LIVING AT HEADQUARTERS

"As a disciple I must be rightly connected at all times with my headquarters. Paul gives the location: 'Seek those things which are above . . . Set your affections on tings above' (Colossians 3:1-2). Heaven is the nerve center of everything that controls my life, or the life of the church, or even the life of the world. Just as a soldier 'lives' in the mind of his commanding officer, so I must live in the mind of Jesus Christ. Phrases like 'independent operation,' 'unilateral action,' and 'self-devised plan,' never occur in the vocabulary of the military man. He waits for the signal from the proper authority, then he moves.

My failure in many areas of my discipleship stems from misinterpreting the signals from my command post. Sometimes I have read my own desires into the command and acted as if the command were mine. Sometimes I simply could not hear the signal because it was drowned out by the interference of the world! There is only one cure for failure: STAY CLOSELY TUNED TO YOUR COMMAND POST! I must not be distracted by earthly activities, rumors, or fears. I even must not let frontline action dictate my next move.

If I live in my headquarters, that is, keep my mind in heaven and what is going on there, it will make a vast difference in my behavior on earth. I wonder how many 'important things' on earth are really important in heaven? How many things that I consider essential are really peripheral? Does heaven worry about the things that vex and worry me? Are they top priority with God? If I could only visit my command post and visibly see what is top drawer to my Commander, I think I would come back with a complete reversal of my priorities. This I must do, for I am a man 'under authority,' the authority of my Commander in Chief, Jesus Christ."

Good words from the pen of Pastor W. Glyn Evans in his daily devotional, DAILY WITH THE KING, published by Moody Press

Your feed back is important. I'd love to hear how Freedom Fighters is encouraging you.

TWO DAYS IN A ROW . . .

For two days now the following verse has appeared in my daily quiet time readings . . . "Great peace have those who love Your law, and NOTHING causes them to stumble!" (Psalm 119:65)

I thought that it was interesting that these two verses came up after our Supreme Court made the decision to not allow the Ten Commandments to be displayed at various places in our country. Unfortunately this is another step indicating the dangerous path we are walking as a nation. God help us!

David gives us to precious promises to anchor our lives on in relationship to God's Word. He promises GREAT PEACE and the ability to live VICTORIOUSLY in this ever-changing, crazy world. The Psalmist doesn't say we just have PEACE -- we have GREAT PEACE. The peace that He gives is not explainable by the world. It is the peace that gets us through the difficult circumstances in our lives. Many of you have experienced it -- PERFECT PEACE in the midst of a storm in your life.

Can I remind you this morning that

He is the LORD-Of -PEACE (Judges 6:24)

He is the God of all peace (Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20)
He loves to bless His people with peace (Psalm 29:11)
He gives PERFECT peace (Isaiah 26:3)
He gives peace that TRANSCENDS all human understanding and comprehension (Philippians 4:19)

No wonder David wrote that we those who love His law (Word) has GREAT PEACE. And that WORD will KEEP YOU FROM STUMBLING . . .

Good words to ponder today.

SEVEN KEYS TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE

Dr. Nathaniel Branden, a California doctor, suggests that there are seven keys to a happy marriage:

1. Frequently say, "I love you!"
2. Be physically affectionate, holding hands, hugging, cuddling.
3. Express your love sexually.
4. Verbalize your appreciation and admiration.
5. Share your thoughts and feelings, learning to self-disclose what's on your minds and hearts to each other, confiding in each other.
6. Express your love materially, giving little gifts to each other.
7. Create time alone together.

from Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes by Morgan

So how do you rate your marriage this morning? Purpose in your heart to work on one of the seven keys.

Have a great day!

PRACTICAL TIPS ON LISTENING AND SPEAKING

By Philip Atterbery

1. Listen to what is being said rather than planning the next statements you intend to make.

2. Eliminate distractions such as loud noises, the telephone, the TV, or computer.

3. Repeat what has been said. This helps your wife know you have truly understood what she said and meant.

4. Ask questions if you need something clarified.

5. Stay on the issue being discussed rather than making it personal. I Corinthians 13:5 declares that love keeps no record of wrongs. That means a loving spouse does not bring up old arguments or issues to use in an attack. Statements such as, "There you go again!" or "You always . . ." only create hostility and defensiveness.

6. Remember that love always hopes for the best (I Corinthians 13:7). It assumes the best. Assume that your wife is concerned about what is best for you and herself.

7. Use "I" centered messages. Make statements such as "I feel discouraged," rather than "You make me so mad!" Center upon you own emotions and feelings, but remain on the real issue. The use of "you" during an argument may cause the listener to be defensive and feel
personally attacked.

8. Remember that love is patient (1 Corinthians 13:4). Wait for the most appropriate time to bring up an important issue. Introducing a big issue when your spouse first comes in the door from a long day at work or after a hectic day of running errands is simply not a good idea.

Practical Tips on Listening and Speaking

Romancing Your Wife ... A Little Effort Can Spice Up Your Marriage by
Debra White Smith and Daniel W. Smith published by Harvest House

Good words for your consideration on this 27th day of June, 2005.

