Recently, I watched a video online about how truly small we are compared to the universe. It stated facts like:

1.    The sun is about 864,400 miles in diameter, meaning you could fit 1,300,000 planets the size of Earth in the sun
2.    There are stars that are about 2.9 billion times larger in volume than our sun
3.    Our Milky Way galaxy is approximately 100,000 light years in diameter
*Note: The NASA website states: “to obtain an idea of the size of a light-year, take the circumference of the earth, lay it out in a straight line, multiply the length of the line by 7.5, then place 31.6 million similar lines end to end. The resulting distance is almost 6 trillion (6,000,000,000,000) miles.” So, imagine 100,000 of those.
4.    There are other galaxies in our universe that are at least 6,000,000 light years in diameter, there are THOUSANDS of galaxies in our universe, each universe contains billions of stars, and each star is orbited by its own planets

That’s a lot of crazy information, and when I saw that video I thought it was such a “faith-strengthener.”

But what does that have to do with responding to criticism, unkindness, or confrontation?

Well, in comments in any video online you will see anger. Somebody commented, “How can people see this and still believe in God?! Yeah, right!” and then I saw my brothers and sisters in Christ getting angry at this man, and then those of this world attacking the Christians. There were horrible things being said about followers of Christ, and I hate to say it – but horrible things being said to those “of this world” in retaliation.

I have to wonder how the one who created those billions of stars in each galaxy and knows them by name would respond to this.

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” – Colossians 4: 5-6

“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:9

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” – Ephesians 5:15-17

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” – 1 Peter 3:15

The Lord calls us to have wisdom when we find ourselves being questioned by unbelievers, so we always know how to respond. He also calls us to be loving, gracious, sympathetic, and humble… He calls us to be like Jesus who, when faced with confrontation, showed the fruit of the spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He showed wisdom and love – because God’s character is love.

According to the video, we are pretty small in the grand scheme of things… but we have a huge job. We are called to share the Word of God with unbelievers, so that we may experience the true joy that comes from Jesus alone and so that we can spend Eternity with Him. We are seemingly so unimportant when looking at the stars and the planets and the galaxies, but the One who created those galaxies finds us of greater importance than any of His creations in any of those galaxies… so important that He died for us.

So, I hope this devotional – albeit a bit long – is of encouragement to you!! 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.

I don’t know when it started, nor am I exactly sure why. But what has become crystal clear to me is—I love New Year’s Day. It’s certainly not for all the hoopla, noise, revelry, etc. Nor do I have any interest at all in participating in the worldly, ungodly celebrations portrayed in movies or television as “the way” to bring in a new year. Nope! It’s more than that.  I think part of my why is in the simple fact that the calendar starts over; it begins again.

Years ago, one of my favorite singers was Larnelle Harris, and one of my favorite songs of his was titled: “I Can Begin Again.”

“Alone again in a crowded room
Cornered by the questions in my mind
It’s so hard to understand
How the life that I had planned
Stole my joy and left me far behind

Though all I have is lost it seems
In the shadow of a dream that used to be
I can look beyond the skies
Deep into the Father’s eyes
And see that there is hope for one like me

I can begin again
With the passion of a child
My heart has caught a vision
Of a life that’s still worthwhile

I can reach out again
Far beyond what I have done
Like a dreamer who’s awakened
To a life that’s yet to come
For new beginnings are not just for the young

I face the dawn of each brand new day
Free from all the doubt that gripped my past
For I’ve found in trusting Him
That everyday life starts again
As I look toward the things of life that last

I can begin again
With the passion of a child
My heart has caught a vision
Of a life that’s still worthwhile

I can reach out again
Far beyond what I have done
Like a dreamer who’s awakened
To a life that’s yet to come
For new beginnings are not just for the young…”

Only in part does this song express how I feel about getting to breathe, exist and BE in a brand new year.

Dear ones, 2016 is here. Albeit, much too quickly, it is nonetheless HERE. We are in it, to live and breathe and move and have our being. May we do it full of fresh and deep realization that God, in us, is our hope, our strength, our song, our peace, our love, our only reason for being alive on planet earth. Let’s purpose to do all we can with all that we are—one moment, one day at a time—for the glory of God and God alone!

Stephanie Dale Paul

Each year I ask the Lord to give me a verse and He has graciously given me that verse as I write this in the last week of December.  How amazing is our God!!

