Have you considered your year-end giving options? If Victory Call has encouraged you, would you please encourage us with a year-end gift for the ministry of addiction recovery. You can donate online (www.americaskeswick.org) or call 800-453-7942. Thanks for your consideration.

Did you ever notice how we sometimes say “AMEN” to indicate our agreement with something someone says? For example, the Pastor during a sermon may say something that really strikes our heart and we agree with either an audible or silent AMEN!! By that we mean, “Yes”, “I agree”, “Let it be so.” But when the service is over, we go home and forget all about it.

I want to challenge us to start living the AMEN. What I mean by that is that we give more than lip service to the truths that we hear. It’s easy to agree, but how are we allowing those truths to change us, to make a difference, to draw us into greater obedience?

It’s easy to fall into habits that become less and less meaningful over time. Let our AMEN be more that a habit or an emotional response to truth. Let our AMEN be a true, enthusiastic agreement and embrace of the truth of God. When God’s Spirit prompts our spirit with a revelation of truth, let’s not allow it to be a momentary experience of agreement, but rather a life-changing experience of obedience.

My question to you today is, are you living the AMEN?
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 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Deuteronomy 13:1
“If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams.”

There is a warning here for discernment. Just because a prophet or dreamer of dreams accurately communicates a future event, and it ‘comes to pass’ does not mean necessarily that they were sent from God.

The real test requires that that which they foretold is accurate AND that it fits with the Word of God. If the event is not validated by Scripture, flee sister flee. I did not say if the prophetic word or dream validated Scripture because God’s Word is true and does not need validation. But events are open to interpretation. For a word to be from God it must meet two criteria – one: it must come to pass and two: it must be validated by Scripture. We interpret our experience through Scripture not Scripture though our experience.

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 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all of the words of this law.

We have many questions – why is there cancer? Why is there Alzheimer’s? Why are there floods, hurricanes and typhoons? Why do children die way too young? Why do some reject Christ and chose hell? Why? Why? Why?

There are some things, indeed many, many things that in our humanness we do not, cannot understand – the secret things belong to the Lord. Knowing that God is sovereign and good, not just sovereign and not just good, but both sovereign and good, we can believe, trust, and rest in knowing God knows all things and in His economy it all fits.

That is not to say we don’t struggle, question or grieve — we are, after all, human. But not all things are secret. God has revealed much through His Son Jesus – the Living Word, and through the Bible – His written Word.

God is knowable, not comprehendible. “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.” Psalm 139:6

Though we don’t understand the secret things of God, we do have those things revealed to us, and it is those things we are to obey.

Isn’t it good to know that God is greater than we can imagine or comprehend?

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 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Today, as I was driving to work, I was practicing my memory verses for the week. Along with a few others at America’s Keswick, this has been a life-impacting journey that I have been on this year.

At the beginning of the year the President and CEO of America’s KESWICK issued a challenge to the entire staff. We were given a charge to intentionally commit Scripture to memory. Granted, there was an added perk of a carrot dangled before us. Yet, in my mind, this in no way diminished the fact that the Word of God would be hid in my heart and the heart of many others. Some have tried to minimize this exercise by pointing out the fact that it’s being done for the proverbial carrot. Regardless, my conscious is clear before God, in part, because this challenge was brought to us; we didn’t seek it.

God’s Word commands us to hide His Word in our heart. I know that, for me, as a believer and follower of Christ, to do so is great reward on many levels in and of itself. On an earthly level, the reward, if looked at through the eyes of the flesh, is seemingly shallow and entirely material. In other words, it’s all about me. However, through the eyes of faith, it is simultaneously of major benefit to my soul (on every level) and is the only food from which my spirit derives lasting reward and eternal benefit. Therefore, from a perspective of faith, it is all about the Savior who blesses whom He blesses however He chooses!

Try as they might, no one will ever be able to take that away from me/us or ever conceive of a way to undo the Word hidden more deeply in my/our heart this year purely as a result of being challenged.

