What day is it? Is coffee good for you or bad for you today? Should we be giving up dairy? Meat? It all gets so confusing at times. We try so many things to alter our physical bodies. We do the same to ourselves spiritually. Not everything we take in spiritually actually produces the results we desire. However, this story puts our spiritual diet back on track.
          “My beloved friend, Jill Briscoe, once visited what had been an extremely poverty-stricken country in Africa. As she flew in, she looked down on miles and miles of African veldt that had previously been covered by a lush grass-like crop, but was now an unbroken, brown, dusty plain stretching all the way to the horizon. As Jill traveled to the mission station where she would be staying, mile after mile of barren, dry, poverty-stricken land passed by her window. Little dust devils danced in the hot afternoon sun, while shimmering heat waves made the emaciated, dust-covered people walking listlessly beside the road look more like ghostly apparitions than humans.
          The veldt had once been a beautifully green, rolling expanse covered by a newly discovered crop that adapted easily to the climate and soil of the area. Within a few short years, this crop had promised to make the people in the area totally self-sufficient as it became the main and plentiful, staple of their diet.
          Sadly, the relief workers shook their heads as they explained what had happened: The crop had, indeed, become the main staple in the diet of the local people, but too late it had been found to have no nutritional value at all. The tragedy was that hundreds of people had starved to death- with their stomachs full!
          Those pitiful Africans people seem to symbolize many church members in America today who are spiritually starving to death with their stomachs full! We have made the staples of our “diet” those things that have no real nutritional value- political agendas, social issues, human rights, books about God’s Word, musical videos, theological formulas for reaching the postmodern man, and strategies for the local church, along with myriad of conferences, seminars, retreats, dramas, and “special events.” None of these things is harmful in itself, but when substituted for the nutrition of daily Bible reading and prayer, the result is increasing spiritual starvation. The average church member is desperately hungry for God’s Word. While we read books about it and hear sermons on it and live by principles from it, we are sadly devoid of it on a daily basis. When our lives begin to unravel due to pressure, problems, or pain, we don’t seem to know how to access its power and truth in a personal, relevant way that makes a difference. As a result, thousands have spirits that are shriveling even while they are sobbing, “Please, just give me Jesus!”
          What does your spiritual diet consist of? Although you may be an active church member or committed Christian, could it be you are actually starving for the Bread of Life? Are you starving for the Bread, which is Jesus Himself, offered to you and me through God’s Word?”
          Anne Graham Lotz, Just Give Me Jesus, pages 309-310
Blessings,
Kathy Withers

Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 27 years.  They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and has taught Sunday School and Bible Studies for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.

       Don’t know what time of day you are reading this but I hope it is a peace filled time of day. 

          As I write this it is a beautiful evening in August.  I just came inside.  I was sitting outside on our deck on a beautiful evening.  As I looked out upon God’s beautiful creation I began to ask the Lord what I should write about in this devotional.  Suddenly I found myself singing a song you may have heard and/or sang yourself.  It’s one of my favorites – “No Other Name But the Name of Jesus.”  I knew I had to share the moment with you. 

          If you have never heard this praise song you can listen to it on the computer at www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lNg38wTCEg.

          After you listen to it I invite you to just be still for a while.  Reflect upon the words and allow the Spirit of God to bless you:

“No other name but the name of Jesus
No other name but the name of the Lord
No other name but the name of Jesus
Is worthy of glory, and worthy of honor
And worthy of power and all praise

His name is exalted, far above the earth
His name is high above the heavens
His name is exalted, far above the earth
Give glory and honor and praise unto His Name.”

          Now, dear precious woman of God, sing this song of praise to your Lord.  He is worthy of your praise and I assure you it will be well with your soul.

Blessings,

Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate

          Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

           Have you noticed how many “makeover” shows there are on television lately?  There are home makeovers, body makeovers, style makeovers, child discipline makeovers…it seems that everyone is trying to take what they have and have someone else make it better or make it totally new. Everyone is searching for the perfect makeover to make their life complete or perfect. I’m just wondering how long it takes after the makeover is complete and the cameras  are no longer rolling when the realization that the new look may have made a more attractive appearance or a more comfortable life but that it is all just the “façade” that has been altered. The hole is still there and dissatisfaction with self or circumstances still exists even if the outside package looks prettier. The heart is still empty. There is a longing for true change from the inside out…the kind of true change that only comes from a heart transformed by Jesus Christ.
          Don’t get me wrong… I’m not against makeovers per se, but if it is only the outside that is changed, then what is rotten on the inside will eventually make its way back to the outside.
          Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because they were so concerned about outward appearances. And from that perspective, the outside, they looked great. Jesus was much more concerned with what was on the inside.
           Matthew 23:25-26 (NIV), Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
         Jesus could see the “inside.” He could see their hearts and from that perspective it was pretty ugly in there. All Jesus could see was self-centeredness and greed. All they could think about was “self” and how they could get more of whatever their hearts desired. Jesus had the answer for making the inside beautiful, clean and satisfied. I remember all too well how I used to be only concerned with the “outside,” with the appearance of things, yet my insides were so disgusting….until I invited Jesus in to occupy my heart. Therein is the true “makeover,” the only “makeover” that really matters. This “makeover” is not a temporary fix or window dressing but a change from the inside that lasts for eternity.

