Recently I was privileged to graduate another wife from the Woman of Character program. Four months had passed since she walked into the Women’s Ministry building fully aware that she was in need of help and change.

All credit for this work of grace goes to Abba Father who faithfully worked in her a greater desire to be in His Word and to be a godly wife, a woman of character for the pleasure and glory of her Heavenly Husband!

A few of the things she shared which were very important reminders for her are also vital for the rest of us. Therefore, I decided to share them with you in this Victory Call. This is the reason we take time to write the VC in the first place: to encourage you to live in visible victory before the face of God.

Here are the truths she shared:

* “t is impossible for anyone to save himself. We are all saved by grace, through our faith in Jesus Christ.
* God desires that we rely on Him more than we rely on any other person or thing in our life.
* God keeps His promises, every single one.
* I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – Philippians 4:13.
* The solution to addiction is not a method but rather a Savior.
* What comes out of our mouths is a reflection of the issues of our heart.
* God’s anger is just and right, whereas, mine is not.
* Faith begins with the belief that my loving, heavenly Father is in control.
* A lifestyle that is truly free is one where we submit to Christ in every aspect of our lives.
* Anything we look to for comfort, love, or well-being other than Christ, draws us away from the one, true lover of our soul.”1

Dear sisters, may you be reminded today of these simply truths, may I encourage you to also seek Him, who is the Lover of your soul! Seek His face only today as you continue to walk by faith and not by sight!

Stephanie

Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An “instrument of change” in the Redeemer’s Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America’s Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.

1 RA Hurst

“And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them” Ezekiel 36: 27.

Entering into the New Year I begin to take into account on certain goals I like to achieve this year. I must set aim, become resolute to carry out my goals. Of course, I like them to be simple to achieve. I realize realistically I need help to accomplish the goals I decide to obtain. I mull over and question myself am I doing everything I need to maintain myself healthy. I have to start an exercise plan that is simple to attain, and then work my way to maintain my workout. This leads me to realize my eating habits are not good; no more cookies with my tea or potato chips in the afternoon; stop picking up a Hershey every day. I have picked the Hershey with almonds and have convinced myself it’s healthy, humbug. I have to remember to take my vitamins, to ensure my body has the proper nutrients to be healthy.

However, I start to analyze what really takes precedence is my spiritual health. I ought to be praying more and take time to listen to the Father as I pray. My Father will lead me and guide me into the best path. “For such is God, Our God forever and ever; He will guide us until death” Psalms 48:14.

As I memorize scripture my mind is being challenged and renewed spiritually. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” Romans 12:2. My heart must be exercised and guarded from evil. “With all my heart I have sought Thee; Do not let me wander from Thy commandments. Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against thee” Psalm 119:10-11. I need to become skilled at and resolve to be Christ-like, acquaint myself by reading the Bible on a more intimate level. “Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you, regard one another as more important than himself, do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interest of others” Philippians 2: 2-4.

As I walk with My Lord, I can be confident He will help me to achieve the goals, My God wants me to accomplish. “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” Colossians 2:6.

Glory to God!

Sandra Roman
Staff Member – WOC Graduate

Ah…the city…arts and culture, a diversity of ethnicities, quaint shops and markets, trendy hotels, a place where old, run-down warehouses can become much coveted prime spaces to live. After, of course, they’ve been completely renovated, except for the original brick walls, updated with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, brushed nickel fixtures, wood floors throughout, or maybe bamboo, since everyone is “going green” right now. Don’t get me started! I’m all for conservation but when I read bumper stickers that say things like: “THE EARTH DOESN’T BELONG TO US…WE BELONG TO THE EARTH,” well…I get a little nuts! The truth is the earth and everything in it belongs to God.

To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. Deuteronomy 10:14 (NIV)

But that’s another conversation; let’s get back to the city…

Just like any city there’s usually areas such as I just described, and areas much less affluent. One day, while strolling from one to the other, I passed a home that had a sign on its front porch that read: “IF YOU DON’T LIVE HERE-YOU DON’T SIT HERE.” Apparently, there are people who would have no problem cozying up on someone else’s porch swing. It’s not the safest place to live, although I’ve been in much worse. In fact, it reminded me of the area I grew up in. Where I was raised, you were taught to live life on the defense. Lock your door behind you, always lock your car door, beware of strangers, and look for the angle. Suspicion can be very exhausting. We didn’t grow up with the philosophy that a stranger is just someone you haven’t met yet. We grew up with the philosophy of: “Do not talk to strangers, beware of them and be ready.” As I said, exhausting! I believe there needs to be a balance.

