Imagine this: You’re sitting in a chair at your local café across from someone you’ve had the opportunity to witness to. You each have a coffee in hand and your Bibles turned to Romans 10:9. You ask if they would like to receive Jesus, and they look up at you, think about it for a bit, and finally say yes. You get so excited and lead them in the salvation prayer.

There isn’t much that is better than the opportunity of leading someone else to Christ. Knowing you’ve been used by God in such a powerful way is almost unfathomable. But let me ask you this – how many times does our relationship with that person end there? Do we shake their hand and send them on their way? If that’s the case, we’re starting off strong but finishing wrong.  We’re not continuing the task that Jesus assigned to us. We need to be intentional about discipleship – Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19).

If we want to make disciples, we need to invest in them. If we simply lead another in the salvation prayer but don’t partner with them or follow up with them, then the likelihood of that person fizzling out in their walk with the Lord, statistically, is high. They don’t understand about the Christian walk yet. They don’t understand that being a disciple means to “deny themselves, taking up their cross, and following Jesus” (Matt. 16:24).

My pastor once shared a statistic, I don’t know what the exact numbers were, but he was basically saying that of those who became a Christian in the past year, most were not regular church-goers because they were not properly discipled. I read an article that said:

•    80% of those who attend church believe their responsibility is to share their faith, but 61% haven’t shared their faith with an unbeliever in the past 6 months.
•    In a survey taken, the surveyors asked how many times believers have invited an unchurched person to a church activity or service. Nearly half (48%) of churchgoers responded zero, 33% responded with “one or two times” and only 19% said they’ve done so three or more times in the past 6 months.

Friends, we need to remember that making disciples isn’t simply an option. It’s a command. By not taking an active role in discipleship, not only are you missing an opportunity to help others grow in their relationship with Christ, you’re also missing a blessing. When we decide to follow Christ, we are deciding to obey His commands… and one of the biggest is sharing our faith and discipling others.

Recent articles I’ve read state that people are uncomfortable or afraid to share their faith and continuously train others in the way of the Lord. But, quoting what my dear brother once said, what if we were so consumed by God that it didn’t matter what anyone else thought? Don’t be bound by fear! If God is for you, who cares who is against you?

Erin Culleny serves as a Marketing Assistant and Staff Writer. She had served on Summer Staff since 2011, and this past summer had the unique opportunity of co-directing Children’s Ministry with one of her best friends. She is very excited to continue to build relationships with the guests and be very involved in the ministry.

“when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end-“ Deuteronomy 8:14-16

I think it is safe to say you were not delivered out of the land of Egypt – literally, or from the house of bondage – literally; God did not lead you through the great and terrible wilderness with fiery serpents and scorpions – literally; nor did He take you through the land without water—literally. He did not provide manna for you – literally.

But for every one of these literal events that took place in biblical history – there is a corresponding spiritual equivalent in your journey with Jesus Christ. God uses these events in our lives to humble us (we all need that) and to test us.

God ALWAYS has the big picture in focus as He leads us individually through life.  As trials come, as circumstances change, as disappointments linger, as battles are won, as life happens…
God is orchestrating it all that He might do us good in the end.  As we go through trials and difficulties keeping this promise in mind brings hope.

In the midst of it all, God’s plan is to bring us good in the end.

Will you trust His promise today?

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt served for 16 years on the staff of America’s Keswick until recently when she and her husband relocated to North Carolina. She now continues serving as a contributing writer and Partner Care consultant. Diane is also a Biblical Counselor, speaker, teacher, and author. She delights in the opportunities she has as a women’s conference and retreat speaker to share from God’s word.  Many of her illustrations are drawn from her relational experiences as a wife, mother, and mema. They are the very relationships that bring her the greatest joy and the most fun!

I have been counseling for 25 years.   I have met with a lot of suffering and struggling people over the years.  Some are suffering because of the actions of others, many are suffering because of their own sin and choices. We all have seasons of trial. It is part of the human experience.
I wish I could say that with a snap of the fingers, a sincere prayer, or sheer determination that we experience instantaneous relief.  Can it happen in a moment?  Sure. God can bring healing and wholeness in whatever fashion He deems appropriate. But generally speaking change happens little by little.

I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land.   Exodus 23:29-30 (underlining mine)

And the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you little by little; you will be unable to destroy them at once, lest the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. Deuteronomy 7:22 (underlining mine)

Do you get discouraged because positive growth and change seem to happen ever so slowly?  I know at times I can feel that nothing is happening. Just because we cannot see change happening doesn’t mean it is not happening.

You notice God has a reason He drove out the enemy nations little by little because the Israelites could not possess the land too quickly (lest the land become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you).  In other words, God’s timing is to overthrow the enemy at the same rate that He grows their possession of the land.