I wish I’d thought to do this before, but the truth is I didn’t think I had the ability to commit so much of God’s Word to memory! Who knew? God certainly did and what He has shown me about Himself and about my own heart this year is priceless.
At the same time I have sought and gained the rewards found in the Word, there has also been the realization of much indwelling sin and strongholds that God by His Spirit wants to tear down and demolish.

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O LORD!
Teach me Your statutes.
With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth.
I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.”
~Psalm 119:11-16

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.

John 1:6-14
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Points to Ponder
Oh, the love of Christ, to come to the very people He created and to be rejected. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. This phraseology is difficult to wrap our minds around but by faith we accept the truth. Jesus came to earth to offer a gift. The best gift ever offered and it’s free.

If you have been enjoying the Victory Calls this year, as many have shared with me when I’ve seen you, may I ask you to stop for a moment today – Christmas Eve – and ponder the Christ Child. Perhaps you know Jesus Christ personally and have experience a new spirit, a regenerated spirit or in other words are born again. For others of you, this is foreign thinking; you are not sure what it means. If you would like to be born of God, as our verse for this week references, but don’t know how or you have questions, please email or call me or one of our Victory Call writers; we would love to share with you. Only those that have received and believed are called children of God. Are you in the family? If you are not sure, please contact us.

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 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
*(There is some overlap from last week just to add clarity.)

The Victory Tree: an opportunity to support the men in the Colony of Mercy. This year we have made available sponsorships for the men in the Colony. It costs the ministry of America’s Keswick $65 a day per man. If you would like to sponsor one (or more) man for a gift of $65, we will send you a Keswick collectible tree ornament as our thank you. The ornament has a tag with information about one of the men in the Colony. We ask that you pray for that man for the next 30 days. The funds go to the Colony of Mercy fund. This is a great way to partner with us to make the men’s Christmas special. To sponsor a man, please contact Guest Services at 732.350.1187 ext. 10 or visit our website http://www.americaskeswick.org go to the Support drop down menu and click on “Give Now” – in the Designation box – indicate “Victory Tree” and we will mail your ornament to you. Thank you for your partnership both financially and in prayer. Merry Christmas, Diane
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A little while ago I arrived at work and within moments was greeted by a brother (in the faith) who was a previous resident in the Colony of Mercy Addiction Recovery program. We chatted for bit, about family and the blessing of God in our lives, then we bid each other farewell giving glory to God for everything.

As I continued on into my office I couldn’t resist a smile as my heart warmed over that simple exchange. The word that immediately leapt to my mind was FAMILY. Simply because God saw fit to bring me to this place called Keswick, I have a bigger family of sisters and brothers than I could ever have imagined. They come in all shapes, sizes, tones, hues, traits, characteristics, personalities, etc., and I get to call them family!

Dear sisters, once again it’s the time of year where many of us will be gathering with family. For some this will be a long anticipated time of joy. Yet for many others it will be a time filled with anxiety and dread as well as much sorrow.

The reasons for the joy and the sorrow are as varied as the individual. The details of each situation can evoke strong emotions as memories from the past bringing laughter and tears.
Be it sorrow or joy, my encouragement to you is to pause and see the bigger who and whom of your family. See God in the very center of it providing for you, His child.

If your sorrowing is due to loss, be it divorce or death, and you are feeling alone and lonely, see the reality of FAMILY and rejoice! Be glad with the provision God has given you, knowing that even now, in the midst of the sorrow you experience His favor. You, dear one, are most certainly not alone!

“You will notice we say “brother and sister” ’round here,
It’s because we’re a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.”

Chorus
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God.
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God.”1

No matter what, let’s each one of us purpose to keep the Christ in Christmas; to keep each other in prayer; to remember that all is not well for some of our brothers and sisters and one of them may need us to be “Jesus with skin” for them. In other words, they may need us to be FAMILY.
More than anything else, let’s remember to praise God!!

“My soul, praise the Lord, and all that is within me, praise His holy name. My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits. He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with goodness; your youth is renewed like the eagle. The Lord executes acts of righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He revealed His ways to Moses, His deeds to the people of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and full of faithful love.” ~~Psalm 103:1-82

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.

