For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37 ESV

It’s the season where many things seem impossible. The gift you wanted to buy is sold out. You won’t find one in stock anywhere. The decorations beckon you from the attic but your time is tight. It looks impossible to get all those boxes down and have some semblance of Christmas décor set up before Christmas arrives. Cookies need to be baked, children’s pageants need to be attended, cards need to be written out and mailed…oh my! It seems impossible!

Maybe it’s not just this particular season. Maybe things have been looking rather impossible for a while. Life is overwhelming and the anxiety you feel is intensifying. How do we begin to fight through the situations that look impossible? In Anxious for Nothing, Max Lucado says “God’s sovereignty bids us to fight the onslaught of fret with the sword that is etched with the words but God.”

When you and I begin to think circumstances won’t change, the outcome could not possibly turn out in our favor or we’re just ready to throw in the towel….remember, BUT GOD! Now maybe your packages won’t get wrapped or your flight will get cancelled when the weather gets bad. But remain focused on what this season really is about. Marvel at the wonder of the birth of Jesus. Really listen to some of your favorite carols. Enjoy those around you. Reminisce of Christmas’ past and relish in the hope of the season to come.  Pick up your sword etched with the words we need to remember… “But God.” God can do the impossible by giving you His peace in the midst of it all.

Blessings,

Kathy

Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves as Director of Partner Care. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 30 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and teaches a Bible study 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.

 

 

 Is there anything less useful and more annoying than dust? It’s EVERYWHERE! We’re constantly creating new ways to rid ourselves of it: dusters, vacuum cleaners, filters, etc. And no matter how hard we work at its elimination, it just keeps coming back! It’s in our eyes, our nose, even in our lungs. Even the dust that floats through space enters our atmosphere and, ultimately, us! There’s no escaping it; it’s quite ubiquitous.

God used this raw material to create us. He could have snapped His fingers and had us just appear, but instead decided to use dust as the foundation for His creation. It is where our bodies came from and will ultimately return (Genesis 3:19; Eccl. 3:20).

Have you ever gone to a museum, or a reasonable facsimile thereof, and been awed by what artists can do with stone? Aren’t we amazed when we see what people can do with rock? Michelangelo and Bernini carved their statues of David out of marble. We marvel at their work. Our God made Michelangelo and Bernini…from dust. Wow.

The next time we dust our furniture, our computer, our car, our baseboards, our windowsills (does not this list go on and on and on????), let it be a reminder of what we are and who He is. Psalm 103:13 &14 says,

Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.

His mercies are new every morning. His compassions fail not. Great is His faithfulness.

Just thinking while I’m cleaning…

Carol

Carol Tirondola is on staff with the Partner Care team at America’s Keswick. She and her best friend, Mario, have been married for 35 years. They have 2 sons and 2 daughters-in-law that they call their “BFFs.” They also have 7 precious gems called grandchildren. Her family has savored many memories of the heart made at Keswick over the last 35+ years and she is thrilled to serve on staff!

“…I am with you always, even to the end of the age. I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Matthew 28:20b; Hebrews 13:5b

  In a previous Victory Call I referred to a book I’d recently finished titled “The Hiding Place” by Corrie ten Boom. One of my most meaningful takeaways from the book was the relationship Corrie and her siblings had with their father. I could cry, even now, as I think about how their father was able to bring such peace and stability to their souls as they encountered life in its pains and sorrows.

One such occasion, Corrie’s heart had been broken because, Karel, who was the love of her life, visited their family to introduce his fiancée. Yes, you read correctly. His wife-to- be!

To Corrie, this young man was the only one who’d likely have been her husband, as she’d been smitten with him from their first meeting. There had been conversations about marriage and family, letters had been sent back and forth, etc. How then could he so boldly show up like this, as if there had never been anything between himself and Corrie?

I’m sure there are some reading this devotion today who can all too clearly imagine the pain she was in. Betrayal, after all, can be a deeply embittering insult to inflict on one’s soul and spirit. It’s simply too much to bear. What is she to do? What are we to do when those who would seemingly love us, hurt us?

In the book, Corrie tells us:

 “Somehow I managed to shake her hand…and to wish them every happiness…I was fleeing up the stairs to my own room at the top of the house where the tears could come…Later I heard father’s footsteps coming up the stairs…I was afraid of what father would say, afraid he would say, “There will be someone else soon.”