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.” (NKJV)

Here is the same verse from the New Living Translation:
“You will keep in perfect peace
    all who trust in you,
    all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (NLT)

That led me to take a look at the preceding verses, chapter, commentaries etc.  However, I kept getting drawn to keep my focus on just this one verse.  God knows me so well.

Life has certainly shown me that it is not always easy to keep my mind in a place of peace.  I do trust God, He has always been faithful.  Yet when times are stressful I don’t sleep at night.  In times of challenge it is hard to realize the fullness of this verse.  So perhaps I need to command my mind to stay focused on my God who is able.  He alone is able and apart from Him I can do nothing, I can’t even keep my mind stayed on my Lord.  In those times I believe the best thing I can do to keep my thoughts fixed on Him is to praise Him who is faithful, who is worthy of my trust.  Then my mind will shift from worry to perfect peace.  I will shout Hallelujah!!  Thank you Jesus!!

By His grace I will keep in perfect peace for I will trust in my God, all my thoughts will be fixed on Him.  Want to join me?

Happy 2016,

Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate

  One thing I find myself continuously being upset about is hearing “bad language” escape from people’s mouths. It’s hard to even walk through a store without hearing somebody in conversation just polluting the atmosphere with unclean speech. It is so normal today for people to say the worst of things without any conviction. It’s difficult for me to hear, but there is good that comes out of this – an opportunity. It’s an opportunity for us as God’s people to stand apart. The Bible says a lot about unwholesome talk.

“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” – Colossians 3:8

“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

“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” – Ephesians 5:4

There are over 40 verses in the Bible which speak on this topic, so I have to believe that it’s a topic that’s very important to God. Unfortunately, it’s also a much overlooked topic in today’s society.

All throughout High School, people would insult me for acting “like a child” because I didn’t swear. They would get annoyed with me, and tell me “they’re just words!” In actuality – they just didn’t understand my convictions. I wanted “the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to be acceptable in His sight” (Psalm 19:14). Matthew 15:11 states that “it’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of it.” The verse I held onto most, though, was James 3:10, which stated: “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” – James 3:10

That verse really spoke to me, and I’ve held onto it for years. If I sing praises to God and pray for others on Sunday, but then allow unwholesome and polluting speech come out of my mouth on Monday, I’m not being the best witness to God that I can be. Oftentimes, the flesh takes over and people say unclean things out of anger or frustration – that’s why Jesus came to die so that His people might live. However, it’s important that we try our very hardest to only allow speech that glorifies God to come out of our mouths. People saw me as “different” in High School because I didn’t allow myself to partake in wholesome speech, and even though they didn’t necessarily “like” it, and even though it was hard for me at times, I like to think that was an area in which I was very effective in living out my testimony. I think we have such an awesome opportunity in front of us. We have the opportunity to point others to God, even through the small things! It’s such an encouragement!

Be blessed!

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.

Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Psalm 111:2

Sun, moon and stars
Rain, snow and sleet
Ocean waves
A doe and fawn
An eagle soaring
The cry of a hawk
Hen and chicks
A baby born
A child laughing
A sinner saved
A bride and groom rejoicing
A juicy peach
The whisper of a breeze
A butterfly free of the cocoon
A body healed
A smile
Wisdom shared
A storm raging
A word of encouragement
A silent prayer
A hopeful heart
Grace extended
Peace
Love
Mercy
Forgiveness

The pages could be filled recounting the works of God. Have you taken note of them today?

Stop. Look. Notice.

Be amazed.

Praise Him. Thank Him.

Blessings, Diane Hunt

Before I read Haggai I read the introduction to the book in my Bible. Under the section titled “theme” I read this:

“Haggai is the first of the post-exilic prophets, addressing the immediate problem of the rebuilding of the temple. The people had returned about 20 years earlier, but apathy and opposition were keeping the work from being completed. Haggai’s concern is that neglect of the temple is a symptom of a bigger problem. God has dropped out of the Israelites’ sight as a priority. The people are more concerned with building their materialistic lifestyles than they are with their relationship with God”. (Emphasis mine)

While reading books of the Old Testament may seem to be difficult to read or considered out-dated to many, I would say just the opposite!  We seem to repeat history. Wouldn’t you agree that the major theme of Haggai is just as fitting for today? Apathy, opposition, neglect, God not being a priority, people more concerned with their affluent lifestyle then their relationship with God — ALL true for us today.