A PSALM OF SINGLE-MINDEDNESS

Lord of reality
make me real
not plastic
synthetic
pretend phony
an actor playing out his part
hypocrite.
I don't want
to keep a prayer list
but to pray
nor agonize to find Your will
but to obey
what I already know
to argue
theories of inspiration
but submit to Your Word.
I don't want
to explain the difference
between eros and philos
and agape
but to love.
I don't want
to sing as IF I mean it
I WANT TO MEAN IT.
I don't want
to tell it like it is
BUT TO BE IT
like YOU want it.
I don't want
to think another needs me
but I need him
else I'm not complete.
I don't want
to tell others HOW to do it
but to do it
to have to be always right
but to admit it WHEN I'm wrong.
I don't want to be a census taker
but an obstetrician
nor an involved person, a professional
BUT A FRIEND.
I don't want to be insensitive
but to hurt where other people hurt
nor to say I know HOW you feel
but to say GOD KNOWS
and I'll try
if you'll be patient with me
and meanwhile I'll be quiet.
I don't want to scorn the clichés of others but to mean everything I say including this!
from Joseph Bayly, PSALMS OF MY LIFE

GOD WEIGHS OUR MOTIVES

"How quick we are to question the motives of others, yet we are so slow to question our own! When others harm us, we may assume the worst of intentions. When we are guilty, we even excuse our offenses, concluding that others are far too sensitive! Regardless of how we monitor our motives, God weighs them in His scales of righteousness. It is futile to try to deceive God with our pious justifications, for He sees our hearts.

Is it possible to do the right thing for the wrong reason? Of course! You can attend worship services with a heart that is far from worshipful (Isaiah 1:10-17). Could you show concern for the poor and yet have a heart that is opposed to God? Judas did (John 12:4-8). Could you make
bold statements of love for Christ and actually be aiding the work of Satan? Peter did (Matthew 21-23). Could you offer sacrifices to God and be in total disobedience to Him? King Saul did (I Samuel 13:8-9). Could you pray with the wrong motives? James said you can (James 4:3).

Many things cause us to do what we do. We can be motivated by good things, such as love for God, compassion, generosity, and faith. Our actions can come from unhealthy motives such as pride, insecurity, ambition, lust, greed, guilt, anger, fear, and hurt. It is even possible to do the best things based on the wrong motives. When the Lord measures our motives He looks for one thing: love. All that we do should proceed from our love for God and for others (I Corinthians 13). Take time to look past your actions to what lies behind them. Ask God to show you
what He sees when He examines your motives."

from Henry Blackcap's EXPERIENCING GOD Day-by-Day

Intercessory Prayer

"In this modern day we are, more and more, turning from GOD-APPOINTED means of intercessory prayer and adopting, instead, merely natural agencies for carrying on His work. Intercessory prayer has been shelved. For some reason it is out of date. Our methods, we say, are better, our plans more successful, and so we adopt natural means to bring to pass
the supernatural.
My brethren, it can never be done. We may appear successful; the crowds may come, the altar may be full night after night. Reported results may be broadcasted everywhere. Whole cities may be stirred and mightily moved! And yet when it is all over and two or three years have passed, how little will be found to be genuine! And why? Simply because we have been satisfied with a superficial, spectacular work, brought to pass by natural means. Consequently the truly supernatural has been largely lacking. Oh let us get back to intercessory prayer, the highest form of Christian service, and give God no rest until we have a spiritual outcome."

Oswald J. Sanders

THE CONDITION OF THE HEART

"At any time, the receptiveness of your heart will determine your response to God's Word (Luke 8:5-18). If your heart is like the trampled ground, hardened by the sin of bitterness and unforgiveness, you will be unable to accept a message from God. Though you heart the words of the message, you will remain unchanged. If your heart is like the shallow soil on top of a rock, you will accept God's Word in your mind, but the truth will not penetrate your heart to make a difference in your actions. A heart like thorny soil is a life that is distracted by the cares of the world; the pursuit of earthly pleasure prevents God's Word from taking hold and producing righteousness. The heart that is like good soil received a word from God, applies it, and brings forth fruit in due time. This is the heart that Jesus desires in us, for the fruit will be a Christ like life.

Any time you hear a word from God, whether through Bible reading, prayer, or worship, the WAY you respond will depend on HOW you have cultivated your heart (Hosea 10:12). How do you develop a heart that is good soil? Repent of ANY bitterness, anger, or unforgiveness that is
hardening your heart. Meditate on God's Word until it enters deep into your heart and not just your mind. When you read or hear a word from God, apply it to your life and let God bring His word into reality in your life (Galatians 6:9). Protect your lifestyle. See that you don't
devote all of your energy to worldly concerns, rather than to pursuing your relationship with God. The condition of your heart will vary, depending on HOW you cultivate it. If it was receptive to a word from God yesterday, this does not guarantee it is receptive today! DAILY
prepare your heart for the word God has for YOU!

Good words from the daily devotional EXPERIENCING GOD DAY-BY-DAY by Henry Blackaby

TAKE EVERYTHING TO GOD IN PRAYER

Coming back from vacation for me is worse than all the preparation to go. It seems like every time we go away, we come back to some major crisis or event. Coming back from our trip to Minnesota was no different. I came back with several major things that needed to be addressed, and quite frankly, I started to stress out big time. But I decided to get alone with the Lord and talk with Him about the matters that were of concern to me. He didn't take away the situations that I needed to address, but He sure gave me wisdom, strength, peace, and all the necessary things that I needed for handling them.

