My daughter Olivia is a cute kid. Chubby cheeks. Smooth skin. To-die-for eyelashes. Okay, perhaps I’m just a bit biased, nonetheless I think she’s cute and I’m okay if others disagree. But I digress.

She is quickly turning into a three-nager and right now we are in the throws of the pre-threens complete with overtired meltdowns and purposefully defiant moments of ignoring me just because.

And sometimes, because I think she is cute, I’m guilty of minimizing the severity of her misbehavior. In fact, I think some of her tantrum antics are often downright hilarious.

But lately God has been equipping me with the foreshadowed clarity of how failing to correct today’s behavior can have more detrimental implications in the future. As a Christian parent, discipline is simply a tool to help instill biblical values and shepherd her towards a relationship with Christ. If I love her, then I will correct her. If I care about her soul and her future, I will chasten her.

This is similar to how God deals with us.

He is our heavenly Father. Through the blood of Jesus, we are, in essence, His rambunctious bunch of “cute” kids. Yet, He never falls for our batting eyes, pouty faces, or “crocodile tears” and lets us get away with our sin. Rather, He uses our circumstances to produce a holy character in us. He knows exactly how our current actions, or inactions, will impact our futures. He is keenly aware of the impact today’s little white lie will have tomorrow, or even 5 years from now.

His rod of correction is never the result of anger. Rather it is for the purpose of transforming us into Christ’s likeness and preventing us from continuing down a path of further turmoil and sin.

The Bible is clear that whom the Lord loves He chastens. And it also states,

“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” — Hebrews 12:11

Too often I fear the chastening of God’s hand rather than embracing it as a sign of love. It’s not always easy for me to take responsibility for what I’ve done, humbly accepting that my short-term discomfort is for my long-term good.

As a people-pleaser and self-proclaimed perfectionist, correction bothers me. I hate to disappoint. I hate to be told I didn’t do something well enough. To be found wrong often knocks the wind out of my sail. Sadly, I’ve got quite a bit of ego wrapped up in my desire to be “Miss Perfect.” And still, when I know I have done wrong I dread hearing the small, still voice speak back to me, “Diera, you shouldn’t do that.”

Today I challenge myself to embrace correction as a sign of His love. While He’s always bottom line and direct in His conversation with me, the more clearly and sternly I receive His guidance the more I realize it’s all because He loves me.

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.

 

Psalm 110 reminds me of a song I used to sing in Sunday School as a child. Perhaps you recall this song too.

I may never march in the infantry
Ride in the cavalry
Shoot the artillery
I may never fly o’er the enemy
But I’m in the Lord’s army (Yes, sir!)

I’m in the Lord’s army (Yes, sir!)
I’m in the Lord’s army (Yes, sir!)

I may never march in the infantry
Ride in the cavalry
Shoot the artillery
I may never fly o’er the enemy
But I’m in the Lord’s army (Yes, sir!)

For the rest of the day that little tune may be stuck in your head. Sorry!
However, it is a good song to sing after reading Psalm 110.

“The Lord is at Your right hand; He shall execute kings in the day of His wrath. He shall judge among the nations, He shall fill the places with dead bodies, He shall execute the heads of many countries. He shall drink of the brook by the wayside; Therefore He shall lift up the head.”
Vs5-7

This Psalm declares that the Lord is our deliverer. He will do battle and He will conquer. In the meantime, Tim Keller notes that “there is a battle to be fought, but with the weapons of love, service, and truth.”  As believers in Jesus Christ we are in the army, the Lord’s army. Are you enlisted? Are you obedient to the orders you receive? Are you fighting the good fight? Are you actively engaged?  If so….Onward, Christian solider! (Now you have two songs to sing today!)

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.

By nature, I’m a very talkative person. I love having discussions with people about all sorts of topics – from what I saw on TV to what my plans for the weekend are to what I read in my devotions… I just love to talk! I’m an extrovert!

I do stay away from “bad” topics, though. I don’t like talking about politics with most people and I stay away from controversial issues in the news. I like to just stay in my happy place. Even if something is happening in the world that I think is wrong, I don’t usually speak on it because I don’t want people to get angry at me and I don’t want to be attacked.

Besides talking, another thing I love to do is read powerful quotes about the Lord. A lot of times they encourage me and I just need to share them. I love encouraging others. You can probably gather that I love going out with a fire in the belly and trying to make a difference in people’s lives to the glory of God. I have a desire to make a change. I love making a difference.

Well, the other day while I was googling quotes about God, I came across one from Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.

“If any earthly institution or custom conflicts with God’s will, it is your Christian duty to oppose it. You must never allow the transitory, evanescent demands of man-made institutions to take precedence over the eternal demands of the Almighty God.”

That’s a very powerful, bold, and wordy quote that you will probably need to read 2 or 3 times in order to fully grasp it – go ahead, read it again! It’s great. To say that that quote convicted me would be an understatement. I realized that as a Christian, I can’t just stay in a happy little bubble. I need to talk about the “uncomfortable” issues, as we all do. I need to speak out about things that conflict with God’s will – hard topics – and continuously try to oppose them as Mr. King said. We must speak in love and without fear of persecution.