Another sign I saw read this: “TO THE PERSON WHO STOLE MY BIKE, I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT…NEXT TIME YOU COME BACK MY DOG WILL EAT YOU!” I can’t help but wonder, where was this dog when the bike got stolen? Hmmm…maybe he or she was on a break from its “watch” so to speak. I mean come on…with all the rights we’ve bestowed on our four-legged friends they must take breaks, no? Did you know you could actually go to jail for abuse of an animal? YOU CAN! Don’t get me wrong, I love most dogs and I believe if you have a pet you should take care of it.

A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
Proverbs 12:10 (NIV)

But since there are people who abuse their children running around free as a bird…can we capture them first and maybe just fine the animal haters or something? If I wanted to “adopt” a dog I’d actually have to allow a home visit. I’m sorry but that is hysterical. I brought home my newborn baby and no one even asked me if I had a home never mind visited it!

Some things to think about…better yet, and much more effective… pray about.

Dina Seaton
Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer

Isaiah 63:19
We have become like those over whom you have never ruled, like those who are not called by your name.

Footnotes:
a. Isaiah 63:3 Or their juice; also verse 6
b. Isaiah 63:4 Or the year of my redeemed
c. Isaiah 63:9 Or he did not afflict
d. Isaiah 63:11 Or Then his people remembered the days of old, of Moses
e. Isaiah 63:15 Or holy and glorious
f. Isaiah 63:18 Or They have dispossessed your holy people for a little while
Cross references:
A. Isaiah 63:1 : Isaiah 34:6
B. Isaiah 63:1 : Psalm 68:7
C. Isaiah 63:2 : Rev 19:13
D. Isaiah 63:2 : Lam 1:15; Rev 14:20; 19:15
E. Isaiah 63:3 : Joel 3:13
F. Isaiah 63:3 : Isaiah 59:16
G. Isaiah 63:4 : Isaiah 34:8
H. Isaiah 63:5 : Isaiah 59:16
I. Isaiah 63:6 : Isaiah 49:26
J. Isaiah 63:7 : Psalm 145:7
K. Isaiah 63:9 : Judg 10:16
L. Isaiah 63:9 : Deut 7:7, 8; Ezek 16:5, 6
M. Isaiah 63:9 : Deut 32:10-12
N. Isaiah 63:10 : Exodus 15:24; Num 14:11; Psalm 78:17, 56; 95:9; Ezek 20:8
O. Isaiah 63:10 : Psalm 78:40; Acts 7:51; Eph 4:30
P. Isaiah 63:11 : Psalm 77:11-20
Q. Isaiah 63:11 : Exodus 14:19-22
R. Isaiah 63:12 : Exodus 14:21; Josh 3:16
S. Isaiah 63:12 : 2 Sam 7:23; Neh 9:10
T. Isaiah 63:14 : Num 10:33
U. Isaiah 63:14 : Isaiah 63:12
V. Isaiah 63:15 : Deut 26:15
W. Isaiah 63:15 : Psalm 33:14
X. Isaiah 63:15 : Isaiah 59:17; Zech 1:14
Y. Isaiah 63:16 : Isaiah 64:8; Deut 32:6
Z. Isaiah 63:16 : Isaiah 43:14
AA. Isaiah 63:17 : Isaiah 6:10; John 12:40
BB. Isaiah 63:17 : Psalm 90:13
CC. Isaiah 63:18 : Deut 4:25, 26
DD. Isaiah 63:18 : Isaiah 64:11
EE. Isaiah 63:19 : Jer 14:8

Have you ever had occasion to ask yourself, “Do I look, act, respond or think any differently than my unsaved neighbor? What evidence is there that I am a Christ-follower?”

