Mountain Lion Territory

July 19, 2017July 17, 2017Leave a comment

Imagine coming upon this sign in your travels. How would you react? I doubt we would stroll through Mountain Lion territory sipping our lattes and looking down at our cell phones oblivious to our surroundings.

My pastor recently used this illustration from his trip to Yosemite National Park. He said he had a machete strapped on his shoulder (mostly to look intimidating) but as he and his family entered Mountain Lion country with high grass on both sides of the path he had his hand on that machete every single step ready to remove it from its sheath and use it if necessary. All his senses were at a heightened state of readiness. He said he felt like he was being watched as he and his family made their way down the path. The grass was high and made it impossible to see if a Mountain Lion was approaching. As the sign says, “They have been known to attack without warning.”

Honestly, if it were me, I may have turned around and headed back to the hot springs for a nice relaxing soak. At the National Park, that would have been an option open to me, but in life we don’t have the choice. How do I know that? Because God warns us through Peter, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (NKJV); Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (ESV); Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (NIV) 1 Peter 5:8.

I hope you didn’t skip the Scripture though I repeated the same verse three times from different versions. I shared each because of the different nuance gained from each one: God warns us to be sober, sober-minded:

“…marked by sedate or gravely or earnestly thoughtful character or demeanor; …marked by temperance, moderation, or seriousness”[i]

In other words – take this reality seriously. We have a very real and very active enemy, our adversary the devil whose intent is to “steal and kill and destroy” John 10:10.

God also warns us in 1 Peter to be vigilant, watchful, alert, hand-on-the- machete-ready. We are in Mountain Lion territory. The devil is in the high grass prowling around looking for someone to devour. “He has been known to attack without warning.”

I am not suggesting that we see the devil behind every rock and tuft of grass but the Bible does say he is out there and he IS behind SOME rocks and tufts of grass.

I hope this illustration gives you some food for thought today as it has me.

Blessings, Diane

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.

[i] Definitions #2 and 4 from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sober Accessed 7.10.17

“Do I trust You, Lord?”

July 18, 2017July 17, 2017Leave a comment

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1&2

I’m getting tired of cancer. It seems that not a week goes by that someone I love, or simply know, has been diagnosed. It’s beginning to bug me. So I brought my lament to the Lord. Know what I found out? It bugs Him, too.

It was never His will for us to get sick, or to die. We all know how that came to pass. And it is still not His pleasure to watch His children suffer. But, He’s a Truth-teller and as such He told us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b).

It comes down to trust. Do I trust that God really has this? Do I trust that He can, does, and will heal? Do I trust that He guides the way to the doctors and treatments? Do I trust that if He chooses not to heal, that still all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)?

Rubber meets the road stuff.

Maybe some of you remember when Keith Green, his 4-year-old daughter, and his 2-year-old son died in a plane crash, leaving behind his pregnant wife Melody and their 1-year-old. It was a heart wrenching moment in time. As a young Christian, I found myself wondering why God would allow that. I’m not a young Christian anymore. It’s easier these days to comprehend the “why.” It’s easier because He has proven Himself trustworthy. He doesn’t have to, but He does.

(INTERLUDE: I just came back from Staff Enrichment where Pastor Wally Webster shared a devotional to encourage us. Guess what it was about???? Yup, TRUST! He shared from Mark 4:35-41, the story of Jesus, the disciples, and the storm. You know it. We all do. End of day…get to know the Savior…then “who can this be that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” makes sense. The more we really know Him, the easier it is to trust Him. Is it always “easy”? Not always. But it is “easier”.)

So, if like me, you are feeling the strain of the daily diagnoses, daily trials, daily “dailies” of life, perhaps the Holy Spirit can encourage you, reminding you with His words that things are never out of His control.

And if you’re struggling today, I’ll leave you with the words that Twila Paris penned for her friend Melody Green after the tragedy. I hope they bolster your heart today.

Sometimes my little heart can’t understand
What’s in Your will, what’s in Your plan
So many times I’m tempted to ask You why

But I can never forget it for long
Lord, what You do could not be wrong
So I believe You even when I must cry

Do I trust You, Lord? Does the river flow?
Do I trust You, Lord? Does the north wind blow?
You can see my heart, You can read my mind
And You’ve got to know, I would rather die
Than to lose my faith in the One I love
Do I trust You, Lord? Do I trust You?