MaryAnn Kiernan

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. 

          If you have read the devotionals that I write you likely realize that I like to read.  I generally have at least two or three books going at one time.  Sound a little crazy?  Well I guess it is, but it works for me.  So many books…..so little time!!

          A friend of mine told me she was reading an old favorite, Spiritual Authority by Watchman Nee.  She encouraged a group of us to read it even if we had read it in the past.  Knowing that it was time for me to refresh my understanding of Spiritual Authority, I purchased the book and began to read.

          While reading I was reminded that God does not take kindly to those who disrespect His authority.  Yet creation has been disrespecting authority, it seems, since the beginning of time.  Satan wanted his throne to be above the throne of God.  He had so much, yet it was not enough.  (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:13-17)  To offend God’s authority was rebellion and it was Satan’s rebellion, which God condemned.  (Lord, forgive me for the times when I am not content with all the blessing you have given me.  You are my Jehovah Jireh, my provider, I give you thanks.)

Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden where they enjoyed fellowship with God.  Watchman Nee suggests, “Although Eve saw God daily, she did not recognize authority.”  She added to the Word of God telling Satan that God told them they could not “touch or eat” from the tree  (Gen. 3:3).  Not true. God said, “Thou shalt not eat of it” (Gen. 2:16-17). He never said anything about touching it.  Her embellishment of the Word led to rebellion against God and sin entered the world.  (Lord forgive me when I add to a “God” story or any story.  In my head I am making it sound better than it really is but it is a lie, it is sin.  Help me to speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.)

          God does not take kindly to our rebellion against those He has placed in Spiritual Authority over us either.  For example, in Numbers 16 Korah and his company of 250 leaders attacked Moses with words openly.  If they had been submissive to authority they would have controlled their mouths.  Instead the earth swallowed them up and they went down alive to Sheol (Numbers 16:32-33). (Lord, forgive me when I open my mouth and gossip about those in authority over me.  Holy Spirit, teach me to open my mouth in prayer for them and appreciate all that they are doing that is seen and unseen by me.)

“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh…And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment.  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” (Matt. 12:34, 36, 37)

         I do not want to leave you without also sharing that we must obey God rather than man.  By faith Moses’ parents hid him rather than kill him as the king commanded (Heb. 11:23).  In the book of Daniel we can read about those who refused to follow orders and worship a golden image and so went into a fiery furnace (Dan. 3:17-18).  God is to receive unqualified obedience without measure.  Any person lower than God can only receive qualified obedience.  If someone is hurting you, abusing you or telling you to do something you know is sin, get help from someone you trust.

          Let us pray:
Dear heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have opened my mouth disrespecting or disobeying You.  You are worthy of my absolute obedience, praise and honor. 

          Forgive me for the times I spoke disrespectfully about those You have placed in a position of authority over me.  I cannot follow You on one hand and yet disrespect You or those You have place in authority with my mouth. 

         You are the Potter, I am the clay.  I invite You to mold me and shape me that I might be pleasing in Your sight.  Teach me Your ways O Lord.  I want to honor and praise You with my mouth.

          In the name of Jesus I pray.  Amen

Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate

Some material above from: Spiritual Authority by Watchman Nee, Christian Fellowship Publishers, Inc., NY, 1972.

         “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. “ 1 Peter 4:12
          We all have adversities. They range in scope from mild to catastrophic.  From stubbing a toe to financial stress, from waiting in line to bad news from the doctor, from heavy traffic to the loss of a loved one.
          In a sense, we expect life to go without a hitch.  Oh, in theory we know that there is suffering and difficulty in life but when it actually happens we immediately do whatever we can to make it stop.  We would like to avoid it altogether but the reality is, it is a natural part of living in a fallen world.  Peter tells us not to be surprised. 
          HOW we journey through suffering is largely impacted by our theology, our view of God, our view of self, our perspective of life.  If we believe life should proceed without suffering, we will be surprised at the fiery trials that come upon us.  We will kick and scream, even if it is only on the inside and, sadly, we will grow more angry and bitter – ultimately at God for allowing such a thing in our life. 
          If, however, we know that life does bring pain and suffering because we live in a fallen world and we are strangers in the land, we will not be so caught off guard when trials come and we will soon turn to the Lord to bring us through it. 
        I am reminded of a verse in Psalms I read and prayed this morning; “The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble, And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD have not forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:9-10
          A refuge — shelter or protection from danger or distress; a place that provides shelter or protection; something to which one has recourse in difficulty (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refuge accessed 8.13.13)
          He is our refuge – an ever present help.   “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 Where do we run to in times of fiery trials? – to our refuge and our strength.  It is a real, palatable place.  A place of comfort if we practice running there and finding rest.  God is our refuge… take Him at His word. 

