He fashions their hearts individually…   Psalm 33:15

Reading the Bible, listening to a sermon or podcast, talking to a friend… God uses so many different ways to prick our spirits.  It may be a word, a phrase or thought that suddenly catches our attention and stirs our spirit. In that moment, God’s Spirit is whispering to our soul.

This happens to me often, thoughts that I want to think about further so I have notes scribbled in notebooks and on my phone. These often become future Victory Calls.

I wish I could say that every time God stirs my spirit I act upon the stirring, but I don’t.  But that is the question for you and me today.  Am I stewarding the stirrings in my spirit?

Stewardship: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care[i]

We are comfortable talking about being good stewards of our resources whether it be finances, time or abilities; making the most of what God has given us. But what about stewarding the heart-stirrings of the Holy Spirit? Are we even giving them a second thought? Are we stewarding the stirrings of our spirit, fanning the embers to ignite growth and change? Are we stewarding the stirrings God is entrusting to us?

Rather than a brief thought that passes quickly because we are easily distracted, we need to draw that thought into focus to think and meditate on it, studying God’s word as it relates to that idea making the most of the Spirit’s stirrings.

Let’s not miss any opportunity to respond to God’s promptings and be good stewards of the stirrings of our souls.

Blessings,

Diane

[i] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stewardship accessed December 18, 2017

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.

 

 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

We are all familiar with the What if question

What if I fail this test?

What if I lose my job?

What if it’s cancer?

What if he dies?

What if I never get married?

What if I can’t pay my bills?

There are as many “What if‘s” as there are people and circumstances and often this is where our mind goes first when faced with a challenge or trial.

But What if we redeem the What if question?

What if I take God at His word?

What if I believe God’s promises?

What if I cast all my cares upon Him because He cares for me?

What if I rely on God’s provision?

What if I glorify God in my situation?

What if I trust God to do what only He can do?

What if I am still and know that He is God?

What if God does the impossible?

What if I rest in God’s grace?

The What if question may be our first response to a circumstance or situation but we get to choose our second response.  Rather than getting stuck in the What if cycle, let’s redeem the question and focus on truth, realities about God, fighting for faith to believe.

Blessings,

Diane

[i] The concept of this devotional was taken from a devotional given by David Abernethy at Operation Christmas Child. I took David’s thought and made it my own, any misrepresentation or error is mine. 

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.

 

 

Every year, California seems to be plagued by raging wildfires. December 2017 seems to have been a particularly terrifying time for so many. There have been 25 wildfires reported in southern California with over 200,000 people evacuated, almost 300,000 acres burned, not to mention the loss of homes, precious memories and disruptions to lives and work. The fire didn’t discriminate between the poor or the rich and famous. Fires can start with just a small spark and cause massive destruction. And James in chapter 3 makes the analogy of the tongue that causes wildfires as well.

James 3:5b-6 “Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself on fire by hell.”

The tongue, our words, indeed can be and is used for destruction. In our modern world we can even push the envelope from the words we speak with our mouths to the words we post on Facebook or in Tweets. Somehow with the new ways of communication on social media it makes it so much easier to set raging “wildfires.”

But whether we speak the words or write them down, our words can and do cause raging wildfires. At times, our words might even be clouded with “innocence,” yet set a fire. We have all been on the receiving end of a fire caused by someone saying something either carelessly or perhaps said with malice. And let’s be honest we have all been, at one time or another, the one to set the fire.

James says the tongue is a “world of evil” in our bodies and that it will corrupt our whole selves. But not just ourselves but it corrupts and hurts others. The tongue is just a small, very small part compared to the rest of our bodies, but it isn’t uncontrollable.

How often have we heard (or even said ourselves), “I didn’t mean to say that.” Yes, you did. “I thought it was true.” Gossip is a sin. “I wasn’t thinking.” There is always time to think before we speak.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we have Jesus living in us and we are in Him. For those who don’t have Jesus we can say that they can’t help it, they don’t know any better. But for us, we have no excuse and are held to a higher standard. James calls us out on this very important issue. We CAN stop before we set the fire that will either hurt or destroy relationships, marriages, reputations, friendships. We can ask the Lord in a split second, is this something that should be said? If there is even the slightest doubt that what we are about to say will set a spark or a wildfire that will be out of control, we can keep it to ourselves.

We can and should honor the Lord with ALL our words. But there will be times when we will fail but even then, we have the ability to use our tongues once again and ask for forgiveness and in so doing honor the Lord. We can also use the experience to learn from and do things differently the next time.

So, the next time before you open your mouth to speak, or before you send that email or post on Facebook or send a Tweet…stop and pray. You will never regret it but may if you don’t.

Written by Mary Ann Kiernan: Mary Ann Kiernan is retired from the position of Intake Coordinator and Biblical Counselor at the Colony of Mercy. She and her husband John have been married 44 years, have two sons, two wonderful “daughters” and 6 amazing grandchildren. She is looking forward to what the Lord has instore for her in this next part of the journey.

Have you ever spent time with people that are talkers?  You get done with a conversation and walk away thinking, “Whew, I didn’t get a word in” – (I am one of those talkers I have walked away thinking “Whew, I didn’t let them get a word in.”) That isn’t really a conversation. According to Merriam-Webster – conversation involves an exchange. Exchange implies two party involvement.

