Today I’ve set aside time to write Victory Calls. So here I sit….waiting…waiting for something…any amount of motivation will do. There’s got to be something in this old heart and mind.  But, alas, I get nothing – nothing at all.
How can it be that I am drawing complete blanks and have nothing to say wherein to encourage my sisters to live in visible victory before the face of God?
          Dear sisters, the above inner dialog took place on a gray, humid, sometimes sunny day that I was feeling pretty good inside. It was my 30th anniversary after all.
          Sitting in the center of my desk – a beautiful bouquet of white, tinged with red roses. Evidence of the fact, that my husband didn’t forget-to-remember that I was/am the bride of his youth. I felt healthy and strong, in spite of many aches and pains.
          Yet I could think of nothing to write. And then, I remembered a song from our Sunday morning worship to the Lord; “He Knows My Name”.
          This song represents continuous healing in my heart for it reminds me of my Heavenly Father’s unfailing, faithful, all the time, always past, present and future love for me His mess of a daughter.
          No hoops to jump through to get it, no shame, no condemnation, not a speck or hint of rejection for non-compliance or non-performance. Simply perfect love personified in the Person of my Savior Jesus!! Now that is something worth sharing!
          So here for your edification, encouragement and remembrance are the words to a simply beautiful song which touches my heart each and every time I hear it because I know, that I know, that I know I am deeply and infinitely loved by my Father God and He knows my name.
          Dear ones, wherever you are today, know this: Your Father loves you, sees you, hears you and knows your name!

He Knows My Name

I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands

I have a Father
He calls me His own
He’ll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call (1)

Stephanie

Stephanie Paul serves as part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America’s Keswick as Director of Women’s Addiction Ministry. She has been married for almost 30 years to Sesky Paul who is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy. Stephanie serves alongside him as Care Group leaders in their church. They have two grown children.
Her single focus in ministry at Keswick is to image Christ in grace and truth to wounded and hurting women, encouraging them to make Jesus the truest Lover of their soul and the One in whom all hope lies.
1 http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/t/tommy_walker/he_knows_my_name.html

          My husband has wonderful qualities, gifts and talents. Most things that have “assembly required” written on them tend to be a bit challenging for him. I watched him put together a small outdoor table and even helped when I needed to hold a table leg in placed while he aligned the screw and tightened it. However, at the end there were a few small pieces that were leftover. I was told they weren’t “leftovers” but they were “spare parts”! I asked Dave what the little pieces were for and he told me they were supposed to be placed between the table frame and the glass top. I asked if he read the directions first and he said that he had but he overlooked that part. Well, the table is functional and the part seems to be insignificant in regards to use of the table ….for now. I don’t know if normal wear and tear will tell a different story!
         At my next Bible study we reviewed some things that we have been learning about aspects of David’s life from 2 Samuel and 1&2 Chronicles. The three main points I have been learning are that David inquired of the Lord, he listened and then he obeyed. I know that I often miss one of those steps. I don’t stick to the instructions. I think I am obeying only to find out that was just my flesh. I wait when I should move. I talk when I should listen. I do and then ask. AND I end up with leftover things I don’t know what to do with! I end up with more to do simply because I didn’t follow the instructions in the first place!
          1Chronicles 14:10-13 David inquired of God and obeyed what he heard.
          1 Chronicles 14: 14-16 David inquired of God again and he obeyed what he heard.
          Today, inquire, listen and obey. When we follow the simple (not easy) instructions we save ourselves from having to deal with the leftovers.
          Blessings,
 Kathy Withers

 Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 27 years.  They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and has taught Sunday School and Bible Studies for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.

 

How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.  There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number – living things both large and small.   (Psalm 104:24-25 NIV)

      When I was in Cape Cod on vacation I was able to go out on a whale watch.  It wasn’t my first trip out, and it probably will not be my last time to go whale watching.  I was again not disappointed as the whales played and waived their tails at us like they were showing off.  This time as we were coming up on different whales the guide would begin to name it or them.  I looked at the lady next to me and almost in unison we said… “How do they know their names?”  As if the guide heard us he then preceded to tell us that whales are most commonly identified by their tails, (the coloration of the ventral surface of their flukes.)       

