The thing I love so much about devotions is it’s the time I get to set aside to dance, sing, shout, cuddle, talk, listen, cry, dump my every thought, all my dashed hopes, my hurts, and my sorrows.  I also get to express my joy unconstrained by fearful thoughts of what others may think.

In the midst of time set apart devoted to Him, I get to experience joy, – His joy!  A joy which comes from knowing, beyond any doubt that I will not be rejected, despised, laughed at, scorned or condemned.
My Fathers arms are wide and His lap is deep.  And in Him, I am 100% safe.

He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High,
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I shall say of the Lord
He is my refuge and my fortress:
My God in Him will I trust
Psalm 91:1-2

Isn’t that a beautiful thought to ponder?  Pause and think on it.  See yourself abiding under the shadow of the Almighty.

Webster defines abiding as, “continuing to be sure or firm; endure

Sisters, time spent with the Lord, abiding with Father, is time when we can take off our masks.  You know what I mean – all those faces we wear in the course of a day, week or month.  If we can’t, if we don’t, we are saying that we don’t trust Him or believe Him.
Trust Him, dear ones, to be faithful.  Rejoice in the ineffable Name.  His Name!

Stephanie Paul

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

John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

For the past 29 years as a believer, I have grown and been stretched along the way.  Over those years my view and understanding of conversion has grown along with me.

We are cautioned to keep in view the whole counsel of God, and as I came across today’s verse in John 3:36 I am reminded again that salvation is not the result of the kind of belief that is in word only.
We do know from Scripture that first of all it is a work of God to draw us and to regenerate our spirit.

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” John 6:44.

“We love because he first loved us” 1 John 4:19.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

We don’t get saved through ANYTHING we do, rather in response to what God does we cry out in faith, pray, etc.

However, the age-old argument between faith and works, I believe, is addressed in various places in Scripture-but in John 3:36 – it demonstrates that it is a marriage of both – believing that results in obedience IS the genuine article.  Faith without works (obedience) is dead (fake).

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead… For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” James 2:17, 26

Blessings,
Diane Hunt

Hosea 14:2 “Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: ‘Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.'”

There are some silly statistics out there that I have heard at least a dozen times about words. I’m sure you have heard this one as well…that during the course of a day, a woman speaks thousands of words more than a man. I tried to find some validation for this but couldn’t find one. It really doesn’t matter how many words either you or I use per day. What does matter is…how are we using the words we speak on a daily basis, either to one another or to God? Our words can share love or hate. They can be used to build up or tear down one another. Words can be used to lie or speak the truth. Our words can instruct or teach one another. When we’ve hurt someone with our words, more words are necessary to ask forgiveness. At other times someone else’s words have hurt or cut us deeply and we can offer the gift of forgiving words to them.

Words are necessary; words are needed in every aspect of our lives. When we go to the Lord in prayer, we offer words of praise and thanksgiving, we ask our Father to hear the cries of our afflictions. And when we sin, the Lord wants us to go to humbly go to Him…and to “take words” with us. The Lord already knows our sin but wants to hear the words of repentance from our lips. It’s not easy to go to another and admit our wrong and ask forgiveness…it is a humbling experience…and it is what we are called to do in scripture. Hosea 14:2 (Amplified Bible) Take with you words and return to the Lord. Say to Him, Take away all our iniquity; accept what is good and receive us graciously; so will we render [our thanks] as bullocks [to be sacrificed] and pay the confession of our lips. In the Amplified Bible “the fruit of our lips” is rendered “bullocks” which is a young bull. The King James Version says “calves of our lips.” This seems rather strange but I believe that what the Lord is requiring of us is a “sacrifice.” In the Old Testament there could be no forgiveness of sin unless there was a sacrifice. When we “take words” of confession and repentance to the Lord we are actually sacrificing the “fruit” of our lips. It is clear the Lord puts an emphasis on our words and how we use them in interacting with God and other people. He doesn’t want idle words or words full of excuses. He wants words that come from deep within our hearts. The Lord is waiting for the fruit of our lips…for our “sacrifice.” What are we waiting for?

MaryAnn

MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 38 years, have 2 married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and two granddaughters and one grandchild on the way! She serves at America’s Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.

Since the beginning God has been calling us and wooing us with one desire – that we would fall so in love with Him that loving Him would be enough to satisfy every longing, every craving, everything.

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”  Mark 12:30

Dare we remember the price paid to ransom us?  He took Himself, and came down to earth to dwell among man.  He hung on a cross.  Bled.  Died.  Rose again.

Before He left for good, He appeared to a few and made a promise to us all: that we would not be left alone, comfortless.  He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in us.  Therefore we are never alone.  Never!  As alone as we may feel we can trust God.  He is there and He is here, for us and not against us.