Prayer is a conversation with God.  It is not a monologue – one-sided oration.  Prayer is not delivering a grocery list of wants and needs to the One that can provide the answers. Prayer is not demanding our own way, pleading perhaps but not demanding.  Prayer is a conversation and like a conversation, it is two-way.  It is speaking and listening.  I wonder if after my prayers, God ever thinks, “Whew, I didn’t get a word in.”

Listening goes both ways.  How much time do you spend listening?

Cry out to the Lord, He hears and listens.

The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer. Psalm 6:9

Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; Psalm 61:1

But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer. Psalm 66:19

Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. Psalm 86:6

Listen to the voice of God. He speaks through His word, His Spirit, and others.

Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways! Psalm 81:13

Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I called! I am he; I am the first, and I am the last. Isaiah 48:12

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. Psalm 16:7

“Prayer is communication. You talk, God listens. You listen when God talks.”  — O. Anthonia

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.

 

 

Merry Christmas everyone! We here at America’s Keswick want to wish you a safe, cheerful, and fun holiday! We trust your time celebrating the birth of JESUS with your friends and family will be joyful and powerful!

What is it About?

We all know the jolly guy with the beard so snowy white

Santa Claus came to our houses to bring us gifts last night!

But the man with the red suit, the reindeer and sleigh

Isn’t the reason we celebrate Christmas Day.

Christmas isn’t all about family, though they’re nice to be with

And it’s not about giving that one perfect gift.

It’s about the birth of God’s son, the Almighty who frees us.

Let’s celebrate the birth of the precious Lord Jesus.

He will be called WONDERFUL COUNSELOR and MIGHTY GOD

He came to rescue the sinners, the broken, and the flawed.

He will be called EVERLASTING FATHER and PRINCE OF PEACE

“And in His name all oppression shall cease…”

He came to be born of a virgin

She had a long and difficult night

But when she birthed this little baby Jesus

She only saw God’s love and His beautiful light.

The angels sang “GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST

AND ON EARTH PEACE, GOODWILL TOWARD MEN”

And there’s more to the story, but the best part is

It didn’t end at the cross, and He’s coming back AGAIN!

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!

I recently finished a very busy season working a temporary job – it was physically and mentally demanding and required being up extra early which required I go to bed extra early.

I tried to get in my morning workout and Bible reading before I left around 6:30 am to fight traffic to get to work on time.  It seemed that if something had to give – it was usually my time with the Lord in the morning.  Sometimes I only got a few minutes to sit still and read my Bible, but over the past 6 weeks I felt the drift.

It’s not that I didn’t WANT to read my Bible, I just allowed other things to take precedence. After days of catching quiet time here and there, I noticed my focus shifted.  My brief time in the word was less meaningful and more of an exercise than an engagement.

When the job ended last week, and I was able to sit a spell, I knew that Jesus had never turned away. He was waiting for me to return. He reminded me of the prodigal son’s father “…while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” Luke 8: 20

That is how I felt sitting there that morning. I felt welcome, not condemned.  I felt embraced and loved, not rejected and judged.

Do you find yourself in a similar situation today?  Have you drifted or strayed from your time sitting at Jesus’ feet?  Has life gotten out of control and pushed Jesus to the bench?  Are you too busy to sit still and read the life-giving Word?

Jesus is waiting for you with open arms- eager for you to turn towards Him.  He will run to greet you and love on you. Wherever you find yourself today you are welcome back.

Repent of your drifting and turn back to the Savior. He loves you.  He welcomes you back enthusiastically.

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.

 

 

As I consider the holiday season upon us two words come to mind; courage and light .  As I reflect upon the reason for the season and consider the stories of Hanukkah and Christmas, it becomes clear that both seasons required an enormous amount of courage on the part of God’s people to release the light of blessing.

During Hanukkah we remember Judah Maccabee and those who joined the fight with him.  They trusted in their God who led them to an amazing victory after three long years and many battles.  Their courage was rewarded and today we celebrate that reward during Hanukkah.  It was the light, the miracle of the light that shone in the repaired, cleaned temple for eight whole days and nights without the oil needed.

At Christmas we remember the birth of one courageous solitary life that would change the world, Jesus.  We celebrate one young girl who courageously answered the call to give birth to Him.  We celebrate her courageous husband who lovingly cared for her and her child.  On the night He was born shepherds in a field in Bethlehem saw a radiant light that lit up the field with the blazing glory of God.  (That night, in a field near Bethlehem, there were shepherds watching over their flocks. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified! Luke 2:8-9 TPT)

My prayer for you is that as you engage in the celebrations of Hanukkah, and Christmas, you will be touched by the courage of God’s people and the gift of His light.

May you know and receive God’s plan for you in this coming year.  He has placed you where you are for such a time as this.  May you be blessed with great courage, trusting in Him as you go forward under His direction. With all my heart I believe as you go forward with courage under the guidance of our amazing God, you will be blessed with the peace and joy of His heavenly light.

