I was recently at the Tenth Avenue North concert at America’s Keswick. The lead singer of the group has a great testimony of God’s redeeming power in his life that landed him on the stage (platform).  During his time of sharing he made this statement:

“LIVE LOVED”.

      Periodically we get complaints that some of the Victory Calls are too long. Well, not today, girls, not today.

“LIVE LOVED”

      Live today as a woman loved and cherished by our Creator; loved and cherished by God Himself – loved and cherished personally and intimately as His daughter-loved and cherished as His bride. 
      If you can, say this out loud, “Today, by God’s grace I will LIVE LOVED.” Say it to yourself as often as God brings it to mind today.

“LIVE LOVED”

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 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.  

Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda. Proverbs 25:20

      Grief comes in many ways and forms.  When an individual loses a parent, child, friend, or spouse, it is extremely hard and heart-wrenching.  We can’t avoid it, IT HAPPENS. Grief throws us on a journey that takes us individually in many different directions.  Each individual’s journey is different; no one has the exact same journey.
 
      Proverbs 25:20 refers to a garment being taken away in cold weather…this is a loss…..a needed item has been taken from a person.

      How much more when an individual that we loved and depended on, to meet and fill many of our needs, is gone…..what do we do then?  It is an emotional and natural instinct to feel the need of another individual…their presence is gone and there is a personal loss.  The relationship we had with them is now gone…..this is a loss and we no longer feel needed.

      Grief can cut to the bone, but we need to remember in the journey of grief the only thing that we can rely on, trust in, is the comfort of God’s Word and the promises He gives to us.  We must claim them, memorize them, lean upon them totally.  He is faithful to enable us to continue the journey with His precious Word. 

      It is like the garment has been replaced, when we allow our sorrow to turn to joy by emersion in His precious promises. I  can tell you from experience, victoriously,  it is by constantly claiming His promises and applying them to the circumstances you face minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day. Remember the words of Jesus, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”  (Hebrews 13:5c). 

Betsy Shoppy,
Widow of former staff memberDave Shoppy

Good Morning dear Victory Call sisters! Here is another devotional I’m choosing to share with you, written by another. When I read it recently, I must confess, I saw myself all too clearly over and over again and at the end I was so thankful for the God Whose mercy and grace have saved a sinner just like me. I’m forever grateful for the Cross which saved and sanctifies me. I’m thankful that Abba Father is faithful to complete the work He has begun in me. Dear ones, He’s committed to molding and shaping us into the image of His Son, so that, like David, we would be women who are after His own heart!-Stephanie P.
     
      Just Like David
“Aren’t you glad you’re not like David, such blazoned sin, how could he?
Aren’t you glad you’re not like Saul, making up his own rules, what was he thinking?
Aren’t you glad you’re not like Cain, violence against his own brother?
Aren’t you glad you’re not like Rebekah, such planned deceit?
Aren’t you glad you’re not like the Israelites, so easily seduced by idols?
Aren’t you glad you’re not like Absalom, how could he be so jealous?
Aren’t you glad you’re not like Elijah, how could he forget God, be so depressed?
Aren’t you glad you’re not like Nebuchadnezzar, how could he be so obsessed with power?
Aren’t you glad you’re not like Samson, how could he be so easily deceived?
Aren’t you glad you’re not like Jonah, how could he run from the Father’s call?
Aren’t you glad you’re not like the Pharisees, so religiously right, yet spiritually wrong?
Aren’t you glad you’re not like Judas, selling the Messiah for a little bit of silver?
Aren’t you glad you’re not like the Corinthians, so much better at division than at serving the Lord?

But wait.
You are like them, and so am I.
There’s simply no denying it. Their stories are a mirror into which we see ourselves.
We too are jealous and easily deceived.
We too are proud and obsessed with power.
We are better at division while we run from God.
We too get angry and get seduced by idols.
In sorrow we must say, we stand with David, and Saul, and Rebekah, and Jonah, and Elijah, and the rest.

These stories are for us to look into and see ourselves, so that we aren’t able to buy into the lie of our own righteousness.
But instead, run to His mercy, hold onto His unfailing love, and finally rest, in His great compassion.
Aren’t you glad you can step out of the darkness of self-deceit, and admit who you are?1″~~Paul David Tripp

Stephanie Paul

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://paultripp.com/wednesdays-word/posts/just-like-david

Today we conclude the topic of applying modesty from the first portion of a brochure called: Modesty Check List written by Carolyn Mahaney and others.

Before you leave the house, do a modesty check. (What are some things you should look for as you stand in front of your mirror?)