We want to wake up one morning and TA …DA be changed, but that is not God’s typical approach.  I believe God wants to grow us at the rate that we are ready to receive.

There is value in the process.  To wake up one morning changed sounds wonderful but what will we have learned along the way?

With patience and perseverance, little by little God does His work in our life.  With patience and perseverance, little by little we will be changed. To God be the glory.

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt served for 16 years on the staff of America’s Keswick until recently when she and her husband relocated to North Carolina. She now continues serving as a contributing writer and Partner Care consultant. Diane is also a Biblical Counselor, speaker, teacher, and author. She delights in the opportunities she has as a women’s conference and retreat speaker to share from God’s word.  Many of her illustrations are drawn from her relational experiences as a wife, mother, and mema. They are the very relationships that bring her the greatest joy and the most fun!

Generally the Presidential Primary is rather uneventful because by the time the Primary comes to NJ, it seems the candidates are already chosen.  This year it looks like a much closer election, so our vote for the Presidential candidate is even more important.

In addition to praying and seeking God’s wisdom as to whom you should vote for in the party you have chosen to affiliate with, I ask you to take time to pray for those serving in government leadership.  God’s Word is clear:

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NKJV)
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

You may ask, “How do I pray for them”?  I would ask you to consider, what are you looking for in a leader?  You might also refer to the “30 Ways to Pray for People in Authority” by Gary P. Bergel.  I gave you information from that last month.  Here are a few more suggestions from Gary’s list:

1. That they be convicted of sin, transgression and iniquity. (Ps. 51:17, Jn. 8:9)
2. That they read the Bible and attend prayer meetings and Bible studies.
(Ps. 119:11, Col. 3:2)
3. That they value and regard the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus
Christ.  (Ps. 19:7-11, Jn. 8:31-32)
4. That they be given godly counsel and God-fearing advisors.  (Prov. 24:6)
5. That they would have courage to resist manipulation, pressure and the fear of
man. (Prov. 29:25, 2 Tim. 1:7)

Blessings,
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
For Gary Bergel’s complete “Ways to Pray for People in Authority” go to:
http://www.getamericapraying.com/downloads/30%20Ways%20bookmark-FINAL8.pdf or at http://www.ifapray.org/

Let me paint the picture here for you.

Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan into the Promised Land.  They conquer Jericho, Ai and made an ill-advised treaty with Gibeon. When the king of Jerusalem heard of this he and his people were “alarmed” so he appealed to four other kings to band their troops together to attack Gibeon.  Gibeon sent word to Joshua for help. Joshua and his army marched from Gilgal to their aid.  With the Lord’s help they defeated the five joint armies with a “great victory.” The five kings fled and hid in a cave. When Joshua heard this he had his men trap them in the cave with large stones.  (see Joshua 10: 1-18) After the battle was over and won, Joshua had the five enemy kings in the cave brought to him (vs. 22). Let’s pick it up from there.

So it was, when they brought out those kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the captains of the men of war who went with him, “Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings.” And they drew near and put their feet on their necks. Then Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” Joshua 10:24-25

This word picture has been rolling around in my head all week.  Imagine the victory when the enemy kings were literally under their feet.  Likewise, we have a very real enemy trying to overcome us with temptation. Yet just like with Joshua, Jesus has overcome our enemy and we are the victors. We fight FROM a position of victory. It is already won.  So in a sense, we can put our feet on the neck of our enemy.

Next time you are tempted, imagine yourself with your foot on the neck of the enemy.  It is empowering.  Rather than seeing ourselves as wimps limping away from temptation, perhaps we need to remember the truth that by faith in the finished work of Christ we are already the victors.  I love that picture.

But I’m not done yet.  Do you see how Joshua encourages his men after they put their feet on the necks of the enemy kings?  He told them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.”  

Yes, by faith we have the victory but we still have to fight.  Are you mounting a battle against sin in your life?  Are you fighting to overcome those temptations when they come? Fight, sister, fight – Put your feet on the neck of your enemy for the Lord has delivered you and given you the victory – YOU are the VICTOR.

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt served for 16 years on the staff of America’s Keswick until recently when she and her husband relocated to North Carolina. She now continues serving as a contributing writer and Partner Care consultant. Diane is also a Biblical Counselor, speaker, teacher, and author. She delights in the opportunities she has as a women’s conference and retreat speaker to share from God’s word.  Many of her illustrations are drawn from her relational experiences as a wife, mother, and mema. They are the very relationships that bring her the greatest joy and the most fun!

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

This morning I heard a message that challenged me to my core.

If my children follow in my footsteps. If they pattern their lives after what they see me do, will it lead them to live holy before God or instead on a path to destruction?

