It started out well enough, with a nice leisurely horseback ride with my sisters on a Canadian vacation as young adults, but as we came out of the woods, suddenly my previously docile horse took off in a full gallop.  I was not prepared for his reckless abandon as I hung on for dear life, certain mine would end abruptly.  I can’t say for sure that I wasn’t screaming.  As hard as I tried I could not rein in the horse’s sheer power and determination to return to the barn!

This is the picture that came to mind as I was thinking about my tongue recently.  It is easier to keep the tongue in check than to give it freedom and then have to rein it in.

If I allow myself the fleshly freedom to speak whatever comes to mind, whether it is kind or not, helpful or not, godly or not, the mere desire to change will not be enough to result in lasting change.  I desired to stop that horse! But he was not having it.

To rein in the tongue requires more than simply the desire or simply being silent.  Without heart change, silence will only last so long.  No, it requires repentance, humility, heart change and yes, a moment by moment choice to restrain my tongue, not saying everything that comes to mind. When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent Proverbs 10:19.

As a daughter of the King, we have a high calling to represent Him well.   Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen Ephesians 4:29 (NIV). Perhaps if we always keep kingdom purposes in mind we will be more inclined to think twice before we speak.  The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer Proverbs 15:28.

May we rein in a galloping tongue and purpose to bless, nourish and empower with our words.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eats its fruits…Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body…Lips of knowledge are a precious jewel…A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Proverbs 18:21; 16:24; 20:15; 25:11

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt serves part-time on the staff of America’s Keswick providing ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

 

“If two angels were sent down from heaven,–one to conduct an empire, and the other to sweep a street,–they would feel no inclination to change employments.”  – John Newton
Isn’t the above quote so beautiful? I read it two or three times; the message makes me so… happy! The thought of the angels being content, no matter how big or how small their job might seem to others brings, me such joy. It reminds me of that old ’90s show “Touched By an Angel.” It’s so cheesy, but one of my personal favorites. I loved how the angels were happy doing God’s work, and no matter how “difficult” or “unimportant” it might have seemed at the time, they were content in doing the Lord’s will and experienced blessings because of it.

Sometimes believers might feel tempted to look at other Christians who have more direct involvement in ministry and think that they are being used more by God, or that they have more potential. We may, for example, look at powerful speakers or missionaries in third-world countries and think “they lead so many to Christ every single day, what’s my significance?”

Girlfriend! You are so, so, so valuable and precious and significant to God, just as valuable and precious and significant as those you might think are doing “more” kingdom work for God. You are being used.

If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not a part of the body? And if the ear should say “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be?  But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.  And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.  Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?  Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?  But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

You are so highly-favored in the eyes of Christ, whether your ministry is missions in Africa or at home and in the office. Next time you feel tempted to feel down on yourself because you seem to be “sweeping the streets” while others are “conducting an empire,” remember that it’s not your work, it’s God’s work. He wants to work IN you and THROUGH you. Instead, rejoice that the Lord is using you, and rejoice with your brothers and sisters in Christ whose ministries are continuously producing fruit (1 Corinthians 12:26.) We’re all running the same race, after all.

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

 

 

And You Are Still…[i]

Although life takes dips and turns,

You are still God ~ Genesis 1:1

When unexpected news comes,

You are still good ~ Psalm 25:8

When temptation threatens,

You are still the Overcomer ~ John 16:33

When dark clouds rush in,

You are still sovereign ~ Psalm 47:8

When a new born baby arrives,

You are still the giver of life ~ Psalm 139:13-16

When doubts hover,

You are still the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords ~ 1 Timothy 6:15

When questions press,

You still have answers ~ James 1:5

When a loved one dies,

You are still the Victor ~ 1 Corinthians 15:55

When blessings come,

You are still the Giver ~ James 1:17

No matter what…You are still

God

Just

True

Holy

Omniscient Omnipotent Omnipresent

Sovereign Everlasting Almighty

Pure

Kind

Good

Infinite

Eternal

Worthy

Gracious

Generous

You are still…

 

Blessings,

Diane

[i] I recently heard the song “You are still Holy” by Kari Jobe and Klaus K. The words were simple yet profound and the idea of the song is what prompts this Victory Call.

Diane Hunt serves part-time on the staff of America’s Keswick providing ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

 

I’ve been reading some historical accounts lately, and over and again it’s clear that the son of a king faces challenges that other men don’t have to confront. Everything other men have to work for, the son of the ruler just inherits, simply because of his birthright. His cachet can make him think more highly of himself than he ought. His position alone can cause him to think other men should serve him, rather than he serve others. Entitlement can, and does, stunt the growth of a man. (It can do that to women, too!)

He can be tempted to use his authority to hurt those he personally dislikes and promote those he favors. Rather than finding purpose and fulfillment in his privilege, he can soil it to his own peril and take others down with him. He can ruin a kingdom, or raise it to the next level.