At just the right time yesterday, the Lord sent me to a devotional book and I believe led me to a particular passage that I needed to read. Hear these words from Dr. John Piper . . .

"Prayer is the walkie-talkie on the battlefield of the world. It calls on God for courage (Ephesians 6:19). It calls in for troop deployment (Acts 13:1-3). It calls for protection and air cover (Matthew 6:13; Luke 21:36). It calls in for fire power to blast open a way for the Word of God (Colossians 4:3). It calls in for the miracle of healing for the wounded soldiers (James 5:16). It calls in for the supplies for the forces (Matthew 6:11; Philippians 4:6) And it calls in for needed
reinforcements (Matthew 9:38). This is the place of prayer -- on the battlefield of the world. It is a war-time walk talkie for spiritual warfare, not a domestic intercom to increase the comforts of the saints. And one of the reasons it malfunctions in the hands of many Christian soldiers is that they have gone AWOL!"

(from Magnificent Prayer by Nick Harrison published by Zondervan) Thank you in advance for not leaving your post. Please don't go AWOL!

Reminds me of a familiar hymn:

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief's to bear.
What a privilege to carry EVERYTHING to God in prayer.
Oh, what peace we OFTEN forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry EVERYTHING to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble everywhere?
We should never be discouraged, TAKE IT TO THE LORD IN PRAYER!
Can we find a friend so faithful -- Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness, Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our Refuge -- take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.

I needed those words this morning. Maybe you did too!

THE INCREDIBLE CHRISTIAN LIFE

"The Christian believes that in Christ he has died, yet he is more alive than before and he fully expects to live forever. He walks on earth while seated in heaven and though born on earth he finds that after his conversion he is not at home here. Like the nighthawk, which in the air
is the essence of grace and beauty but on the ground is awkward and ugly, so the Christian appears at his best in the heavenly places but does not fit well into the ways of the very society into which he was born.

The Christian soon learns that if he would be victorious as a son of heaven among men on earth he must not follow the common pattern of mankind, but rather the contrary. That he may be safe he puts himself in jeopardy; he loses his life to save it and is in danger of losing it if he attempts to preserve it. He goes down to get up. If he refuses to go down he is already down, but when he starts down he is on his way up.

He is strongest when he is weakest and weakest when he is strong. Though poor he has the power to make others rich but when he becomes rich his ability to enrich others vanishes. He has most after he has given most away and has least when he possesses most.

He may be and often is highest when he feels lowest and most sinless when he is most conscious of sin. He is wisest when he knows that he knows not and knows least when he has acquired the greatest amount of knowledge. He sometimes does most by doing nothing and goes furtherest
when standing still. In heaviness he manages to rejoice and keeps his heart glad even in sorrow.

He believes he is saved now, nevertheless he expects to be saved later and looks forward joyfully to complete salvation. He fears God but is not afraid of Him. In God's presence he feels overwhelmed and undone, yet there is nowhere he would rather be than in that presence. He knows that he has been cleansed from his sin, yet he is painfully conscious that in his flesh dwells no good thing.

He loves supremely One whom he has never seen, and though himself poor and lowly he talks familiarly with the One who is King of all kinds and Lord of all lord, and is aware of no incongruity in doing so. He feels he is in his own right altogether less than nothing, yet he believes without question that he is the apple of God's eye and that for him the
Eternal Son became flesh and died on the cross of shame."

from the writings of A.W. Tozer in his timely classic, THAT INCREDIBLE CHRISTIAN
published by Christian Publications

What an incredible life we have IN CHRIST!

TO SLEEP OR NOT TO SLEEP

Have you ever had insomnia? If not, I trust you never experience it. I have faced some sleepless nights and it is not fun. Sleep aids have become a huge money maker for the medical industry and the pharmaceutical companies. There are sleep clinics and sleep specialists. You can find all kinds of supplements, medications, and gadgets that will help you fall asleep.

The Bible has the answers to life's challenges and has much to say about the topic of sleep. Proverbs has some really neat insight into our need for sleep and rest. Dr. Mark Swenson in his classic book, MARGIN, says this about insomnia . . . "If insomnia strikes, don't panic! It happens
to everybody from time to time, and one or two nights of sleeplessness do not constitute a crisis. What can become a crisis, however, is your REACTION to the experience.

After one or two nights of sleeplessness, a pattern develops. Annoyance turns to fear, then fear turns to panic. And nothing retards sleep like panic. Trying to force yourself to sleep is the surest way of PREVENTING sleep. A persistent pattern of insomnia sometimes begins with exactly this reaction of desperation. 'Sleep is one of the few things in life that cannot be improved upon trying harder,' explains sleep expert Dr. Peter Hauri.

If insomnia is a problem, don't stay in bed awake. Get up, sit in a comfortable chair or lie on the couch, read, write a letter, have a light snack, drink some milk, take a walk, soak in the bathtub, watch television. Don't worry. Consider turning the night into a conversation with God. Pray. Listen. Meditate. Read the Word. Begin a spiritual journal. List to Christian music. And don't forget to thank Him for the special opportunity of this time together. When tiredness begins to
overtake you, retire once again with gratitude for the double blessing of this night: that of fellowship and now that of sleep."