(Don’t be obsessed with money but live content with what you have, for you always have God’s presence. For hasn’t he promised you, “I will never leave you alone, never! And I will not loosen my grip on your life!”  Hebrews 13:5 TPT)

Blessings,

Patricia

 

Rev. Patricia Wenzel is the founder and director of a state-wide prayer ministry, PRAY New Jersey Inc., since 2002.  The ministry is committed to praying for and blessing those serving in authority positions in our state, particularly in government.  The ministry is also committed to equipping the saints to pray for those serving in government.  The vision and ministry is guided by the Word of God, in particular, 1 Tim. 2:1-4 and Is. 61:11.  Pat is thankful for the ministry of America’s Keswick.  She graduated from Women of Character in July 2008.

 

 

 

If you have ever been truly in love with someone whose heart is one with yours on every level and you can’t see yourself living without this person, then you know the glory of loving and being loved in return. When you fall in love it changes everything about you. Your purpose for living is no longer self-centered and your source of joy is no longer circumstances, but someone. This joy brings life to your bones, puts pep in your step, and a sparkle in your eyes. Everyone around you can see it and everyone wants what you have because, as we all know, everyone’s greatest need is to love and be loved.

In Philippians 1, verse 13, Paul attests to the fact that …so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ… How did the Lord make that evident to the palace guards???? What took place that these guards saw in Paul what was lacking in them, so much so that they desired what Paul had…and he was in chains!!!! Wow. The guards pitied Paul’s circumstance yet envied His chains of love, chains which set him free from the bondage of this world.

These chains of love cannot be broken by any mortal power or earthly circumstance.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38&39) 

The gift of the love of Christ captures and chains us to the Father by the power of His Holy Spirit. We who know Him are joy-filled prisoners of His love, not held against our will, but freely surrendered to His. And those who witness His love in us …are much more bold to speak the Word without fear. (Philippians 1:14b).

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!

Put together all the tenderest love you know of, the deepest you have ever felt, and the strongest that has ever been poured out upon you, and heap upon it all the love of all the loving human hearts in the world, and then multiply it by infinity, and you will begin, perhaps, to have some faint glimpse of that the love of God is. – Hannah Whitall Smith

I encourage you to re-read that quote. Isn’t it so beautiful? It’s a quote that so superbly encapsulates the character of God. Though we will make mistakes in this lifetime, and though we may mess up so badly that we find it hard or nearly impossible to forgive ourselves, we can take it to God and know that He will never stop loving us.

See, before He made you He knew all of the mistakes that you were ever going to make – all of the lies you would tell, all of the sinful thoughts you would ever think, all of the corrupt words that would escape your mouth. He knew all the ways you would act out when in a state of anger, all the pride that would be in your heart, all of the gossip you would partake in, and all of the critical judgments you would have towards others. He knew the selfishness that you would have in your heart and the idols that you would have in your life, whether that be money, drugs, alcohol, people, relationships, or material things. He knew the mistakes you would make that you didn’t even think you were capable of making. He knew you – all of you, every last detail, before you even knew yourself.

…And He still looked at you and said “You’re worth it.” He still chose you and He loves you infinitely more than you can fathom. No earthly love that you have ever experienced can compare to the agape love that He has for you.

We know this truth, but it’s nice to be reminded. 🙂 I encourage you to rest in that today!

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!

I have a slight obsession with online shopping.

Correction – I have a MAJOR obsession with online shopping… particularly on websites that give me free two-day shipping.

Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page here… I’m obsessed with Amazon Prime.

I buy everything on that website – wall decorations, rugs, birthday gifts – everything! I have a lengthy wish list of goodies on my account of things that I can’t afford now, but plan to buy in the future. I love the convenience! You can even buy things with just one click now, you don’t even have to go through the process of typing in your information and going through all the confirmations anymore. Just one click and in two days – voila! It’s at your doorstep! How dangerously easy is that?!

As a matter of fact, and this is embarrassing to admit, I actually get upset when I’m on Amazon and I see something that I want but can’t get with free two-day shipping. I’ve become so spoiled. When I have to wait a week to get a package and pay shipping, my thoughts are “This is ridiculous! What are we, pioneers?! I can’t live like this!”

As Americans living in the 21^st century, we’re immersed into an Amazon Prime society – a society that’s all about speed and convenience. If we don’t get what we want when we want it and how we want it… we don’t always handle that very well. Our ability to be patient has diminished… so what happens when we NEED to be patient, when we NEED to wait on God? Do we react well, or do we react with anger and frustration?

The Bible places a lot of value on patience and waiting. Check out some of these Bible verses…

Isaiah 40:31 – But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Psalm 27:14 – Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

James 5:7-8 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

I’m waiting for certain seasons of my life to come, but I am also learning to rid myself of this Amazon Prime mindset and enjoy the season I’m in. So what are you waiting for? Healing? Financial provision? A new job? A husband? We all have something on our hearts that we’re waiting for, and while we may want it to come with Amazon Prime speed and with Amazon Prime convenience, that’s not always the case. Sometimes God wants you to wait, and wants you to learn and grow in your season of waiting… so don’t worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will worry about itself (Matthew 6:34). 🙂

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!