I know the answers, I’ve given them all
But suddenly now, I feel so small
Shaken down to the cavity in my soul

I know the doctrine and theology
But right now they don’t mean much to me
This time there’s only one thing I’ve got to know

Do I trust You, Lord? Does the robin sing?
Do I trust You, Lord? Does it rain in spring?
You can see my heart, You can read my mind
And You got to know I would rather die
Than to lose my faith in the One I love
Do I trust You, Lord? Do I trust You?

I will trust You, Lord, when I don’t know why
I will trust You, Lord, till the day I die
I will trust You, Lord, when I’m blind with pain
You were God before and You’ll never change

I will trust You, I will trust You
I will trust You, Lord
I will trust You, I will trust You
I will trust You, Lord

I will trust You, I will trust You
I will trust You, Lord

With love, and in the friendship of King Jesus,

Carol

Carol Tirondola is part of 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 now be serving on staff!

Entitlement

July 17, 2017July 7, 2017Leave a comment

No surprise to any of you that an attitude of entitlement is prevalent and growing in our culture today. Sometimes it is downright shocking! I think in a misguided effort to alleviate difficulty in our children’s lives we have developed children who believe everything should be handed to them.

What parent hasn’t been hurt by their child taking advantage of their kindness? Or lacking genuine gratitude for provision and care that is theirs because of their parents’ love and hard work?

In our wealthy western society, we have taught children to take for granted how much they have.[i] Perhaps we taught them this by NOT teaching them to have a grateful heart. Perhaps we taught them this by what we ourselves have modeled.

I can shake my head when I see the self-centered attitude of entitlement in others, but recently I’ve been becoming more aware of it in my own heart and life… and I don’t like it!

I was reading Scripture a week or two ago when I read this verse that stopped me in my tracks:

…or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4

I have read this verse many, many times in the 33 years I’ve been a believer, but this time it pierced my heart. There is no doubt in my mind that YES, I do presume on the riches of God’s kindness, forbearance and patience. I take it for granted every time I choose to sin.

God is not just kind, He is RICH in kindness. God does not just forbear, but He is RICH in forbearance. God is not just patient, He is RICH in patience.

I realize the attitude of entitlement is not just evident in others but it is evident in my very own heart.

God’s kindness is meant to lead me to repentance and every time I fail to repent – stop and turn away from my sin – I presume upon God’s kindness. I act like I am entitled to it! Now I shake my head at my own self-centered attitude of entitlement.

I hurt Father when I take advantage His kindness. Or when I lack genuine gratitude for His provision and care for me because of His love and the finished work of Christ on the cross.

Father, forgive my arrogant attitude of entitlement. I do not want to presume upon the richness of your kindness, forbearance or patience.

Diane

[i] I know there are many children, even in our own country, that don’t have enough food to eat or cool place to lay their head at night – I don’t think those children are inclined to an attitude of entitlement.

Say Something Nice

July 14, 2017July 7, 2017Leave a comment

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

A few weeks ago, I received my new eye glasses. I had ordered them from a company I had not ordered from before. There was a problem at the doctor’s office and I decided I was going to purchase my glasses elsewhere. I was quick to let a few of my family and friends know of my recent “bad” experience. However, I had the exact opposite when ordering from this new company. I experienced great customer service, easy ordering, and quick delivery. I wanted to call the sales person who helped me to let them know how pleased I was. Do you know it took me a couple of weeks to make that call? The representative that helped me was not available the day I finally got around to calling. It was suggested that I email him. Do you know that it took me another 10 days to sit and write a brief complimentary email?

So, here is my question…why am I so quick to share the bad and so slow to share what is good? It annoys me that I see this in my life. It convicts me that this is a relatively simple thing to do. I am sorry to admit that this is not the only area where I have opportunity to share the good, the bad, and the ugly, and have easily shared the bad and the ugly. Negativity comes so easily doesn’t it?

I am challenged to be more positive in a world that is already so negative. The Israelites were known for their grumbling and complaining. This is a trait I’d rather not be known for. How about you? Today, smile more then you frown, lift up more then you put down, compliment more than you diminish. Let’s choose to be quick with kindness and encouragement as we go through the day.

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.