There are some legitimate physical and emotional reasons why some people can't sleep. If you have a persistent problem, you should seek medical attention. But I also encourage you to commit to memory (I'm working on this right now) some of the promises from God's Word about sleep. Here are several that I read in my devotional time this morning:

"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for YOU alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels
charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. When you lie down and your sleep will be sweet. So he gives His beloved sleep." (Psalm 4:8; Psalm 9:9-11; Proverbs 3:24; Psalm 127:2)

Good words to ponder today!

FATHER'S DAY

I have a hard time with Father's Day! I'm being honest with you. I can make it through most holidays, but this one is tough for me. I walked by the card section at Wal-Mart this week and saw all the Father's Day cards. I got a lump in my throat and my eyes filled with tears as I was
reminded that my Dad is in heaven. He is enjoying Father's Day with the REAL Father. How awesome!

I am amazed at the number of men that I have met that have little or no communication with their earthly fathers. Some of you have been through painful times with your Dads, and that makes this day a tough one for you as well. Some of us have been hurt by our Dads and have allowed bitterness to turn into hardened hearts. That robs and sucks the joy out of your life. Your Heavenly Father wants to heal that broken relationship and restore it! The prophet Malachi talked about this day in Malachi 4:6 -- "He will turn the hearts of the fathers to his
children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers . . ."

Today can be a day of new beginnings -- ask your HEAVENLY FATHER to turn your heart towards your earthly father. Purpose in your heart to pick up the phone and call your Dad. Wish him a "Happy Father's Day." Honor your Dad and thank God for him.

Have a great Father's Day.

MINNESOTA WINDMILLS

On Thursday we had the opportunity to get "up close and personal" with one of the hundreds of windmills not being operated in Minnesota. From a distance they don't look that big -- but we were able to stand right beside one. THEY ARE HUGE. I have a picture of my son Zach standing at the base of the windmill and he looks like a little bug next to this enormous structure that has unbelievable power in providing electricity to thousands of people.

As I was standing at the base looking up at the huge propellers, David's words from Psalm 8 came to my mind. I wonder if he penned these words while sitting on a Judean hillside looking into the heavens while tending his sheep at night . . . "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your
name in all the earth! You have set your glory ABOVE the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the some of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet . . . O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!"

You were created by the Master Designer -- the One who calls the stars by their names has called you His own. Wow! Thank You, Lord for your love for me!

Good words to ponder on this Saturday, June 18, 2005.

MONK'S JUNK

One of the things we enjoy doing as a family is visiting antique shops. We have been doing it for years and hardly ever buy anything. We enjoy seeing stuff that our Mom's had when we were kids being sold for ridiculous prices. Simple things like Hershey Cocoa containers that are empty, but now selling for $25.

There was a huge antique store in Sioux Falls called "Monks Junk" that was really cool. It was an old "kwanza" building turned into a store with two floors filled with stuff. The community people laughed about it because they all new that the prices were way to high. How could "junk" be so costly?

When God created Adam, he created him out of dust! Nothing fancy -- dust! And yet think about how important that dust is in God's eyes. He created and fashioned you with his own hands (Psalm 139:13) and then He purchased us with the blood of His only Son (I Corinthians 6:20).

My friend, Pastor Tom Mahairas, reminds me that "God don't make no junk!" You might be discouraged today believing the lies of the enemy that you are worthless nobody. Don't believe the lie! You are of great value to Him.

Read Psalm 139 and thank Him for His care and concern for you.

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GOD'S GLORIOUS PROMISES

There is something very spectacular about the skies in Minnesota. Maybe I have grown accustomed to the smog-filled skies on the east coast, or maybe the skies stand out because there is so much open space. The skies have been just glorious to look at.

We witnessed our first real mid-west thunderstorm the other day and it was something. Nothing to block the view as the lightning streaked across the sky. At the end of the thunderstorm we witnessed a magnificent rainbow that seemed to spring from the earth and shoot straight up to the heavens. (I will try and get the picture on the web site for you to see . . . )

I am reminded that God's magnificent promises can be an encouragement and anchor during the storms of life. While many promises were made to specific people for a specific period of time, the Scriptures are filled with many promises that you can rightfully claim as YOURS! As you spend time reading the Word today, ask the Holy Spirit to show you one of God's magnificent promises. Take that promise and commit it to memory. Meditate on it. Write it in your journal. And even better -- memorize it. Some day that promise will become an anchor in your life when you face a storm.

"Yet he (Abraham) did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised!" Romans 4:20-21

Good words for you to consider today.

TANNER'S APPETITE

I think my grandson has inherited one of my life-long struggles . . . HE LOVES TO EAT! He is doomed if he is not careful. This little-big-guy loves food. He has broken all the rules that our modern-day pediatricians have outlined for a baby's normal food progression. At seven months he eats everything from fruit to pretzels to pizza and, even cheese.

When he sees food, forget it -- he doesn't want you -- he wants the food. He will pout, yell, scream, wail until he gets what he wants. He loves food.

King David, writer of most of the Psalms, wrote an incredible Psalm that tells us how much he loved God's Word. He loved God's Word so much that he meditated in it day and night. He loved the Word and it was a part of the fabric of his life. He had a hunger for the Word of God that was almost insatiable.

How about you? Are you hungry for God's Word? Are you so in love with it that you would yell, scream, wail until you were fed by it? May we come to that place where we will declare with David, "I LOVE YOUR LAW . . . I MEDITATE ON IT ALL DAY LONG." (Psalm 119:97)

Have a great day!