          You see, whales have different tail patterns ranging from all white to all black. A whale’s tail patterns are like human fingerprints – no whale has the exact same pattern, just like no human has the exact same fingerprint as another human. Each one is unique to the individual.  All I could think of as I listened and observed each whale I was taking pictures of was – that’s just like our God Who created them!  How can we not believe in a God when we learn that even non-humans were each created different and unique?  In Genesis we learn the animals were named… I figure that meant – that’s a whale, that’s a raccoon, that’s a deer, etc… but now, I’m thinking they were actually named.  Creation screams there is a GOD! 
           For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse (Romans 1:20 NIV).
         If God took so much effort to make whales different and know them by name… How exciting it is to know that that same God tells me that He knows me by name.   There is nothing that escapes God’s knowledge and ability to pick me out from the rest.  God doesn’t miss what is going on in my life… I am clearly identified by Him, my Creator.  That is the kind of God I have looking out for me. My Creator has given me an identity different from all others.  Not just whales, but humans… we are each fearfully and wonderfully made.  That is the same God who is looking out and watching over you. 
           Scientists can follow whales as they migrate and swim the vast seas.  God watches over us no matter where we are or what is going on in our lives.  Because He made us, designed us and marked us… there is no place where we are hidden from Him.  I don’t know about you, but to me that is fantastic news and news that allows me to rest in Him.  I am never alone… 
           If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the seah; even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me (Psalm 139:9-10).
     
Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor

Would you consider being a part of our STAND IN THE GAP campaign for 2014?  Our goal is 1,000 people that will partner with us for January, February, and March, which are some of our toughest financial months. Each STAND IN THE GAP partner will make one $25 gift each month for 3 months in addition to their normal giving.  This will bring in $75,000 towards our first quarter expenses.  This is perfect for partners that already give or for people that would like to give but cannot make a long term commitment.  Sign up today at http://www.americaskeswick.org/706332.ihtml . Thank you in advance for your partnership.  Come STAND IN THE GAP WITH US.

 

          I have been using a 21-day devotional written by a friend of mine, Trisha Roselle.  The title is 21 Day Fast to Break the Cycle of Unbelief.  With her permission I will be sharing from Day Three of those devotions.

          Do you have weeds in your garden or in an area of your yard where you simply do not want weeds?  We sure do and although I do not like to do the weeding, I really do not like to see those weeds.  So the only way to get it done is to get press on and do the work required.  God, in His goodness, as only He can, used those weeds recently to bring deeper understanding to a devotional I read.

          On Day 3 of the devotional, Trisha challenges the reader to apply God’s daily plan for us in Joshua 1:8 – “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (NKJ)

          Trisha writes, “The Word of God is seed.  When we plant the words of God in our hearts, we will produce a Word harvest of good things God has for us in our lives.    We can CHOOSE to speak the seed of God’s Word, or we can speak the seed of Satan’s lies – whatever word seeds we speak WILL PRODUCE.” 

          Just as Trisha encouraged those who read her book, I want to encourage you to ask the Lord to reveal what seeds have you planted in your heart.  I am confident that the Lord will reveal those seeds that need to be cut out and uprooted like the ugly weeds choking off life in the natural garden in our yards.  Once we submit to this work, and the weeds are cut off and uprooted we can move forward and start growing a healthy harvest.

          Let’s get to work:
1. Ask the Lord to reveal to you the type of seeds implanted into your soul that need to be removed.
2. Repent of the revealed seeds like doubt, unbelief, murmuring, complaining, bitterness, pride, rebellion, disobedience etc.
3. Receive Forgiveness.  Remember 1 John 1:9, “If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins-make a clean breast of them-He won’t let us down; He’ll be true to Himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God-make a liar out of Him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.” (The Message)
4. Renounce the lie or lies that you have believed.  For example you may have to renounce the lie that you will always be rejected.  Repent for believing that lie.  Forgive those who contributed to your receiving that lie.  Forgive yourself for believing that lie.
5. Meditate upon the TRUTH.  God desires to heal you – spirit, soul and body.  He came to give us His beauty for ashes. (Isaiah 61:3)  Let go of the lies and declare the truth with your mouth.  Speak truth over yourself.  You are more than a conqueror. (Romans 8) You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.  (Philippians 4:13)
6. EXPECT a good HARVEST!!

