This past summer I attended my niece’s birthday party and it was quite amusing to see how the adults liked playing outdoors more than the kids did. We grabbed old clotheslines and phone cords to make our own jump ropes and started a double dutch competition.

My turn came and, sadly, my lack of skills became quite apparent because I never mastered double dutch jumping as a little girl. I’m a great turner and I have amazing form outside the rope, but I just can’t quite get the timing right on the jump in. Jumping rope is all about the timing. Too fast or too slow and you’ll trip the rope and possibly get snapped in the face.

With God you find a similar principle at play. God’s timing is everything. His purpose has a specific order and speed. Sometimes He says “yes, move forward: and at other times He says “please wait.” And still at other times He flat out says “no sister, not now, not ever!” And if you learn to hear and heed His responses to your questions and requests, you fare better in the long run.

Seeking to always be in the center of His will allows you to ride the tide of His movements and ensure you steer clear of danger or defeat. It’s the perfect timing found in the center of the rope that keeps you from getting needlessly snapped in the face by life.

Perhaps you have a question or concern before the Lord right now. Perhaps you feel hesitant to make a move or you feel anxious about sitting still.

Trust He is able to guide you and prepare you for action at the appropriate time. And don’t be fooled, stillness and waiting is not inaction, it’s obedience.

Diera Mendez
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.

I am reminded every day of Psalm 46:10 which clearly states, Be still and know that I am God.  Did you notice I used the word clearly.  I have this verse on my computer at work, my computer at home and on the bulletin board in my kitchen.  I know myself and I know that I need to be reminded of this often!

Let me take you back a few steps to where I have been and where I am heading.  I have been praying for about a year now for a certain area of my life to open up and for the Lord to show me what He would like me to do.  Of course being STILL and knowing that He is God and in control is so hard for me.  Can you relate?  In my thoughts daily this particular item is running through my mind and I have a list of what I feel is the best thing, how I can organize it, where I fit in and what is needed from me.  I have it all worked out if the Lord would only answer my prayer (oh, yes, in the way I have organized it), I would be in great shape.

Then again I am reminded….of Psalm 46:10 Be Still…..that is a hard task when you are task orientated, always wanting to be busy and on the go.  I am slowly learning over the past year to be still, not to rush, not run, not to jump but to be still.

Yesterday a guest of Keswick’s walked into my office and we just starting to chat about prayer and what she is working through in her life.  She had the same type of story that I have….praying and having a hard time waiting.  She told me she is learning to walk with God.  What a thought….”Walk with God”; again I am reminded to be still or at least slow it down, not to run, not to rush and not to jump but to be still and wait for the Lord.

What have you been praying about this past year and are you still waiting for an answer?  Join with me and walk with the Lord for a time, during which you will get the answer you need.

Lynn Wilson
Lynn Wilson a wife and a mother of two. Currently on Staff at America’s Keswick for the past 20 years. She has been involved in her local church in women’s ministries as well as speaking for other churches and retreats. Her mission statement would be to…touch one life so in turn they can touch a life for eternity. Her greatest joy is to go home at the end of her work day and spend time with her family and enjoy her first ministry which is being a wife and mother.

I want to paint a picture for you all. I’m sure it’s a scene we’ve all seen before, and it really is a beautiful one.

We walk through the doors of our home church, Wawa coffee in hand, and start a conversation with some friends that we get to see every week. We ask them how their week has been, and maybe we grab a bagel from the breakfast table. Soon, the worship team stands in front of the church, which means that the congregation should probably begin to settle in and find their seats. Pretty soon, “Amazing Grace” begins to play from the front of the room, and we start to see hands going up in worship – and we lift our hands in worship too, because we are so moved. The lyrics are powerful, we can feel the Holy Spirit at work, and we really lose ourselves in bringing Him praise.

It’s a great way to begin our week – but how many people end worship at the last song on Sunday morning? Further, how many people only worship through music? Recently, I heard a song called “Clear the Stage” and after hearing the lyrics, I thought it would be a really good topic for a Victory Call.

“Cause you can sing all you want to
And still get it wrong.
Worship is more than a song.”

If you’ve never heard the song before, I want to encourage you to listen to it. It’s such a “real” and powerful song.

