From the Word:
“Each one should give as you have decided in your heart to give. You should not be sad when you give, and you should not give because you feel forced to give. God loves the person who gives happily.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NCV)

When was the last time you thought about greed? I confess to you, I haven’t thought about it or considered it one way or another for a very long time. And, I’d be the first to raise my hand and say, “I am not a greedy person.” But guess what? I’d be lying if I said that. Have you ever seen me eat? But that’s a topic for another day…maybe.

Consider the following gleaned from a devo written by Mary Southerland on this very topic:

“We make a living by what we get out of life, but we make a life by what we give…and how we give it. I am convinced God loves to see us give for no other reason than the joy of giving.” *

Mary went on to write about a moment one Christmas when she and her boys had the thrill of joyfully blessing friends who were on hard times and wouldn’t likely be able to afford something they really wanted. To this day, they carry the joy received from giving that particular Christmas.

After sharing the story she continued on the topic of greed:

Greed doesn’t hold a candle to joyful giving.
Greed is never satisfied and never at rest. There is always something more to be gained and someone else to outdo.
Greed promotes motives that are self-serving, not God-honoring.
Greed loves a prideful heart. Oh yes, I am familiar with this one. My pride is at stake, so I give to impress others. People are watching, so I give to gain their approval.
Greed cooks up a batch of fear and guilt, spreads it across our lives, and we give, hoping to buy God’s forgiveness from our sin. How foolish! That gift has already been given. *

God is much more interested in our motive for giving than in the gift itself. If that motive is tainted with greed of any kind, the gift simply does not count. This year, before you give, ask yourself, “What’s in it for me?” If the answer is “nothing,” then go ahead and give the gift.
Be a joyful giver.

Dear sisters, I’m sure most of you are givers, especially at Christmas. My question for you today is, what about the rest of the year? When you consider the above statements on greed, do you see yourself reflected there?

I have to confess: as soon as I read them there were specific things that quickly surfaced in my mind. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for never growing weary of teaching and counseling.

Selah…selah.

* http://www.girlfriendsingod.com

“Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
Psalm 51:2

Yesterday, I began by telling you I’ve gained weight. What I left out of the story yesterday was the fact that I got up on the scale four separate times. Even though I wasn’t surprised that I’d gained weight, I also didn’t want it to be true. So, I guess my logic was, I’ll get on it until the number changes. Silly, I know, but mostly sad.

The words I shared which initially convicted me were:
“Some mornings I look in the mirror and scare myself, but there’s something much less comical and much more destructive that I should be afraid of. It’s the dark condition of my heart.” *

He also used the words: Iniquity. Sin. Transgression.

Sisters, these words together basically mean I am willing to do what I want to do, when I want to do it, and how I want to do it. With every act of gluttony (yep, I said it), I am sinning.

Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary puts it— like this: “The voluntary departure from a known rule…or duty prescribed by God…neglect of known duty, all evil thoughts, purposes, words and desires, whatever is contrary to God’s commands or law…the act of passing over or beyond any law or rule of moral duty.”

Dear ones, all three words are from Scripture, from the heart of God, and give me no “out” as they accurately describe the “why” and “how” of my dark condition and the reason I am so overweight. You see, on any given day at any given moment I am willing to eat more than my body needs for fuel or satisfaction just because I want to.

I thank God that His Word, while rebuking, convicting, challenging etc., is also redemptive. It’s always for good and not for evil. I thank God for His grace that will lead me to experience personal change, to grab hold of tangible victory in this and all areas of my life. I thank God for His sanctifying grace and truth that are never going to stop speaking, teaching, preaching to my wayward heart.

The devotion concluded with this prayer. May it be so, that we find help in our times of need.

“Thank you, Sovereign Father, for your unshakeable plan. Thank you, Sacrificial Son, for standing in our place. Thank you, Warrior Spirit, for your empowering presence. In you, Triune Lord, we really find help and hope for personal change.” *

Beloved, I hope and pray for anyone of you who is held captive by iniquity, sin, or transgression to draw near to God today. Chose TODAY to draw near to God’s purifying, empowering, rescuing grace!