DIGGING DEEPER
John 1
14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

1 http://my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis2/family.html
2 http://www.biblestudytools.com/csb/psalms/103.html

The Victory Tree: an opportunity to support the men in the Colony of Mercy. This year we have made available sponsorships for the men in the Colony. It costs the ministry of America’s Keswick $65 a day per man. If you would like to sponsor one (or more) man for a gift of $65, we will send you a Keswick collectible tree ornament as our thank you. The ornament has a tag with information about one of the men in the Colony. We ask that you pray for that man for the next 30 days. The funds go to the Colony of Mercy fund. This is a great way to partner with us to make the men’s Christmas special. To sponsor a man, please contact Guest Services at 732.350.1187 ext. 10 or visit our website http://www.americaskeswick.org go to the Support drop down menu and click on “Give Now” – in the Designation box – indicate “Victory Tree” and we will mail your ornament to you. Thank you for your partnership both financially and in prayer. Merry Christmas, Diane
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Did you ever feel really sorry for the those in our world who celebrate “x-mas” every year? Do you wonder what the hustle and bustle must be like for those who are going through the tradition of celebrating gift giving and partying just because it is “holiday time”? It must be so empty.

This year I would like to place a challenge before you and myself. Seek the Lord as to how you might serve the world by bringing Christ into Christmas. For God so loved the world He sent His only begotten Son (John 3:16).

I know He has a plan and if we ask, He will reveal it. I am NOT talking about the old “invite the unsaved to church” tradition. That is surely great but I am talking about reaching people where they are. Something new, something positive, something fruitful, something prayed for and covered in prayer.

Below is a link to a video for your prayerful consideration. It reveals what one group of people did. Enjoy. And please do let us know what God revealed to you and what you did to bring Christ to the world this Christmas.

http://www.youtube.com/user/AlphabetPhotography

Blessings to you and yours this Christmas,
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate

DIGGING DEEPER
John 1
9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

The Victory Tree: an opportunity to support the men in the Colony of Mercy. This year we have made available sponsorships for the men in the Colony. It costs the ministry of America’s Keswick $65 a day per man. If you would like to sponsor one (or more) man for a gift of $65, we will send you a Keswick collectible tree ornament as our thank you. The ornament has a tag with information about one of the men in the Colony. We ask that you pray for that man for the next 30 days. The funds go to the Colony of Mercy fund. This is a great way to partner with us to make the men’s Christmas special. To sponsor a man, please contact Guest Services at 732.350.1187 ext. 10 or visit our website http://www.americaskeswick.org go to the Support drop down menu and click on “Give Now” – in the Designation box – indicate “Victory Tree” and we will mail your ornament to you. Thank you for your partnership both financially and in prayer. Merry Christmas, Diane
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“Let Christ Live”

Over the past couple years, God has been patiently been teaching me and reminding me to trust Him in an area I’ve been struggling with for a long time ~~ my time and timing. I’ve tried numerous times and various ways without success in mastering it. Some people call it “time management”; I like the phrase “time efficiency” better.

My conclusion ~~ It’s all part of submission and faith; giving over my “trying” to manage my time and seeking God’s “time efficiency” by trusting His direction for accomplishing the tasks that are before me day by day, moment by moment. Am I 100% there yet? No! Do I still have times of struggling with time? Yes! Will I ever be 100% “time efficient”? I doubt it!! But I am coming to know His peace in the busyness of my life.

Especially at this time of year I, we, can become overwhelmed with much to do, and neglect to keep focused on Christ’s birth and the reason for His coming to earth ~~ to die for our sins and to be our Savior. This is the Gospel, not only God’s Plan for our salvation, but also our ongoing transformation into Christlikeness (Romans 8:29).

How does this tie together with my “time efficiency” need? ~~ As I trust the truths of God’s Word and speak them to myself, I am reminded of His Grace defined as God’s unmerited favor for my salvation and also, His divine enablement. “God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you having all sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). And, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” My need…His grace.