I was looking at GotQuestions.org about this very topic, and it said:  “Music as such has nothing to do with worship. Music can’t produce worship, although it certainly can produce emotion. Music is not the origin of worship, but it can be the expression of it. Do not look to music to induce your worship; look to music as simply an expression of that which is induced by a heart that is rapt by the mercies of God, obedient to His commands. True worship is God-centered worship. People tend to get caught up in where they should worship, what music they should sing in worship, and how their worship looks to other people”

Music is not a bad thing. It’s great! It’s a gift from God, and a great way to praise Him and lift His name on high. We can worship through music at any time, any day. However, it’s not the only form of worship. You can – and should – worship the Lord with your daily activities. Worship can be through prayer, reading the Word, tithing, obeying Him, sharing your faith, thanking Him… it’s not limited. What I mean is, though praising Him through music is wonderful on Sunday mornings, and I really mean that – it’s a blessing and it is so powerful – it should not be our only act of worship or our only time of worship. Worship should be in a continuous state.

What a joy it is to be able to worship the Lord. What a joy it is that we can do it through our daily activities. What a joy it is that worship is so intimate, powerful, and personal. God is so good.

“My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.” – Psalm 71:8

Erin Culleny is a new member of America’s Keswick’s full-time staff. Erin 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.

My husband has been struggling with his sleep lately. He gets to sleep but wakes up often. One night his Fitbit recorded ten instances of restlessness. The night before last he slept for one hour. Thankfully, last night he only woke up once and was able to go back to sleep and had a good night of rest.

While I think that a sleep study is in store for Dave, the Psalms have spoken to me about my own sleep. Psalm 4:4 says, “Tremble and do not sin, when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.”  A review of our day’s actions and thoughts and taking the time to hear the Lord in the silence of the night is a good practice. Add counting my many blessings at bedtime and often it helps me to calmly fall asleep. Psalm 3:5 says, “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.” Tim Keller comments on this by saying, “God is the only one who sustains you, whether an army is pursuing you or you are at home in your own bed. God sustains every breath you take.”

While there are physical reasons for not sleeping there are also spiritual ones. Do you and I reflect at the end of day and ask the Lord to show us our ways? Do you and I trust, regardless of our circumstances, that He sustains us through the night?

Sleep tight tonight!

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.

Little motivated student that is easily distracted

How many times does this happen – you sit down to do devotions, and then you get a text message… or you realize that you forgot to start dinner… or you realize that you never returned that important call you received earlier? How many times do you go answer that text message or complete that small task? It’s only a quick thing, might as well get that done first, right?

Distractions. We as humans struggle with these in most areas of our life. However, we cannot come into God’s presence with a preoccupied mind. If we want to listen to Jesus and if we desire to learn more about Him, we can’t only give Him part of our attention – we need to be all in.

Margaret Feinberg – who is actually our Spring Ladies Day speaker this year – has a pretty powerful quote. She states: “God did not create you to live a distracted life. God created you to live a Jesus-infused life.”

There are many instances in scripture where people found themselves distracted when Jesus was right in front of them. The Book of Luke speaks of Martha, who was so distracted with serving and being a good hostess while her sister, Mary, was focused on Jesus. The Lord corrected Martha, reminding her of what was important. And who could forget the story of Paul, who was miraculously walking on the stormy waters when he got distracted by fear, took his eyes off of Jesus, and started sinking?

If we allow things to distract us from Jesus – the son of God who came down in the form of man, performed miracles, died for us… and then conquered death – then it only makes sense that we start sinking. We need Him. If you think about it, we have this amazing, can’t-wrap-our-minds-around-it opportunity to talk to God and learn about Him. How could we allow ourselves be distracted?

I personally recognized one of the main distractions in my life just yesterday and the day before – my iPhone. I already knew that I was way too dependent and focused on it, but it really became clear in these past couple of days. It stopped working and I had to go a whole 24 hours without it – gasp!

What was a millennial to do?

I went home that evening and opened up my Bible – without my cell phone right next to me – and I realized something important. I realized how much deeper I got into my reading, how much more I got out of it, and how much more joy I experienced when I didn’t have beeps and bings going off every few minutes. Beeps and bings that I just “needed to check.” Why do we find it so important to check that Facebook notification or text message when we can be in conversation with the One who created everything and who can answer any question? Distractions are something I definitely struggle with, but I am learning more and more every day to lay those distractions, those idols, at the feet of Jesus … and just listen to Him.

Erin Culleny is a new member of America’s Keswick’s full-time staff. Erin 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.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23—24

In a recent Victory Call titled: “Symptoms of a Deeper Heart Issue” my co-worker and faith-sister Kathy Withers wrote the following:
“Here at America’s Keswick we extend the love of Jesus to men and women bound by addiction…Something has taken the place of Jesus on the throne of their lives. BUT let me ask you, as I ask myself…If you and I…have the courage to get to the bigger problem by considering our ways?”

When I read the last sentence my thoughts immediately went to the multiple conversations I’ve had with wives, girlfriends, fiancées, who’ve been hurt by a loved one enslaved by addiction to drugs, alcohol and/or behaviors which rule their lives to the point of destruction and ruin.