Uncontainable

July 13, 2017July 7, 2017Leave a comment

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have enough room for the books that would be written.” – John 21:25

You know the hymn “How great is our God?” It’s my favorite, and the title begs a question that I don’t think we will ever truly be able to answer. However, John 21:25 really provides great insight to the question.

Upon reading this verse, I really took time to dwell on it and try to put it into perspective. Earth’s circumference is 24,901 miles, and yet not even 24,901 miles could contain all the wonders and miracles that Jesus performed. I really want to reiterate this verse: If all of the wonderful things that Jesus did during his ministry here on earth were recorded into books, our earth – our huge, giant, vast earth that is 24,901 miles in circumference – would not be able to fit all of the books.

As I’m sitting here typing out this Victory Call, I am looking around and I’m trying to think about how many books would fit in my office space from floor to ceiling. It would be a lot of books, but it wouldn’t even BEGIN to scratch the surface of explaining all that Jesus had done during His earthly ministry… and it is a general consensus that He had only been on earth for approximately 33 years.

As I’m thinking more about the goodness of God, I’m thinking about how there are over 100 billion galaxies in the universe, and it’s expected that scientists will discover hundreds of billions more as our technology evolves. According to NASA’s website, our galaxy alone has a minimum of about 100 billion planets, and according to space.com, our galaxy also has approximately 100 billion stars.

Since John 21:25 says that the earth would not be able to hold books containing everything that Jesus had done in just his 33(ish) years of ministry on earth, it’s amazing to think about all the good God has done (and will continue to do) in the scheme of ETERNITY! Our God is infinite; He had no beginning and will have no end. I believe that if every single good thing that our God has done were recorded in books, that not even the 100 billion+ galaxies would have enough room to fit all of the writings.

So many people try to fit God in a box, but He is so far beyond our imaginations. He is so much greater than what our earthly minds could fathom. John 21:25 is one of my absolute favorite verses; it’s so beautiful. Of course the earth cannot contain Him… I mean, in 1 Kings 8:27, Solomon says: “But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!” God created all, He is bigger than all, and nothing in existence could contain His mighty works, His mighty power, or His mighty love.

The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands. – Psalm 19:1

Erin Culleny serves as a Marketing Assistant and Staff Writer. She loves encouraging women through her Victory Calls and finds such joy in praying for her sisters in Christ. Her favorite activities include reading her Bible, encouraging others with scripture, buying new makeup, buying dresses, and eating at the Cheesecake Factory… In that order!

God in a Box

July 12, 2017July 7, 2017Leave a comment

Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord here from Shiloh, that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies. 1 Samuel 4:3

This struck me as odd.

It seemed to me that Israel was treating the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords as if He only existed in the Ark. As if God could be contained in a box. Somewhat like a lucky charm. Almost as if their faith was in the Ark and its contents rather than the infinite, eternal, mighty Deliverer, Sustainer, Creator, Almighty God Who brought them out of Egypt (before there was an Ark) to the Promised Land which He gave them as their possession. And Who could never be contained – in a box nor in the universe for that matter.

The ESV study note on verse 4:3 says “The ark was a visible sign of the holy presence of the Lord, whose real throne is on high, above the heavens. But it was more than just a sign, for the ark was also the focal point of God’s actual presence among his people…The conception of the ark as a visible sign of the Lord’s presence gave a military importance to the ark… it functioned as a battle safeguard and showed that the Lord was present and fighting for Israel. …Or perhaps they just thought that it would perform a miracle if used magically. That the ark would inevitably grant victory was a persistent idea … The Hebrew might also mean ‘that he [the Lord] may come,’ but in either case, the elders are treating the Lord as a thing. By saying ‘bring,’ the narrator is probably conveying the idea that the people treated this sacred object disrespectfully as an instrument through which victory might be attained. Surely, the covenant people had lost the sense of awe toward God’s holy presence.”

How does this relate to us today?

Well, I wonder if there are ways that we put God in a box, not an ark per sae, but perhaps a medal we wear around our necks or a statue we put in our yard or even a church building or specific receptacle within a church building.

There is nothing magical about any of these. God is not confined by any of these objects – His presence is everywhere. Although the Spirit of the Living God dwells in every one of His children, redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb, He is not confined there.

Are there any ways that we treat sacred objects or places disrespectfully as an instrument through which victory (or safety or obedience or security or good things) might be attained; or have we lost the sense of awe towards God’s holy presence?