Starting at the top…
* When I am wearing a loose-fitting blouse or scoop-neck, can I see anything when I lean over? If so, I need to remember to place my hand against my neckline when I bend down.
* If I am wearing a button-down top, I need to turn sideways and move around to see if there are any gaping holes that expose my chest. If there are, I’ve got to grab the sewing box and pin between the buttons.
* The same check is needed if I am wearing sleeveless. When I move around, can I see my bra? If I do, I need the pins again.
* Am I wearing spaghetti-strap, halter-top or see-through blouse? Not even pins will fix this problem! Most guys find these a hindrance in their struggle with lust. It’s time to go back to the closet.
* Can I see the lace or seam of my bra through my shirt? In this case, seamless bras are a better option.
* More key questions: Does it reveal any part of my cleavage? Does my midriff show when I raise my hands above my head? Is my shirt just plain too tight? If the answer is “yes” to any one of these questions, then I need to change my outfit.

Moving on down…
* Does my midriff (or underwear) show when I bend over or lift my hands? If so, is it because my skirt or my pants are too low? Either my shirt needs to be longer or I need to find a skirt or pants that sit higher.
* I also have to turn around to see if what I’m wearing is too tight around my derriere, or if the outline of my underwear shows. If so, I know what I have to do! * And for my shorts – I can’t just check them standing up. I need to see how much they reveal when I sit down. If I see too much leg, I need a longer pair.
* The “sit-down” check applies to my skirt or dress as well. And I must remember to keep my skirt pulled down and my knees together when I’m seated.* And speaking of skirts, watch out for those slits! Does it reveal too much when I walk? Pins are helpful here.
* Before I leave, I need to give my skirt a “sunlight check.” Is it see-through? If so, I need a slip.* Finally, I must remember to do this modesty check with my shoes on. High-heels make my dress or skirt appear shorter.
* And don’t forget – this all applies to formal wear as well.* A note on swimwear: It’s not easy but you can still strive to be modest at the pool or beach. Look for one-piece bathing suits that aren’t cut high on the leg or and don’t have a low neckline.1

* 1 This is part two of a two part series from the Modesty Check (c) Sovereign Grace Ministries Republished in Girl Talk: Mother-Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womanhood by Carolyn Mahaney, and Nicole Whitacre (Crossway Books)~~ used with permission. If you are interested the Modesty Heart Check brochure, it can be found in PDF form as a free download at:
http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=A1170-06-59.

Today is day three of our series on Modesty and we’re going to journey back to last year. Diane Hunt has written a series on Modesty that can help us as we seek to apply it to our own daily lives. It’ll be posted in two parts, so stay with us!!

Diane writes:
I found this Modesty Heart Check brochure very insightful and helpful. I pass it along in two parts for your consideration and edification:

Modesty Heart Check

By Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw

“…Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness-with good works.” 1 Timothy 2:9-10

Start with a heart check…

“How does a woman discern the sometimes fine line between proper dress and dressing to be the center of attention? The answer starts in the intent of the heart. A woman should examine her motives and goals for the way she dresses. Is her intent to show the grace and beauty of womanhood? Is it to reveal a humble heart devoted to worshipping God? Or is it to call attention to herself and flaunt her beauty? Or worse, to attempt to lure men sexually? A woman who focuses on worshipping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearance.” John MacArthur [Emphasis added]

* What statement do my clothes make about my heart?
* In choosing what clothes to wear today, whose attention do I desire and whose approval do I crave? Am I seeking to please God or impress others?
* Is what I wear consistent with biblical values of modesty, self-control and respectable apparel, or does my dress reveal an inordinate identification and fascination with sinful cultural values?
* Who am I trying to identify with through my dress? Is the Word of God my standard or is it the latest fashion?
* Have I asked other godly individuals to evaluate my wardrobe?
* Does my clothing reveal an allegiance to the gospel or is there any contradiction between my profession of faith and my practice of godliness?1

1 http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=A1170-06-59.

          Yesterday’s Victory Call I posed a couple of questions relative to modestly adorning ourselves as women.  Today my desire is define the word “modesty.”

          So what, exactly does the word modesty mean? According to Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary of the American Language, “modesty” defined is:
          “Properly restrained by a sense of propriety; hence, not forward or bold; not presumptuous or arrogant; not boastful; as a modest youth; a modest man. The word may be thus used without reference to chastity or decency. ‘The blushing beauty of a modest maiden.’ Not loose; not lewd. Not excessive or extreme; not extravagant; as a modest request; modest joy; a modest computation”.1
     
      Here’s more:
“Modesty is that lowly temper which accompanies a moderate estimation of one’s worth and importance…assuming less of itself than others are willing to yield, and conceding to others all due honor and respect, or even more than they expect or require. Modesty as an act or series of acts consists in humble, unobtrusive deportment, as opposed to extreme boldness, forwardness, arrogance, presumption.”
          “In females the word is used also as synonymous with chastity or purity of manners. In this sense, modesty results from purity of mind, or from the fear of disgrace…unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of their honor.”2

          Wow!! When I opened the dictionary I had no idea all of the above would be under the heading of modesty.
          I know there is a certain redundancy to this definition my sisters and all I can say is, it’s warranted! If I didn’t see what I see so regularly, I could let it pass. If I wasn’t aware of the times when I too am less than modest-from the inside out-I wouldn’t bother.