SEEK AND FIND

"Have you ever sought God with your whole heart, or have you simply given Him a feeble cry after some emotionally painful experience? " . . . Seek (focus) and you will find. (See Luke 11:9)

Are you thirsty, or complacent and indifferent -- so satisfied with your own experiences that you want nothing more of God? Experience is a doorway, not a final goal. BEWARE OF BUILDING YOUR FAITH ON EXPERIENCE, OR YOUR LIFE WILL NOT RING TRUE AND WILL ONLY SOUND THE NOTE OF A CRITICAL SPIRIT.

How do you seek? " . . . knock and the door will be opened to you." (Luke 11:9)
"Draw near to God . . ." (James 4:8) Knock -- the door is closed, and your heart races as you knock.
"Cleanse your hands . . ." (James 4:8) Knock a bit louder -- you will

MORE THOUGHTS ON BEING AN IMITATOR

This morning I did a word study from Ephesians 5:1 on the subject of being an imitator. The English definition of the word imitator means "to copy exactly." The derivative of the Greek word is "to mime."

There is a huge difference between the word "imitator" and "imitation." An imitation is often not an exact copy, but a "cheap representation." We can purchase "imitation leather" Bibles. Bakers will sometimes substitute "imitation vanilla" for the real deal as real vanilla is quite costly. Some of us tightwads will purchase imitation fragrances for ourselves and our significant other. While they have a similar "smell" they are cheap imitations.

Paul isn't asking us to be cheap imitations -- he wants us to be the real deal. Charles Spurgeon says that "we are to be like Christ at all times, imitating Him in public. Most of us live in some sort of publicity, many of us are called to work before our fellow men every day. We are watched; our words are caught; our lives are examined -- taken to pieces. The eagle-eyes, argue-eyed world observes everything we do; and sharp critics are upon us. Let us live the life of Christ in public. Let is take care that we exhibit our Master and not ourselves, so that we can say, 'It is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me. Take this into your home as well. Carry your godliness into you family. Let every one say that you have practical religion. Let it be known and read in the house, as well as in the world. Take care of your character there; for what we are there, we really are."

Don't be a "cheap imitation" -- be the real deal -- IMITATE HIM!

IMITATORS

Spending time with our grandson, Tanner, this week will be very special. He is the cutest baby I have ever seen. Not that sounds like a proud, boastful Grampy :) Yesterday I was making noises with my mouth and he liked that. Funny how we do stupid things with babies . . . I wonder what is going through their minds as they watch these grown-ups and their antics!

Tanner likes when I stick my finger in my mouth and use my finger to make a popping sound with my cheek. He watched me do this several times and then started moving his mouth trying to imitate the sound. In time, he will make the connection that he needs his finger to make the sound. By observing and watching me, sooner or later he will imitate me and be able to do it on his own.

The Apostle Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus to be imitators of God. One of the ways that we can imitate God, is to observe the life of Christ. What did Jesus do in stressful situations? How did he treat people? How did he relate to His Father?

Ephesians 5:1-2
1 Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. 2 And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.

The way to imitate Christ is to watch and observe His life. Read through the Gospel of John and observe His life. Meditate of the precepts and principles you observe. Journal what you have observed and then practice them in your life. It is a good exercise that you can do on the Lord's
Day. Grab your Bible, pen and journal and spend some time in the Word. It will be a great way to begin your week.

ARE YOU A SPIRITUAL ANOREXIC?

"Although we have a natural, innate appetite for God and spiritual things, we may not be experiencing the sensations that would tell us we are hungering for Him. Why not? Maybe it's because we have been depriving ourselves of spiritual food for way too long. Are you refusing to feed yourself spiritually? If you don't actively seek God and instead ignore this yearning from deep inside, cravings can, and eventually do change.

When we are physically hungry, our body sends signals through our hunger pains and cravings that tell us we need to eat. If ignored, these signals at first grow stronger in hopes of pushing us to fulfill the need for food. But if we continue to ignore this appetite for long enough, it will eventually begin to fade and we can actually convince ourselves that we really aren't hungry anymore. That's exactly what the anorexic does. He/she tells themselves they aren't hungry and ignores the signals the body is sending to them. Eventually they will have completely numbered their cravings to the point they no longer desire food. They have so effectively convinced themselves that they are not hungry that their body is no starving to death. Yet they don't even realize the danger. So too when we squelch our hunger for God.

This it how it can be with our spiritual appetite. When we are spiritually hungry, we experience the beckoning of the Holy Spirit within us to feast on the things of God. If we ignore our craving for God long enough, we will find the craving for Him eventually begins to fade. We are capable of convincing ourselves that we are doing 'just fine,' yet we are starving our spirit to the point of spiritual death. Our desires for the things of God fade, and we are no longer able to experience the draw of the Holy Spirit because we have so numbed ourselves to His call. Without even noticing it, prayer has become less important, we no longer thirst after God's Word, and we convince ourselves it's no be deal to miss church.