Jesus said “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19).

The enemy wants us to feel uncomfortable talking about hard issues and to keep our mouths shut. If something opposes God’s will, it’s evil, so of course Satan wants that to be seen as normal. We need to speak against it. Remember – “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

We know by reading books like Matthew and Revelation that the world will become increasingly evil. We are the light of the world, though, and we need to be a light in the darkness. If we want to make a change – and that’s something I really want, is to make a change – we can’t be afraid. The Christian walk is difficult, but it’s also so fulfilling and so amazing if we step out of our comfort zones for God. He can’t use someone to make a change if they are stuck on always being comfortable. God can use us in such powerful ways, we just need to step out of our comfort zones without fear and let Him.

Erin

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.

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12

ENDURE: to undergo (as a hardship) especially without giving in; to remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding (i)

To endure temptation.  How are you doing enduring temptation?  Are you consistently standing firm when tempted?  Are you resisting temptation?  Are you fighting for obedience?
OR
Do you start out well but acquiesce after a time?  Do you talk yourself out of obedience by convincing yourself it isn’t really sin?  Perhaps I should say it another way… are you falling for the deception and lie of Satan being convinced it isn’t as bad as God says?  Do you fail to endure the temptation?
OR
Are you so busy, so distracted by life and perhaps even serving that you don’t even notice temptation AS temptation?
OR
Have you long since given up the fight and no longer even begin to resist the temptation?  Have you just accepted that “thing” as a normal part of your life?  (ii)

Endurance requires intention, commitment, awareness, perseverance, and yes, suffering.  Why do we fail to endure?  There are a lot of reasons but one is because there is suffering involved.  To endure temptation means we have to suffer the loss of what the temptation seems to be offering.

Enduring temptation requires a long-view perspective.  Temptation screams NOW, endurance draws our attention to the long-term blessing.  What awaits us when we endure the temptation? Blessing, approval (passed the test ) and the crown of life.

Will you fight to endure 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 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endure
iiJohn MacArthur. The MacArthur Bible Commentary, 2005

Are you ready for your day? Have you been walking daily?

… walk in newness of life……do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit…… Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy…… walk by faith, not by sight…… walk in the Spirit……for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them……. walk worthy of the calling with which you were called…… walk in love……walk as children of light…… walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise…… walk worthy of the Lord…….as you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him……. walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time……. walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory…….walk in the light as He is in the light…….walk just as He walked……. …we love one another. This is love, that we walk according to His commandments.…….walk in the truth.

In case you SKIPPED the SCRIPTURES (caught you) – here is a summary:

We walk daily in the newness of life, according to the Spirit, properly, circumspectly and with wisdom. We walk by faith, in good works prepared for us by God, worthy of the Lord God who calls us into His kingdom and glory, and worthy of our calling. We walk loving one another, as children of light just as Jesus walked, according to His commandments. We walk in truth.
Just like our physical walk for exercise which we do daily, gaining strength and health, so with our spiritual walk.  Daily as we walk like Jesus walked in obedience, we gain strength, faith, maturity and spiritual health. Better put on our walking shoes.  May that be a reminder to each of us, every time we lace up.

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 Romans 6:4; Romans 4:1; Ephesians 5:2; Ephesians 5:8; Ephesians 5:15; Colossians 1:10; Colossians 2:6; Colossians 4:5; 1Thessalonians 2:12;  1 John 1:7;  1 John 2:6; 2 John 5-6; 3 John 1:3

I don’t know about you but I am ready to be done with all the political hoopla.  Our nation is in the midst of an unprecedented time.  Personally, I don’t like politics and I have been rebuked by some for my lack of interest. So please know this Victory Call is NOT about who is running or who you should or should not vote for. It is about the ONE who is sovereign over politics and people and nations.

Recently I was reading Psalm 46.  Most of us are very familiar with the first part of verse 10.  “Be still, and know that I am God;” but it was the next two lines that caught my eye that morning, “I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (46:10)

In the midst of all the grandstanding, snarls and verbal assaults, primping and promoting, lying and misrepresentation, and yes, even some truth and genuine passion – not one of the candidates, neither of the political parties, nor the electoral college, or voters will determine the outcome on election day.

Most would agree that our nation has ceased to be a Christian nation, a nation that follows God and His law.  But, God has not ceased being God over the nation. Just because we, as a nation, have denied God His rightful place as the King of this nation, He has not ceased to BE King of this nation.

“Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!  For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding.  God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.” Psalm 47:6-8 (underline added)

Do you find yourself caught up in the political hoopla?  Angry, perhaps fearful?  Do not lose sight of WHO really is in control. We may be getting ready to elect the next President of the United States and we may love or hate our options BUT remember, regardless of who ends up in the White House come January – they are but men/women and our God still reigns.

“Arise, O LORD, Do not let man prevail; Let the nations be judged in Your sight.  Put them in fear, O LORD, That the nations may know themselves to be but men.” Psalm 9:19-20

That can be our prayer. That the person that God puts in the White House will have humility and perspective, that they may be President but they answer to the KING.

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!