When your Father is the King of the universe and He has given you power and authority that even the wind and the waves obey you, yet you remain humble enough to choose to live with and serve your subjects, you have withstood the greatest temptation of pride any son of a King could. Our King, Jesus, possessed this virtue.

Sisters, some of us have been given authority over others. As daughters of the Most High King, let us seek to acquire virtue and empowerment to lead as He would lead. Let Jesus be our example of how to serve those in our charge…with selflessness, humility, patience, and grace.

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:1-11

What a Savior…What a King!

Learning still,

Carol

Carol Tirondola is on staff with the Partner Care team at America’s Keswick. She and her best friend, Mario, have been married for 35 years. They have 2 sons and 2 daughters-in-law that they call their “BFFs.” They also have 7 precious gems called grandchildren. Her family has savored many memories of the heart made at Keswick over the last 35+ years and she is thrilled to serve on staff!

“A thankful heart is one of the primary identifying characteristics of a believer. It stands in stark contrast to pride, selfishness, and worry. And it helps fortify the believer’s trust in the Lord and reliance of His provision, even in the toughest times. No matter how choppy the seas become, a believer’s heart is buoyed by constant praise and gratefulness to the Lord.”  – John MacArthur

I remember, as I’m sure we all do, that when I was a kid my parents would teach me “the magic words.” Having good manners was a trait that I possessed, and – shout out to my parents who I know are reading this – my mother and father wanted it to become an ineradicable one. I remember when a “grown up” would ask me if I needed help with something. I would turn to them and say “Yes, Please!” and then when they were done, my mother would recite: “What do you say, Erin?”

“Thank you.”

A spirit of thankfulness is something we should harbor in our relationship with the Lord but, unfortunately, I feel like society can often have an ethos of entitlement instead. It’s not just a generational thing either; I think that there are believers of every age who are very eager to give prayer requests to God, but many forget to thank Him for the answers. We remember the “Please” but we forget the “Thank You!”

I’m not writing this with a judgmental spirit. I’m writing to myself as well. Some believers are really good at remaining thankful, while others are forgetful in that respect. People are more likely to focus on the bad parts of their day than the good ones, so how often do we consider the blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon us? When we sing songs of praise, do we really reflect? Here’s a real toughie – are we thankful even in times of trouble and trial?

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful… And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:15,17

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6

I’m sure you know by now that the moral of this Victory Call is to remain thankful, but I want to encourage you not to leave with just head knowledge but no application of the biblical verses shared in this devotional. Here’s a challenge: what are some practical steps you can take today to remember to remain thankful? I want to start keeping a daily “Thanksgiving Journal” … what about you?

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

Do you remember when  a phone company had a catchy slogan? The phrase “Can you hear me now?” quickly became a phenomenon. In our family we used the line to joke with those who were a little harder of hearing. Being hard of hearing is no joke, but our family members took our kidding in stride. Hearing loss is no joke when we begin to feel that our prayers are not reaching the ear of God, getting through or reaching above our ceilings. How easy it is to ask God if He really has heard our prayers.

I have been having praying about and for some heavy issues lately. I want to know His answer regarding this particular situation. Instead of giving me the answer He gave me a reminder. “You will pray to me and I will hear you” (Job 22:27). Although the waiting is hard and the answer has not yet arrived, I know He has heard my cries. He hears me and He hears you, too. Just because I am not hearing the way things will turn out doesn’t mean my requests have not been heard.

God hears. He knows. He will answer.

Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. Psalm 55:17

He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.  Psalm 145:19

The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.  Proverbs 15:29

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.

 

 

I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook.  I enjoy seeing pictures of my friend’s kids and grandkids. I travel vicariously through others’ vacation pictures.

I hate much of the political rhetoric that I see.  I hate repetitive memes that get posted by one friend and then shared by 62 other friends (I exaggerate, but only slightly.)  I’ve unfollowed numerous “friends” because I get tired of their never-ending rants.

But I love my friends who post encouraging verses of Scripture, songs and quotes from respected Christian authors.  At lunchtime today, I came across this one:

What if the circumstances you’re asking God to change are the very circumstances God is using to change you? – Mark Batterson

How often do we pray for God to change….our job, our house, our spouse (or lack of), our financial situation,… you name it? And sometimes, those are good and right things to pray for.  Some of those things need divine intervention.

But have you ever sat back, maybe after praying for “X” for a long time, and considered that God doesn’t want to change that thing. He specifically brought that situation into your life, or allowed it, to teach you something?  Or to sand off some of the rough edges of our lives.  Or to mold us more into the image of His Son.

See, God COULD just change “X” – but what would we learn from that?  Would we learn to trust Him? To depend on Him? To rest in Him? To be content?

I don’t know about you, but I learn a whole lot more in the valleys of life than in the plateaus, or even the mountaintops.  The mountaintops are great – we’ve seen God work, we’ve seen victories, we can rejoice and celebrate His goodness.  The plateaus are nice for periods of rest, but it’s all too easy to become complacent and lazy on those plateaus.