During some part of their journey toward feeling “better” they too must come face-to-face with the reality of their own “bigger problem,” the problem of considering their ways.  You see, almost every woman I’m blessed to speak with is fully aware that the man in her life has a problem—a huge problem! She is convinced that the majority of her problems or issues are the direct result of his inability to function in life due to addiction.  More often than not she has learned to cope by allowing certain attitudes of her own to persist, as well as a variety of behaviors which would easily be identified as not so nice, or to be more precise—sinful.

So, in the course of time and in the spirit of “speaking the truth in love” the day arrives when we must approach the subject of “considering their ways”. This is a significant and necessary step in the process of change leading to hope and healing.

You see, dear sisters, most of us have no problem considering our ways, especially as they relate to or as they compare to other people. Truth is, it’s not too terribly difficult to find someone who seems to be doing worse than we are and after judging their ways, give ourselves a pat on the back—a pass if you will—for, not being as bad as someone else.

If you were to direct your attention to Psalm 119 and read all 176 verses, you would read words like law, testimonies, commands, precepts, statutes, judgments, word, and way multiple times.  This is not by accident. The extreme importance in all of these words is that they all relate to God. How kind and loving it is, that the LORD gave us His Word as the guiding force for all our ways. Over and over again He sets Himself up as the standard for which we are to judge and consider our ways. He never gives us a pass because of what someone else may or may not be doing. Nope. Not ever.

Dear ones, I could say so much more but I’m going to stop there and ask you to pause at the beginning of this New Year and consider your ways. Is there any aspect of your doing and being where you are giving yourself a pass; ignoring symptoms of stinking-thinking or sinful behavior and therein in neglecting to go to God with a humble and contrite heart?

May your humble prayer be: “It’s me, it’s me, it’s me oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer.
Not my brother. Not my sister, but it’s me oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer.”

Stephanie Dale Paul

Stephanie serves as part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America’s Keswick as Director of Women of Character. She has been married for over 30 years to Sesky Paul who is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy. Her single focus in ministry at Keswick is to image Christ in grace and truth to wounded and hurting women, encouraging them to make Jesus the truest Lover of their soul and the One in whom all hope lies.

“People in churches—including pastors—have been crushed with guilt over their failure at having a regular quiet time or daily devotions. And then even when they do, they find it does not actually lead to a healthy soul.” (Dallas Willard quoted in Ortberg’s book )

After I got done jumping up and down at Dallas Willard’s statement recounted by John Ortberg, I read on: The Law of Consequences: “Apparently we believe that by some magic, the law of consequences doesn’t apply to us.
•    I can spend without getting into debt.
•    I can lie without getting caught.
•    I can let my temper fly without damaging my relational life.
•    I can have a bad attitude at work and get away with it.
•    I can avoid disciplining my children without their getting spoiled.
•    (and then the zinger) I can neglect the Bible and still know God.” (parenthesis mine)

Why do I call it the zinger? Well, in yesterday’s Victory Call I spoke of Willard’s quote about people feeling guilty because they were not having a regular quiet time.  (I have felt that.) There is no guilt to be had; however there are consequences of not spending time with Jesus – the Living Word through the Written Word.

The Bible is THE primary way God has chosen to reveal Himself to us.  Are there other ways? Yes, but let me say it again. The Bible is THE primary way God has chosen to reveal Himself to us.

How can I claim to want to know God better, love Him more and obey Him fully when I am not regularly exposing my heart and soul to Him through His Word and prayer?

I am not, by any means trying to lay guilt on you.  Not by any means!! I am seeking to give us a different perspective that may encourage us to delight to be with the Lover of our souls as often as we can.

Blessings,
Diane Hunt

i Soul Keeping; Caring for the Most Important Part of You. John Ortberg. ZONDERVAN. 2014.

Recently I was reading a book gifted to me by Dr. Bill Welte, “Soul Keeping” by John Ortberg. I have found some very profound ideas – statements that have challenged and refreshed me – and I want to pass them along for your edification.

In a conversation with Dallas Willard, Ortberg recounts Dallas making this statement: “People in churches – including pastors – have been crushed with guilt over their failure at having a regular quiet time or daily devotions. And then, even when they do, they find it does not actually lead to a healthy soul…”(i)  I wanted to jump up and shout “YES, YES!!”  Me included.

I wish I could say that I have been in my Bible every single day since I came to Christ 30+ years ago.
I can’t.

I wish I could say I never chose other things over spending time with Jesus.
I can’t.

I wish I could say that I have never “done devotions” simply because I felt guilty if I didn’t.
I can’t.