Certainly there are times where we look no different and therefore begs the question, “What difference does it make that I know Jesus Christ?” When we are living like our unsaved friends we are denying the work and power of Almighty God. To a watching world there would be no evidence that there is a God in heaven, or if there is, that He has chosen us. In such a case, our very lives deny our own true identity. It doesn’t negate our true identity but it does deny it. That true identity is given to us by God when He chose us, saved us, regenerated us, redeemed us by the blood of the Lamb.

When we live as if we are NOT called by His name we are living hypocritically because it denies who God says we are.

Have you ever thought about that? When we live “like those who have never been ruled” we are living like a hypocrite, denying the power of the One who saved us.
May we never live in a way that denies who we are or Whose we are.

“Then all flesh shall know that I am the Lord your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” Is 49:26

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America’s KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

This year I was deeply touched by our Lord’s attention to details, but then He has always been a God who paid close attention to details.

I don’t think that when Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world, he knew that he was being used to send Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem so that Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, would be born in the very place it was prophesied that He would be born. It was the place, Bethlehem, where lambs without spot or wrinkle were raised to be sacrificed in the temple. The shepherds who raised and cared for the sheep were the first to recognize and honor the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world for all time. Amazing!! The prophecy was fulfilled. The requirement of the law of the day was honored. (I have posted the scripture below. I know Christmas has passed, but just in case you didn’t have the time to be still and read the Christmas story, you can review it now.)

I believe that our wonderful Lord and Savior continues to be interested in the big and small details of our lives. The place we were born, the family we were born into, the place where we live is important in God’s plan for our lives. The hurts in our today, the anxieties, the struggles ………He cares about all of that on our behalf. He continues to be able to raise up kings and use even a donkey to speak. We serve a mighty, able God.

My prayer for each of us as we move into the new Roman calendar year 2012 is that we would “see” the beautiful details in our lives so carefully and lovingly crafted by our Savior. That we would “see” and be open to the miracles He has prepared for us from the beginning of time. That we would walk confidently and respectfully under His watchful, guiding lovingkindness. That we would trust Him and submit fully to Him as Lord and Savior. Let us all trust in the Lord with all of our heart and lean not on our own understanding, rather in all ways let us acknowledge Him!! (Proverbs 3:5)

Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate

Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while [ a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen: which were just as they had been told. (NIV)

On my way into work one morning I passed a car moving slowly on the side of the road. While passing it was easy to see the driver’s problem. The driver’s side front tire was flat, barely hanging onto the rim. I came to a red light and was surprised when the driver pulled up behind me. I couldn’t think that he could go much farther with his tire in that condition. As the light turned green and I began to continue on my way, he continued too. Soon he was pulling over to the side again but still going. I thought about where he might get help. We were traveling a section of Dover Road and Route 530 where the only thing in sight is pine trees. Then I thought, most likely this guy passed 2 gas stations before I passed him. Even if his tire blew after passing the stations, why not stop, knowing help was not too far away?

Certainly more damage would be done to his car by driving a distance on the wheel of the car. Now, he was heading in a direction where help would be miles away regardless of which direction he turned farther up the road. While thinking, “Silly man! Why don’t you stop and get help while you can?” the Lord whispered the same thing to my heart. “Kathy, you’ve been going on a flat tire for quiet awhile now. You have been refusing to slow down for any length of time or come to a complete stop for My help. You passed Me miles back and have chosen to keep going. Sure, I am up ahead to help you at anytime but you are likely to experience more damage riding on your flat tire.”

I know that my flat tire was caused by grief and a spin on the black ice of life. Things I didn’t see coming, well, they came at me fast. But I have been pushing ahead while just getting enough air to go a little farther. Through our Grief Share Group here at Keswick, I learned that in times of grief you can pull closer to God or push Him away. I have been pushing. I don’t know all the reasons why and I hate that I do it. I know I need to pull over for more than a shot of air yet I stubbornly try to inch ahead on my flat tire. Maybe I don’t want to feel the depths of my pain. Maybe I don’t want to get out of the driver’s seat right now and have no control. Maybe I don’t want to mourn fully because …then what?

I can’t see the road ahead. Still, I know that Help is there. He is not just up ahead, He is right next to me. I know it. Now, if I could just stop more often and get the tire fixed!