No, it’s the valleys where we learn to trust in the dark. Where we cling harder to His hands. Where we pray more and listen better.  It’s in the valleys where we come to know Him more, and where He makes us more like Him. We need the valleys to help us grow.

So if you’re in a valley right now, if the circumstances you’re in aren’t the ones you want to be in – trust that He is working.  He promises us that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30). *

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.  Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ  and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;  that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,  if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3:7-11). *

Ruth Schmidt

Ruth Schmidt has worked at America’s Keswick since 1985. She currently serves as Administrative Assistant to Bill Welte.

* emphasis mine

 

 

As I write this, I am standing in prayer with a loved one who is facing a meeting that has the potential to determine the direction of his life. I am reminded of the question, “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer is “One bite at a time.” With each bite we have taken in this situation, we have seen God’s faithfulness and we are leaning hard into God to prepare a way where there seems to be no way. In my mind the elephant is way too big, but I know that God is bigger still and I am trusting Him.

What looms large over you today? We don’t find elephants in Scripture but we do find giants.  David faced them with just a few stones, but he is backed up by a mighty God. I feel like my prayers are just small stones. At times I wonder if they are having any effect. Other times, I see them take a chunk out of that giant and trust I will see that giant fall. God is at work. He takes my feeble attempts at slaying giants and backs them up with His mighty hand.

I Samuel 17:37 says And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!” Haven’t we faced giants before? Haven’t we seen God’s deliverance? David did and so shall we. You and I need to know giants have fallen and they will again. The one facing you today will fall in God’s timing and for His purposes. You and I need to keep throwing stones!!

David told Saul about God’s faithfulness in the past. Saul replied, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” My encouragement to you is the same. Go, and the Lord be with you! Carry on Christian soldier and watch those giants fall!

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.

 

 

 

 

Speak less (James 1:19)

Listen more (James 1:19)

Focus on others rather than self (Matthew 22:39)

Ask more questions (learn more about others that tell about yourself)

Love by listening (James 1:19)

Restrain from:

          Belittling (Proverbs 11:12)

          Slander (Proverbs 11:13)

          Cruelty (Proverbs 11:17)

          Unkindness (Ephesians 4:32)

          Hasty words (Proverbs 29:20)

          Insults (Matthew 5:22)

          Words that thrust like swords (Proverbs 12:18)

          Deceit/Lies (Proverbs 12:19, 22)

          Gossip (2 Corinthians 12:20)

          Idle words (Ephesians 5:4)

          Words that do not build up (Ephesians 4:29)

          Flattery (Psalm 5:9)

          Speaking my mind (Psalm 12:4)

          Words that devour (Psalm 52:4; Galatians 5:13-15)

          Harsh words (Proverbs 15:1)

          Cursing (Psalm 10:7)

          Arrogance/Pride (Psalm 17:10; Psalm 59:12)

          Evil Whispers (Proverbs 18:8)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,   and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21

Are you convicted as much as I am?

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt serves part-time on the staff of America’s Keswick providing ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

When words are many, transgression (sin) is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent (wise).  Proverbs 10:19 ESV (NKJV)

 “Restrain: to prevent from doing, exhibiting, or expressing something; to limit, restrict, or keep under control; to moderate or limit the force, effect, development, or full exercise of; to deprive liberty”[i]

On the one hand, there are times we need to keep our thoughts to ourselves.  Simply be silent.  Not moping or sulking, but silent.  Restraint is a good word because it implies effort, choice, and self-control. Our inclination may be to speak our mind, make our point, share our thoughts, or just tell it like it is, when restraint is the Christ-like choice.  When words are many, sin is not lacking…

If we were able to see beyond the lips that lack restraint we would see an impure, self-seeking, self-centered, proud heart. “What I think is important, funny or right and others need to hear it.” When words are many, sin is not lacking…

I need this reminder today, and tomorrow and the next day, numerous times a day.

On the other hand, there are times we need to speak up and not be silent.  We need to avoid ill-chosen restraint.  When we have it within our power to encourage, edify, honor, tell the truth, seek forgiveness, grant forgiveness or testify of God’s work in our lives, sometimes we may resist doing so. In other words, we have erroneously chosen (for whatever reason) to restrain the good we can do with our lips.  Again, if we were able to see beyond the lips that restrain good, we would see an impure, self-seeking, self-centered, proud heart. “I don’t want to encourage, honor or forgive her, she doesn’t deserve it.”

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17

I am guilty on both counts. I have failed to restrain my lips when I should have remained silent, and I have chosen to restrain my lips when I should have spoken up.

Stop and consider. Is this true of you also?

I am really being challenged by the Lord to consider my words and to discern the restraint of my lips.

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Psalm 141:3

Would you like to join me in this journey?

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt serves part-time on the staff of America’s Keswick providing ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

[i] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restrain 1.3.18