 “Corrie,” he began instead, “Do you know what hurts so very much? It’s love. Love is the strongest force in the world and when it is blocked, that means pain. There are two things we can do when this happens. We can kill the love so that it stops hurting. But then, of course, a part of us dies too. Or Corrie, we can ask God to open up another route for that love to travel. God loves Karel, even more than you do. And if you ask Him, He will give you His love for this man, a love nothing can prevent; nothing can destroy. Whatever we cannot love in the old human way, Corrie, God can give us the perfect way.”

I sincerely hope no one reading this sees a pat answer, for surely, her father’s response is beyond that. She will go on to share that these words of wisdom from him were a “secret that would open far darker rooms than this – places where there was not, on a human level, anything to love at all.”

Have you been there? Have you ever felt a depth of pain you thought surely, “this will undo me?” What do you do? Where do you go? To whom do you run?

My encouragement to you is that you run to Abba Father!  (Personally, it’s the only thing that keeps me going. I tell you the truth.)

In the midst of deep pain (pain which could easily have made her bitter) Corrie talked to her father. He was a safe place for her, a comforting place.  Her father drew near and was present with her in her pain. He didn’t leave her to suffer alone. He didn’t minimize, chastise or rebuke. And, as only a true father can, he was present with her to give her the exact words she needed for help and healing.

Dear sisters, if we are God’s daughters we have something far richer in our relationship with Him because He is Perfect Love and He is Always Good. He will never leave us or forsake us for another. He is always present! Therefore, a cry, a call, a shout, a whimper…any noise from us in His direction is enough to have the blessed assurance of Father’s heart.

Stephanie Paul

Stephanie served on staff at America’s Keswick as Women of Character Director. She is married to Sesky; together they have 2 adult children.

 

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)

It is so easy for us to remain stuck in a “victim mentality” rather than live in victory through Christ.  Each one of us has sinned against someone and we have been sinned against. Some hurts are so deep that we walk around ready to rip open the bandage and expose our wounds to anyone who will look so that they can know of our pain and perhaps comfort or sympathize with us.  We walk around with a “placard” that says, “I’ve been betrayed, abandoned, cheated against, abused (physically or emotionally) or…” well, you can fill in the blank.  Our tendency is to first take our hurts to our family or friends and eventually to God.

I imagine our heavenly Father with His arms opened wide waiting for us to bring all our wounds to Him. He wants to comfort and give us His strength.

God is the only One who will listen anytime night or day.  He is the only One who can truly comfort us.  He’s the One who stands ready to take us from victim to victory.  We don’t discount our pain or what has happened, but God takes our pain, hurts and suffering and transforms them to treasure for His glory.  We can claim victory through Christ! Our pain will no longer define who we are.  It is included in the fabric of our life to make us who we are.

I remember, ever so clearly, before I was a Christian walking around, downcast all the time, saying to just about everyone, “Why me? Poor me.”  My teen sons were spiraling out of control in the drug world; I was in pain, miserable and hurt.  I beat myself up for being a bad mom and wife.  But after I gave my heart to Jesus, I began to continually cry out to Him and surrender it all to Him daily.  I admit I took it back a few times.  I came to know He was the only One who could give me or my family victory.

Romans 8:28 (NIV) became my reality. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. God is in the business of transforming lives as they are surrendered to Him.  Not only has my victim status been transformed to victory, but He has transformed my pain for His glory.  Who but God!

Mary Ann Kiernan

Mary Ann recently retired after 11 years on staff at America’s Keswick, where she served both in women’s ministry and as the Intake Manager at the Colony of Mercy. She plans to become a regular contributor to Victory Call after a cruise with her husband. This devotional originally appeared in Real Victory for Real Life, Volume 2.

 

 

Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I may not sin against You. (Psalm 119:11)

On a rare day we can find that everything lines up just right. They are few and far between but it is wonderful when it happens. We can look at these times as God’s hand works out all of our circumstances to our advantage. But we need to be careful when everything is coming together so nicely. King David found himself in a situation where everything lined up to his advantage. 1 Samuel 24:1-5 tells us how David’s circumstances lined up like ducks in a row.  David was seeking refuge in a cave because Saul sought his life.  Saul needed to take a “break” and just so happened to walk right into the same cave where David and his men were hiding. David’s men advised him to take Saul’s life while he had the chance.  He was so close he could have killed him easily. It all lined up so perfectly. Even though all the circumstances lined up, David only snipped a piece from Saul’s robe. It would seem that God was arranging these events so perfectly and yet David did not follow through on this golden opportunity. Why not? Beyond his circumstances, David knew the principles of God. “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed.” David knew that killing Saul was not what God would have him do. God’s commands were greater then his circumstances. He chose God’s Word and principles rather than taking an easy way out.

