…the joy of the LORD is your strength  (Nehemiah 8:10b).

          I remember one speaker we had at church who asked, “Do you still have a tear in the corner of your eye for the things of the Lord?”  Have we become so complacent that we no longer have a tear of joy in the corner of our eye when we see Christ at work? The Bible talks about how Heaven rejoices when one person comes to the Lord (Luke 15:7).  Joy is part of the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22).  The joy of the Lord is…”Strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
          Growing up you probably heard the acrostic “J.O.Y.” – Jesus first, others second and yourself last.  If we are truthful with each other, it is all about US most of the time: what we want, what we need, what we desire, our rights and the “why me” concept that we have bought into.  We tend to put ourselves first, others second and Jesus last, and we wonder why we do not have joy in our lives anymore. 
          If we have established our hearts (James 5:8), and focus on putting Christ first, we then will have a heart to serve others and the joy will be in our hearts once again (Mark 10:45).
          We are in a unique position today to show joy to others. Life around us is falling apart.  The economy is failing, jobs are being lost, children are involved in things we never thought we would see, and there are wars, earthquakes, floods and disasters all around us.  And yet we can have the JOY of the Lord in our hearts even though we have experienced some tragedy or disappointment ourselves.
          I am sure that you know of someone in your life who you would consider as an example, someone who has real joy.  Someone that you like to be around even when the chips are down, because they seem to have a certain something or a certain joy that you want.  They might be the same someone that when you have good news to share, you just can’t wait to tell them because you know they will be truly excited along with you. We need to be that same example to all who are around us.
          The JOY that comes from Him is OUR strength.  When we are weak, He is strong.  Has the joy left your heart, have your tears dried up?  Remind yourself that joy comes from the Lord and He is your strength today.  Open your eyes wide and look for the work He is completing in front of you.  Get those tears of joy flowing once again.   Get the joy deep in your heart.

Lynn A. Wilson

Lynn Wilson a wife and a mother of two boy. Currently on Staff at America’s Keswick for the past 20 years. She has been involved in her local church in women’s ministries as well as speaking for other churches and retreats. Her mission statement would be to…touch one life so in turn they can touch a life for eternity. Her greatest joy is to go home at the end of her work day and spend time with her family and enjoy her first ministry which is being  a wife and mother.

          Today I invite you to review and meditate upon the words of this most wonderful praise song titled “Glory to the Lamb” by Integrity’s Hosanna Music.  If you know the song sing it and worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.  If you prefer you can sing along with a beautiful rendition available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqJ6X0k5zpc. 

Glory, glory
Glory to the Lamb.
Glory, glory
Glory to the Lamb.

For He is glorious!
And worthy to be praised!
The Lamb upon the throne
And unto Him,
We lift our voice in praise,
The Lamb upon the throne.

         Let Holy Spirit fill your heart and mind with PRAISE to the Lord our God!!  What a blessing!!  It will break stinkin’ thinking.  It will break discouragement, bitterness, hopelessness.  It will release a new mindset filled with love, joy and peace.  He will lift you up as you praise His name.  Go for it dear one, PRAISE your wonderful, glorious God!!

Blessings,

Patricia L. WenzelWOC Graduate

          Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9)

          The very first question we find in the Old Testament is significant.  It is found in Genesis 3:9, where God called to the man He created, “Where are you?”  “I hid,” Adam replied, somewhere out of sight, “because I was afraid.”
          Never before in his association with his loving Creator had Adam been afraid, so why now?  Simple, but tragic, answer: for the first time in his life, Adam had disobeyed God.  He knew that to eat the forbidden fruit was wrong, but he did not know the consequences.
          Adam and Eve’s idyllic life was to drastically change, for they were exiled from their beautiful home – the Garden of Eden.  Furthermore, their roles in life were to change.  Adam would henceforth have to work hard for his living in a world of weeds and thistles.  Moreover, his once-perfect relationship with the beautiful woman God created for him would be damaged.  Eve would no longer be his perfect wife.  She would no longer be Adam’s equal; he was to rule over her now.  She was to be submissive to his desires and wishes, and she would “bear children in pain,” whatever that meant.  Eve would soon know what that meant, when her first baby, Cain, was born.  Then she had her second son, Abel.
          Consequences of sin can roll on and on, and once again, as Cain and Abel grew into manhood, Adam and Even had to be aware of their sons’ times of conflict.  Eventually, as the Scripture tells us (Genesis 4:8), out of jealousy Cain killed his brother.  What a tragedy!  What heartache!  That their beloved firstborn would murder his own brother, dearly loved also.
          Did Adam and Eve ever think back to their wonderful, peaceful life in Eden?  Did they ever discuss the enduring consequences of their sin of disobedience?  Did they ever confess their sin to God and receive His gracious forgiveness?  I believe they did.  Nevertheless, the sin of disobedience always has repercussions, if not immediately, it will in time.
          Has God ever called you, “______, where are you?”  Would you hide from Him because of fear of Him?  Because of knowing you had sinned against His moral law?  Or because you simply do not know Who He is, but instinctively you are afraid?
          Or are you one who can be certain that your future lies in His hands?  That as a child of His you have assurance that one day you will be transported into His presence and spend eternity with Him?
          It is a thought blessed beyond words to be able to answer His question, “Where are you?” with a confident, “Here I am, Lord.”