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is part of the Development and Addiction Recovery teams at America’s Keswick.  In addition to being a Biblical Counselor, she is a Women’s speaker for retreats, conferences and events.  She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. She has been married to her husband John over 28 years.  She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all.  She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.  

          Here at Keswick our motto is: Where God Speaks to Hearts and Transforms Lives.  Oh, how true that is and what amazing transformations we see.  Not only does God do mighty things in the lives of the Colony men, but we also see it in conference guests and staff alike. 

God uses at least 3 different catalysts to change us. 

1.  PEOPLE:  “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Prov. 27:17
          Colony men help Colony men, staff helps Colony men, Colony men grow and challenge staff, staff challenges each other and the dynamics go on.  So it is in all other avenues of life – people either help us grow or they can be a negative influence on our lives.  Are you placing yourself around those Christians that can help you grow?  Do you have a mentor or accountability partner?  Are you surrounded by Christian friends that can help you through the ups and downs of life? 

2. CIRCUMSTANCES: “And we know that all things work for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”   Rom. 8:28
          Another very true and powerful statement even if we don’t believe it when we are going through trials.  I have a college friend that has lost 10 babies to miscarriages, still births, and twins in the first 2 days of their precious lives.  No one knows why and at the time it was very tough, but in turn she has taken in special need foster children, has had 3 of her own and now has an amazing ministry to women going through the same trials.  The circumstances were not good, but God turned them into good as she ministers to others. 

3. EXERCISE:  “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather exercise yourself to be godly.  For physical exercise is of some value, but godliness has value for all things.”  1 Tim. 4:7 
          As an athlete hardens their body, testing it to the limits, so that it will respond under stress; our bodies must be kept in spiritual bounds to effectively serve our faith and be fruitful.  I’d like to follow up on this devotional with several more on the various ways that we can exercise ourselves unto godliness. 

Dr. Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor

           I have been pondering this question. As women we are relational and ALL relationships are important to us. The problem we face most often is that people, even Christian friends, will let us down. I’ve experienced this. I’ve been let down and I’ve done the letting down. Yet, I want to look at my own heart and examine myself as a friend.
         Here are some things I have been pondering about friendships:
1. Do I listen more than I talk?
2. Am I inconvenienced by a need that arises in my friend’s life?
3.  Do I serve or want to be served?
4. Am I able to show mercy, grace and forgiveness?
5. Do I share about my friend with others under the disguise of a “prayer request”?
6. Even if not breaking a confidence, do I share other people’s stories that aren’t mine to share?
7. Am I honest with my friend about myself and her?
8. Do I allow little or big things to get between my relationships with other sisters in the Lord?
9. Am I the kind of friend that I want in my life?

          I have also been pondering this about friendships:
1. Not everyone has to like me, not everyone will, and that needs to be okay.
2. Am I grateful for a few friends or do I have an unhealthy need to have a lot of friends?
(FYI- Facebook is not a real count of your friends!)
3. Do I discern who I am close to?
4. Do I look for healthy relationships that will encourage and edify me in my walk with Christ?
5. Do I look to build others up in their walk with Christ?

          Well, ladies it is tough. Relationships are between two people and one of them is me. There will be times of heartache in any relationship, friendships included. But here are a few of my goals in the midst of what can sometimes be messy friendships:
          “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”  Romans 12:18
          “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go.” Proverbs 22:24
          “A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17
          “He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.” Proverbs 17:9

          I could quote much more on friendships – the Book of Job comes to mind! However, you can find plenty about being a friend and the wisdom to pick good friends right in the Word of God. You can become the friend God wants you to be even if you have been let down by others and let others down too.

Blessings,
Kathy Withers

Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 27 years.  They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and has taught Sunday School and Bible Studies for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.

          Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.  (Psalm 139:7-10 ESV)

           Have you considered the presence of God in your life and how inseparable you are from Him?  I love the assurance of Psalm 139 that it is impossible for me to be hidden from His watchful care. No internal fear or external circumstance can remove me from His presence.  He leads my way and searches me out.  Jesus said that no one can snatch me out of His hand, and the meditation of the psalmist demonstrates His guardianship of me.  There is no power than can compete with His might. 
           I know He is with me, but still, sometimes I feel alone and separated from Him.  I can feel like Job when he says,  Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him (Job 23:8-9 ESV).  Despite Job’s complaint, the Lord was no more distant from him during his trial than when he was rich and successful.  Job said he could not find God.  The truth is that despite Job’s perceptions, God was near him during every moment of his trial.
           When everything’s going well, it’s so easy to see and to praise God’s presence in my life.  But, like Job, when I’m in “the valley of the shadow of death,” I am tempted to fear evil and to believe that the Lord is not with me.  The truth is demonstrated in the full story of Job’s life – he was not lost or separated from God for even a moment.  The truth is boldly proclaimed in the Word – even in the most forsaken part of the earth, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me (Psalm 139:10 ESV).
        The Lord does not idly promise His presence, but He tells us He is with us so that we may be encouraged and strengthened in our faith when trials come. Ponder the comprehensiveness of His assurance: For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39 ESV).

Jenn Lawrence

Guest Services Representative

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. 

          …but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God. 1 Thessalonians 2:4
          Paul is sharing with the Thessalonians the calling God has placed on his heart and life. I get that. I know that Paul, Timothy, James and John, etc., were entrusted with the Gospel in a different way than we are…or were they?
          If we have been born-again, regenerated, redeemed – there is a way we, too, have been entrusted with the Gospel. For whatever reason, God chose us to be His own to implant His truth in our hearts. How is it we allow fear to thwart the going out of the Gospel?  Probably because we speak to please man rather than God. I venture to guess the number one reason (if not the only reason) we do not speak forth truth, share the life-changing, soul-saving, eternity-impacting Gospel, is because of fear – fear of man (the Bible calls it).
Guilty as charged.
          If I was living life to please God rather than self, the Gospel entrusted to me would pour forth from my lips in my family, with my neighbors, with friends that are lost and hell-bound apart from Christ. 
          I am more concerned with my temporal comfort than their eternal destination.  Can you identify with that?  What are we doing with the Gospel entrusted to us? Are we keeping it to ourselves or sharing it with others that it may yield a great harvest?
     Blessings,
     Diane 

Diane Hunt is part of the Development and Addiction Recovery teams at America’s Keswick.  In addition to being a Biblical Counselor, she is a Women’s speaker for retreats, conferences and events.  She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. She has been married to her husband John over 28 years.  She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all.  She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.  

I renounce the lie that I am rejected, unloved or shameful.  In Christ I am accepted. 
God says:
I am God’s child (John 1:12)
I am Christ’s friend (John 15:5
I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am united with the Lord, and I am one spirit with Him (1 Corinthians 6:17)
I have been bought with a price.  I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
I am a member of Christ’s Body (1 Corinthians 12:27)
I am a saint, a holy one (Ephesians 1:1)
I have been adopted as God’s child (Ephesians 1:5)
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:18)
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins (Colossians 1:14)
I am complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10)

I renounce the lie that I am guilty, unprotected, alone or abandoned. In Christ I am secure.
God says:
I am free from condemnation  (Romans 8:1-2)
I am assured that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28)
I am free from any condemning  charges against me (Romans 8:31-34)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39)
I have been established, anointed and sealed by God (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected (Philippians 1:6)
I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3)
I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and discipline (2 Timothy 1:7)
I can find grace and mercy to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16)
I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me (I John 5:18)

I renounce the lie that I am worthless, inadequate, helpless or hopeless.  In Christ I am significant.
God says:
I am the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14)
I am a branch of the true vine, Jesus, a channel of His life (John 15:1, 5)
I have been chosen and appointed by God to bear fruit (John 15:16)
I am a personal, Spirit-empowered witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)
I am a temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
I am God’s coworker (2 Corinthians 6:1)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm (Ephesians 2:6)
I am God’s workmanship, created for good works (Ephesians 2:10)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)

I am not the Great “I AM.” But by the Grace of God I am who I am (Ephesians 3:14; John 8:24, 28, 58; 1 Corinthians 15:10).

Notes
1. Neil T. Anderson, Walking in Freedom (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1999)
2. Neil T. Anderson, Praying by the Power of the Spirit (Eugene, OR: Harvest House,2003)
Neil T. Anderson, and Michael Jacobson, The Biblical Guide to Alternative Medicine (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 2003)
Neil T. Anderson, gen. ed., Freedom in Christ Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House 2001)
Neil T. Anderson, The Daily Discipler (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 2005)

Submitted by
Pat Spies
America’s Keswick Volunteer