God may be lining up all your ducks in a row. Things look good. But what will drive your decisions today? Will it be your circumstances or godly principles from the Word of God?

Kathy

Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves as Director of Partner Care. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 30 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and teaches a Bible Study 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.

This devotion originally appeared in Real Victory for Real Life, Volume 2. You can purchase a copy by calling America’s Keswick, 1-800-453-7942 or on amazon.com.

…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

It’s easy to be grateful when life flows along like we think it should – when the sky is blue, the sun shines brightly, pleasant breezes blow, and a surplus builds in our bank accounts.  But what about those times when health wanes and money is scarce?  Even during such times of need a spirit of thankfulness is important because it reminds us of the trustworthy character of God.

The psalmist wrote, Many … are Your wonderful works … and Your thoughts which are toward us … they are more than can be numbered (Psalm 40:5).  In response, we are challenged: In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God … for you (1Thessalonians 5:18, bold added).  The simple power of a grateful heart is impossible to exaggerate.

An attitude of gratitude encourages a feeling of well-being.  Occasionally, I write down the things for which I’m thankful.  For example:

• Faith in a caring heavenly Father
• The comfort and direction I receive from reading the Bible
• The love of family and friends
• Health that is reasonably good
• The challenge and enjoyment of work
• The privilege of contributing to the lives of others
• The ability to meet my financial obligations
• A good night’s sleep
• Waking up to the smell of coffee and burnt toast (I like burnt toast)
• More than my daily bread to eat
• The privilege of taking our thirteen grandchildren out to breakfast one at a time, and learning their likes and dislikes
• Fellowship and inspiration with the people of our local church
• Finding a parking place, especially when I’m late
• Laughing enthusiastically until it hurts
• An occasional afternoon nap – “nature’s sweet restorative”
• Pruning roses in our garden or picking berries
• Reading a good book
• Listening to old songs … and remembering when …
• Watching the sun rise and then set at the close of day
• The sound of rain beating on the window pane
• Chatting with neighbors about small things

Especially, I’m thankful for the privilege and pleasure of prayer.  That, in all the experiences of life, I’m invited to, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let [my] requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).

Above and beyond everything else, I would join with Paul the apostle in saying, Thanks be to God – for what? – for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15).

The worst moment for an unbeliever must be when he’s really thankful and has no one to personally thank.  But for believers, an attitude of gratitude is a solid foundation on which to build our lives.

From Too Soon To Quit: Fifty Ways to Experience the Best that Life Has to Offer, reprinted with permission of Dr. George Sweeting

This devotion originally appeared in Real Victory for Real Life, Volume 1, available through America’s Keswick or on Amazon.com

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

 

It’s easy to be grateful when life flows along like we think it should – when the sky is blue, the sun shines brightly, pleasant breezes blow, and a surplus builds in our bank accounts.  But what about those times when health wanes and money is scarce?  Even during such times of need a spirit of thankfulness is important because it reminds us of the trustworthy character of God.

The psalmist wrote, “Many … are Your wonderful works … and Your thoughts which are toward us … they are more than can be numbered” (Psalm 40:5).  In response, we are challenged: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God … for you” (1Thessalonians 5:18, italics added).  The simple power of a grateful heart is impossible to exaggerate.

An attitude of gratitude encourages a feeling of well-being.  Occasionally, I write down the things for which I’m thankful.  For example:

 

• Faith in a caring heavenly Father
• The comfort and direction I receive from reading the Bible
• The love of family and friends
• Health that is reasonably good
• The challenge and enjoyment of work
• The privilege of contributing to the lives of others
• The ability to meet my financial obligations
• A good night’s sleep
• Waking up to the smell of coffee and burnt toast (I like burnt toast)
• More than my daily bread to eat
• The privilege of taking our thirteen grandchildren out to breakfast one at a time, and learning their likes and dislikes
• Fellowship and inspiration with the people of our local church
• Finding a parking place, especially when I’m late
• Laughing enthusiastically until it hurts
• An occasional afternoon nap – “nature’s sweet restorative”
• Pruning roses in our garden or picking berries
• Reading a good book
• Listening to old songs … and remembering when …
• Watching the sun rise and then set at the close of day
• The sound of rain beating on the window pane
• Chatting with neighbors about small things

 

Especially, I’m thankful for the privilege and pleasure of prayer.  That, in all the experiences of life, I’m invited to, “by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let [my] requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).