I don’t know what may have caused your flat tire today. I don’t speak as one who has all the answers but here are two. First, pull over. Get a little air. Second, consider the help of a group like Grief Share and Divorce Care or a good friend.

Knowing that my tires will one day be filled seems far off. I don’t know when I will come through the road of grief before me. Lynne Jahns assures me that I will get through. When I do I’ll look forward to us passing one another on the road one day. I will stop if your tire is flat and wait with you. If your tires are full and your ride is smooth I will rejoice with you!

(For information on Grief Share or Divorce Care please visit our website http://www.americaskeswick.org or call 800.453.7942.)

Blessings,
Kathy Withers

Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 26 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. 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 remember the first Sunday service I attended church as a believer. I was a new babe, so to speak. Looking around at the others there, I felt humbled. These were God’s people. Then I thought, well, as soon as they find out I’m not like them the gig will be up. Wait a minute, that thought came from the pit of hell and smelled like smoke! It took a very short time for the Lord to renew my mind in that area and for me to understand and believe I was one of them, and that they were just like me. Sinners saved by grace.

That was 11 years ago and there are still times when I have to remind myself of who I am in Christ. It’s not that I’ve forgotten, but I do have an enemy who likes to keep score of sins. I can just see him rubbing his slimy, condemned hands together as he attempts to torment; “Ah ha! Wait until I pull this skeleton out of her closet. I’ll make it a real good one; this one’s not B.C., it’s one from after she was washed as white as snow…ha ha! There – take that mud on your testimony Miss “I’m one of God’s people!”

Oh, go ahead pull whatever skeleton you want out. B.C. or after, it doesn’t matter, all those bones have blood on them. The Blood!

Godly sorrow and the Holy Spirit’s conviction, are meant to lead us to repentance and restoration. The accuser’s condemnation leads us to hopelessness and helplessness.

I guess what “they” say is true, whoever “they” are; “Misery loves company.” Well, no thanks. I’d rather keep company with Jesus.

So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.”
And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” (John 8:7-11, NKJV)

God is so good to us.

I keep a large stone on my desk with the word “First” written on it. When you turn it over it reads: Let he who is without sin, throw the first one.

It reminds me that I’m forgiven of my sins. All of them. It also reminds me that I won’t ever be justified in throwing it.

Dina Seaton
Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer

“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” Psalm 119:71

Have you ever noticed that we tend to learn much more about the Lord and grow in our relationship with Him during tough times rather than when we are having smooth sailing? I know it has been that way for me.

I remember an illustration that Beth Moore used in one of her Bible Studies. She said that the Lord starts out teaching us something “in the classroom”. If we don’t learn the lesson “in the classroom”, He will then “take us on a field trip”. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been on a number of “field trips” with the Lord. (And they weren’t the fun kind that I took as a child in school!) It would have been easier to listen to Him and learn to obey in the classroom, but so often, it doesn’t seem to work out that way; we need to learn things the hard way. But I am thankful that the Lord is patient with us, that He doesn’t give up on us, and that He persists in teaching us what we need to know, even if it means some tough lessons, rather than just leaving us in our sin.

Can we say as the Psalmist did that it is good for us to be afflicted in order that we might learn His will, His way, and become obedient followers of Him? Only by His grace can we say that. Having been through some tough times that have brought some tough lessons, I can now say from the other side that it was good for me, even though it was hard. I think it is much more difficult to say that in the midst of a trial, but often, once we come out the other side and see all that the Lord has accomplished through it, we realize He was able to use it for our good, and for His glory.

If you have just come out of a time of trial, through eyes of faith, look back and see what the Lord accomplished through it, and thank Him. If you are finding it hard to see any good, ask the Lord, He’ll show you. And if you are in the midst of a time of trial right now, hold on. Seek His face and know that the Lord is working in all things to accomplish His purposes in you and for you (Rom. 8:28). By faith, believe that on the other side, you will be able, by His grace, to say, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.”

Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate

Over the past few months a team of intercessors I pray with regularly have been digging deeper into the study of the blood of Jesus. Our desire is to pray effective prayers as a righteous man that can accomplish much to the glory of our God (James 8:16b). What we are learning is that apart from the blood of Jesus there is no healing, no redemption, no mercy, and no fellowship with the God whom we serve.

When seeking revelation on the blood of Jesus we decided to start at the beginning. Genesis 3:21 tells the story of the very first blood sacrifice. God did it. He killed an animal to make a covering for Adam and Eve when they had sinned. He loved them so much He did not leave them in that place. He made a covering for them. Genesis 4:4 tells us of Abel’s offering of blood, and Genesis 8:20 of Noah’s offering. By the blood, Abraham and God “cut” a covenant (Genesis 15).

Who could forget the story of Passover when death passed over the homes of the Jewish people who obediently put the blood on the doorpost and lintel (Exodus 11-12). By the blood, the covenant was established with Moses and the Jewish people (Exodus 24). By the blood the Hebrew people could receive forgiveness of sins (Exodus 25:8). God, our holy God, wanted and continues to want to dwell with His people. But the blood was the only way for a holy God to dwell with His people.

Our God is still a covenant God. The Bible is a covenant book. A covenant is a solemn and binding commitment between two or more parties. It is endless. We have the most wonderful privilege to be under a new covenant. There is no need for animal sacrifice. Every time we take communion it is good for us to remember the seriousness and proclaim the promise of the covenant established by the blood of Jesus. We belong to Him. He paid a dear price. If He is your Lord, you are in covenant relationship with Him. Your enemy is His enemy. His enemy is your enemy. He has inscribed you and I on the very palm of His hands (Isaiah 49:16). Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished”, and so it is (John 19:30). The assignment was completed. The blood of the Lamb without spot or wrinkle has been sacrificed for all time (1 Peter 1:19).

Therefore, if you have made a decision to enter the covenant relationship available to you by the blood of Jesus, cry out in thanksgiving. God is committed to YOU!! May He find you and me faithful.

Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate

Once again, the Lord brought a moment as only He can and does. Someone came into my office with a ministry-related question and in the course of it, seemingly by accident, shared the concern and heavy burden that was presently weighing down their heart.

As surely as I’m human – of flesh, blood and bone- I found myself one hundred percent relating to their serious concerns. Though situationally different, the truth God reminded us of IN THE MOMENT was this: PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT FEAR!!

The calling of ministry is hard work! Life is hard work and few of us do it as well as we’d like. Yet, one day at a time, we rise up determined to bring our best to bear in all of our comings and goings, in all of our doings for the Lord’s glory and our present joy!

But then, something from our past raises its ugly head demanding our attention; something which has circled in a corner of our consciousness for days, months…and now, it’s time to pay the piper. Yes, it’s time to take care of the issues that can no longer be ignored. What to do?

The first instinct of our flesh is to push “play” on the jumbled reel of our history and see all the mistakes, the lost opportunities, the moments we coulda, woulda, shoulda. If only we had or hadn’t. The tape rolls on and the enemy has a party at our expense. Why? Because he has convinced us to forget WHOSE we are! We take this feature film of past woe and succumb to fear and stinking thinking! We forget to remind ourselves of this truth: the Spirit of Truth abides in us. Therefore, WE CAN FUNCTION IN FAITH rather than fear!

Do your worst, devil! We shall not be moved! Abba Father, Sovereign God, did not give us a spirit of fear! Nope! He gave us a spirit of POWER, and of LOVE and of a SOUND MIND!

So I ask you/us: what is the thing that demands attention or has demanded your attention which has been ignored, pushed aside as something to do LATER? Well, today is our later! Let’s choose today to let LOVE HIMSELF abide and cast out the fear that has kept us from wanting to do what is required of us to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God!

Let our doing (whatever it is) testify of the LORD!

Has He not brought us up out of the miry clay and set our feet upon THE ROCK?! Has He not redeemed us from the house of bondage! Dear ones, the LIVING WORD is calling us to remember now! We have all seen and tasted the righteousness of the LORD, the love of GOD! What can come before us to ever separate us from Him! Nothing!!

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God! ~ Micah 6:8

Stephanie

Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An “instrument of change” in the Redeemer’s Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America’s Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.