Here at America’s Keswick we extend the love of Jesus to men and women bound by addiction. We help them understand that their addiction is the symptom of a deeper heart issue. Something has taken the place of Jesus on the throne of their lives. BUT let me ask you, as I ask myself…What has taken the place of Christ in my heart and life? If God is no longer a priority has apathy and neglect set in? If you and I can admit we have symptoms do we have the courage to get to the bigger problem by considering our ways?

Through this short book of Haggai He tells us the remedy for our deeper heart issues… obey, show reverence and take courage. And in return for our obedience He gives peace not fear, makes clean the unclean, blesses and no longer curses but calls you chosen.

Blessings,
Kathy

Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves as Acting 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.

He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works. Psalm 33:15

It is so easy to lose sight that each one of us is an individual to God.  With over 7 billion people in the world it would be natural to think that God sees mankind as a group of people, not 7 billion individual people.

God is not a cookie cutter God.  He loves each one of us as an individual.  He is in the process of conforming each of us in the image of His Son (the regenerated).  Each of His children is on a journey to being like Jesus but the journey is unique for each of us.

He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works. Psalm 33:15

Do you know Jesus personally?  If you do, He knows you personally.

But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1

I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel. Isaiah 45:3

See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me. Isaiah 49:16

God knows your name.  He is at work in your life.  He is fashioning your heart individually.  He is in the process of conforming you to the image of Jesus.

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, Romans 8:29

He brings the very things into your life to conform you to the image of His Son.  That will look different than others you may know, because it is individual.

Rejoice that God knows you individually.

Blessings,
Diane Hunt

“Holy God. In love became
Perfect man to bear my blame
On the cross He took my sin
By His death I live again.”  (1)

“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us,
and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.  
The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end.  
He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.”  Isaiah 9:6-7

Within these two verses the word WILL is mentioned eight times. For years I have read these verses of Scripture and it wasn’t until now that I even noticed it. Holy God, Perfect Man, WILLED.

To bear our blame, He WILLED to be for us what we could never be for ourselves. On the cross, He – holy, holy, holy God – WILLED to be given for us. He WILLED to bear our sin so that by His death we’d share eternity with Him.

Great Jehovah! Mighty God! Abba Father WILLED to become a man who would be the Lamb of God. The Living Word, the infallible source of guidance and inexhaustible wisdom was born to die, to triumph over death, hell and the grave.

“I will ransom them from the power of the grave;
I will redeem them from death.
O Death, I will be your plagues!
O Grave, I will be your destruction!”  Hosea 13:14

Sisters, may we purpose to pause, ponder and worship the One who, by His divine WILL, came to earth. His WILL in heaven became His WILL on earth. Let’s give to Him the glory, honor and praise due His name. As difficult as it may  be to fathom this truth, we can by faith accept the incomprehensible and choose to never grow weary or faint.

Stephanie Dale

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.

1 http://fundamentallyreformed.com/2006/05/12/the-gospel-song/

As we celebrate the gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ let us reflect upon what He said He was and is………….

I am the Bread of Life
He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. (John 6:35)

I am the Light of the World
He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. (John 8:12)

I am the door (gate)
If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. (John 10:9)

I am the good Shepherd
and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. (John 10:14)

I am the Resurrection and the Life
He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. (John 11:25)

I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)

I am the True Vine.
And My Father is the vinedresser…….I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.  (John 15:1,5,8)

Praise His Holy Name!!

Merry Christmas,
Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate

Scripture from New King James Translation

Here I am heading into another Christmas season. My heart yearns for Christmas Past. I have been blessed to have been part of a family with great traditions, folks who loved the Lord and really made Christmas about Him. Many of them are not here this year as they haven’t been for a few years now. I really want to be present this year. I want to live, really live, with the family that remains, make new traditions and find joy again. I can’t do it alone. I need Him.

Tis the season to remember what is present in the here and now. Tis the season to know whose Presence is most important. Tis the season to be grateful for the past, to never forget what once was. Tis the season to allow more healing into my sorrow and sadness.  Tis the season for empty places to be filled.

We all have a season that we are in. What’s yours? I pray that I won’t be stuck in a season of grief this year. I pray that the season of sorrow, hardship and pain you find yourself in will pass. It will. I don’t know when, but I just know that it will. I pray that you will be courageous enough to take a step forward into the present while knowing that God has a good purpose and future for you. I pray that memories will bring you comfort. I pray that beauty will come from the ashes.  I pray that you will be grateful to the Giver of all things for He is good. I pray you will have joy today, not in your circumstances, but in Him.

Blessings,
Kathy

Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves as Acting 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.