Stephanie D. Paul

Stephanie serves as part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America’s Keswick as Director of Women of Character. She has been married for over 30 years to Sesky Paul who is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy. They have two grown children. Her single focus in ministry at Keswick is to image Christ in grace and truth to wounded and hurting women, encouraging them to make Jesus the truest Lover of their soul and the One in whom all hope lies.

* http://www.paultripp.com/wednesdays-word

“Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.”
Psalm 51:2—3

Today is one of those mornings when I wake up feeling pretty rested (as rested as one can be on 6 hours of sleep). I’m doing my morning shuffle to get the kinks out before I prepare myself for work. As I’m going from room to room opening the blinds, I come to the spot where my scale lives. You know what happens next? Yep. I pulled it out of the corner and stepped on. It wasn’t a pleasant discovery, nor was I surprised. I’m keenly aware that I have been eating more food than I need to for a few months now and well, the results are in. I’ve gained weight. Now we all know this isn’t earth shattering, stop-the-presses news. So, why am I even bringing it up? In my quiet/unquiet time this morning, I read the following words:

“Some mornings I look in the mirror and scare myself, but there’s something much less comical and much more destructive that I should be afraid of. It’s the dark condition of my heart.” *

For me it wasn’t the look in the mirror. It was the scale. After reading the above words my heart and soul were immediately on alert. I knew the Lord was once again speaking to me about the dark condition of my very own heart.

Scripture is very clear about how we really are apart from grace and no time is wasted telling us the things we want to hear because our feelings might be hurt. Nope. Not at all! God is committed to changing our character, molding and shaping us into the image of His Son — from the inside out! And lest we get it twisted, the author of the devo shares the following words:

1. INIQUITY: Iniquity is moral uncleanness…It’s only when we recognize the depth of our uncleanness that we will reach out for purifying grace from the Divine Trinity and begin to experience personal change.
2. SIN: Sin means “missing the mark.” …That’s our righteousness – on our best day, our deeds are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). We ought to be terrified of our sin and the inability it causes. It’s only when we recognize the depth of our helplessness that we will reach out for empowering grace from the Divine Trinity and begin to experience personal change.
3. TRANSGRESSION: Transgression is trespassing. It’s parking in the “No Parking” zone, even though you tell yourself you’re going to be in the store for just three minutes. You know the law has been established, but in that moment, you couldn’t care less…We ought to be afraid of our transgression and the boundaries it enables us to cross. It’s only when we recognize the depth of our rebellion that we will reach out for rescuing grace from the Divine Trinity and begin to experience personal change. *

Dear sisters, are you with me today? I hope so, because we all need to be in this together. We need the love and care of one another. We need to be willing to speak gracefully and truthfully into each other’s lives.

The words: iniquity, sin and transgression are the reasons I have gained weight.

Tomorrow, I will share my closing thoughts on this and we can join our hearts together in prayer, crying out to God as David did, “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I k now my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.”

Stephanie D. Paul

Stephanie serves as part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America’s Keswick as Director of Women of Character. She has been married for over 30 years to Sesky Paul who is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy. They have two grown children. Her single focus in ministry at Keswick is to image Christ in grace and truth to wounded and hurting women, encouraging them to make Jesus the truest Lover of their soul and the One in whom all hope lies.

* http://www.paultripp.com/wednesdays-word

There have been many books and devotionals written about the battle in our minds. However, as Valentine’s Day draws near I am going to address some of the big lies the enemy of our soul loves to challenge us with. Yes, the devil is a liar (see John 8:44-45). If you believe his lies you will soon find yourself trapped.

He will try to convince you that one or more of the following are true:
you are rejected, you are unloved, you are unwanted, you can never be good enough, you are unappreciated, you are a disappointment, you’ll never make it, God could never use someone like you.

Sound familiar? Well, dear one, let’s settle it today………it’s from the pit of hell and it is a lie.