“I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
and it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
and be closer drawn to Thee.”  (Fanny Crosby)

Midge RuthWriter for “Real Victory for Real Life” 365 Devotional Thoughts in the Spirit of America’s Keswick
VOLUME 2
 To order a copy of “REAL VICTORY For REAL LIFE” 365 Devotional Thoughts in the Spirit of America’s Keswick, forwarded by Dr. Joseph Stowell visit  www.americaskeswick.org  and click on store.

          I had the opportunity to participate in a Living Proof Live simulcast with Beth Moore recently. She shared some of the most beautiful word pictures of grace that I have ever heard. I copied them off the Living Proof blog.

Grace
Grace is an inflated raft that can submerge to the floor of a sea to save you.
 Grace is the silver thread that stitches up the shreds of mangled souls.
 Grace is the eye that finds us where it refuses, there, to leave us.
 Grace calls the waitress to the table and sits her down to wash her feet.
 Grace sees underneath the manhole on a street of self-destruction.
 Grace is the air to draw a breath in the belly of a whale.
 Grace is the courage to stand in the shamed wake of a frightful falling.
 Grace is the only fire hot enough to burn down a living hell.
 Grace waits with healing in His wings when we’re too mad to pray.
 Grace is the gravity that pulls us from depravity.
 Grace races us to the Throne when we make haste to repent and always outruns us.
 Grace treats us like we already are what we fear we’ll never become.
 Grace is the doorpost dripping red when the angel of death grips the knob.
 Grace is the stamp that says Ransomed on a life that screams Ruined.
 Grace sets a table before me in the presence of my enemy even when my enemy is me.
 Grace is the cloak that covers the naked and the palm that drops the rock.
 Grace is divine power burgeoning in the absence of all strength.
 Grace proves God true and every self-made man a liar for the sake of his own soul.
 Grace is the power to do what we cannot do for the Name of Christ to go where it has not been.
Grace is a room of a thousand mirrors, all reflecting the face of Christ.

Grace is…
The eye popping
Knee dropping
 
Earth quaking
Pride breaking
 
Dark stabbing
Heart grabbing
 
Friend mending
Mind bending
 
Lame walking
Mute talking
 
Slave freeing
Devil fleeing
 
Death tolling
Stone rolling
 
Veil tearing
Glory flaring
 
Chin lifting
Sin sifting
 
Dirt bleaching
World reaching
 
Past covering
Spirit hovering
 
Child defending
Happy ending
 
Heaven glancing
Feet dancing…
 
Power of the Cross.
 
 
Jesus Christ, Grace Incarnate.
Copyright 2013 Beth Moore

   Ruth Schmidt
is on full-time staff at America’s Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.