Dr. Charles Solomon, while speaking at America’s Keswick to some of the staff, said, “Let Christ live.” He was referring to the Victorious Life Message of which Galatians 2:20 speaks, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” As I seek to put self aside and seek His mind, His Spirit will guide me. 1 Corinthians 2:16, says I have “the mind of Christ” to guide me. Something I’ve learned though is that I must listen and be obedient, or I can get into big trouble. As He directs, I must just “do the next thing”. I thank Elisabeth Elliot for sharing that phrase once when I heard her speak; first, pray about all that you have to do, she said, and then just “do the next thing” as God directs your thinking.

A scripture that brings peace to my life, Philippians 4:4 – 7, says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understand will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Another scripture verse that I came across a few years ago and claimed as my “life verse” is a reminder to me of Who is in charge and I have personalized it. “Yet for (me) there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom I live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom (I) live” (1 Corinthians 8:6).

“Let Christ Live”…

An exercise found in Devotional Classics has been helpful to me also: “…. rely on the strength of God…. Allow Christ to rescue you. Resolve not to resolve, but instead, resign.”1 (emphasis mine) See Romans 7:21 – 8:2. I’ve added some other “r” words to the list as reminders of how to live in victory: to break bad habits – renounce Satan’s control and reclaim surrendered ground, then relinquish to Christ sins, hurt, guilt, anger, bitterness, hatred, and resentment through confession and repentance~~ the debt had been paid! ~~ This is Grace!! ~~ This is Victory!!

These things I must continue remind myself and ask Christ for~~ His strength, His peace, His love, His mercy, His grace, all for His Glory!!

“Let Christ Live!!!”
DeEtta Marsh

DeEtta Marsh is presently serving as Women’s Ministry Assistant P/T, and with her husband, Stan, asCoordinators for Families For Christ ministry to Colony of Mercy residents and wives, and Colony Graduate Couples. Serving the Lord on Staff at America’s KESWICK since summer, 1995. Wife, mother, teacher, grandmother of 8.

DIGGING DEEPER
John 1
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

1 Devotional Classics, edited by Richard J. Foster & James Bryan Smith, HarperSanFrancisco, p. 57

The Victory Tree: an opportunity to support the men in the Colony of Mercy. This year we have made available sponsorships for the men in the Colony. It costs the ministry of America’s Keswick $65 a day per man. If you would like to sponsor one (or more) man for a gift of $65, we will send you a Keswick collectible tree ornament as our thank you. The ornament has a tag with information about one of the men in the Colony. We ask that you pray for that man for the next 30 days. The funds go to the Colony of Mercy fund. This is a great way to partner with us to make the men’s Christmas special. To sponsor a man, please contact Guest Services at 732.350.1187 ext. 10 or visit our website http://www.americaskeswick.org go to the Support drop down menu and click on “Give Now” – in the Designation box – indicate “Victory Tree” and we will mail your ornament to you. Thank you for your partnership both financially and in prayer. Merry Christmas, Diane
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This is it. The final Digging Deeper verse this year. If you have tracked with us, you have meditated on a number of verses that will continue to bless your heart over the coming months and years. This is a very familiar portion of Scripture. Pray and ask God to give you fresh eyes to see.

John 1:6-14
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Commentary:
“John begins his gospel with a tremendous statement about Jesus Christ: on these truths his whole case rests. In him (the Word) God speaks to man. He is the most perfect and complete expression of the Person of God we can ever know. He is far and away above all humanity – God’s executive in creation. When God spoke (see Genesis 1), his Word brought life itself into existence. And it was this Supreme Being who became man – the man we know as Jesus Christ. His life shone out – and still shines – against the darkness of a world which failed to recognize him. But to individuals who give him their allegiance he makes available all God’s loving forgiveness…. And he makes a new, transformed life possible..

John (6): John the Baptist … the herald sent by God to tell people of the coming Christ and prepare for his arrival.

Verse 14: John may be thinking especially of the transfiguration – the time when he and Peter and James saw something of Jesus’ supernatural spendour (Matthew 17:1-8).” [Eerdmans’ Concise Bible Handbook pg. 303]

*(There is some overlap from last week just to add clarity. )

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 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.