          Patricia L. Wenzel
          WOC Graduate

NOTE: To purchase your copy of 21 Day Fast to Break the Cycle of Unbelief by Trisha Roselle call King of Kings, 219 Mt Airy Rd., Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, (908) 630-8755; www.hisworship.org

Would you consider being a part of our STAND IN THE GAP campaign for 2014?  Our goal is 1,000 people that will partner with us for January, February, and March, which are some of our toughest financial months. Each STAND IN THE GAP partner will make one $25 gift each month for 3 months in addition to their normal giving.  This will bring in $75,000 towards our first quarter expenses.  This is perfect for partners that already give or for people that would like to give but cannot make a long term commitment.  Sign up today at http://www.americaskeswick.org/706332.ihtml . Thank you in advance for your partnership.  Come STAND IN THE GAP WITH US.

 

          I was reminded once again about the value of personalizing Scripture by inserting your name or the name of a loved one into the verses you are reading. Currently I am reading Psalms. The Psalms are a great place to start to learn this practice. I will even write the verses out in this way just to give myself a picture of what I am reading. Here is Psalm 23 personalized:
          I, the Lord, am Kathy’s shepherd, she shall not want. I make her lie down in green pastures; I lead her beside quiet waters. I restore her soul; I guide her in the paths of righteousness for my name’s sake. Even though Kathy walks through the shadow of death, she does not fear evil for I am with her. My rod and staff, they comfort her. I prepare a table before her in the presence of her enemies; I have anointed her head with oil; her cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving-kindness will follow her all the days of her life. She will dwell in my house forever.
          Please know that I do not seek to change the Word but only hear it in a way that is personal. Not all Scripture can be or should be personalized in this way. I do not seek to write the Kathy Withers Version (KWV) of the Bible.  I am only reminded that God still speaks to our hearts through His Word and it is alive and active in our lives today!
          Blessings,
          Kathy Withers

Would you consider being a part of our STAND IN THE GAP campaign for 2014?  Our goal is 1,000 people who will partner with us for January, February, and March, which are some of our toughest financial months. Each STAND IN THE GAP partner will make one $25 gift each month for 3 months in addition to their normal giving.  This will bring in $75,000 towards our first quarter expenses.  This is perfect for partners that already give or for people that would like to give but cannot make a long-term commitment.  Sign up today at http://www.americaskeswick.org/706332.ihtml . Thank you in advance for your partnership.  Come STAND IN THE GAP WITH US.

 

          I have been using a 21-day devotional written by a friend of mine, Trisha Roselle.  The title is 21 Day Fast to Break the Cycle of Unbelief.  With her permission I will be sharing from Day Seventeen of those devotions.

          Nehemiah is one of my favorite books of the Bible.  I so appreciate the attitude, heart and perseverance Nehemiah displays.  Trisha used his story to address the challenge we face rebuilding lives in need of healing and restoration.

          Nehemiah was given an assignment to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.  He therefore went out and surveyed the broken walls in the city, made an honest assessment and sought the Lord for His plan to rebuild.  Of course, once he and the people made the decision to rebuild the walls they met opposition every step of the way.  Sound familiar??

          Many of you reading this know only too well that when we attempt to make changes in our lives (like breaking off doubt, unbelief, bitterness, resentments, anger, etc.), the enemy will ridicule, resist and ultimately discourage us in order to stop our forward progress.  He loves to attack our mind with lies.  But ladies, we MUST resist those lies, as did Nehemiah, if we want to walk in healing and wholeness. 

          When the enemy continued to harass, using Sanballat and Tobiah, his goal was to get Nehemiah and his team to compromise and back down.  But Nehemiah knew what he had to do.  He cried out to God for help praying, “Hear, O our God, how we are despised!  Return their reproach on their own heads and give them up for plunder in a land of captivity.” (NAS)  His prayer was not from a place of doubt or unbelief but rather he was fervent, passionate and quite specific.  It was still a VERY hard work but Nehemiah and the people were going to do whatever it took to complete their assigned task and restore Jerusalem. 

