“To God be the Glory, great things He hath done!” Remember that, when you share about Christ with others.
You get the joy, He gets the glory! It is not what you did, it is what He did on the cross. However, you can’t forget or describe the face of a child or an adult who prays to receive Christ. John 1:12; Romans 6:23

As I mentioned in my last Victory Call, I have received great joy as God has given me the opportunity to help others to understand how they can receive Christ as Savior. Some have been children in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, or other youth programs. My husband and I worked with the youth ministry at our church and we saw many young people give their heart and life to the Lord. One blessed memory was here at Keswick’s Youth Conference: a sixteen year old girl prayed with me on her knees. I was her counselor. I know she continues to serve the Lord in her church and in her family. She married our son, and we love her very much.

I still write to many and have seen some Christians who went on to missions. Today they are leading others to Christ themselves. Our youngest son and his wife and family will go to Macedonia in August to tell others of Christ. Pray for them. All our children love and serve the Lord. Could we ask for a greater gift?

I’m getting excited as I think back. Please don’t think I am bragging – just praising!! God is good, and to think He could use someone like me to serve Him in any way is awesome! He can use you, too. I have to tell you I received a collect call from a young man in prison. He wanted me to know that he remembered accepting Christ in Sunday School. He had gotten away from the Lord. Now at thirty-four he met a Christian while in prison that was able to talk and pray with him. Then, there was an older lady, my roommate in the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, who had witnessed the love of my family and friends as they visited. She listened as they prayed for me, and she wanted to learn more about Jesus. Four days after she accepted Christ, God took her home. I’ll never forget her name – it was Gertrude – my Mom’s name, too! They are together with Jesus in Heaven.

The last one I’ll share is my own granddaughter. She recently gave me her testimony she shared before her baptism. While with her mother at an early age, she asked Jesus into her heart. Later at age ten she wanted to be sure, so she prayed with her grandmom. I remember that day, right here in the bedroom of my home at Keswick. God has blessed our family. We have had many trials, but how He has loved us and directed our paths. Proverbs 3:5-6. I trust you are letting Him direct yours.

Dottie

One of the greatest joys a Christian can experience is for God to use you to help someone else learn of Christ and have them accept Him as their Savior. John 1:12

The other night I had difficulty going to sleep. Earlier in the evening I had talked to two of my grandsons, ages 13 and 15. They had just returned from a six-day missions trip to Philadelphia with some of their youth group and leaders. It was an area where drugs were bought and sold. Grant and Tyler were excited to tell me of the tracts and Bibles they gave. They were especially happy about some children who prayed to receive Jesus in their hearts. God used the youth group for His glory. He kept them safe and brought them home with the names of the children to keep in their prayers. They had given out not just Bibles, but verses to read and learn, such as: John 3:16; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12.
They told the children, “Take a Bible home and tell others about Jesus!”

I, too, took the names of the children, and that night was the night I had difficulty sleeping. So I started to pray! First, I thanked God for His goodness and for His love for our family. I especially thanked Him for safety for the boys in an unsafe neighborhood. I prayed, and I prayed for many, and I cried some, too. I forgot about my sleepless night!

Then God brought to my mind the precious experiences of leading some to Christ over the seventy-three years He has given me. I know how my grandsons feel! They will never forget those children, and I pray they continue to want to serve the Lord.

I’d like to finish this in a third Victory Call and tell you a few more joys in leading others to Jesus – joys that you, too, can have. As I was writing this, God brought names and faces to my mind, and I plan to have some great times of prayer! I might forget all the names, but God never does! The great thing is that some of these same people now continue to pray for me. One is my own daughter-in-law, and another is my own granddaughter. Thank You, Lord!

Dottie

While looking at the book of Mark, chapter 3, verse 16, I read the words, “These are the twelve He appointed.” It lists all the apostles Jesus picked. The twelve were chosen that they might be with Him, and that He might send them out to preach and teach. The last man listed is Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. How this must have saddened Jesus!

Think about Judas. He had seen Jesus, but didn’t know Him as Master; He heard Jesus, heard Him preach and teach, but didn’t understand Him. He also had “religion”, but didn’t have a real relationship.

Max Lucado, my favorite writer, writes in one of his books, “Judas never knew the heart of Christ.” I add, “He pretended to be a follower, but instead became a betrayer. He chose to be used by Satan!” Read the many verses in the Bible of Judas’ life: Matthew 10:14, 26:14-56 and also other verses in John, Luke, and Acts. Judas ended his life by suicide. What a waste! He was chosen by Christ to be His disciple to serve Him, but instead allowed Satan to rule!

Have you given your heart – your life – to Christ? John 3:16 tells just how much He loves you. Has He chosen you to tell others about your salvation, about His death on the cross for you? Please be sure you have a true relationship with Jesus – John 1:12 – not just a religion.