Most, if not all of us, have experienced some sort of bondage, oppression and torment.  Someone right now is sick and lame in spirit because the father of all lies; the enemy of your soul, has deceived you into believing that you have no value or worth and that you can’t possibly be loved by God.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?  As it is written, For your sake we are being killed all the day long;  We are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 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 8:35-39

My Question for You:
Do you know that you know that you know that you are loved by God?
Do you believe it?

Stephanie Paul

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

“But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”  Acts 5:29

This verse brought me on a rabbit trail of thought! I hope I can explain this as it went through my mind.

First, I thought of all the ways discernment is needed to know when an issue crosses the line and a firm stand needs to be taken for God and not for men. So, I looked in my NT Commentary and
Warren Wiersbe says this:

“The apostles did not change their convictions. They obeyed God and trusted Him to take care of the consequences. They could not serve two masters, and they had already declared whose side they were on. Had they been diplomats instead of ambassadors they could have pleased everybody and escaped a beating.  But they stood firmly for the Lord, and He honored their courage and faith.”

Secondly, Mr. Wiersbe’s words made me think about what is an Ambassador. I went to Webster’s’ Dictionary online and found this definition of Ambassador:

1)  an official envoy; especially: a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government or sovereign or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment
2) a: an authorized representative or messenger b : an unofficial representative <traveling abroad as ambassadors of goodwill

Thirdly, I began to think about the role of an Ambassador. I found interesting “job descriptions” and duties of an Ambassador on a secular webpage. However, I have changed them a bit to share them in light of our roles as Ambassador’s of Jesus Christ.

1. We are to portray our God in a good light.
2. We are to maintain a good image of Christ whom we represent at all times.
3.  We will need to be able to respond and defend the actions of Jesus Christ.
4. We are to educate others through informal, everyday conversations and formal outreach efforts.
5. Ambassadors are the highest ranking officials sent by Jesus Christ.
6.  Protect and preserve the interests of Christ.
7. Carry out the tasks of the mission.
8. Welcome visitors and share the Gospel.

By understanding our role as Ambassadors we can better discern when a matter needs to be obeyed for the sake of the One we represent rather then men.

Blessings,
Kathy Withers

Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 26 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.

I had the opportunity recently to drop in on a dear friend and counselor. We had a great visit and caught up on the several years since we have seen each other.

Many years ago, I went through a dark season in my life and in God’s graciousness and goodness He led me to Lidia. As we sat and chatted I was sharing with her how God has used her in a mighty way to lead me out of that darkness. I’m sure there are many, many others that would share a similar story of how God used her to point them to freedom at the Savior’s feet.

In the course of our conversation she made a statement that I have been pondering since I left our visit and I knew I needed to share it with you because as simple a statement as it is… we need to be reminded.  I need to be reminded.

“GOD NEVER WASTES OUR SUFFERING”

That’s it.

In the midst of our pain and suffering it is so easy, so human, to focus on the suffering and lose sight of the big picture, the sovereign plan of God.

To me, somehow knowing God has a plan and purpose in ALL of it; that He can and does use ALL of our suffering to accomplish His perfect will- knowing that is a source of comfort.  I trust it comforts your heart today too.

Blessings,
Diane Hunt

Romans 15:4 “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

The Holy Scriptures are not an easy read. It is a serious pursuit to know the One that wrote the book through the pen of mere men. The Word of God – the written word is God’s primary means of communication to people. Imagine, no really stop for a moment and consider that reality. The God who created the universe which FAR exceeds our ability to see, FAR exceeds what our brain can comprehend, the God who has ALWAYS existed, the God who sustains ALL things. THAT GOD reaches down from heaven and speaks to you and to me through the written Word.

Do we take seriously what a precious gift that is? Do we treasure it as the greatest treasure? Do we delight to have it in our hands — the very words of God?

As I write this devotional, I am being carried away in my own imagination – I hope you are too.

I am picturing a woman in a simple white cotton dress with wispy curls framing her face – a face that is bursting with joy, excitement and delight with a smile so big you know it goes down to her very soul. She is dancing. She is dancing with delight. What is that she’s holding in her arms? Yes, I see it – she is clinging to her Bible, pressed to her breast with both arms yet I can see it. It is a well-worn, well-used Bible.

Oh, the image – it is obvious that every hour she has spent enduring, abiding and feeding on the Word has resulted in the tattered pages of that Book and that a divine exchange has taken place.

She was once broken and tattered, weary and worn. Her Bible filled with grace and truth, and beauty and power, and joy and treasures. Over time her Bible has become worn and tattered from much use, and she has become a radiant reflection of the Son.

Sisters – that does not happen through duty but delight. That does not happen by “doing devotions” but by being devoted. That does not happen by simply reading the Scriptures but by abiding in the Word.

Press on, beloved. Seek hard after Him. Endure, seek, and pursue Him through His Word. It is never too late to start or to start again.