          The enemy of our soul is no different today than in the days of Nehemiah.  His goal is to prevent you from walking into your God-planned destiny.  He loves to cause confusion and frustration.  He doesn’t want the rebuilding to take place so you can walk in victory.  He delights in getting us ensnared in blaming, murmuring, and complaining so that we become bitter and walk in unforgiveness. 

          But we are women who are daughters of the King of kings.  We can refuse to give in to the schemes of the enemy of our soul.  Even when we are worn out, let’s press on as Nehemiah and his team did.  Pray, receive strategy from the Lord and act on that strategy. 

          Nehemiah was told to station armed guards at the most vulnerable places of the wall and assign people by families with swords, lances and bows.  Each family had to learn to war on behalf of their own.  The Lord desires YOU to WAR for your freedom and destiny in Christ with VICTORY in mind.  “Do not be afraid of them, remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.” (Nehemiah 4:14b) 

          Ladies, let us get our minds on the MASTER, not on our situation.  God will frustrate the plans of your enemy as you keep your eyes on HIM!!   Station armed guards (HIS WORD) at the most vulnerable places in your mind.  Surround yourself with people who will stand positively with you ready to lift up their sword (HIS WORD) in agreement with your destiny in Christ Jesus. 

           Let us pray:
“Ah, Lord God!  Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm.  There is nothing too hard for You.” (Jeremiah 32:17-18) 

          Oh Lord, I thank you for YOUR goodness!  I declare today, “there is nothing too hard for YOU.”  I choose to fix my eyes on YOU instead of my problems.  You are the great I AM, El Gibbor, Mighty God, Champion, Warrior!!

Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate

NOTE: To purchase your copy of 21 Day Fast to Break the Cycle of Unbelief by Trisha Roselle call King of Kings, 219 Mt Airy Rd., Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 (908) 630-8755; www.hisworship.org

Would you consider being a part of our STAND IN THE GAP campaign for 2014?  Our goal is 1,000 people who will partner with us for January, February, and March, which are some of our toughest financial months. Each STAND IN THE GAP partner will make one $25 gift each month for 3 months in addition to their normal giving.  This will bring in $75,000 towards our first quarter expenses.  This is perfect for partners that already give or for people that would like to give but cannot make a long term commitment.  Sign up today at http://www.americaskeswick.org/706332.ihtml . Thank you in advance for your partnership.  Come STAND IN THE GAP WITH US.

 

 

          “then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped…”   Is. 35:5
          Recently I was watching a news clip of a small child about 3-4 years old – who was deaf from birth – hear his first words, “Daddy loves you, buddy.”  I cannot adequately describe the shock, surprise and pleasure on this precious child’s face. His mouth flew open, his hands flew to his face, and his eyes were as big as saucers begging the question, “WHAT IS THIS?” 
          Yes, the brilliance of skilled doctors figuring out the mechanics of God’s design that they could wire his brain to hear what his ears could not. Yet there is no doubt it was God that allowed them to discover this technology. It was God that unstopped this boy’s ears and allowed him to hear his daddy’s voice. 
          Isn’t God amazing?  Isn’t God good? Praising Him today for His love and care for children. 
          Blessings,
          Diane Hunt

Would you consider being a part of our STAND IN THE GAP campaign for 2014?  Our goal is 1,000 people who will partner with us for January, February, and March, which are some of our toughest financial months. Each STAND IN THE GAP partner will make one $25 gift each month for 3 months in addition to their normal giving.  This will bring in $75,000 towards our first quarter expenses.  This is perfect for partners that already give or for people that would like to give but cannot make a long term commitment.  Sign up today at http://www.americaskeswick.org/706332.ihtml . Thank you in advance for your partnership.  Come STAND IN THE GAP WITH US.