As a wife and mother, life gets busy. It’s challenging to balance working, taking care of my family, and taking care of myself. When I was single, I had so much freedom and flexibility with my time. I remember being given the key to my church just so I could go pray. I did this for years. Whether others came and sat with me, or if I was alone, I remember those intimate moments, when just sitting before the Lord, away from the distractions of my world, I found myself lost in God’s presence. Those 30-40 minutes, or sometimes entire nights, of just talking to my Abba Father gave me such strength and humility.

Today, that no longer exists. And while I am concerned not just for my own personal walk, this morning I was even more concerned for my daughter’s.

Yes, she will learn that serving in the church is important. Yes, she will understand that worship and Bible study are imperative. Yes, she will know that mommy and daddy love Jesus.

But will she learn the power of prayer? Will I be able to teach her that her intimacy with God is what will carry her through her toughest trials?

If she doesn’t see me consult God about my deepest concerns. if she doesn’t hear me confess and lay my weaknesses at the feet of Jesus, if she doesn’t have the opportunity to sit with me in stillness and quietness before the King, how will she ever know how vital prayer and being still before God is to her life?

Will she know that without her own intimate relationship with Christ, she’s defeated before she’s even begun?

This morning’s message reminded me that I can’t just train her to do the tangible, external duties of a “good” Christian. But rather if I teach her how to grasp the internal, intangible attitudes and posture of a Christ-follower, all the external duties will result.

1 Samuel 16:7 says, “For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”

I know that an intimate, consistent prayer life is vital to a successful Christian walk. Not only must we know the Word of God, and worship and fellowship with other believers, we must ruthlessly pursue the heart of God by spending time alone with Him. We must allow the life of Christ to be lived through us by yielding to the ways of the Holy Spirit. We must do this not only for ourselves, but to also set an example for the next generation.

In spite of all our godly ambition. regardless of how solid of an emotional foundation or educational head start we give her, my husband and I will have failed her if she doesn’t first receive a spiritual foundation that can’t be taught in Children’s Church or Sunday School. It can only, and should only, be provided at home in those teachable moments I have with her. If she’s going to follow in my footsteps, I want to be sure they only lead her on the path of righteousness.

Diera

Diera Shaw-Mendez is a minister and youth leader at New Beginnings Worship Center, Pennsauken, NJ, and works full-time for an educational nonprofit in Philadelphia. She is wife to Chaplain Juan Mendez and mama to Olivia Joy. She spends her “spare time” running an online invitation design shop on Etsy. Diera is a God-fearing, Starbucks loving, tech junkie (…in that order!) who simply wants to remind women of God’s unchanging, healing love.

Do you ever hear a sermon, read a Scripture, hear a radio program or have a friend say just what you needed to hear that day?  Well, this message was one of those messages for me.

Do you ever feel like your situation, your struggle, your battle with sin is just going to continue till you die? You have prayed and tried and prayed some more but nothing seems to change.

A recent sermon at our church was from Luke 8  about Jairus, whose daughter was dying, and the woman with the issue of blood for 12 years.  In these situations, both these people were helpless in themselves.  Jairus had no power or control to change the outcome of his daughter’s illness. The woman had done all she knew to do to no avail and she had no way to solve her problem.

They both did the same thing. They reached out to Jesus.  He was their only hope. “And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying.” (Luke 8:41-42) “Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, came from behind and touched the border of His garment.” (Luke 8:43-44)

Has it occurred to you, like it did to me that morning, that I am helpless in and of myself to “fix” me.  I really need a touch from Jesus.  I need Him to take me by the hand and lead me every step.  He is my ONLY HOPE. But He IS my only hope.

Why is that important?  Because until we recognize that we are helpless, in and of ourselves to change ourselves or our situation, we will try this and try that only to slide back into the pit, discouraged. Instead we need to keep turning to Jesus as our only hope.  If we genuinely see Jesus as our only hope we will seek Him out in faith and keep believing that He is our only hope.  Our hope is well placed in Him.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (NIV) “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in your faith, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook may be radiant with hope.” (Phillips)Romans 15:13

Do you have hope today?  YES. HIS NAME IS JESUS.

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt served for 16 years on the staff of America’s Keswick until recently when she and her husband relocated to North Carolina. She now continues serving as a contributing writer and Partner Care consultant. Diane is also a Biblical Counselor, speaker, teacher, and author. She delights in the opportunities she has as a women’s conference and retreat speaker to share from God’s word.  Many of her illustrations are drawn from her relational experiences as a wife, mother, and mema. They are the very relationships that bring her the greatest joy and the most fun!