Guilt and shame are poor reasons to have a regular quite time or daily devotions.  But, unfortunately, I have seen it over and over and over again.  Perhaps unintentionally other people, well- meaning friends, good intentioned church people, make us feel guilty for not being in the Word.  Sometimes it is simply by sharing how devoted they are to their quiet time or the hour they spent in prayer.  Comparison is a poor reason to have a regular quiet time or daily devotions.

At the risk of being guilty of doing the very same thing, I want to share this thought:

As long as our focus is on activity (devotions) rather than being with Someone we love, Jesus Christ, it will be a duty to fulfill rather than a delight to anticipate. I am speaking to myself more that anyone.  I need to heed my own counsel.  I hope this helps you along the way.

Blessings,
Diane Hunt

iSoul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You by John Ortberg. ZONDERVAN, 2014.

I just read this question: “Who is ready to build some character in 2016?” That’s a great question, isn’t it?  The same person posted an info-graphic that read: “Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed.” We can all certainly relate to making resolutions on January 1st which are all but forgotten within 2 weeks.

Let’s go back to the initial question: “Who is ready to build some character in 2016?”

To answer that question will require one to seek God, to perhaps ask the Holy Spirit to show what is impossible for us to catch sight of apart from the eyes of faith inspired by humble hearts before a holy God.

I’ll ask the question another way, are you mindful of aspects of your character that are in opposition to the very nature of God? You know what I mean. The ways and means that we all have of navigating the world we live in as unto ourselves rather than as God has clearly laid out in Scripture.

How well do you really see yourself? How rightly do you discern your soul—your mind, will and emotions? Are you keenly or not so keenly conscious concerning your need for some serious character development?

For me, not a day goes by that I don’t bump into ugly Stephanie. I’m sure some of you have met her. She isn’t so nice! In those moments I have two warring mindsets. One of them-the flesh–would set itself up more highly than it ought to and therefore, find a way to justify anything and everything I think, say or do. The obvious problem with this mindset is it’s ME in the middle, judging ME according to ME. Hence, ugly Stephanie.

The other mindset is the glorious mind of Christ in me given on the day of salvation and daily infusing this ME self with life, love and way of learning and being that is wholly set apart unto God.
MY way, is constantly, consistently and, praise God, faithfully being challenged to live as unto the LORD contrary to the dictates of my flesh. Flesh, which by the way will never diminish in its appetite to have its own way, to be the boss, to be right, to have the last word, to prevail with its own brand of wisdom, its own knowledge and understand of life, etc.

So again I ask you, “Who is ready to build some character in 2016?”

Beloved, if your response is, “Me Lord! Me! I’m ready!” May I ask you to join me and all the saints who’ve gone on before, to embark on a journey in this new year, of doing all we can to vigorously stand on the Lord’s side and choose His character above our own in 2016!

Stephanie Dale Paul

I absolutely love reading and learning about the life of Paul. His testimony is such an amazing one of redemption – how someone can turn from such a bitter, angry, and evil way of life to a life where he serves the most high God with great joy. I think one of the most amazing things Paul writes about in the book of Philippians is contentment. Paul had gone through much suffering in his life – which he expected because God had told him he would face many trials. In 1 Corinthians, Paul offers a summary of some of the difficult times he’d gone through:

25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

Yet, in Philippians 4, Paul states that he had learned the secret of contentment in all circumstances and he states that he can do all things through Christ who gives him strength.

…Talk about convicting! I know for me personally, if one person even says something remotely unkind to me, I get upset. If I find myself in a difficult situation, I get anxious. When I’m in a bad mood, I just want to sulk, or I want to vent to my loved ones. I couldn’t imagine getting beaten, hungry, cold, constantly in danger, and imprisoned for speaking about Jesus … and still being content!

It’s important to note that Paul says he learned the secret of contentment. Being content doesn’t come naturally; it’s something that you and I must work at through the power of Jesus Christ. We are in a constant battle with the flesh, so when we are angry or upset, it’s probably that the last thing we want to hear is to be content. However, being content is something we must do. Hebrews 13:5 makes that very clear, and it re-enforces that God will never leave us or forsake us.

The good news is – we really have no reason not to be content, because our God is a God of provision. There are many Bible verses that speak on being content, because God provides for us, even in our greatest weaknesses. Matthew 6:25-26, Matthew 6:32, and 2 Corinthians 12:10 are just a few. We can take great joy in the fact that we don’t have to carry the burden of covetousness, fear, or discontentment of any kind… because our God is good.

Erin Culleny is a new member of America’s Keswick’s full-time staff. Erin serves as a Marketing Assistant and Staff Writer. She 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.