Now hear the TRUTH……….God LOVES YOU:

He chose YOU before the foundation of the world!! (Eph. 1:4)

In love, He adopted YOU as His own (Eph. 5)

YOU originated way before the beginning of time. His eyes even saw your unformed substance and He wrote about YOU in His book. He even ordained your days and then knitted YOU in your mother’s womb. Now that is SPECIAL!! (Ps. 139:13,16)

Before YOU were born He knew YOU!! (Jer.1:5)

He prepared good works for YOU to do!! (Eph. 2:10)

If that wasn’t enough, while YOU were yet a sinner He died for YOU!! (Romans 5:23)

He has a great plan for your life if YOU will receive it. (Jer. 29:11)

YOU are His carefully fashioned handiwork. (Eph. 2:10)

Be blessed, dearly loved daughter of the King.

Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate

To be greatly blessed please visit http://www.FathersLoveLetter.com and listen to God’s love letter to YOU!!

“Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.” Psalm 84:3

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” Matthew 10:29

I am amazed sometimes when I think about how many people are in the world, going about their daily business and life, so far removed and disconnected from mine.  I go places and I think… God knows all about the lives of each of these and I sit back in wonder at how that is possible.

Do you ever feel lost in a sea of people, circumstances or events? Take heed, God sees (Gen 16:13) and God knows (Psalm 139:1-10) all about you.  I know I can feel lost at times, and then I reflect on His Word and am reminded that I am never forgotten by God no matter how small or invisible I may feel at the time.

I am writing this sitting overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean and watching three tiny little birds frolicking in the sand and the water.  I am not very familiar with types of birds, but that isn`t important.  What struck me is that just like they are three tiny little creatures in contrast to a big vast ocean – I am a small creature in this big vast world.  However, just like them I am known and not forgotten by God.  He sees them and He sees me!  Today I will rest in that and I hope you will too.

“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31

Lynne Jahns

Lynne Jahns is a Christian counselor and holds the honor of being the first Director of Barbara’s Place at America’s Keswick, a residential addiction recovery ministry for women. Lynne is married to Bill Jahns, who also serves on staff at America’s Keswick as the Director of Housekeeping.  When not working and studying, Lynne loves to be outdoors and to travel.  Family is very important to both Lynne and Bill and a lot of free time is spent with relatives and close family friends. Lynne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences from Cedarville University in Ohio, a Master of Arts degree from The College of New Jersey in Community Counseling, and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from Louisiana Baptist University.

Oh, I have known it for a while…I complain.  I don’t want to be a complainer but in reality, I am.
There is a circumstance in our lives that I want to be different.  (Can you identify?)  Overall – it is a great blessing but it has its downsides. It seems those are what I focus on. Not only do I spend too much time focused on the downsides – I talk about them enough so in the end others focus on them too.
[For any of you under the mistaken notion that I have my act all together – I believe I have categorically dispelled that illusion.]

I know the Scriptures:

Do all things without grumbling or disputing (i) … Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.(ii)  … be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”(iii)  …But godliness with contentment is great gain, (iv)

I know the negative feelings I have when I focus on the downsides rather than the upsides.

Then one evening, as I read my new favorite devotional, I read this statement:  “The contented heart is satisfied with the Giver and is therefore freed from craving the next gift.” (v)

ZING! Right to my heart.

My situation with the upsides and the downsides is part of God’s plan in my life to accomplish His purpose for His glory.  There is more to this than just the situation; it is far more about my walk with God and my contented heart born of my knowledge of, relationship with and love for… the GIVER.

“A heart that is content, more given to worship than demand and more given to the joy of gratitude than the anxiety of want.” (vi)

How about you?  Can you step back and see your situations with the upsides and the downsides as part of God’s plan in your life to accomplish His purpose for His glory and your good?

Blessings, Diane
i Philippians 4:11
ii Phil 4:11
iiiHebrews 13:5
iv 1 Timothy 6:6
v Paul David Tripp – New Morning Mercies – January 6
vi Paul David Tripp – New Morning Mercies – January 6

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 for 30 years. She has 2 adult children, 4 grandchildren, 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 11 in all. She delights in reading and teaching, but mostly in laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.

Today I am going to put before you some of my favorite verses from the scriptures. Please take you time and read and re-read each verse. Allow the Spirit of God to speak to you through His Living Word.

Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

1 Peter 1:23
“….for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.”

John 11:25-26
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?’ “

Jer. 29:11
“ ‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’ ”

1 Peter 5:7
“….casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you”.

Blessings,
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate

Scripture from the New American Standard translation.

How quick our flesh is…
to believe the worst, or even to relish it!
to attribute bad motives rather than good motives!
to assume rather than investigate!
to look only at what a person does or looks like or acts like and
miss that person’s heart.
to say, “They’ll never change. There’s no hope.”

Kay Arthur – “Lord, Give Me a Heart for You”

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:2-6 ESV).

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27a ESV).

Last night I started watching the History Channel presentation of the end of the world and the tribulation. Now, I’m not going to get into a theological discussion on its accuracy because it was produced by the world, so a discussion is not necessary here. The point is – it described a future of anything but peace. Additionally, we all know that even today we do not have world peace. Never really have in my lifetime. I was born shortly after the end of a war and it wasn’t long until we were in another.

Most of us in our own lives have had times of turmoil and uncertainty as well as times of more peace. So, what does it really mean to have peace? Christ came as the Prince of Peace and left telling the disciples that He was leaving them His peace.

Part of our problem with peace is that we are looking for it in the world, in our relationships, in our families, in our jobs, and in ourselves. When our search for peace comes up empty we get all bothered and confused. We say things like… “I thought God gave peace, I expected as a Christian to have this nice peaceful life.”

Christ clearly tells us that the peace He gives is not in things, the world, circumstances, or relationships, it is only in resting and trusting in Him and His promises for the future and His control over the world. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 ESV).

“What kind of peace does He give those who trust in Him? It is a quiet confidence that, since our sovereign, loving, all-powerful God is in control, we have nothing to fear. Jesus gives us peace with God through the forgiveness of sin. He provides peace of mind through an unhindered relationship with Him. He shows us how to have peace with man by teaching us how to love others. When He is in control, no situation, heartache, or sorrow can ever disturb that peace.”

It is an internal peace that God gives and we can have – rather than external. In this world, I wish I could tell you that a life of external peace was possible, but God only promises that to us in heaven. But, this is the year that you can begin to rest in the internal peace that only the God of peace offers. It is that peace that allows you live in this un-peaceful world.

“For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). When you don’t understand but you have peace, you won’t be confused. God’s peace is what puts your heart and mind at rest. And you have this peace because God is ministering to you through His presence. Throughout the entire Bible, God is identified as “the God of peace” (Romans 15:33, Hebrews 13:20, Philippians 4:9) and Jesus is called “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 6:9). He Himself is our peace (Ephesians 2:14).

May this be the peace you cling to.

Lynne Jahns

Lynne Jahns is a Christian counselor and holds the honor of being the first Director of Barbara’s Place at America’s Keswick, a residential addiction recovery ministry for women. Lynne is married to Bill Jahns, who also serves on staff at America’s Keswick as the Director of Housekeeping. When not working and studying, Lynne loves to be outdoors and to travel. Family is very important to both Lynne and Bill and a lot of free time is spent with relatives and close family friends. Lynne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences from Cedarville University in Ohio, a Master of Arts degree from The College of New Jersey in Community Counseling, and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from Louisiana Baptist University.

Each year that comes has joys and sorrows, trials, challenges and victories. My prayer is that as we close out each year that I will be more like Jesus than when we ushered it in.

While I was singing and worshiping to Justin Rizzo’s “Glory Will Cover the Earth,” I found it drew me easily into worship. I have loved this song ever since our son, a church worship leader, introduced it to us. Tonight as I sang and meditated on the words, this line struck me: “I will be to the glory of Your name.” That is my heart’s desire – that I would be to the glory of His name.

In the big things that will come across my path, I want to be to the glory of His Name.

In the little, mundane things that face me day in and day out – I want to be to the glory of His Name.
When this year closes, may that be true of me. That I have strived to live every moment IN HIS STRENGTH, BY HIS GRACE, TO HIS GLORY.

Join me.

Yes! Yes! Yes! Lord, may it be so.

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 for 30 years. She has 2 adult children, 4 grandchildren, 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 11 in all. She delights in reading and teaching, but mostly in laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.