          Trust God and refuse to worry, for He is your (my) strength and song.  You may have had a restless night that robed you of a sound sleep. I’ve had those nights and, when I do, most often I get up and read a Psalm and pray.  Often times this will give me peace and then my mind can rest & only then can I sleep sound. Or, maybe you just a bad day that may produce “stinking thinking”.  By the way, “stinking thinking” NEVER comes from God. If we desire to live a joyful life focus on these things:
          God is my Creator, My Savior, My Strength, My Provider, My Protector, My Refuge and He can be trusted with whatever is looming ahead.  Since God is our strength, He can empower us to handle whatever comes into our lives.  Where is our (my) faith and in whom do we (I) trust?  Is it in circumstances of life? People? Places? Things?
          Trust God. He is Faithful and worthy to be praised & glorified!
          “As for God, his way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust Him” 2 Samuel 22:31.
          “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him” Proverbs 30:5.
          “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer…..” Psalm 18:2.
          “I will say to the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust” Psalm 91:2.
          “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him” Nahum 1:7
          God, help us to walk this jouney of life; and to put our trust in You for our own good and for Yyou to be glorified in and through us.
Blessings,
Pat Spies
America’s Keswick Church Liaison

          Do you ever struggle in your prayer life?  I know I do.  Sometimes I find it so difficult to keep my mind focused.  Sometimes I become so distracted by the things of this world, the plans of the day ahead, things I need to accomplish.  Sometimes I feel like I am a crazy person just talking to myself.  Can you relate?  I hate to confess, but there are times when, because I am distracted, I find that I have repeated the same thing two or three times, without much thought or sincerity.  Or, I will get up in the middle of my prayer time to do something that has popped into my head at that moment.
          This morning in my quiet time, I read Exodus 3:5&6, “‘Do not come any closer,’ God said.  ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.’……….At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.”            

          The commentary in my Bible says this:  “At God’s command, Moses removed his sandals and covered his face.  Taking off his shoes was an act of reverence, conveying his own unworthiness before God.  God is our friend, but He is also our sovereign Lord.  To approach Him frivolously show a lack of respect and sincerity.  When you come to God in worship, do you approach Him casually, or do you come as though you were an invited guest before a king?”i
          This got me to thinking:  if I were sitting with the President of the United States, or the Governor, or my Pastor, or even a close, personal friend, wouldn’t I be focused on our conversation?  Would I be distracted by the day ahead?  Would I repeat myself two or three times because I was not paying attention?  Would I get up in the middle of the conversation to go do something else?  NO!  To do so would be rude and disrespectful!  So how much more so to the God of the Universe and the Savior of my soul??
          Prayer is a tremendous privilege.  There are passages throughout all of Scripture telling us that God wants us to come to Him in prayer. He is listening (whether we “feel” it or not), and He answers.  Now I know that we can pray to God at any time, in any place, and it doesn’t have to be long or drawn out.  My point is this:  in our devoted times of prayer, we need to come reverently, focused, and mindful.  Lord, please forgive me for the times that I have not been so, and please help me to develop the discipline of prayer, and always be thankful for the tremendous gift and privilege that communication with you is.

Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
i The Life Application Bible, New International Version Edition, Tyndale, Wheaton, IL 1991, p.108.

          During a recent visit to Biloxi, MS, my family visited the Beauvoir Estate which houses the library of Jefferson Davis.  Jefferson Davis was the president of the Confederate states of America.  It is the home where he wrote “The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government.”  He was sentenced with treason, his property was confiscated by the United States government and his citizenship was revoked after the war.  He was given the Beauvoir House by a friend and he lived there his final days. His wife refused to sell the home and finally gave it to the State with the stipulation that it be used as a home for confederate soldiers who needed a place to live.  It was used this way until it was repurposed to a presidential library and historical site to commemorate Jefferson Davis life and the Civil War.   The caption used on the educational video shown at the home called it a “Monument to a Lost Cause.”  
          I was moved by the thought of how sad it would be to give your life and your fortune for a “lost cause.” 
          Paul the apostle wrote in Ephesians 3:14-19 that all the loss and suffering of his life was worth it if others would be strengthened and rooted in their faith and that God would be glorified.  Ephesians 3:21 “To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  Amen.”
          Lord, I want to make a difference with my life; help me make it my priority to share Christ and encourage believers in their faith walk.  I want my life to count for you and bring you glory!
Joyce Hayes
Artist-in-residence at America’s Keswick

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.  (Philippians 1:29 NIV)