Both types of anorexics refuse themselves the nourishment they need to sustain life. [If you are suffering from spiritual anorexia] the only way for you to heal and regain a healthy appetite that will grow is to pull up to the table to eat. Are you feasting at the banquet table of God? If you want to cultivate and grow your spiritual craving, you must feed it. Psalm 34:8 says, 'Taste and see that the Lord is good,' When you come to the banquet table to feast on the things of the Spirit, you will find that the Lord is good and that He satisfies completely. And, although the Lord does completely satisfy, once you taste of Him, you will find yourself wanting more and more of Him."

from FEEDING YOUR APPETITES ... Take Control of What's Controlling You by Stephen Atterburn published by Integrity

THINK BEFORE YOU LOOK

"Researchers in the famed Stanford University 'marshmallow study,' offered hungry four-year-olds a marshmallow, but told them if they could wait for the experiment to return after running an errand, they could have two marshmallows. As expected, some followed their impulses and
gobbled the marshmallow right away when the facilitator departed. Others waited a few minutes while some delayed gratification until the researcher returned fifteen or twenty minutes later.

Years later when the children graduated from high school, Stanford researchers we still evaluating them, The differences were dramatic. The resisters were more positive, self-motivated, and persistent in the face of difficulties because they were able to delay gratification in pursuit of their goals. They had the habits of successful people which resulted in more successful marriages, higher incomes, greater career satisfaction, better health, and more fulfilling lives than most of the population.

Those who submitted to the enticement of the marshmallows earlier were more troubled, stubborn and indecisive, mistrustful and less self-confident. They still could not put off gratification. They had trouble subordinating immediate impulses to achieve long-range goals.
When it was time to study for the big test, they tended to get distracted into doing activities that brought instant gratification. This impulse followed them throughout their lives and resulted in
unsuccessful marriages, low job satisfaction and income, bad health. and frustrating lives.

Every time you see a nude image, or are tempted to fantasize over an attractive woman, think "marshmallows!" The power to make disciplined choices will turn into useful restraint for daily living in many other areas of your journey." from THINK BEFORE YOU LOOK by Dennis Henderson Living Ink Books

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one
receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all
things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an
imperishable crown.

Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I
fight: not as one who beats the air.

But I discipline my body and bring it into
subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become
disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

THINK BEFORE YOU LOOK

Praise the Lord for several who emailed yesterday that have asked for prayer in this area! God is working in hearts.

17. I cultivate a stronger resistance to future interpersonal sexual sin -- as I avoid pornography, I cultivate a stronger resistance to future interpersonal sexual sin and its many destructive consequences.

18. I nurture that proper biblical view of the sanctity of womanhood -- by resisting pornography, I nurture the proper biblical view of the sanctity of womanhood and show honor toward all the women in my life.

19. I relate to women as equals and persons of ultimate worth -- by avoiding the superficial and self-serving world of porn, I am able to consistently relate to women as equals and persons of ultimate worth.

20. I learn to live in reality rather than fantasy -- I embrace the rewarding world of reality rather than floundering in the emptiness of fantasy when I prevail over pornography.

21. I steer clear of unnecessary personal guilt and shame -- by steering clear of the unnecessary personal guilt and shame of pornography, I will enjoy a wholesome and holy experience of life as God meant it to be.

22. I cultivate a lifestyle of contentment and satisfaction -- by resisting pornography and resting in the goodness and grace of God, I will cultivate a lifestyle of contentment and satisfaction.

THINK BEFORE YOU LOOK . . . PART III

Here are 10 more powerful reasons to avoid pornography (or other idols of your heart . . . )

7. I turn away from the solicitation of harlots in my heart --Because my life was designed by God for high and holy purposes, I will avoid the red-light district of the heart while cherishing the higher pleasure of purity.

8. I refuse the temptation of idolatry -- I will refuse temptation of porn-idolatry and set no other "gods" before the one true God who has given me a heart to worship Him alone.

9. I prove to be a faithful steward of my money -- I will endeavor to be a faithful steward of my money, using my hard-earned funds to build up my life and my world, not destroy.

10. I prove to be a faithful steward of time -- I will prove to be a wise steward of the limited commodity and valuable treasure of time as I use it to enhance healthy relationships, not tear them down.

11. I abstain from any promotion and support of the pornography industry -- As I avoid all promotion and support of the pornography industry, I will discourage its growth and steer clear of devastation.

12. I preserve God's gift of loving sexual expression for its intended purpose -- As I preserve God's gift of loving sexual expression for its intended purpose, I guard this treasure for the fulfillment of His plan for my life.

13. I protect the purity and power of my God-given imagination -- As I protect the purity and power of my God-given imagination, my thoughts will be employed for greater positive, creative life-giving purposes.

14. I develop disciplined character -- by conquering temptations of pornography, I will develop the blessings of disciplined character with positive results in every area of my life.

15. I guard the integrity of my Christian testimony -- I can guard against pornography's destructive attacks on the integrity of my Christian testimony by acknowledging my vulnerabilities and maintaining a strong, constant defense.

16. I promote health and harmony in the body of Christ -- When I avoid pornography I promote health and harmony in the body of Christ, serving as a positive and pure contributor to others.

Good words to ponder as we think through guard our hearts!

THINK BEFORE YOU LOOK -- PART #2

Some of you may think that I speak too much about this whole pornography issue. Well you are right! Another one of my good friends just had to step down from his ministry because he was caught in the seductive web of pornography. These next few days I am going to share 40 powerful reasons why we should AVOID pornography. They are taken from a brand new book THINK BEFORE YOU LOOK written by Daniel Henderson, published by Living Ink Books.