I woke up and went through my agenda in my mind. I chose to jump into my scruffy clothes, apply a coat of mascara and a swipe of blush and run out the door. If I could take care of the out of house stuff I would have the rest of the day to do the things I needed to do at home. Well, of course, I met an acquaintance at Kohl’s. Thankfully she was in her scruffy clothes, too! But we caught up on our lives and time went by. Then I stopped at the food store. Pretty painless, I just needed a few things and managed to get in and out on the express line. Then I needed a Starbucks (need or want…that’s another Victory Call). Well, things didn’t go so fast there.  I didn’t have enough cash, Dave didn’t call me back to give me his order in a timely fashion, they made my drink wrong…..whew. What was going to be a quick run was becoming a time sucker.

At home the important stuff was waiting. I had writing to do, I had to make a dish for Dave to bring to a meeting and I had to clean the house because company was coming tomorrow. Back at home, where I thought of peace and quiet, I was determined to get things done. But instead, I yielded to the phone calls, texts and emails. Did you notice something was missing? No quiet time with the Lord to start my day. Now, I am not saying days are perfect when we have our quiet times first. I am saying that today I was convicted that I was doing things backwards. It’s called the tyranny of the urgent. (The Tyranny of the Urgent is a great little booklet. Read it if you can.) We get busy without doing the most important things first. All the other voices cry out for attention and God’s voice is blocked out.

Who or what is calling out to you today? The whisper of Jesus might be a smaller, more still voice but so often we put Him on hold.  Do you hear Him? He is waiting.

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.

After reading 23 of the 24 chapters in Joshua we arrive at Joshua’s charge to the people before he dies. “Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD!” Joshua 24:6-14

This charge comes after Joshua shares a word from the Lord in which the Lord assures the people that HE has been with them all along the way. So as they face the soon-coming death of their leader, Joshua, and his removal from the scene, God reminds them that He has been with them their entire journey and He still remains.  He tells them:

I took your father Abraham from the other side of the River, led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his descendants and gave him Isaac. 24:3
To Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau 24:4
To Esau I gave the mountains of Seir to possess 24:4
I sent Moses and Aaron 24:5
I plagued Egypt, according to what I did among them 24:5
Afterward I brought you out 24:5
Then I brought your fathers out of Egypt 24:6
…your eyes saw what I did in Egypt 24:7
And I brought you into the land of the Amorites 24:8
I gave them into your hand 24:8
I destroyed them from before you. 24:8
And the men of Jericho fought against you… But I delivered them into your hand. 24:11
I sent the hornet before you which drove them out from before you 24:12
I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant. 24:13

God wanted the people to remember.  He was with them all along the way.

We need to be reminded ourselves, often.

Jesus is working in us, through us and around us all along the way.

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt served for 16 years on the staff of America’s Keswick until recently when she and her husband relocated to North Carolina. She now continues serving as a contributing writer and Partner Care consultant. Diane is also a Biblical Counselor, speaker, teacher, and author. She delights in the opportunities she has as a women’s conference and retreat speaker to share from God’s word.  Many of her illustrations are drawn from her relational experiences as a wife, mother, and mema. They are the very relationships that bring her the greatest joy and the most fun!

What is it about the name “Jesus?”

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16

If asked, “Are you ashamed of the name of Jesus,” what would you say? I suspect you would respond with an adamant “NO” just as would I.  But have you ever noticed that we are much more comfortable referring to the One True God as “God” when in conversation with others?
God is so good. God is so faithful. God bless you. I am trusting God for the outcome.

Now there is certainly NOTHING WRONG with speaking about God in these ways but it begs the question… why is it that the name “Jesus” doesn’t just as naturally roll off our tongues?

You and I both know that there is often a negative reaction from non-believers when we utter the name “Jesus.”  We can say “God” and rarely get a negative response even if they don’t believe in God but say “Jesus” and it might be a subtle twitch or a verbal barrage or they may just quietly end the conversation and walk away, but there is usually SOME response.

What distinguishes us from others that believe in A GOD but not the ONE TRUE GOD? What testimony for Jesus our Savior are we sharing if we lump our God in with other gods?
We may know the distinction but how about our hearers?  We say “God” but they hear “god.”

Perhaps we need to prayerfully ask the Lord to help us broaden our sphere of influence for the Gospel by simply naming the name of Jesus on a regular basis in our conversations. Do you ever shrink back from naming Jesus in your conversations? Give it some thought.

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt served for 16 years on the staff of America’s Keswick until recently when she and her husband relocated to North Carolina. She now continues serving as a contributing writer and Partner Care consultant. Diane is also a Biblical Counselor, speaker, teacher, and author. She delights in the opportunities she has as a women’s conference and retreat speaker to share from God’s word.  Many of her illustrations are drawn from her relational experiences as a wife, mother, and mema. They are the very relationships that bring her the greatest joy and the most fun!