Our prayer should be, “Lord help me to have a deeper, truer relationship with You. Help me to be a witness to others as You use me to serve You by teaching others the gospel.”

My next Victory Call will be thoughts on prayer and winning others to Christ. What a joyous privilege I’ve had in this!

Dottie

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY……”I am TOO BUSY!” A dangerous arena to find yourself!

“Beware of the barrenness of a busy life”
Dr. William Culbertson, past president of Moody Bible Inst. would quote this to us as students.

He would warn us lovingly of this danger….and a danger it is, especially in today’s 21st century. He knew that most of the students he was speaking to were going into full time ministry…..and he cautioned us over and over.

Today it appears that busyness is essential in our service for Christ and His Church.

Revelation 2:2-4 God commends the church at Ephesus …..then He admonishes them…

– They were performing good deeds
– They embraced pure doctrine
– They persevered in serving

BUT

THEY HAD LEFT THEIR FIRST LOVE

In the midst of our ministry/service/career we need to ask ourselves has busyness become a substitute for our “first love”?

Can you recall the sweet intimacy you had with Christ when you first came to know Him…..? Take inventory today….are you too busy for sweet time with Him. Make time, Spend Time WITH your FIRST LOVE.

BEWARE OF THE BARENNESS OF A BUSY LIFE

betsy shoppy

A few months ago my husband surprised me with a wonderful gift. I have thanked him repeatedly, almost every time we take it for a drive. He said that it was all worth it when he saw the surprise on my face and my reaction to such a gift.
One night as we were driving to the boardwalk for a walk, I thanked him once again. The following conversation ensued:
D: “I am really enjoying this”
J: “I’m enjoying it just as much.”
D: “I doubt it, how can that be?”
J: “I’m just really enjoying watching you enjoy yourself.”

HMMMMMMM.

You may recall a Victory Call I wrote a few months ago about Jesus enjoying the benefits of His labor– 6.29.06. My husband’s comment caused me to picture Jesus enjoying watching us enjoy our salvation. Enjoying this free, exciting gift which He has given us – eternal life with Him. As a believer we are saved, redeemed, cleansed, justified, adopted, chosen, empowered, freed, and forgiven among many other things. Are you enjoying your salvation? Are you thanking Jesus regularly for such a wonderful gift? Is Jesus enjoying watching you enjoy His gift to you?

He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.” Isaiah 53:11

Diane

From Victim to Victory

I’ve recently been thinking about how easy it is for us to remain stuck in a “victim mentality” rather than live in victory through Christ. Each one of us has sinned against someone else, but I also know that each one of us has been sinned against also. Some hurts are so deep that we walk around with our wounds, ready to rip open the bandage and show anyone who will look so that they can know of our pain and perhaps comfort or sympathize with us. We forever walk around with a placard that says, “I’ve been betrayed, abandoned, cheated against, abused (physically or emotionally)” or what ever, you can fill in the blank. We have a tendency to take our hurts first to our family or friends and then at some point to God.
I can just see our heavenly Father waiting for us to bring all our wounds to Him. His arms are opened wide ready to comfort and give us His strength. Matt. 11:28- 30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and by burden is light.” He is the only one who will listen anytime night or day. He is the only one who can truly comfort us. He’s the one that stands ready to take us from victim to victory. It’s not that we are to forget what has happened, but God takes our pain, hurts, and suffering and transforms it to treasure, for His glory. And we can claim victory through Christ. Our pain no longer defines who we are; it is just included in the fabric of our life to make us who we are.
I remember, ever so clearly, before I was a Christian walking around, downcast all the time, saying to just about everyone, “Why me? Poor me.” My teen sons were spiraling out of control in the drug world I was in pain, miserable, and hurt. I beat myself up for being a bad Mom and wife. But after I gave my heart to Jesus, I began to continually cry out to Him and surrender my life, my sons and my marriage to Him daily. I took it back many times but I was determined to keep giving it to Him. I had come to know He was the only one who could give me or my family victory.
Romans 8:28 became my reality. “We know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” God is in the business of transforming lives as they are surrendered to Him. Not only has my victim status has been transformed to victory, but He has transformed my pain for His purposes. Who but God!

Mary Ann

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.1 Peter 3:15-16

You may recall a few weeks ago I shared about the gift from my Heavenly Father of a new-to-me car. God’s provision for me has been perfect. And the story goes on: Upon receiving a new car I sold my old car. It wasn’t for much but it was definitely a help financially. In addition it was an opportunity for witness. The young couple that purchased it didn’t seem to know the Lord but they knew where I lived and worked. When it came time to sign over the title the husband asked me if I could put a different price down than what they paid so he could avoid paying the taxes. I said I couldn’t lie and put down the wrong amount. He didn’t look very pleased with me but his wife appreciated my honesty since I had explained to them what I was aware the car would need before they purchased it. I saw the disappointed look on her husband’s face and felt I had to say something. I said; “You know, I told you the truth, to the best of my knowledge, about the condition of the car I just sold you. Tonight I can lay my head down to sleep knowing I did what was right. I have always found that blessing follows truth.” By the time we were done his wife was blessing me! It’s amazing to me how the enemy can come in and with one “small” compromise mar the name of a believer, the Lord Himself and a ministry. What if I had lied? What does that say about me, about Keswick, about Jesus? How could I ever tell them about Him? By not compromising my testimony I believe I did tell them about Him.