Above and beyond everything else, I would join with Paul the apostle in saying, “Thanks be to God” – for what? – “for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

The worst moment for an unbeliever must be when he’s really thankful and has no one to personally thank.  But for believers, an attitude of gratitude is a solid foundation on which to build our lives.

 

From Too Soon To Quit: Fifty Ways to Experience the Best that Life Has to Offer, reprinted with permission of Dr. George Sweeting

 They who wait for the Lord… ( Isaiah 40:31 ESV) 

Today I want to share two possible examples of waiting.  One I’ll call fast food and the other gourmet.  I choose this illustration because it quickly brings a picture to mind that makes a clear distinction between these two types of meals.

As someone who enjoys eating, I can tell you without hesitation that I get pleasure from both fast food and gourmet.  However, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that one is definitely better than the other.

Fast food is just that, fast.  We rush in, inhale it quickly to fill the void, and just as quickly get back to the busyness of our day.  Our tummies are full, our appetites momentarily satiated and our desire for food is no longer pressing in on us.

            Gourmet, on the other hand, requires lots of time.  Ingredients must be gathered and prepared.  Each course having its own steps, details all fixed on the presentation of delightful flavors and an experience our palate won’t soon forget.

There is no rushing.  Focused attention to each course is essential for the end result and the final presentation.  Whether it’s a three, five or seven-course meal, you sit for the full length of time required, savoring each delectable bite, allowing the senses to be aroused.  You rarely, if ever, rush away from gourmet.

Why? You’re usually so satisfied that all you want is to sit still and marvel over its goodness.  When you do get up, it isn’t to rush away and get busy, but rather to sit in a comfortable chair and revel.

Now take a leap and imagine the difference it would make in our everyday lives if our time with God was more often than not gourmet.  Believe me, I am fully aware of the arguments that can be made for time.  Gourmet requires time, and fast food is after all, still food, and most definitely meets the need.

My question for you is simple, does it really meet the deepest need your soul and spirit have for the Father, the One who is the Lover of your soul?

I, for one, know from first-hand experience that in the natural and in the spiritual, fast food is not enough to keep you healthy and strong.

May we choose today to plan, prepare and enjoy a gourmet meal with Him who was and is and is to come. 

I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.   As the deer pants for the water brooks,
so pants my soul for You, O God.  (Job 23:12, Psalm 42:1)

Stephanie D. Paul

Stephanie served on staff at America’s Keswick as Women of Character Director. She is married to Sesky; together they have 2 adult children.

This devotion originally appeared in Real Victory for Real Life, Volume 2. To purchase your copy, call America’s Keswick at 1-800,453-7942 or go to amazon.com.

 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:6-8 ESV

I am currently reading Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado. It’s a timely read as I feel anxiety creeping up over my shoulders. We all have situations in our lives that bring us a measure of anxiety. What is causing your anxiety today?

Max Lucado shares Philippians 4:6-8 and creates an acronym let will help us to fight the emotion of anxiety. What we need is peace in the midst of what we don’t understand and God promises to provide that peace to our anxious thoughts and souls.

Here is how we can remain calm:

Celebrate God’s goodness. “Rejoice in the Lord always” v 4

Ask God for help. “Let your requests be made known to God” v 6

Leave your concerns with Him. “With thanksgiving….” v 6

Meditate on good things. “Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise” v 8

Celebrate. Ask. Leave. Meditate. C.A.L.M. *

Today you and I need to practice being C.A.L.M. Expect the peace that passes all understanding as you remain calm today.

Blessings,

Kathy

*Anxious for Nothing, Max Lucado, page 10

Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves as Director of Partner Care. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 30 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and teaches a Bible study 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.

Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. Psalm 34:5

It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and with the approaching holiday season, that is even more so.

Planning family gatherings, gift buying, food preparations, office Christmas parties, trips to the mall… and then there is the traffic.