          We make a mistake to presume only the appearance of modesty. The above verbiage goes below the surface to the heart of the matter and dares to address possible intention and character.

          Tomorrow we will move on to the practical application of modesty. Until then, ponder this question: Are you willing to be transparent and real and brutally honest with yourself?

Stephanie Paul

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 American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster 1828, 8th edition, published by the Foundation for American Christian Education in 1995

          Yippee! Spring is here! Summer is coming! I’m glad because the flowers bloom! Cool mornings give way to warm afternoons. The trees once again bear new leaves! Everything in nature shouts, “Spring is here!”  Apart from the sights, sounds and smells of Spring, I love that I get to wear lighter clothing.

          Everywhere I go now I see people who’re also shedding their clothing. Just as the flowers, plants and trees reach for the warmth of the sun, so too does the human body long to feel the comfort of a gentle breeze and the delicious soothing touch of the sun on bare skin. Again I say yippee!!

          Rejoice and be glad in all that the Lord created and told us, is good! Do it with all your might!! And…and, while you do that, let’s not lose sight of modesty. In other words, in taking off the heavy clothes of Winter, let’s be careful and intentional NOT to take off too much. Can I get an Amen!!

          Every year we take a week of Victory Call devotions to focus on Modesty. Our united desire in writing Victory Call-generally speaking-is to call all women upward and onward toward living visibly victorious in Christ.

          Before people ever get to see our heart and life they will lay eyes on our form, our outward appearance. This too is an area that we must always seek “visible victory” for the glory of God. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

          As daughters of the Most High, let’s never be guilty of giving occasion to the flesh to parade itself before men. Let’s say yes and amen to holy, holy, holy! We represent Christ in all things, including the way in which we are willing to be exposed to the eyes of the world, in our outer garb.

          Before you go the way of stinking thinking and dismiss this VC as prudish or old-fashioned, before you get defensive, please read on. Ask yourself a simple question, “Am I blameless in this area?” Put another way, “When I purposefully dress myself in the morning, do I dress for the Lord or do I adorn myself for the praises of men, for the eyes of men, for the attention of men or women for that matter?”

          Most of us would be quick to say, “No way!! I’m a married woman! I’m engaged! I’m single and saving myself for the man the Lord may bring to me one day, and I want his eyes to be the only eyes that see any hint of my female parts.” To all those potential responses I say, “Praise the Lord!”

          Then I’ll ask another question: if your response was anywhere in the realm of the above, does a long steady examination in your own personal mirror reflect the same?

          Tomorrow, we’ll continue this discussion with the definition of modesty. It’s so easy to presume and assume that, just because we’re “Christians” we innately and inherently understand what modestly looks like. I beg to differ.

          Experience and daily observations reveal the truth. Some of us really don’t know. And some of us really don’t care. And those of us who do know and care don’t have a clue how to approach or tell our sisters who don’t.

         So, be patient. Stay with me for the next few days as we carefully and lovingly talk about modesty.

Stephanie Paul

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.

Consider this: the vey thing that God wants to do is the very thing He does not do and perhaps will not do until the very second that we obey.

Are you enslaved by something? Are you in captivity to a lifestyle, state of mind, etc…?

Is there anything God has told you to do that you have not done?

Know this: If you/we are His, He has given us victory over that thing and over our flesh.  All we need to do and what is up to us to do is to OBEY!! Run to Abba! Confess! Repent! And then OBEY!

Are you bitter? Forgive.
Are you lazy and slothful? Get moving!
One step, one moment, one day at a time!

When God’s chosen people were in captivity He sent His servant Moses to tell Pharaoh to set His people free. In spite of his insecurities and his stutter, Moses did as he was told.
He obeyed God. Unfortunately for him, Pharaoh was a knucklehead. It wasn’t until God showed this enemy a thing or two…seven to be exact (along with taking his first-born son) did Pharaoh release what did not belong to him in the first place. But, within a very short period of time he wanted to take back what he had been forced to release.

Fast forward – Moses is standing on the edge of the Red Sea, on the edge of certain doom. Moses and all his people were hedged in, behind and before. What does He do? He obeyed God! In spite of his fear, his doubt, his confusion or his unbelief-he obeyed God!! 
And then God did what only He could have done-He parted the Red Sea!! Yep!! Our God who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above anything we could even think to ask, did and continues to do the impossible. And, dear sisters, He does it right on time! He doesn’t do it on our terms. He doesn’t do it our way. He moves according to the good pleasure of His own Holy and perfect will.