Do you hear Christ calling your name? He’s inviting you to join Him, to sit at His feet, to abide with Him in the Word. Come join the dance of delight….

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America’s Keswick. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 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.

It’s been a tough week. We lost a very dear Keswick brother – a man who loved the Lord and was serving Him with his whole heart. Another friend is struggling in his walk with the Lord and has stumbled back into sin. And just yesterday, a family member was given a very scary health diagnosis, along with lingering uncertainty until more tests are done.

There is a reason that the Lord has divided our lives into 24-hour increments called days. He knew that we would only be able to handle life in 24-hour segments.

The Bible says in Deuteronomy 33:35 that “your strength will equal your days.” That is a wonderful promise. The Lord knows exactly how much strength we will need for each and every day and He promises to provide it. Notice He doesn’t say, “your strength will equal your weeks,” or “your strength will equal your months.” No, He says, “your days.” It’s like when God provided the daily manna for the Israelites in the wilderness. Each day they had to go out and gather what they needed; they couldn’t save any of it until the next day (except for the day before the Sabbath). So we can’t look to have tomorrow’s strength, or next week’s, or next month’s……we can only look for today’s strength. He will give us tomorrow’s strength when we get to tomorrow.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matt. 6:33-34)

“Give us today our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11). When Jesus prayed this, He showed us that we need to be asking the Lord daily to provide for our needs. Every morning, we can “approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).  And the grace that He will give us is sufficient for us, it is enough, it is not lacking (2 Cor. 12:9).

We may not know all that our day holds, but our Lord does. So let’s ask Him to provide the strength and the grace that we need; we can trust Him to give us just the right amount.

And as we begin our day, don’t forget…….”And the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee. He will be with thee. He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee. Fear not, neither be dismayed” (Deut. 31:8).

Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate

It really, really, really is finished! There is nothing I can add or take away from what has wholly been accomplished on the Cross by the Crucified One. Obedient to His Father, He accomplished the work He came to do. He began and He finished.

History records no single event to suggest that He did anything other than that which He came to do. His work, His reason for being, was to do the will of the Father who sent Him. Nothing more; Nothing less.

He sought no glory for Himself. He simply came to do as the Father bid Him, for the Father’s glory. He never lost sight of the single purpose of His birth. Nor was He distracted or enticed by the world’s trinkets, trappings, or delicacies.

Even His food was to do the will of the Father. “Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work.'”

As daughters, sisters, girlfriends, wives, mothers, grandmothers, friends, caregivers, etc., our reason for being is to be His hands, His arms, His embrace, His image bearers to any and every soul our life encounters.

By now, you may be wondering to yourself, “What is she trying to say?”

No work you or I do today or tomorrow will add one iota of meaning to what our Savior and Lord has already done. If, like me, you have moments where you find yourself sorely tempted to give up the thing that you do, if you find yourself cast down because your laboring appears to be in vain, if you catch yourself wondering – what, oh what, is the point to all of this! – I encourage you as strongly as possible to BE STILL!

Stop and remember your God! The work you do is His and His alone. He owns the seeds and the fruit and by His Spirit, He alone will reap the harvest. No matter how bleak the outcome appears to us, hope to the end! Finish the thing! Pray for increased faith to believe what seems impossible and finish!!

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted with me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 41:11

“…..Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.” 1 Chronicles 28:20

Stephanie

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

In one of his letters to Timothy, Paul writes Timothy and tells him, “I have served with a clear conscience”. As I read this in my devotions this morning, those words jumped out at me. I sat thinking and asking myself, “Am I serving with a clear conscience?” My instant response to myself was, “Of course you are girlfriend.” But, as is common for me, I began to work the question again and again, going over the details of my life and I must confess to you, I came up sorely wanting. As I sat and pondered, my mind darted came across a few stones that would likely have remained unexamined and unturned were it not for the Holy Spirit’s prompting.

I suspect part of Paul’s ability to be secure in his heart and mind lay in His honest assessment of himself. Paul didn’t judge himself according to himself. I believe he saw himself clear as day. He never lost sight of who he was apart from relationship with his Redeeming Lord. In fact, Paul’s own words were, “chief of sinners”. From that humble position Paul did not neglect time with the Lord who saved Him. Night and day he prayed. Night and day! Therein lies one of my own revealed stones.

Pray for me, dear ones, as Father and I do business concerning the stones in my heart and life. Praise God with me for His Word and its ability to consistently lay truth before us in the Person of Jesus, the written WORD of Life.

Praise Him that in this walk of faith, the call to victory is a grace-saturated process and we can all serve Him with a clear conscience.

My Challenge For you Today:

Go before the LORD. Prostrate yourself before Him. Seek Him for anything that may hinder your time with Him and then seek to destroy that thing, no matter what it cost!

May we all be able to say with Paul, “I am not ashamed, I am serving with a clear conscience.”

Stephanie

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