“Am I a God at hand,” declares the Lord, “and not a God far away?Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him?” declares the Lord. “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 23:23-24

There is comfort, peace, rest and joy knowing with certainty that God is not confined to a box, picture, crucifix, medal or any other finite thing. God is omnipresent – equally present everywhere all the time.

Rejoice, sister, for today you walk in the presence of God wherever you are and wherever you go.

Blessings, Diane

The Prominence of Prayer

July 11, 2017July 4, 2017Leave a comment

Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles (Luke 6:12-13, NIV).

Think of a time in which you desperately needed discernment and direction for a pending, important deadline. What did you do: fret, search the Scriptures, phone a friend, procrastinate, claim God’s promises, toss a coin, acquiesce to someone else’s opinion, follow your intuition, or several of the above? These obviously represent a continuum of wise through foolhardy responses, but if we are honest, many of us could say that at one time or another we have resorted to several of the above. Although we may utilize the above repertoire, Christ’s main impetus for both decision-making and effectual service was prayer.

After several Sabbaths of Pharisee-provoking obedience to the Father during his time of active ministry, Christ needed to choose twelve apostles from his disciples. Luke 6:12 indicates that Christ prayed all night at the mountain before choosing the twelve and subsequently healing both those with diseases and those experiencing demonic attack. Notice that it does not mention that He slept the night before all this effective decision-making and ministering, but that He prayed all night long! His efforts were clearly efficacious as verse 19 states that the whole multitude sought to touch him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.

If God’s sinless, submitted, begotten Son needed a nightlong prayer session for discernment, direction, rejuvenation, and empowerment, where does that leave us? I am not offering formulaic assertions here, but one can hardly miss the takeaway regarding the needfulness of consistent, deep, private prayer in addition to moment-by-moment communion with the Father. I have learned this increasingly in my thirty-five year walk with the Lord and especially with regard to supplication and intercession.

What about you? What do you need discernment or empowerment for? What are you facing currently? Whom is the Father calling you into private intercession for? How is your communion with this perfect, loving Dad who longs to fellowship with you, communicate to you, and hear from you? Is it something you hurriedly check off of your mental “To-Do list” each day or is it a perpetual lifeline akin to your need for oxygen and water to survive? When it feels as if maybe no one else has time for you or cares about what concerns you at any given moment, know that your compassionate Papa yearns to be the one to listen to you, to meet your need, and to lift your head (Psalm 3:3) like only He can!

Melissa Smith is the Women’s Enrich Counselor at America’s Keswick. She has the privilege and honor of ministering to the colony men’s wives and girlfriends, the Barbara’s Place women, and some women from the community who God brings to America’s Keswick for help or care. She and Bill, her husband of 18 years, have four adopted children ages 17 to 24. Her fervent desire is to point women to Christ and His sufficiency, provision, and promises.

The Power of Praying People

July 10, 2017July 4, 2017Leave a comment

I recently read about a praying church in England back in the 1800’s. A group of leaders from the church formed a group called the Clapham Group as their church was from an area of London called Clapham. This prayer group made a commitment to work and pray together to influence the transformation of their nation and see the slave trade abolished in the British Empire. They didn’t look for political strategies but rather sought the Lord. One of the key influencers of the group was an Anglican rector named John Newton. He was the one-time slave ship captain who came to Christ and wrote “Amazing Grace”. Those Clapham Group members proved to be world-changers in conviction and deed. The slave trade was abolished in the British Empire in 1807 and eventually the emancipation of all British slaves came in 1833. It was not an easy battle, but their steadfast commitment brought forth transformation in not only their community but also their nation.[1]

Dear one, I am convinced that as God’s people come together and pray His Word, in agreement, it is powerful. As we choose to act on the Word and let our light shine before men, our world will begin to be transformed and give glory to our Father in heaven.

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt.5:14-16) NKJV

What do you want to see transformed in your community? Does your church have a group that submits themselves to pray regularly for the community where you live? If not, perhaps you can gather with a few friends in Christ and pray the Word. Seek strategy from heaven and “rule” on earth as it is in heaven. (And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace. Jer.29:7 NKJV; God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” – Gen. 1:28 NASB

There is no greater joy dear one, than partnering with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Glorify Him (Ps. 86), enjoy Him forever (Ps.16:5-11; Ps. 73:25-28). God is able.