Now the leper on whom the sore is, his clothes shall be torn and his head bare; and he shall cover his mustache, and cry, “Unclean! Unclean!”  (Leviticus 13:45)

           According to levitical law, a person with leprosy was condemned to be an outcast not only by the world but by all his or her friends and family.  Never to be touched or included in any family or social activity.  They were outcasts from the temple as well…never able to worship God as was commanded.  Wherever they went they were under the levitical law and had to cry out “Unclean!” as a warning to all.  There was no way to hide it or disguise it. People would look upon them with fear, disgust and loathing.  How heartbreaking…..
         Jesus never shied away from anyone.  He loved spending time with outcasts, sinners or those who were labeled “unclean.” Jesus loved them, spent time with them, touched them and taught them.  But He never turned His back on them.
           And it happened when He [Jesus] was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”  Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him (Luke 5:12-13).
           The “unclean” were Jesus’ favorite people to hang out with and He received a lot of condemnation for it from the Pharisees, Sadducees and religious leaders.  And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2).
          Jesus saw beyond the illness, the sin and the ugliness.  He loved them and offered Himself to them through His love, His touch, His healing and His forgiveness.  He was never too busy, too freaked out by what He saw or too disgusted by the sins that held them captive.
          Who are the “unclean” in our society today?  The addict?  The sex offender?  The thief? The adulterer?  The murderer?  They are no longer under the obligation to cry out “Unclean!” yet don’t we still treat them in the same manner as in biblical times?  If the “unclean” walk into our church, do we go to the opposite side of the church?  Do we ignore them, shun them or turn up our noses at them?
          What if we put on biblical glasses and saw them through the eyes of our Savior Jesus? How different would they look?  How would we minister to them?  Would we love them with the love of Jesus?  Would we embrace them and introduce them to Jesus?
 What a different world this would be….want to try on a new pair of glasses?

MaryAnn  Kiernan

Colony of Mercy Intake Manager and Writer for “Real Victory for Real Life”  365 Devotional Thoughts in the Spirit of America’s Keswick VOLUME 2
 To order a copy of “REAL VICTORY For REAL LIFE” 365 Devotional Thoughts in the Spirit of America’s Keswick, forwarded by Dr. Joseph Stowell visit  www.americaskeswick.org  and click on store. 

 

          “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marveleous light.”  1 Peter 2:9

          For every child of God who has been regenerated by the Spirit of God – that is, made alive in the Spirit – is part of the chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession. Why?  Yes, to fulfill His plans and purpose. In this verse it says that His purpose is that we may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us.

          So the question is – How much proclaiming are you doing?   I’ve heard the quote, “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words.” That makes all us chickens feel good but to proclaim His excellencies sounds like words are necessary. I think if we really grasped the amazing work Christ did for us and God’s transforming power and grace in our lives we could not help but proclaim His excellencies. Yet, I don’t.  Why don’t I?  Fear. We allow fear to have it’s own way rather than to tell others of His excellencies.

            Will you pray and ask God to send one person across your path this week that you can share His excellencies with? 

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt is part of the Development and Addiction Recovery teams at America’s Keswick.  In addition to being a Biblical Counselor, she is a Women’s speaker for retreats, conferences and events.  She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. She has been married to her husband John over 28 years.  She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all.  She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.  

 

          “…he caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading kept in heaven for you…” 1 Peter 1:3-4
          Living in a season of economic instability, high prices, mounting debt, and uncertain futures – this reminder is a balm of Gilead to the soul.  We don’t know what tomorrow holds – more bills, less money, higher interest, raising taxes – but we can be certain that God firmly holds our future forever with Him.
          He has secured our inheritance (if we are saved) that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. If every day, every hour, we checked the newspaper to see how our heavenly inheritance was fairing, it would always show us it was solid – never wavering – never at risk – never declining.  God Himself has made the deposit through His Son and sealed it with His Spirit. 
          We have a LIVING HOPE…and a GREAT IMPERISHABLE INHERITANCE.

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt is part of the Development and Addiction Recovery teams at America’s Keswick.  In addition to being a Biblical Counselor, she is a Women’s speaker for retreats, conferences and events.  She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. She has been married to her husband John over 28 years.  She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all.  She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.