1. I enjoy the pleasure of a love relationship with God -- Every day I will remember that the pleasure of my love relationship with God is more thrilling and rewarding than the empty ecstasy of pornography.

2. I fulfill my true identity as a child of God -- Every day I will remember to fulfill my true identity in Christ as a child of God and choose to live above the meaningless masquerade of a private porn party.

3. I experience God's provision of empowering grace -- In my weakness I will rely on the strength of His advanced "tailor-made" grace to turn away from godly temptations and receive empowerment for right and rewarding choices.

4. I enjoy my spiritual freedom to its fullest -- because I have been set free, I will enjoy the full privileges and fulfillment of my emancipation by steering clear of the self-imposed prison of
pornography.

5. I avoid a life pattern of deception -- I will enjoy the peace and prosperity of living in the truth while refusing to carry the heavy load of lies and the depression of deception.

6. I cultivate a soft and sensitive conscience -- I will cultivate a soft and sensitive conscience through consistent confession of my sin and resolve toward authentic purity.

Good thoughts to helping you guard your heart.

THINK BEFORE YOU LOOK . . . A LONELY LUST

"A man sits alone with a choice before his eyes,
No one else is present as he wrestles with his lies.
A fire smolders once again from deep within his soul.
He can fuel its growing heat or choose to leave it cold.

Passion begins to flow with a force against his will;
Scenes that grip his mind bring the promise of a thrill.
Emotions rage, needs unfold from a weak and lonely heart;
In this very private moment, will he stop or let it start?

A lovely wife, terrific kids have blessed his simple life;
His gracious God and prayerful friends stand by him in the strife.
But out of sight is out of mind in this moment of clear choice;
Even the indwelling Spirit speaks with ever-fading voice.

Images entice his spirit as their beauty pierce his reason;
Setting aside real joy and peace, he indulges for just a season.
More brief and empty now seems the thrill once it is done;
Regret and shame overwhelm as the lies again have won.

He walks away so dirty, feeling lost in his defeat;
Everything he really loves he chose again to cheat.
Full of remorse in this return to the filth of where he's been
If only he knew how to stop this madness, before it starts again.

written by Pastor Daniel Henderson in his new book THINK BEFORE YOU LOOK published by Living Ink Books

"And Jabex cried to the Lord . . . keep me from evil that I may not cause pain." I Chronicles 4:10 May you purpose in your heart today to THINK BEFORE YOU LOOK.

THE GREAT GOD . . . the ONE we WORSHIP ON THIS LORD'S DAY

A prayer from the book THE VALLEY OF VISION published by Banner of Truth

O FOUNTAIN OF ALL GOOD,

Destroy in me every lofty thought,
Break pride to pieces and scatter it to the winds,
Annihilate each clinging shred of self-righteousness,
Implant in me lowliness of spirit,
Abase me to self-loathing and self-abhorrence,
Open me in a fount of penitential tears,
Break me, then bind me up'
Thus will my heart be a prepared dwelling for my God;
Then can the Father take up His abode in me,
Then can the blessed Jesus come with healing in His touch,
Then can the Holy Spirit descent in sanctifying grace;
O Holy Trinity, three Persons and one God,
Inhabit me, a temple consecrated to Your glory.
When You are present, evil cannot abide;
In Your fellowship is fullness of joy,
Beneath Your smile is peace of conscience,
By Your side no fear disturb,
no apprehensions banish rest of mind,
With You my heart shall bloom with fragrance;
Make me meet, through repentance, for Your indwelling.
Nothing exceeds Your power,
Nothing is too great for You to do,
Nothing is too good for You to give.
Infinite is Your might, boundless Your love,
limitless Your grace, glorious Your saving name.
Let angles sing for
SINNERS REPENTING,
PRODIGALS RESTORED,
BACKSLIDERS RECLAIMED,
SATAN'S CAPTIVES RELEASED,
BLIND EYES OPENED,
BROKEN HEARTS BOUND UP,
THE DESPONDENT CHEERED,
THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS STRIPPED,
THE FORMALIST DRIVEN FROM A REFUGE OF LIES,
THE IGNORANT ENLIGHTENED,
AND THE SAINTS BUILT UP IN THEIR HOLY FAITH!
I ask great things of a great God.

AMEN

Have a blessed Lord's day!

THE TENDER WALK

"My dear friends, you must keep a tender, close walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Many of us lose our peace by our careless walk; something or other gets between Christ and us and we fall into darkness. Something or other steals our hearts from God and grieves the Holy Spirit, who leaves us to ourselves. Let me, therefore, exhort you who have found peace with God, to take care that you do not lose this peace.

I have paid dearly for backsliding! Our hearts are so wicked that if you fail to keep a constant watch, your wicked heart will deceive you and draw you aside. How sad to come under the lash of a correcting Father! Recall the experiences of Job, David and other saints in the Scriptures.

I am grieved with the casual spiritual walk of some professing Christians. There is little difference between them and other people that I scarcely know which is the true Christian. Such Christians are afraid to speak for God; they run with the crowd and talk of the world as if they were in their element. This you did not do when you first discovered Christ's love! When the candle of the Lord first shined upon your soul, you could talk forever of Christ's love. There was a time when you had something to say for your dear Lord, but today, although you can speak of worldly things boldly enough, you are afraid of being laughed at if you speak for Jesus Christ.