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8) NKJV

Blessed are You, O Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever. (1 Chron. 29:10b)

Blessings,

Patricia Wenzel

The Reformation Manifesto, by Cindy Jacobs, Bethany House Publishers, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 2008

Rev. Patricia Wenzel is the founder and director of a state wide prayer ministry, PRAY New Jersey Inc. since 2002. The ministry is committed to praying for and blessing those serving in authority positions in our state, particularly in government. The ministry is also committed to equipping the saints to pray for those serving in government. The vision and ministry is guided by the Word of God, in particular
1 Tim. 2:1-4 and Is. 61:11. Pat is thankful for the ministry of America’s Keswick. She graduated from Women of Character in July 2008.

Alpha and Omega…and everything in between

July 7, 2017July 4, 2017Leave a comment

But now, O LORD, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8

The analogy probably breaks down somewhere, but the following are just some thoughts to ponder. Of course, the Scriptures associated are not an exhaustive list…there are many, many more that could be added. In fact, if you think of one that fits for you, share it with me!

The whole world is a stage. (The earth is the LORD’s…Psalm 24:1)

God built the theater in which it exists. (…and everything in it… Psalm 24:1)

He provided all the living beings that would witness His production (…but He that created all things, is God. Hebrews 3:4)

He cast the players (…and all who live in it…Psalm 24:1)

He wrote the script (For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 29:11)

His timeline outlasts the cast, save One, so He constantly replaces the characters (He is the living God and eternal King. Jeremiah 10:10)

He directs the scenes (…but willingly under God’s direction…1 Peter 5:2)

He provides the music, comedy and drama (He will celebrate with singing…Zephaniah 3:17; The One enthroned in heaven laughs…Psalm 2:4; He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain” Isaiah 53:3)

It truly is a love story with a bittersweet ending (Not everyone who calls out to me, “Lord! Lord!” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. Matthew 7:21)

Admission is free and He allows audience participation (For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16)

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!

Other Centered

July 6, 2017July 4, 2017Leave a comment

Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

I recently shared a post with you titled “Pass It On.” It spoke of how our trials and tribulations and the comforts we received from the Lord are meant to be shared with others. A few days later, I received a devotional that added some additional light on the subject of coming alongside others. What I gleaned was this sentence – “It’s not about you” This is a good warning for us as we share and seek to give comfort to others who are in similar circumstances. As I gave it more thought, I wanted to share some ideas that can continue to help us as we become centered on the needs of others.

Because it isn’t all about me, I don’t have to share my entire story. There may be parts that are not shared due to confidences. Maybe names need to be omitted or changed to protect those involved.
Because it isn’t all about me, I don’t have all the answers. Only the Lord knows what needs to be done in each circumstance. I don’t have to tell someone else to do A, B or C: My place is to comfort, not to give advice. I need to be careful that the way I handle a situation does not mean that one size fits all.
Because it’s not all about me, I need to listen more than I talk. Enough said.
Because it’s not all about me, I can rejoice with others. If my prayers have not yet been answered, how do I react to someone whose prayers were?
Because it’s not all about me, I can also cry with others. I must remain sensitive to remember what it was like in the battle before the victory was ever won.
Because it’s not all about me, am I willing to be inconvenienced by someone who has a need?
Because it’s not all about me, am I willing to come alongside someone else for the long term? I wish everything got solved in 30 minutes but that only happens on TV shows.

I’m sure you can add to this list. In today’s culture there is a never-ending supply of hurts that you and I experience. I trust we can be used by the Lord to bring His comfort to others. The devotional I read ended with this:

“As you go about your business today, look around, God may have someone for you to minister to today. In fact I guarantee it. Often He is just looking for a willing accomplice.” * I like that.. a willing accomplice. Are you and I willing to be an accomplice to minister to others on Jesus behalf?

Blessings,

Kathy

*Called to Business, Monday Memo -June 25^th

Victory Call

A Daily Email Encouragement for Women!

Category: Uncategorized

Mountain Lion Territory

“Do I trust You, Lord?”

Entitlement

Say Something Nice

Uncontainable

God in a Box

The Prominence of Prayer

The Power of Praying People

Alpha and Omega…and everything in between

Other Centered

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