         What thoughts come to your mind when you think of the word “granted?” For me it conjures up pleasant thoughts. Something good or pleasant will be “given” to me. Part of the definition of grant[ed] says “to permit as a right, privilege or favor.”1  I like that…a privilege or a favor…now that sounds pretty good. It makes me think, “Wow, I can’t wait to see what will be granted to me!”
           Recently I was reading and studying Philippians chapter one and I saw something, really saw something, for the first time, and it stopped me dead in my tracks…
          Philippians 1:29, For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him (emphasis mine).
          And then later on in Philippians 3:10 (NIV), I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in His death.
          Paul indicates that it is a “privilege” or a “favor” that we should suffer for Christ. That seems to go against what I would think would be “favor.” But yet it is. Up until this time, here in America, we have not really suffered for Christ. There are countries where people suffer greatly because they are Christians – in China, Sudan, Iraq and Iran (just to name a few). It is heart-breaking to hear testimonies of believers who have suffered greatly because they bear the name of our Lord and Savior. Yet, it is in those persecuted countries that we see more and more people coming to know Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives no matter what the cost.
          The world thinks America is a privileged country. My parents thought so and in 1952 they emigrated here. Yet, what is privilege? Who is truly privileged? According to Paul, to suffer for Christ is the greatest privilege.
          There may come a day when Christians in America will be “privileged” like those Christians all over the globe. May we rejoice in all things, even suffering, as Paul did 2000 years ago.

Mary Ann KiernanBiblical Counselor and also the Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.

Writer for “Real Victory for Real Life” 
365 Devotional Thoughts in the Spirit of America’s Keswick
VOLUME 2
 To order a copy of “REAL VICTORY For REAL LIFE” 365 Devotional Thoughts in the Spirit of America’s Keswick, forwarded by Dr. Joseph Stowell visit  www.americaskeswick.org  and click on store. 
1 http://www.m-w.com Retrieved October 24,2007

Psalm 100 – A Psalm for giving thanks.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence wih singing!

Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his,
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
And his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the Lord is good;
His steadfast love endures forever,
And his faithfulness to all generations.

          There are three good reasons why we should “make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!”
          First, He made us; Second, we belong to Him; Third, He provides for us.

God is our Protector and our Provider!

          This song of praise should be considered as a prophecy, and even used as a prayer, for the coming of that time when all people shall know that the Lord he is God, and shall become his worshippers, and the sheep of his pasture. Great encouragement is given us, in worshipping God, to do it cheerfully. If, when we strayed like wandering sheep, he has brought us again to his fold, we have indeed abundant cause to bless his name. The matter of praise, and the motives to it, are very important. Know ye what God is in himself, and what he is to you. Know it; consider and apply it, then you will be more close and constant, more inward and serious, in his worship. The covenant of grace set down in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, with so many rich promises, to strengthen the faith of every weak believer, makes the matter of God’s praise and of his people’s joys so sure, that how sad soever our spirits may be when we look to ourselves, yet we shall have reason to praise the Lord when we look to his goodness and mercy, and to what he has said in his word for our comfort (Matthew Henry Commentary).

Pat Spies
America’s Keswick Volunteer Church Liaison

Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV)

          This seems like such a simple verse to live by, but recently I have been challenged more and more on what it really means. 
          There have been many instances in my past of having to sort out “what really happened” while dealing with students involved in disciplinary proceedings.  It was always difficult when you only have two distinctive sides to a story and no witnesses.  I have also found that even if you have witnesses that they often distort what really happened because they begin to interpret happenings from what they think they saw happening rather than just what happened.   I remember distinctly a time when I was placed in the awkward position of having to observe the goings on at the home of one of my “clients.”  We had suspected some activity for some time and had received rumored reports but had nothing factual to go on.  Now, I can tell you what I saw, and then I can tell you what I started thinking might be going on.  It was at that point that the reality of this verse came through loud and clear.  From what I saw, I could have made all kinds of judgments regarding their behavior, which went from innocent to very guilty.   In this case the appearance of evil really did make a difference in the conclusions that were drawn. 
         It is the same way in my life, what I do and how it “may” look to others can really distort their view of my faith and me.  I came away from that evening being ever so mindful that even if what I am doing is innocent, if I am not aware of how others may view my actions I could be accused of being very guilty by those watching me.  
          I also became vividly aware of John 7:24 (NIV) that reminds me to, Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment. As much as I do not want people to make judgments about me by what they think they see, I need to make sure I don’t do the same.  
          How are you living? Are you living so that others cannot misconstrue your actions to be something they are not?   Are you making sure that before you come to conclusions about others you find out the truth?  May we all take a good look at ourselves and make sure we are only displaying godliness through our lives. 

Dr. Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor