The Supremacy of Christ

My reading this weekend was interesting in that the two books I have been reading brought to my mind and heart the SUPREMACY OF CHRIST. Here are some thoughts from Dr. John Piper as we celebrate this Lord's day, 2005:

* The supremacy of his deity: equal with God the Father in all his attributes -- the radiance of his glory and the exact imprint of his nature, infinite, boundless in all his excellencies
* The supremacy of his eternality that makes the mind of man explode with unsearchable thought that Christ never had a beginning, but simply always was; sheer, absolute reality while all the universe is fragile, contingent, like a shadow by comparison to his all-defining, ever-existing substance
* The supremacy of his never-changing constancy in all his virtues and all his character and all his commitments -- the same yesterday, today, and forever
* The supremacy of his knowledge that makes the Library of Congress look like a matchbox, and all the information on the Internet look like a little 1940's almanac
* The supremacy of his word that moment by moment upholds the universe and holds in being all the molecules and atoms and subatomic world we have never dreamed of
* The supremacy of his power to walk on water, cleanse lepers and heal the lame, open the eyes of the blind, cause the deaf to hear and the storms to cease and the dead to rise, with a single word, or even a thought
* The supremacy of his purity never to sin or to have one milli-second of a bad attitude or an evil, lustful thought
* The supremacy of his trustworthiness never to break his word or let one promise fall to the ground

THAT'S WHO WE WORSHIP TODAY! MAY YOUR HEART BE OVERFLOWING WITH
CEASELESS PRAISE!

THE PERSON WE WORSHIP

The book of Hebrews "summarizes so succinctly and penetratingly how appropriate it is that Jesus Himself -- His worship, His praise and His glorious honoring -- should become the focus and essence of everything we think about, plan, prepare for, arrange, produce, program, and DO
when we we worship. His honor and glory must be the ultimate object of all we pursue as worshippers, whether we lead or follow. His ultimacy is revealed clearly in the Word of God: All worship must flow from that fountain of revelation so as to maintain a full and worthily glorifying
perspective on Him.

The opening three verses of Hebrews 1 make seven statements about our Lord Jesus Christ. Each should be explored as they might be elsewhere in Scripture, for an inexhaustible mine of truth waits to be found in each statement. It is impossible to spend time with passages like this and not be conditioned to keep our perspective when we worship!

The PERSON we worship is:
* predestined Heir of all things (1:2)
* the avenue of God's power by whom the world was made (1:2)
* the radiant Representative of God's glory shown to humankind (1:3)
* the ultimate expression of the ultimate reality (1:3)
* the Sustainer of all that exists in the universe (1:3)
* the Savior from sin and Redeemer of sinful humankind (1:3)
* the exalted and ascended Lord -- His Majesty on high (1:3)

This is the One to whom we come with our praise and thanksgiving. He is the One whose love and grace prompt our rejoicing and laudation. His Father, our Creator, is the exceedingly glorious One who gave us this Jesus. His commissioned Comforter, the Holy Spirit, is the One sent to us to overflow us with enabling power and give us the capacity to glorify Him -- Jesus, our Lord! (from MANIFEST PRESENCE by Dr. Jack Hayford, published by Revell)

Take some time today to read through Hebrews 1 as you prepare your heart for the Lord's day! Good words to consider.

THE TRUE VALUE OF WORSHIP

As you prepare your heart for the Lord's day, here are some thoughts on worship from the pen of the composer of the marvelous praise song, MAJESTY:

"True worship takes place when you declare the Lord's worth:

* When we come before Him to honor His character, not parade our music or ministry talent
* When we come before Him with humility, not protecting ourselves from the penetrating power of His Spirit
* When we open as children to the truth of His Word, rather than smugly defending our narrow-minded, doctrinaire attitudes that produce more division than unity in the body of Christ's Body.

The weight of His glory, exalted in worshipping the Father and magnifying His Son in the power of the Holy Spirit, impacts, reshapes and alters our character and conduct. It liberates, releases and loosens us from the hold of sin and self and unleashes the ministry life of Jesus Christ to course through our daily lives. 'From glory to glory' is the Word's description of a life being progressively transformed to walk in the fellowship and blessings that were always God's intent for us."

from MANIFEST PRESENCE -- Expecting a Visitation of God's Grace Through Worship by Dr. Jack Hayford -- published by Revell

Take some time these next two days to get alone with God to prepare your heart for the Lord's Day. Worship is not just for Sunday -- It needs to be a daily part of the fabric of our lives!

GO GOD!

Dr. Ron Cline, Chairman of the Board of HCJB, has been our Adventure Week speaker and his series is called "WALKING WITH JESUS." Last night we celebrated by remembering "GO GOD" moments in our lives -- those situations where we God shows up and does His thing -- things that are only explainable by God! David wrote: "Oh give thanks to the Lord. Call upon His name. Make known HIS deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him. TALK OF ALL HIS WONDROUS WORKS! Glory in HIS name. Let the hearts of those who rejoice seek the Lord." (Psalm 105:1-3)

I want to encourage you to do just that. Have you had "Go GOD" moments in your life? If so, write them down in your journal. In fact, I want to encourage you to send one to me so that I can share them with the rest of the Freedom Fighter family as an encouragement of God's faithfulness.

Last year at this time we were praying for the funds to repair the roof on our Activity Center. Initial quotes on the job were $175,000 and more. Through a series of "Go God" moments, the price was lowered to $125,000. I wrote an appeal letter on Monday morning that would be sent
to our Keswick friends and gave it to our Director of Marketing. Our in-house printing press broke and that meant we would have to outsource the job to a local printer. The letter would not be printed for another 5 days!

On Thursday morning, a donor came into my office and shared that he and his wife wanted to write the check for $125,000 for the roof project. Wow! Now I know why the press broke down! But the story gets better. Our Director of Maintenance call the next morning to order the materials and the man who was helping us with the materials looked at the quote in
amazement. Had we waited another day to order the materials, the costs would have gone up another 30%!!! God's timing in all of this was AMAZING! It was a "GO GOD!" moment.

Well what about you? How about sharing your story with us. Look today for Him to work in your life. Then do what David said -- TALK OF ALL HIS WONDROUS WORKS!

Consider it!

SHOWING HONOR

"Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12: 10)

Dr. John C. Maxwell in his new book WINNING WITH PEOPLE says, "if you put yourself in the place of others instead of putting others in their place, it changes the way you see life, and it changes the way you live it." He goes on to share this neat story about author and speaker Dan
Clark as he recalled standing in line with his Dad to buy tickets for a circus.

"As they waited, they noticed the family immediately in front of them. The parents were holding hands, and they had eight children in tow, all well behaved and all probably under the age of twelve. Based on their clean but simple clothing, he suspected that they didn't have a lot of
money. The kids jabbered about the exciting things they expected to see, and he could tell that the circus was going to be a new adventure for them.

As the couple approached the counter, the attendant asked how many tickets they wanted. The man proudly responded that he wanted to buy eight children's tickets and two adult tickets so he could take his family to the circus. When the attendant quoted the price, the man's wife let go of his hand, and her head drooped. The man leaned a little closer and asked, 'How much did you say?' The attendant again quoted the price. The man obviously didn't have enough money and he looked crushed.

Clark says that his father watched all of this, put his hand in his pocket, pulled out a worn twenty-dollar bill, and dropped it on the ground. His father then reached down, picked up the bill, tapped the man on the shoulder, and said, 'Excuse me, sir, this fell out our your pocket.'

The man knew exactly what was going on. He looked straight into Clark's father's eyes, took his hand, shook it, and with a tear streaming down his cheek, replied, 'Thank you, thank you, sir. This really means a lot to me and my family.'

Clark and his father went back to the car and drove home. They didn't have enough money to go to the circus that night, but it didn't matter. Because they had put themselves in the place of others, they had done something important."

How about you? "Outdo someone today in showing honor!" Good words to ponder today on this hot, July 27th, 2005.

GOD'S MASTERPIECE

Last night as we were heading into dinner, Julia Bitler, one of our "adopted grandkids," came running over to me and my wife to hand us pictures that she made of us. I have tucked mine in my Bible as it was really precious. She sees me quite differently than I see myself -- she gave be brown curly hair! I WISH I had brown hair -- it was brown once -- now its mostly gray and white.

There are some tremendous insights in this little "God moment" that came to my mind. I am thankful this morning that God sees me so much differently than I see myself. He created me and he created you. Psalm 139 reminds us that He fashioned us while we were in our mother's womb! God doesn't make junk -- He creates masterpieces! He sees in us something totally different than what we often see. The New Living Translation puts it this way: "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he
planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:11)

Several years ago we visited the Precious Moments Chapel in Missouri. At the front of the chapel is a huge mural that has been in progress for a number of years. The artist has created a masterpiece that is "still in progress." He keeps adding more and more beauty to his project. It is a work in progress.

That my friend, is what you are -- a work in progress. God is molding and shaping you, conforming you to the image of His dear Son. One day you will be complete! Don't take yourself off the easel! Allow the Master to continue to do His work in your life today.

Good thoughts to ponder on this hot summer July day.

WHAT KIND OF PERSON ARE YOU TODAY?

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing." (1 Thess. 5:11)

WHAT KIND OF PERSON ARE YOU TODAY?

There are two kinds of people on earth today;
Just two kinds of people, no more, I say.

Not the sinner and saint, for it's well understood,
That the good are half-bad and the bad half-good.

Not the rich and the poor, for to rate a man's wealth,
You must first know the state of his conscience and health.

Not the humble and proud, for in life's little span,
Who puts on van airs, is not counted a man.

Not the happy and sad, for the swift flying years
Bring each man his laughter and each man his tears.

No; two kinds of people on earth I mean,
Are the people who lift, and the people who lean.

Wherever you go, you will find the earth's masses,
Are always divided in just these two classes.

And oddly enough, you will find too, I ween,
There's only one lifter to twenty who lean.

In which class are you? Are you easing the load?
Of overtaxed lifters, who toil down the road?
Or are you a leaner, who lets others share
Your portion of labor, and worry and care.

(from Ella Wheeler Wilcox, "Which Are You?" Custer and Other Poems as quoted in Dr. John C. Maxwell's book, WINNING WITH PEOPLE published by Thomas Nelson.)

Are you a leaner or a lifter? With your spouse? Children? Employees?
Employer? Good words for you to ponder on this Monday, July 25, 2005.

DOXOLOGY

Today many of you will sing the Doxology as a part of your worship. The word doxology comes from the Greek word doxa, meaning "radiance," "splendor," "glory," and are expressions of praise to God.

The New Testament is filled with DOXOLOGIES and I encourage you to think through them on this Lord's Day:

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God!
How unsearchable His judgments and untraceable His ways!

For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His
counselor?

Or who has ever first given to Him, and has to be repaid?
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the
glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)

Now to Him who has power to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the sacred secret kept silent for long ages, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic Scriptures, according to the command of the eternal God, to advance the obedience of faith among all nations-- the only wise God, through Jesus Christ -- to Him be the glory forever! Amen.
(Romans 16:25-27)

Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly ABOVE all that we could ask or think, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen (1 Timothy 1: 17)

The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
(2 Timothy 4:18)

Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless and with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now, and forever. Amen.
(Jude 24-25)

Fill your hearts with praise this morning on this glorious Lord's Day!

ANOTHER LESSON FROM OUR "BARNYARD"

I was hoping to sleep in this morning, but it wasn't meant to be. At 5:00 AM our "outside" puppy started to whimper and bark and wouldn't settle down. At first we thought it might be an owl or maybe the deer trying to get into my vegetable garden. Jan got up to check it out, and
after she was gone for almost 30 minutes, I decided to go out and see what was up.

In addition to our chickens, Zach has been raising rabbits. Cobweb (Dad) and Elizabeth (Mom) have had two litters of babies, and most of them have not survived, especially in the heat. Mom and Dad were living in a hutch in the caged in area of our little farm, but two weeks ago they
escaped and have been running free. Yesterday the puppy was chasing Elizabeth and almost caught her. While running from the puppy she must have injured her back leg.

The commotion this morning was because Cobweb was wanting Elizabeth to get back to the hutch because of her injured leg. He was like a mother hen with his bride, encouraging her to move to safety as quickly as possible. Jan was able to assist in getting her back in the hutch. We
watched in the distance as Cobweb came inside the yard and made his way to the hutch to check to see that all was well. It became quite apparent that he wanted a better look, so he maneuvered around so that he could get back inside as well. We have watched him for the last hour as he has tenderly and lovingly moved around the hutch, kissing and licking his
mate and making sure she is ok.

As I watched these two in action, isn't it sad that sometimes the animals do a better job of caring for their family better than us? We get so wrapped up in our agenda's and schedules that we miss out on the times that our loved ones need us the most. Weekends are a good time for
most of us to reconnect with our loved ones after a long week. Don't miss these golden opportunities this weekend to connect with your family. Once the moment is gone, you can never go back.
Good words to ponder on this Saturday, July 23, 2005.

THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT

"If your godliness has freed you from the desire to be rich and has helped you be content with what you have, then your godliness is tremendously profitable." -- John Piper

"Contentment is not only a good idea; it is our duty. If God recommends something, we ought to do it. As J. I. Packer has emphasized, contentment is both commended ('Godliness with contentment is great gain . . .') and commanded ('Be content with what you have . . .').

Such a forceful endorsement by the Almighty should make contentment a prominent concern for each of us. Instead we make it a secret concealed by our indifference to it. When the Apostle Paul wrote, 'I have learned the secret of being content,' his use of the word SECRET was intentional. Those things we expect to bring contentment surprisingly do not. We cannot depend on it to fall into place through the progressive evolving of civilization, for contentment arises from a different source.

Most of us do not know how to uncover this secret and, to be honest, have never seriously tried. Our quest is not for contentment but for MORE. This quest brings us into an immense maze, where before us lie dozens of avenues. Some are wide, luxurious, downhill, and tempting, and
we see a rush of our friends entering them. They lead to beautiful houses, comfortable cars, exotic vacations, and affluence. Other avenues, equally popular, lead to prestigious colleges, distinguished jobs, important friends, and power. Still others direct us to beautiful
spouses, beautiful children, deep tans, and popularity.

All the while, off to one side, courses a narrow uphill road, unadorned and unpopular. It is dusty from its sparse use and lonely from lack of travelers. The sole treasure at its end is an elusive commodity called 'godliness with contentment.'

Godliness is an attitude whereby what we want is to please God. Contentment, explains J. I. Packer, 'is essentially a matter of accepting from God's hand what He sends because we know that HE is good and therefore it is good.'

Contentment is the freedom that comes when prosperity or poverty do not matter. To accept what we have and "to want but little," as Thoreau advised. The more we choose contentment, the more God sets us free. The more He sets us free, the more we choose contentment."

from A MINUTE OF MARGIN by Dr. Richard Swenson . . . good words for this Friday, July 22, 2005. God bless you.

THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD

"God's power is undeniable; His precision is impressive; His sovereignty is on display. How can such power fail to dominate every thought and action? Why do we trust Him more? Is it not that God has failed to clearly demonstrate His nature or that He has been lax in instructing us? It is just that we are slow to understand. This world is too much with us.

What we need is a new vision of God. The real God. Not some vague image we fold up and stuff in the back drawer of life, but the kind of God who parts the Red Sea and shakes Mount Sinai. The kind of God who stuns physicists with symmetry, the mathematicians with precision, the
engineers with design, the politicians with power, and the poets with beauty.

The Scriptures build our understanding of God's sovereignty on a practical level -- by that I mean the kind of knowledge that affects our everyday behavior. But science is also a fascinating source of revelation, and increasingly so.

The spiritual implications of modern science are impossible to dismiss. They are a stick of dynamite under the front porch of our spiritual complacency. When we lift any stone of the universe, God's fingerprints stare back at us. Everything is there, waiting to be discovered. All the evidence we need, and more.

When we understand the sovereignty, power, design, majesty, precision, genius, intimacy, and caring of an almighty God, it takes away our fear. It removes our frustrations. It allows us to sleep at night and trust Him with the running of our own universe. It allows us to have margin.
It allows us to resume our proper role in the order of things rather than taking over His role. It allows us to seek His will rather than following our own mind.

The more we understand about God's power, the less we worry about our weakness. The more we trust in God's sovereignty, the less we fret about the future.

from A MINUTE OF MARGIN -- RESTORING THE BALANCE TO BUSY LIVES by Dr.
Richard Swenson, published by NavPress.

Good words for us to ponder today. Has Freedom Fighter encouraged you? Then there are two ways to help: 1. Share it with a friend, and 2. Let us hear from you with your comments. Have a great day.

KNOWING CHRIST

"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life." (John 5:39-40)

"Bible study will not give you eternal life. You could memorize the entire Bible and be able to discuss minute issues of biblical scholarship and yet fail to experience the truths found in its pages. It is a subtle temptation to prefer the book to the Author. A book will not confront you about sin; the Author will. Books can be ignored; it is much harder to avoid the Author when He is seeking a relationship with you.

The Pharisees in Jesus' day thought God would pleased with their knowledge of His Word. They could quote long, complicated passages of Scripture. They loved to recite and study God's Law for ours on end. Yet Jesus condemned them because although they knew the Scriptures, they did not know God. They were proud of their Bible knowledge, but they rejected the invitation to know God's Son.

Can you imagine yourself knowing all that God has promised to do in your life but then turning to something else instead? You may be tempted to turn to substitutes. These substitutes aren't necessarily bad things. They might include serving in the church, doing good deeds, or reading
Christian books. No amount of Christian activity will ever replace your relationship with Jesus. The Apostle Paul considered every 'good' thing he had done to be 'rubbish' when compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8). Never become satisfied with religious
activity rather than a personal, vibrant, and growing relationship with Jesus Christ."

from Henry Blackaby EXPERIENCING GOD DAY BY DAY published by Broadman Holman

OUR LIVES ARE BEING WATCHED

"Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation." (1 Peter 2:11-12)

Chuck Swindol reminds us that earth is the battleground where we as believers combat lusts that wage war against our souls. He reminds us that "for our brief tour of duty we Christians have on this earth, we cannot get stalled in sin or, for that matter, incapacitated by guilt. To live the kind of live that God requires, Peter offers four suggestions:

1. Live a clean life. Don't think for a moment that it makes no difference to unbelievers how Christians live. We live out our faith before a watching world. That's why Peter urges is to abstain from fleshly lusts, 'in order to get their attention' and to prove that what we believe really works. We don't have a clue how man non-Christians are watching us on this very day, determining the truth of the message of Christianity strictly on the basis of how we live, how we work, how we respond to life's tests, or how we conduct ourselves with our families.

2. Leave no room for slander. When the ancient Greek philosopher Plato was told that a certain man had begun making slanderous charges against him, Plato's response was, 'I will live in such a way that no one will believe what he says.' The most convincing defense is a silent integrity
of our character, not how vociferously we deny the charges.

3. Do good deeds among unbelievers. It's easy for Christians to have such tunnel vision that we limit all our good deed to the family of God. Do you drive down the street, see someone with a flat tire, roll down you're window and yell, 'Hey are you a Christian?' then if they say, "NO," pull away and refuse to help them? We win the right to be heard -- not by a slick mass-advertising campaign but by our compassionate and unselfish actions. Peter says, 'on account of your good deeds,' nor your good words. The unsaved are watching our lives. When our good deeds are
indisputable the unbeliever says, 'There must be something to it.' Chances are good that at that point the person will hear what we have to say.

4. Never forget -- we are being watched. The world is watching us to see if what we say we believe is true in our lives.

Good words to ponder from HOPE AGAIN . . . WHEN LIFE HURTS AND DREAMS
FADE by Charles R. Swindoll, published by WORD.

HOW TO ASCERTAIN THE WILL OF GOD

One of the great prayer warriors of all times was George Mueller who founded one of the greatest orphanages in England. Here is what he wrote about how one can ascertain the will of God:

1. I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a stare that is as no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the trouble with people is just here. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is.

2. Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. Is so, I make myself liable to great delusions.

3. I seek the will of the Spirit of God through or in connection with, the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also. If the Holy Spirit guides us at all, He will do it according to the Scriptures and never contrary to them.

4. Next I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God's will in connection with His Word and Spirit.

5. I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me aright.

6. Thus, through prayer to God, the study of the Word and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge, and if my mind is at peace, and continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly. In trivial matters, and in
transactions involving the most important issues, I have found this method always effective.

from MAGNIFICENT PRAYER 365 Devotions to Deepen Your Prayer Experience by Nick Harrison, published by Zondervan.

WORSHIP CHRIST THE RISEN KING

In preparation for a series I am preaching this week, I came across this new hymn written by the composer of MAJESTY, Dr. Jack Hayford. Great words as you prepare to worship on this Lord's Day.

WORSHIP CHRIST THE RISEN KING

Tune: Angels From the Realms of Glory

Rise, O Church, and lift your voices,
Christ has conquered death and hell.
Sing as all the earth rejoices;
Resurrection anthems swell.
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the Risen King.

See the tomb where death had laid Him,
Empty now, its mouth declares:
"Death and I could not contain Him,
For the Throne of Life He shares."
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the Risen King.

Hear the earth protest and tremble,
See the stone removed with pow'r;
All hell's minions may assemble
But cannot withstand is hour.
He has conquered, He has conquered,
Christ the Lord, the Risen King.

Doubt may lift its head to murmur,
Scoffers mock and sinners jeer;
But the truth proclaims a wonder
Thoughtful hearts receive with cheer.
He is risen, He is risen,
Now receive the Risen King!

We acclaim your life, O Jesus,
Now we sing your victory;
Sin or hell may seek to seize us
But your conquest keeps us free.
Stand in triumph, stand in triumph,
Worship Christ, the Risen King!

Have a great day in worship!

A RACE WELL DONE

One of our faithful friends and fellow Freedom Fighter members just completed the race and crossed the finish line at 1:30 AM. I met Butch Geiser, our Camp Ground Host, nine summers ago. He and his dear wife, Faye, have been an example to all of us of how to suffer with grace and confidence in the Lord. Butch has faced numerous physical challenges including heart issues, diabetes, vision problems, and must recently, leukemia.

Butch has been a faithful witness, loving people and sharing Christ with those he meets. He had an amazing love and burden for the men of the Colony of Mercy. To many of the men, Butch and Faye were "Mom and Dad."

These past several months, the suffering has been intense with many days spent in the hospital questioning his quality of life. Several days ago he told Faye that he had enough and that this wasn't life. He was ready to go home to be with Jesus. This morning around 1:30 AM, Butch entered into the arms of Jesus. I could not help but think of Paul's words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:6-8: "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not only to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing."

Thanks, Butch, for running the race with excellence. You are finally home!

THOU ART MY VICTORY

I prayed for help, I prayed for strength,
I prayed for victory;
I prayed for patience and love,
For true humility
But as I prayed, my dying Christ
By faith I seemed to see,
And as I gazed my glad heart cried,
"All things are mine, thro' Thee!"

If He doth dwell within my heart,
Why need I strength to implore?
The Giver of all grace is mine,
And shall I ask for more?
And need I pray for victory,
When He who conquered death
Dwells in my very inmost soul.
Nearer indeed than breath?

Oh help me, Lord, realize
That Thou are all in all;
That I am more than conqueror
In great things and in small
No need have I but Thou hast met
Upon the cruel tree.
Oh precious, dying risen Lord,
Thou art my victory.

Avis B. Christiansen, as quoted in Charles R. Swindoll, Victory

Good words for you and me today!

PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING

Prayer does change things! Growing up I was surrounded with people who were "prayer warriors." They literally prayed about EVERYTHING. They believed that God answered prayer and that He listened to the prayers of His kids. Jan's Mom, and mine, both taught us from early on that we could talk to the Lord about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. Some of the things we prayed about were BIG things -- some were LITTLE things -- kid things. Back then it didn't make sense, but it has shaped the way we pray today.

With our kids, we have tried to do the same thing. We have prayed for lost hamsters, keys for the car that we couldn't find, sick pets, sick friends. And our kids will often talk about ways they saw God answer their prayers. And I love to hear children pray because they don't get wrapped up with all the jargon and flowery phrases -- they come to the Lord with the heart of a child.

One of my dearest mentors and friends, Pastor Newton Conant, now with the Lord, was a man who prayed with the heart of a child, yet was not afraid to take ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING to God in prayer. I remember one day calling him for counsel on a particular issue and asking him to pray that God would reveal His will. His response? He put the phone down and was gone for 10 minutes. I couldn't figure out what he was doing -- he was praying! After he was done, he picked up the receiver and shared what I needed to do. It was truly amazing.

Yesterday one of our staff men came into my office distraught because he lost his car keys. He wanted to know if he could borrow a car if he couldn't find his keys. I suggested to him that we stop and ask the Lord to direct him to his keys, and thanked the Lord for answering our prayer. I told him that I would rejoice with him with the answer when it came. I am not sure if he thought I was crazy, but he said, "OK -- when I find them, I will come and share it with you." Five minutes later he came back to tell me that he found his keys! Praise the Lord.

God is interested in EVERY detail of your life, my friend. He is into BIG things -- like running the universe. But He's also into minutia -- He knows the stars by name. He knows when each sparrow falls. He knows YOUR name. He cares for YOU and delights in YOUR childlike faith.

"Call to ME and I will answer YOU. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own!" (Jeremiah 33:3 -- from THE MESSAGE)

So what's on your heart today? Concerns? Problems? Take it to HIM in prayer.

LESSON FROM DUCKS AND A SWAN?

Several weeks ago a friend of Pastor Mike Woods, Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK, dropped off two white Peking ducks to put on the lake down by the Colony of Mercy. These two precious ducks have become pets to the men of the Colony and would add additional beauty to our lake.

The problem is that we have an adult swan who is very territorial and refuses to let the ducks swim in the lake. As soon as they make attempts to get into the lake, he aggressively comes to chase them away. There is no negotiating with the swan -- he stands his ground and protects his turf.

While I am not particularly a fan of the swan (please, swan lovers, no letters . . . ) it was an excellent reminder to me about keeping sin out of my life. The enemy of our souls wants us to think we can take little steps with our sin. Think about it . . . we make little compromises in
our lives that then lead to falling head first into sin. Martin Luther said "we play with fire thinking we can't be burned."

My son-in-laws dad had open heart surgery while he was in his late thirties. At his recent check-up his cardiologist told him that if he didn't lose 45 lbs. immediately, he was going to die in his sleep. That is radical news with an easy fix. Stop eating the wrong things and exercise. Within 48 hours of the news, he was already cheating! We need to learn from the swan. Don't play with sin. Protect your God-given turf. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus! You are adopted by the Father, purchased and loved by the Son, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Be vigilant and don't give the enemy a foothold. Flee! Run! Protect! Guard! Don't toy with sin.

Good words for your consideration.

COME BEFORE HIS PRESENCE WITH SINGING

Yesterday I was blessed with one of those special "God sightings" in my life. One of my dear brothers and partner-in-ministry invited me to come to share the Word at his church. The church is in a beautiful section of Vineland, NJ, and Pastor Tony is the pastor of a growing family of special believers who are in love with Jesus.

Tony grew up on the mission field and his huge heart for people is quite obvious. But more than that, Pastor Tony has fallen in love with Jesus and it was downright refreshing and exciting to see him with his people. He is a gifted pastor-teacher, but on top of that, because of the make-up of his congregation which is comprised of Anglos, Mexicans and Hispanics, he does the service in English and Spanish. He does his own translating from English to Spanish.

I went yesterday to share God's word with these precious people, but I came away with my socks blessed off! The worship was absolutely incredible. As I stood there listening and watching, I couldn't help but think of David's words: "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!

Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing." (Psalm 100:1-2)

Several things touched me:
The worshiped with joy! Their faces radiated their love for God. There were three distinct people groups represented in the congregation. But that didn't hinder them from worshipping TOGETHER! The worship was not all about them -- it was all about HIM! Watching the musicians serve yesterday was awesome. The musicians were smiling and excited to be serving Him And the singing -- oh my! The singing was exhilarating. And why shouldn't it be? They were lifting there sacrifices of praise to the one who has TRANSFORMED their hearts.

One young man behind me was recently saved from a life of drug addiction. Not only was he using -- he was a dealer. And when Jesus came into his heart -- he was TRANSFORMED. He placed a new song in his heart and gave him something to shout and sing about.

How about you? Is your worship joyful? Do you serve the Lord with gladness? Is there a new song in your heart this morning? Then don't hold back! Sing to the One who loves to hear you praise Him. It isn't all about you! It's all about Him!

Good words to ponder today.

PRAISE YOUR WAY OUT!

"Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him." (Psalm 33:1)

Our team of missionaries was based at a church in one of the rougher parts of London. We decided to put on an "international night." We printed up invitations, and spent a week on the streets encouraging the locals to come. Our plan was to spend most of the evening entertaining them, then to ease our way into the Gospel. When the big night came, about thirty guests had responded. Half of them were young teens, and most of these had been drinking heavily and sniffing glue.

We gave it our best shot. The Swiss guy was funny, and the Korean flag dance was great, but our visitors were just mocking. Later on, in broken English a young Korean called Peter, (we couldn't pronounce his real name), tried to share his testimony. Someone threw a can of coke at him. Peter looked up and said, "Before I Christian, Me, one punch, You, heaven!" From that point on, anything could have happened. I was the preacher that night, and due up after Peter. Why
me? I recalled the words of a friend, "You will find yourself in situations that you just can't pray your way out of; but you can always praise your way out."

And so I did. In a room that was about to explode, I found God. I told him how much I loved Him. I thanked Him for taking me from the sewer and filling my life with joy. I told Him what an honour it was to be in this place, on this night. I was absolutely lost in His presence. When someone tapped me and said, "You're up," the room was calm. The ring leaders had left. They must have gotten bored. Those that remained settled in and I spoke for fifteen minutes on The Good Shepherd. The end of the story is that three people came to know Jesus that night as Saviour and Lord. Wow!

And so now I can say to you, "You will find yourself in situations that you just can't pray your way out of; but you can always praise your way out." There is never a time when it is not fitting for the upright to praise Him. That includes in anything that you face today.

Chris Thompson Scripture Reading: Psalms 66-67; Romans 7

Today's devotional is from REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE, our 365-day daily devotional. It is available in the KESWICK Bookstore by calling 800-453-7942. Chris and Pam Thomspon serve in Leicester, England as church planters. Chris is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy.

WORSHIP - IT'S NOT JUST FOR SUNDAY

"Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:15)

Who should worship? Anyone who has placed their trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior has the privilege of worshipping the one true God. I Peter 2:9 says "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light."

Why should we worship? Because God desires to have a personal relationship with us, He created us for His glory that we might worship Him. Romans 12:1-2 says "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.

When should we worship? Hebrews 13:15 says "Through Jesus, therefore let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess His name." A.W. Tozer said "It does not seem to be very well recognized that God's highest desire is that every one of His believing children should so love and so adore Him that we are constantly in His presence, in Spirit and in Truth." "True worship of God must be a constant and consistent attitude or state of mind within the believer." I Thessalonians 5:17 says "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

How should we worship? Deuteronomy 6:5 says "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Colossians 3:16-17 says "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." I Chronicles 28:9 says "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of
your father and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever."

Robert Hayes Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 25-27; Mark 14:27-53

Today's Freedom Fighter Devotional is from REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE -- 365 Daily Meditations published by America's KESWICK. Call the KESWICK Bookstore to order your copy today.

CHARACTER: WHO YOU ARE WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING

"May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you." (Psalm 25:21 NLT)

Someone once said that character is who you are when no one is watching. Stan and Bruce, in their book GOD IS IN THE SMALL STUFF . . . AND IT ALL MATTERS, reminds us that our character defines who we are. When your character is "broken in two or more pieces, you no longer have integrity. And without integrity, you don't have character."

"[We think] we can keep a break in one part of [our lives] from impacting the other parts, but it doesn't work that way. An integrity breach in one compartment of our lives quickly spills over to another until our entire life begins to sink . . . One of the best ways to keep your life whole is to pay attention to the small stuff. Do what it takes every day to develop your character and preserve your integrity. Most of all don't live your life to please others. Live your life to please God.

Some things to remember:
1. People of integrity make an easy target for critics because they stand upright.
2. Let your word be your bond: Keep you promises, meet your deadlines, honor your commitments, pay your bills.
3. It's one thing to know what's rigt, and another thing entirely to do it.
4. Others determine your reputation -- YOU determine your character.
5. If you want to know what's in your heart, listen to your mouth.
6. If you find yourself in a questionable situation, get out immediately.
7. Before you can ask integrity of others, you must attempt to be blameless yourself.
8. The PRACTICE of honesty is more convincing than the PROFESSION of holiness.
9. Character is made by what you stand for; reputation by what you fall for."

Good words to consider on this Friday, July 8, 2005.

GIVING GOD TIME

"If there's one thing we need in the midst of our busy, loud, and nervous lives, it's the inner peace and quiet and assurance that only God can give. It's the only way to see God's purposes for us, let alone keep our sanity.

The thing is, God doesn't yell out and say, 'Hey, you're neglecting me. Sit still for a moment so you can hear me.' He is fully capable of getting our attention when we really need it, but you don't want to make a habit of giving God a reason to chase you down ( and He will).

Rather than waiting for God to whack you over the head with a spiritual two-by-four, would it be far better to give God some time each day to quietly speak to you? Actually, this is God's preference. 'BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD. (Psalm 46:10). Being still may be the hardest thing you will ever do, but it may be the most important. When you give God time, you show Him respect. In effect you're saying, 'God, You're important enough to me to set aside some time each day. I want You to teach me, and I want to learn.'

The doorway to letting God into the details of your life -- into your concerns and dreams -- is time. We know this won't be easy. Many other voices will call out for your time and attention, and many of them are worthwhile. But if you want to hear the one Voice who will make all the
difference in your life, you'll need to let God in ... quietly!

Some "small stuff" suggestions:

1. Make and appointment with God every day and then keep it as if you were meeting with the most important person in the world.
2. Set aside a designated period of time each day, each week, each month, and each year to focus on God.
3. The advantage of meeting god at the same time each day is that you don't have to decide when you are going to do it.
4. Sometime in the next month, try giving the Lord a day out of our life. An entire day.
5. Make moments of stillness, quiet, and solitude part of your daily routine.
6. Rising early to meet the Lord gives you a jump on the day. Meeting God at night enables you to reflect on the day. Either option is good.
7. If you hurry through life without giving God time, this world will seem like a hospital, a place to get sick and die.
8. If you go through life with God, this world will seem like an inn, a place to stay while you're passing through.
9. Depending on your spiritual condition, being alone with God will either be unnerving or invigorating.
10. The time to find moments of stillness and quiet is when it's most difficult to do so."

from GOD IS IN THE SMALL STUFF . . . AND IT ALL MATTERS written by Bruce and Stan, published by Promise Press.

YOU CAN KNOW GOD'S WILL

"God's will is a paradox. It's both easy to find and difficult to discern. God's will can be immediate, or it can take years to figure out. God's will can frustrate you or give you tremendous peace. One thing is for sure. YOU CAN KNOW GOD'S WILL. Although it may seem
mysterious, there's really no mystery to it. If you know where to look, God's will is there. And if you listen carefully, God will speak to you in amazing ways.

First of all, God speaks through His Word. Everything we need for living a life that pleases God -- and what could be more in His will that -- is in the Bible. As you get to know God's Word, you will get to know God's will.

Second, God speaks through your own judgment and common sense. BUT BEWARE! Your decisions will line up with God's only if you know God personally in the first place, and then only if your relationship with God is right. When you're in this condition, you will operate with 'the
mind of Christ.' The Holy Spirit will guide you from the inside.

Finally, and most commonly, God speaks through the details of your life. Oswald Chambers put it this way: 'God speaks in the language you know best -- not through your ears but through your circumstances.

Some additional thoughts . . .

* God's plans are always perfect. Seek HIS will.
* Don't make plans and then ask the Lord's approval. Ask God to direct your planning.
*If you're going to wait for someone, wait for the Lord.
*GOD MAY BE USING PEOPLE WHO DISAGREE WITH YOU.
*The call of God is sometimes difficult to hear.
*Once discerned, the call of God is difficult to avoid.
*Remember that God's will is not so much a function of time and place as it is an attitude of the heart.
*If you want to know God's will, spend time with Him.
*Circumstances may be outside of your control, but the way you respond to them is not.
*You will begin to live when you lose yourself in God's purpose for you.
*When God speaks, listen.
*When God commands, obey.
*When God leads, follow."

from GOD IS IN THE SMALL STUFF . . . AND IT ALL MATTERS by Bruce and
Stan, published by Promise Press.

Good reminder for today. Are you living in God's will?

THE MOST FAMOUS SERMON EVER PREACHED IN AMERICA

THE NEGATIVE AND THE POSITIVE

Sometimes we fill our heads with all the negatives . . . God has a positive answer for the negative things we think and feel . . .

You say: "It's impossible!"
God says: "All things are possible. (Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired!"
God says: "I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me!"
God says: "I love you." (John 3:16; John 13:34)

You say "I can't go on!"
God says: "My grace is sufficient. (1 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out!"
God says: "I will direct your steps." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it!"
God says: "You can do all things through Christ. (Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able!"
God says: "I am able!" (1 Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it!"
God says: "It will be worth it." (Romans 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself!"
God says: "I FORGIVE YOU!" (1 John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say "I can't manage!"
God says: "I will supply all your needs. (Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid!"
God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear." (2 Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated!"
God says: "Cast all your cares on Me!" (1 Peter 5:7)

You say: "I don't have enough faith!"
God says: "I've given everyone a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)

You say: "I'm not smart enough!"
God says: "I've given you wisdom." (1 Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone!"
God says: "I will NEVER leave you or forsake you!" (Hebrews 13:5)

Is the glass of your life half empty or half full? Are you focusing on the negative instead of the positive? May these truths encourage YOUR heart today!

THE MOST FAMOUS SERMON EVER PREACHED IN AMERICA

The preacher was Jonathan Edwards, pastor of the Congregational church in Northampton, Massachusetts, and a future president of Princeton College. The date was Saturday, July 8, 1741, and the place was Enfield, Connecticut, where Edwards had been invited to speak.

Enfield was not a religious place. The Great Awakening had touched surrounding towns but not Enfield. In fact, Christians nearby feared that God would pass them by because of the lethargy of the folk of Enfield. As the crowd entered the meetinghouse to hear Edwards speak, it was with curiosity and nonchalance.

Then Edwards began to speak. He did not sound like the evangelists of today. He wrote out his sermons word for word and then usually read them. Listening to Edwards was like listening to a lecturer who made his case in an even-tempered, intellectually demanding style in which he
tried to develop each step of his argument logically.

The title of the sermon? "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." His text was Deuteronomy 32:35: "Their foot shall slide in due time." "As he that walks in slippery places is every moment liable to fall, he cannot foresee one moment whether he shall stand or fall the next; and when he does fall, he falls at once without warning. Which also is expressed in Psalm 73:18, 19. "Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down in destruction. How are they brought into desolation as in a moment . . ." The bow of God's wrath is bent, and the arrow made ready on the string, and justice bends the arrow at your heart, and strains the bow, and it is nothing but the mere pleasure of God, and that of an angry God, without any promise or obligation at all, that keeps the arrow one moment from being drunk with your blood. Thus all you that have never passed under a great change of heart, by the mighty power of the Spirit of God upon your souls; all you that were never born again, and made new creatures, and raised from being dead in sin, to a state of new. and before altogether unexperienced light and life, are in the hands of an angry God . . . And now you have an extraordinary opportunity, a day wherein Christ has thrown the door of mercy wide open, and stands calling, and crying with a loud voice to poor sinners; a day wherein many are coming from the east, west, north, and south; many that were very lately in the same miserable condition that you are in, are now in a happy state, with their hearts filled with love to him who has loved them, and washed them from their sins in his own blood, and rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God."

As Edwards preached, members of the audience cried out, ' What shall I do to be saved? O, I am going to hell!' Some crowded toward the pulpit begging him to stop. At one point during the sermon there was so much noise that Edwards asked everyone to be quiet so that he could be heard. He ended the sermon by saying, 'Let everyone that is out of Christ now awake and fly from the wrath to come! The wrath of Almighty God is now undoubtedly hanging over a great part of this congregation. Let everyone fly out of Sodom: Haste and escape for your lives, look not behind you, escape to the mountain, lest you be consumed."

The little town of Enfield was never the same.

from THE ONE YEAR BOOK OF CHRISTIAN HISTORY by Michael and Sharon Rusten
published by Tyndale House.

What a great message that needs to be proclaimed from the pulpits of America on this July 4, 2005. May God bless America! May God bring revival to America.

AMERICA'S 229TH BIRTHDAY

This poem was written by my childhood Pastor and friend, Pastor George
Van Sandt. It is a powerful! I trust on this Lord's day it will
encourage your heart.

AMERICA'S 229TH BIRTHDAY

I try to remember just how long it is.

Israel was 500 years in Egypt held

Then Moses came to them

Just to ring liberty's bell.

Among the nations of the world

We may be the youngest of all

Yet in the annals of history

No one can recall

A nation that grew so fast

Or that has traveled so far.

Industrialization came first to Europe

Yet they are not where we are.

How long will we be the leader?

Who would dare to guess?

A nation that forgets its God

Cannot by God be blessed.

When all of the nations of the world

Rise up to stamp us out,

Who will come to aid us then?

Do you know what its all about?

Talk about Goliath

And David with his sling,

But it was the God of David

That enables us to sing.

Our weapons may be many

And powerful beyond any known

But without the Lord of Hosts to aid

We will stand-alone.

"If my people..." God said,

Not President, Congress or Court.

If only God's people will repent and, as

His soldiers, for their duty report.

The God who opened up the Red Sea,

Who made Syrian soldiers run,

Will fight our battles for us

Will stop the enemies gun.

So trust not in diplomacy

Or military might.

Trust in our Lord above

For He will do what's right.

When they killed the Righteous one

And laid Him in His grave.

They thought they had destroyed all hope,

Killing Him who came to save.

They thought that the war was ended

For His disciples fled and froze.

Yet Easter dawn turned it all around

As from the grave He arose!

gvansandt@yahoo.com

CONFRONTATION IS SOMETIMES NECESSARY

There are times in all of our lives when we need to confront. For some, confrontation is easier than for others. Francis Schaeffer said, Truth carries with it confrontation. Truth demands confrontation; loving confrontation, but confrontation nevertheless. If our reflex action is
always accommodation regardless of the truth involved, there is something wrong." Confrontation often has a negative connotation, but biblical confrontation, done in love, can be the greatest platform for change and influence.

Here are eight principles that will help you when you need to confront in love:

1. Anything and everything can be worked out.
2. Deal with the issues at hand, then forgive and forget.
3. Keep a low tone of voice and speak slowly.
4. Depersonalize everything.
5. Remember that there are two sides to every story.
6. Ask for forgiveness. Even if you believe you were right and the other person was wrong in a disagreement, you can certainly say with sincerity, "I'm sorry if I upset you. That was never my intention."
7. Never discuss issues of intentional conflict on the phone or via email.
8. Never talk about anything important when you are tired.

Good words to consider. These are taken from Am I Making Myself Clear? by Terry Felber -- quoted in Leading With Billy Graham by Jay Dennis -- Baker Books

ARE YOU HUNGRY FOR GOD?

"When you take your stand on the finished work of God in Christ, and begin to drink at the River of Life and eat the Bread of Heaven, and KNOW that you have found the end of all your longings, you only get HUNGRIER for God. The more satisfaction you experience from God, while still in this world, the greater your desire for the next. For as C. S. Lewis said, "Our best havings are wantings."

The more deeply you walk with Christ, the hungrier you get FOR Christ . . . the more homesick you get for heaven . . . the more you want 'all the fullness of God' . . . the more you want to be done with sin . . . the more you want the Bridegroom to come again . . . the more you want the church revived and purified with the beauty of Jesus . . . the more you want a great awakening to God's reality in the cities . . . the more you want to see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ to penetrate the darkness of all the unreached peoples of the world . . . the more you want to see false worldviews yield to the force of Truth . . . the more you want to see pain relieved and tears wiped away and death destroyed . . . the more you long for every wrong to be made right and the just and the grace of God to fill the earth like waters cover the sea.

If you don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great. God did not create you for this There IS an appetite for God. And it can be awakened!"

from the pen of Dr. John Piper in his powerful book, A HUNGER FOR GOD, published by Crossway Books.