Dina

Praying for a Post Card…..
Psalm 17:6 (New International Version) “I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.”
Have you ever wondered how someone is doing and a day or two later you got a postcard in the mail saying…”Hello”, Just wanted to drop you a line to let you know we are in Florida having a wonderful time”. Or maybe you just get a postcard out of the blue saying “Just wanted to drop you a line to say hey and see how you were doing.”

Isn’t it a real treat to get a post card. Some people love them so much that they collect them. What is it about postcards? A little piece of cardstock with a picture or saying on it and a very short note about something – oh how this makes us so happy!

Many times in my life I have prayed for something and wondered what was happening regarding that particular something. One day while I was praying I was getting frustrated in waiting for my answer (now we are not to get frustrated with the Lord and yes there are times He will make us wait) but I asked Him to send me a postcard at that time in my life I needed a little hope, light, encouragement or direction – I needed a postcard.

Ever since that day when I am in need of a little encouragement, some direction or some light at the end of the tunnel, I ask the Lord to send me a postcard.

I have shared this with many women and they have been encouraged by this. I think we all know the feeling of needing just a few words to help us keep going.

How is your prayer life? Do you talk to the Lord often? Does He know the desires of your heart (of course He already knows) but have you verbally shared them with Him.

When I pray and then ask for a postcard I just can’t wait to get one from the heavenly mail system now….it is really awesome to see the little notes that He sends my way.

Ask for a post card today.
2 Samuel 7:27 (New International Version)
“O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you.’ So your servant has found courage to offer you this prayer.”
Psalm 17:6 (New International Version)
“I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.”
Ezra 8:23 (New International Version)
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.”
Lynn

Heritage…

This is an excerpt from an email a relative sent me:
Sunday Dinner for Italians:

Sunday Dinner is at 1 o’clock.
It is and unwritten law that no one is ever to attempt to eat Chef Boy-are-dee, Franco American, Ragu, Prego or anything else in a jar or can (tomato puree & paste is the exception).
Meatballs are made with pork, veal and beef. We are Italians; we don’t care about cholesterol.
Turkey is served on Thanksgiving, AFTER the manicotti, gnocchi, lasagna and soup. (not all, but at least one).
If anyone EVER says ES-CAROLE, they’re wrong – it’s “SHCAROLE.”
When you came home from church, you stuck half a loaf of bread in the gravy pot and sneaked out a fried meatball.
The meal went like this…
Table is set with everyday dishes…doesn’t matter if they don’t match…they’re clean, what more do you want?
First course, antipasto…change plates.
Next, macaroni (all forms of pasta are called macaroni)…change plates.
After that, roasted meats, roasted potatoes…change plates.
THEN and only then (NEVER AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MEAL) would you eat the salad. (extra virgin olive oil & vinegar dressing ONLY)…do not change plates…it is better all together.
Next, fruit and nuts in the shell.
Coffee or espresso, with hard cookies (biscotti) to dip in the coffee, or Italian pastries.
The kids go play… the men go lie down (they sleep so soundly you could perform brain surgery on them without anesthesia)…the women clean the kitchen.
If you share an Italian heritage you know exactly why I had to laugh when I read this. It is so true!
Tradition is a funny thing isn’t it? You do what your mom did, she does what her mom did and so on it goes…
But it’s good to remember and feel a part of something way bigger than just you.

God’s word is full of memorials and heritage. The Lord wanted us to remember the things he was doing and teach the heritage of His ways to the children He gives us. When we are adopted into the family of God we inherit the heritage of a lifetime and of eternity. Amen?
Ladies let’s make sure we’re passing down more than the lasagna recipe!

For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name. (Psalm 61:5)

Dina

Tones……we think of music, both voice and instrumental, but have we ever thought of our voice tones when speaking to others, about others, or just general conversation.

The tone of our voice says a lot about us and the type of individual we are. It often reflects what is in our hearts. Are we a forceful, adamant, in charge, assertive, angry, impatient individual or are we gentle, kind, loving, compassionate person. The list could go on and on.

Our voice should reflect what God has done in our hearts and lives…..called GRACE. Scripture “tells us that as a man thinks in His heart so is He.” Prov. 23:7

Phil. 4:8 “Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are of good report if there be any virtue, and if there be an praise, think on these things.”

Let’s check our hearts and what we are thinking because it does come forth from our mouths in our voice tone…..

b. shoppy