Take care not to be conformed to the world! What have Christians to do with the world? You should be singularly good and bold for your Lord, so that everyone who sees you may take note that you have been with Jesus." from the writings of the famed preacher, George Whitefield

Taken from HOW GREAT THOU ART . . . a daily devotional published by Multnomah.

Good words to ponder as you prepare your heart for the Lord's Day.

HALLELUJAH! WHAT A SAVIOR

Some of you are familiar with the powerful words of ONE SOLITARY LIFE . . . penned about our great Savior . . .

He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He worked in a carpentry shop until he was thirty, and then for three years he was an itinerant preacher. When the tide of popular opinion turned against him, his friends ran away. He was turned over to his enemies. He was tried and convicted.

He was nailed on a cross between two thieves. When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never owned a home. He never went to college. He never traveled more than two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompanies greatness. Yet all the armies that ever
marched, all the navies that ever set sail, and all the governments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, have not affected life upon this earth as powerfully as has that ONE SOLITARY LIFE.

I am reading a new book entitled LEADING WITH BILLY GRAHAM. Author Jay Dennis quotes historian Philip Schaff -- "This Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms, conquered more millions than Alexander, Caesar, Mohammed, and Napoleon; without science . . . he shed more light on things human and divine than all philosophers and scholars combined; without the eloquence of schools, he spoke such words of life as were never spoken before or since and
produced effects which lie beyond the reach of orator or poet; without writing a single line, he set more pens in motion and furnished themes for more sermons, orations, discussions,
learned volumes, works of art, and songs of praise than the whole army of great men of ancient and modern times."

Pastor Dennis continues to write that "the impact of this one man can be seen in the hospitals that have been built, the schools and universities that have been started, and the compassionate organizations and programs to reach out to the poor, injured, hurting, and homeless that have been started in His name. He elevated womanhood to its highest level and inspired people to found orphanages for children who have no homes. The list could continue. When this JESUS
lives within us, His resurrection power allows us to have influence on others!"

Hallelujah! What a Savior. Now what about you? Have you shared Him with someone else? Good words to ponder on this Friday, June 3, 2005.

PUTTING GOD FIRST

I love the writings of Oswald Chambers and he addresses the topic of putting God first in our lives in MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST . . .

"Put trust in God first! Our Lord never put His trust in any person. Yet He was never suspicious, never bitter, and never lost hope for anyone, because He put His trust in God first. He trusted absolutely in what God's grace could do for others. If I put my trust in human beings
first, the end result will be my despair and hopelessness toward everyone. I will become bitter because I have insisted that people be what no person can ever be -- absolutely perfect and right. Never trust in yourself or in anyone else, except the grace of God.

Put God's will first! 'Behold I have come to do Your will, O God.' (Hebrews 10:0) A person's obedience is to what he sees to be a need -- our Lord's obedience was to the will of His Father. The rallying cry today is, 'We must get to work! The heathen are dying without God. We
must go and tell them about Him!' But we must first make sure that God's 'needs' and His will in us personally are being met. Jesus said '. . . tarry . . . until you are endued with power from on high' (Luke 24:29).

The purpose of our Christian training is to get us into the right relationship to the 'needs' of God and His will. Once God's 'needs' in us has have been me, He will open the way for us to accomplish His will, meeting His 'needs' elsewhere.

Put God's Son first. 'Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives me.' (Matthew 18:5) God came as a baby, giving and entrusting Himself to me. He expects my personal life to be a 'Bethlehem.' Am I allowing my natural life to be slowly transformed by
the indwelling life of the Son of God? God's ultimate purpose is that His Son might be exhibited in me."

from MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST published by Discovery House.

So how are you doing, my friend, with your priorities? Good words to ponder today. God bless you.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR PRIORITIES?

"A young boy by the name of James had a desire to be the most manufacturer and salesman of cheese in the world. He planned on becoming rich and famous by making and selling cheese and began with a little buggy pulled by a pony named Paddy. After making his cheese, he would load his wagon, and he and Paddy would drive down the streets of Chicago to sell the cheese. As the months passed, the young boy began to despair because he was not making any money, in spite of his long hours and hard work.

One day he pulled his pony to a stop and began to talk to him. He said, 'Paddy, there is something wrong. We are not doing it right. I am afraid we have things turned around and our priorities are not where they ought to be. Maybe we ought to serve God and place Him first in our lives.' The boy drove home and made a covenant for the rest of his life he would first serve God and then would work as God directed.

Many years after this, this young boy, now a man, stood as a Sunday School Superintendent at North Shore Baptist Church in Chicago and said, 'I would rather be a layman in North Shore Baptist Church than to head the greatest corporation in America. My first job is serving Jesus!'

So, every time you take a bite of Philadelphia Cream Cheese, sip a cup of Maxwell House, mix a quart of Kool-Aid, slice up a DiGiorno Pizza, cook a pot of Macaroni and Cheese, slurp down some Jell-O, spread so Grey Poupon, stir a bowl of Cream of Wheat, eat the cream out of the
middle of an Oreo cookie, or serve some Stove Top, remember a boy, his pony named Paddy, and the promise little James L. Kraft made to serve God and work as he directed."

from LEADING WITH BILLY GRAHAM . . . The Leadership Principles and Life of T.W. Wilson written by Jay Dennis, soon to be published by Baker Book House

So how about your priorities this morning? Good words to ponder on this June 1, 2005.