Sometimes the approaching holidays bring a more somber mood because the holidays do not hold fond memories, or there is tension in the family that everyone wants to pretend is not there or dreads because it can’t be avoided.

With all that vies for our time and attention, Jesus can be pushed further and further from our central vision and life takes on an earth-bound perspective.

When this happens we have to take a beat. Mentally stop and look up and call to mind Jesus.  Take a few moments to meditate on Him: His presence, His purpose, His power, His love, His grace, His sovereignty, His mercy, His mission.

Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.[i] The ESV study note says in this verse – ashamed means “disappointed at not finding what was hoped for.”[ii] So in other words, when we look to Him we will not be disappointed.

So take a beat.  Pause. Close your eyes and see Him.  Your earth-bound perspective will dissipate and a heaven-bound perspective will fill your soul.

Blessings,

Diane

[i] Psalm 34:5

[ii] ESV Study Bible, note Psalm 34:4-7, Page 978

Diane Hunt serves part-time on the staff of America’s Keswick providing ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event, please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org

When you read the title “Hiding Place,” what comes to mind? Truly, many things could spring up in one’s thoughts. For instance, Hide & Seek. Most, if not all, of us remember playing this much loved childhood game. Whether you’re the one hiding or the one doing the seeking, it was always a game bound to deliver loads of fun and laughter. For others, however, hiding place could have a much more sinister connotation.

In the last year or so I’ve begun listening to audio books via an app on my iPhone. My latest listening was a much loved and heart-rending favorite, which is also a movie of the same title, “The Hiding Place”.

In case you aren’t familiar with the book, I’ll give you a little summary. The author, Corrie ten Boom, tells the story of her much beloved family by inviting us to take a long and detailed look at how they lived life as a family of Christians. In addition, she gives us a glimpse of how their faith led to life-altering choices during a time of war. It led to a decision that would make their home a place of escape, a hiding place for Jews fleeing Nazi-occupied Germany and other parts of Europe. Even after the Nazis invaded their homeland, the Netherlands, the ten Booms continued to provide a hiding place for virtually everyone who came knocking.

Up to a certain point in the book the hiding place is the strategically designed plan and space that was built for the purpose of hiding Jews (literally strangers) from their enemy. Within the very walls of their home, they became facilitators, ushering many Jews to safety and freedom.

After some time had passed, the day came when they were arrested and imprisoned for the laws they broke while helping their fellow human beings. The horrors of their captivity led from one prison to another until they arrived at one of the worst unimaginable places.

Herein is where the much deeper understanding of hiding place shows up. This place (Person) of refuge turns out to be the only true place to which they would run, over and over and over again. It was there (in Him) they sought refuge, shelter, solace and a sort of escape from the evil torment they were existing in. Wide awake! Not in a dream! This hiding place was in the reality of Jesus! In Him, they literally lived and breathed!

God’s Word says, You are my hiding place. You preserve me from trouble: You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. You are my hiding place and my shield, I wait for Your Word. Hide me in the shadow of Your wings…For You have been a refuge to me, a tower of strength against the enemy. God is to us a God of deliverances; and to God the Lord belongs escapes from death. Psalm 32:7; 119:14; 17:8; 61:3; 68:20

Dear sisters! Is there a pain or sorrow you bear that you believe will certainly be the death of you if you have to carry it one more moment? Do you believe that God and God alone can cover you, hide you, shelter you? Are you willing today to put Him to the test?

He’s big enough! He’s more than able to make a way out of what seems to be no way!

In the book “The Hiding Place” there are many moments where God does the seemingly impossible, and there are also accounts where Corrie’s sister, Betsy, does the seemingly impossible! She gives thanks to God for everything – even lice! Yes! Lice! Crazy right?! But it turns out that the very presence of those lice was a means to an end, a means of grace. Lice kept the guards out of a certain area. As a result, the reading of God’s Word took place uninterrupted.

You’ll have to read the book to get the rest of the story. I hope you do. You won’t be disappointed and maybe your resolve to stay the course NO MATTER WHAT will be encouraged because He, the Living God, is our hiding place.

Stephanie D. Paul

Stephanie Paul previously served as part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America’s Keswick as Director of Women’s Addiction Ministry. She has been married for over 30 years to Sesky Paul who is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy. Stephanie serves alongside him as Care Group leaders in their church. They have two grown children.