children’s children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.

Points to ponder: The brevity of life. I don’t know about you but there are parts of my lawn that are pretty brown right now, and my hanging flower pots have gone the way of most of my plants…. dried up and gone. A two-week vacation left them unattended with no rain. They did not survive my thoughtlessness. There is nothing permanent about grass or flowers. Likewise, we pass this way ever so briefly. Years from now, there will be little or no evidence that we have passed this way at all, other than our children and grandchildren. But, in contrast, the evidence of God’s love and of His presence remains the same forever, steadfast, unshrinking, unpassing, and undying. It is this God who rules and reigns over all. Amen.

Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries and Acting Director of 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 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Join us this week for Victory Week 3 with Dr. Glenn Blossom and Dr. Charles Zimmerman. If you can’t attend, tune in online at www.americaskeswick.org at 9:30 and and 7:00 PM Monday through Thursday.

Recently I had lunch with two dear ladies. One I know well and the other I am beginning to know better. The lady I am getting to know better serves every summer at America’s KESWICK. Last summer was a very tough summer for her. Physical illness kept her from being out and about most of the season. During our lunch she shared that she had been lonely at times during the ups and downs of her illness. I remembered thinking last year that I should go see her. However, I assumed that many others were by her side and caring for her. I felt that I was just one more person and I really wasn’t needed. On the way home from lunch I repented to my new friend of my assumption. To now know that she could have used another visitor and would have welcomed more company convicted my heart. I had heard and not acted on what God asked me to do. I felt that I had not helped a dear sister when I had the chance. My apology was graciously accepted. Still, I was reminded not to question the tug of the Holy Spirit as if it were merely a suggestion. I was invited to join God at work. I was invited to be used by Him. This invitation required obedient action and follow through; not a response that was logical to my perceptions and then so easily dismissed.

Today you may feel the same tug to make a visit or to give someone a phone call. It is easy to think that the one God placed on your heart has plenty of other friends tending to their needs. Don’t assume that others are doing what the Holy Spirit is asking you to do!

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 “Serve the Lord with gladness.” Psalm 100:2

Kathy Withers

Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for almost 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.

DIGGING DEEPER
19The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.

Join us this week for Victory Week 3 with Dr. Glenn Blossom and Dr. Charles Zimmerman. If you can’t attend, tune in online at www.americaskeswick.org at 9:30 and and 7:00 PM Monday through Thursday.