Is there something God is asking you to do? What is your response?

Selah
Stephanie Paul

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.

Part 4

Today we are going to review the brief account of a woman whose story is recorded in Luke 2:36-38.  Her name is Anna.   We know she was of the tribe of Asher.  Asher means happy.  Genesis 33:24-25 tells us that the blessing on the tribe of Asher was that they were the most blessed of all the sons of Israel, they were favored by the Lord.  Anna was the daughter of Panuel.  She was a prophetess.  She appears to be a living example of Hebrews 11:6 – “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (NKJV)

Anna’s life likely didn’t seem so happy nor did she likely seem favored by God by her friends or family.  You see, Anna’s husband died after they were married only seven years.  From that time on this young widow dedicated herself to serve the Lord in prayer and fasting in the temple.  I wonder if she felt like she walked in the favor of the Lord when she became a widow?  Honestly, it doesn’t matter, because regardless of how she felt, or even how others thought about her, the Word clearly tells us she did not depart from the temple.  She was faithful.  

“Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” (Luke 2:36-37, NKJV)

One day while she was in the temple, Mary and Joseph came to the temple to dedicate Jesus.  Upon seeing Him the Word says “…she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38b, NKJV)

Anna spoke, as did Zacharias, “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people…”(Luke 1:68, NKJV)  Dear ones, by faith, Anna at age 84, had the eyes to see and declare Jesus the redemption of Israel.  Can you picture the scene….a new baby arrives and Anna is blessed with the most amazing gift, she sees and recognizes that this baby is the redemption of Israel.  She was surely favored by God to be so blessed.

Dear one, do you want the Lord to increase your faith?  I know I do.  Do you want to read His Word and get fresh revelation by Holy Spirit?  I know I do.  I would like to suggest that our faith will increase as we hear the rhema Word of the Lord (Romans 10:17).  Let us press on in our study of the Word and ask Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds to the fullness of His Word that FAITH might increase.  Oh yes, dear sisters, let FAITH arise and the enemy of our souls be shattered!! (Ps. 68:1)

Blessings,

Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate

For further study on FAITH may I recommend:
Restoring Your Shield of FAITH by Chuck D Pierce and Robert Heidler, Regal Press.

Part Two

Yesterday we looked at the story of Sarah, a woman who is listed in the hall of faith in Hebrews 11.  Today we are going to look at a young girl who God would raise up to save the nation of Israel.  Her name is Esther. 

You may want to read her whole story in the Bible.  It is truly an amazing story.  For our purposes today we will look at Esther 4:11 – 5:2.  When we begin Esther is considering the request Mordecai has made.  Although he is her cousin, he took Esther as his daughter and cared for her when she was made an orphan.  Esther loves Mordecai and she knows he has a father heart for her.  But he is asking her to go before the kKing.  The king may be her husband, but she is still not permitted to go before him unless he calls for her.  Should she go to him when he hasn’t invited her, he may put out the golden scepter, but if he does not put out the golden scepter she will surely die.  Here is her response to Mordecai:

11All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days.” 12 So they told Mordecai Esther’s words.

Let me pause here for a moment.  Esther knows that a decree has gone forth from the palace that all the Jews shall be killed.  Her cousin Mordecai believes Esther is the only one who can save the Jewish people.  Esther seems filled with fear.  Who wouldn’t be…she knows how ruthless these people can be.  She is young and has found herself in the palace, serving as queen to the people who hold her people captive.  Now lets read on…

13 And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
I can almost feel Esther say – “Ouch”.  Conviction comes, revelation comes, Holy Spirit courage comes and Esther shifts from a place of fear to amazing faith, wisdom and courage.
15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”
17 So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him.[a]
5:1 Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, across from the king’s house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house.[b] 2 So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter.

Satan loves to attack God’s people with fear.  Dear one, in this world we are in a battle for faith.  At times it seems we have to fight for the revelation and wisdom we need to face the challenges of life.  It was clearly wisdom that led Esther to call for the body of believers to assemble in prayer and fasting.  Together they created a prayer shield of faith that extinguished the flaming arrow of fear.  God released the strategy to Esther and He used her to save a nation. 

FEAR is a natural feeling of alarm caused by the expectation of imminent danger, pain or disaster.  Fear can hinder and prevent us from advancing into God’s plan for our life.

FAITH is an expectation that God is faithful.  It expects that God will keep His promise.

Whatever your challenge today, don’t give in to fear.  Lift up your shield of faith.  Call on a few of your friends in Christ to pray for you.  Lift up your shield of faith again and extinguish fear!! (Eph. 6:16)  Declare and believe that the promises of God are YES and AMEN (2 Cor. 1:20). He will never leave you or forsake you (Deut. 31:6).

Be blessed,
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate

Scripture given is New King James translation from www.biblegateway.com