“He remembers His covenant forever, The word which He commanded, for a thousand generations, The covenant which He made with Abraham, And His oath to Isaac, And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant, saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan as the allotment of your inheritance,” Psalm 105:8-11

I’m getting older.  I can tell you how I know I am getting older but one thing stands out. The older I get the less this world is home. God had promised Abraham a new home, an inheritance of a homeland. God made a covenant that He will not break – ever. He remembers His promises – and keeps them.  As I continue to age, this is what I want to remember. God has made a covenant with me that He will not break and He has made promises I can count on. Through Jesus He has provided me a future that will be eternal. Jesus has gone to prepare me a new home. As you and I focus on our covenant God and His promises that never fail we will long for our home that is yet to come.  This needs to be my focus. I have many in heaven I wish to see again but nothing should bring more comfort and longing than to see Jesus face to face.  And seeing Him is what will make it home. It is only then that we will arrive home and oh, how sweet it will be!

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.

Will you recognize me in Heaven?
Will you recognize me… without my frowns and scowls?
Will you recognize me… without my fears?
Will you recognize me… without my harsh words?
Will you recognize me… without my unkindness?
Will you recognize me…without my anger?
Will you recognize me…without my bitterness?
Will you recognize me…without my arrogance?
Will you recognize me…without my gluttony?
Will you recognize me…without my unforgiveness?
Will you recognize me…without my self-righteousness?
Will you recognize me…without my pride?
Will you recognize me…without my resentment?
Will you recognize me…without my lies and deception?
Will you recognize me…without my love of money and things?
Will you recognize me…without my gossip?
Will you recognize me…without my self-centeredness?

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed of the likeness of his Son…” Romans 8:29

Will you recognize me…when I am conformed to the image of Jesus Christ?

Will you recognize me when I am filled with love, goodness, joy, humility, patience, forgiveness, truth, kindness, peace, gentleness and endless praise and worship?

Oh, what a glorious day when we will be free from not just the POWER of sin but we will be free from the PRESENCE of sin also.  I am not sure I will recognize myself free of all sin.  Maybe we will be issued name tags.

Meditate for a moment on you…without sin. Doesn’t it stir your heart for heaven?

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!

“Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in.” Joshua 6:1

Word spread slowly (by today’s standards) but it did spread.  The people of Jericho heard of the works of God on behalf of the Israelites.  The city of Jericho was tightly secured in fear of the Israelites who were camped nearby.

Two men went into Jericho to spy out the land and went to Rahab’s home.  She confirmed that the people knew of God’s works.  “I know that the LORD has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.  And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” Joshua 2:8-11 (underline added)

Canaanite kings were fearful as they heard of the Lord’s miracles. God went before Israel and struck fear in the hearts of their enemies weakening their resolve.

“So it was, when all the kings of the Amorites who were on the west side of the Jordan, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan from before the children of Israel until we had crossed over, that their heart melted; and there was no spirit in them any longer because of the children of Israel.” Joshua 5:1 (underline added)

As word spread of God’s mighty works for His people, so spread fear of the Israelites. “Now it came to pass when Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard how Joshua had taken Ai and had utterly destroyed it—as he had done to Jericho and its king, so he had done to Ai and its king—and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were among them, that they feared greatly…” Joshua 10:1-2 (underline added)

The people of Canaan did not SEE the works of Almighty God but they HEARD of His works for the Israelite people. Even in the hearing, fear struck their hearts and no spirit, no courage was left in them.

Apply that personally.  In our fight to claim our God-given inheritance we have a very real enemy or should I say enemies… “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” 1 John 2:16

Would it be that these very real enemies would shrink back at the hearing of God’s mighty works on behalf of His people, past and present? Would we not be empowered ourselves by being reminded of God’s power and provision on our behalf?  Imagine the impact of rehearsing God’s work for Israel and the many ways He has blessed your life?

Our enemies would not seem so powerful and threatening when we remember how powerful and mighty our God is. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

How often do you rehearse God’s mighty works?  Speak them to yourself, regularly.  Speak them in the face of the enemy.

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!

“Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the Lord, all the earth. “ Psalm 96:1

I am confident of this: Bill Welte will never ask me to join the Keswick Celebration Choir! I do not have a voice for singing other than when I am alone in the car. I love music, but I am better seen and not heard.

But scripture does not tell us to sing only if we have talent. Psalm 96 tells us many reasons why we are to sing.

When we sing to Him we:
•     Bless His name.
•    Proclaim good tidings of salvation, His glory and His deeds.

We are to sing to Him because:
•    He is great and greatly to be praised.
•    He is not like other gods, He is alive!
•    He is the Creator of all things, including you and me with our out of tune voices.

I am confident that between my song and God’s ears that He is accepting of my praise. (I am still scared to belt out a tune in a live audience.)

I also am reminded of a time as a little girl when I was at a gospel concert. There was a man a few rows up from where we sat who was worshipping and singing with great joy. I overheard a comment directed to him- “Why does he have to spoil it for the rest of us. He should just sit down.”  I pray that we would be mindful to praise without reserve and also, not to discourage any one who is praising off key.

Make a joyful noise today!

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.