IS GOD SPEAKING TO AMERICA?

Hurricanes? Fires? Rising fuel prices? Could it be that God is trying to get America's attention? The prophet Habakkuk said: "Look among the nations! Observe! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days -- You would not believe if your were told." (Habakkuk 1:5)

These are days were I believe God IS trying to get our attention. In a recent article on China, a Chinese Pastor said that he was praying that the American church would wake up and see how far we have drifted from the foundations of our faith. The only way he sees that happening is for
the church to face persecution.

During my vacation this week, I read a book that startled me. The book? THE CRIMINALIZATION OF CHRISTIANITY by Janet Folger, President of Faith 2 Action (Published by Multnomah). THIS IS A MUST READ BOOK FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN!!!

The bottom line is that we have sat back and have been silent on most every issue and our freedoms are being taken away. What we have seen in recent days is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we are going to face in America. We are rights as Christians are slipping through our fingers and many of the church have been lolled to sleep that they don't even see it happening. Over the next couple of days, I will give you several illustrations of how this is happening. We need to wake up, my friend, and discern the times.

Dr. Tony Evans earlier this week shared a message on the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I would encourage you to visit his website and listen to the message. I believe, along with Dr. Evans, that God is trying to get our attention as a nation, as a church, as men who say we
belong to Him.

If you'd like to order a copy of THE CRIMINALIZATION OF CHRISTIANITY, please respond to this email. The book normally sells for $19.95, but we will make it available to our Freedom Fighter family for $15.00.

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:15-17.

THE SECRET OF GREATNESS

"Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant" (Matthew 20:27).

A few hundred years before Christ, there was a man who rose to power in the world. He ruthlessly conquered many people and it is said that he sat down and cried when he had no more people to conquer. They called him Alexander the Great. When Christ was born there was a king ruling in Judea called Herod. He was so cruel that he knew there would be rejoicing
over his death. Thus, he planned to have some people put to death so that at least not everyone would be rejoicing over his death. They called him Herod the Great. One Christmas Day in the year 800, a man was crowned as emperor of the Holy Roman Empire; they called him Charlemagne, which means Charles the Great. More recently, in our own time, there was a boxer who earned his living by defeating other boxers. He referred to himself as The Greatest. And then there is the best hockey player, Wayne Gretzky, who the media referred to as The Great One.

Is it not odd how the world evaluates greatness? Those who followed Jesus were also interested in the matter of greatness. In fact, they asked Jesus who would be the greatest in his kingdom. Also, the mother of two of His disciples came and asked if her two sons might have the most
prominent place in His kingdom. Jesus therefore explained that, while the rulers of the nations count it greatness when they exercise control over people, His way of greatness is much different. It was then that Jesus explained that in God's kingdom the great people are the ones who serve others. This is a dramatic reversal from the concept of the world. As His disciples, Jesus therefore commands and expects us to be servants of others. \

In most of life's endeavors, most people do not subscribe to this radical teaching on greatness. However, if we are to please and serve Him, then we must be willing to serve others.

When William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, was too weak to attend their annual conference, he was asked if he had a word for the people attending the conference. His reply was in one word, "others." Think about his and tell God you want to be a blessing to someone today.

Rev. Thomas D. Murray (Pastor Murray was a dear friend of America's KESWICK and went home to be with the Lord earlier this year.) Taken from REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE.

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 3-5; 1 Timothy 4

The Secret to Spiritual Success

"As long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper." (2 Chronicles 26:5)

Illustrations abound in the scriptures of those who learned the secret of spiritual victory and prosperity. Woven through these accounts is a factor which clarifies the reason for their success. This connecting thread can be identified in terms such as believed, obeyed, or sought the Lord.

One example can be found in the early days of the life of Uzziah. As a sixteen year old, he became king in place of his father, Amaziah. Apparently there was a godly influence in the home which helped to form his character. He was also guided by a godly advisor, Zechariah. Twice in one verse testimony is given of his seeking God or seeking the Lord. This was the key to God's blessing, spiritually, economically and militarily.

Seeking the Lord does not imply that the Lord is lost. Actually God is not lost, but mankind is. Jesus said, "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). To seek the Lord is to desire fellowship with Him and to long for His grace, glory and guidance. These things cannot be fully realized without having a seeking heart. The Lord spoke through Jeremiah concerning the requirement for successfully seeking Him. "And you will seek for Me and find me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13).

Two time periods in the life of Uzziah are recorded. First, "As long as he sought the Lord." This marked a period of prosperity and success. The second forms a marked contrast, "But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction" (2 Chronicles 26:16).

The priority of seeking the Lord is set forth by Jesus, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).

Rev. William A. Raws from REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE published by America's KESWICK. Order your copy today -- 732-350-1187 ext. 31

The Subtle Power of Sin

I must realize that the closer I walk with God, the more subtle sin will become. The natural man does not hate sin as sin; he only hates the mess he has gotten himself into. But the disciple soon discovers that sin has great undoing power, the power not only to neutralize the present but also to cancel the past.

Israel made a calf of gold and said, "This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt" (Exodus 32:4). This was a direct contradiction to what Israel said earlier, "Thou hast led the people whom Thou hast redeemed" (Exodus 15:13).

Sin is always contradiction. It is the great no to every manifestation of God's truth and power. Even more, it destroys the present benefit that past blessings have brought us. The great strength occasioned by the song of Moses was wiped out by the creation of the calf.

God answered prayer for me yesterday, and I found that it still nourished me today-until I made my calf of gold. Yesterday's blessing is dissolved by today's idolatry.

The subtle power of sin is that it prevents me from relying on my spiritual savings account. Sin not only defeats me but it also strips me of my armor.What is my defense against the insidious thing? Only my bedrock relationship with God. That is one thing sin cannot change, remove, or
dissolve. God has vowed my salvation, not on the basis of what I experience, but on what His Son experienced for me. While sin can eliminate a day's or a year's growth in my soul, it cannot eliminate the thing that made that growth possible-the vibrant, pulsating life of God.

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death" (Romans 8:2).

From Daily With the King, Moody Press

THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF A CHANGED LIFE

September 25, 1897

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Someone once said to Dwight L. Moody "that the world has yet to see what God will do with and for, through and around the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him." That statement is certainly true of the life of William Raws, founder of the Colony of Mercy.

William Raws' life was radically changed on February 17, 1886 when he trusted Christ as his personal Savior in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. His bondage to alcohol was broken and Raws was gloriously saved. In his own words William Raws said, "One day, fairly dying from the effects of rum, unable even to keep hot rum brandy on my stomach, I staggered penniless too my room and fell against an old arm chair.Although under the influence of drink, a poor dying drunkard, a swearing, lustful, sinful man, I cried unto God. He heard my cry and save me. For days and nights thereafter I could neither eat nor sleep. I was on the verge of delirium tremens.But peace came at last and victory through our Lord and Savior."

Raws went on to begin the Whosoever Gospel Rescue Mission in Philadelphia but was burdened years later to begin a work in the country for men to escape city life and get alone with God. On September 25, 1897, the family and some friends met around an old pump organ and sang ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS' NAME. The crowd pooled their resources of $1.87 and claimed
the promise from Philippians 4:19 -- But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." God birthed the ministry of THE COLONY OF MERCY. And the rest is history.Thousands of lives have been transformed by the power of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the transformed life of William Raws. The ministry continues over a hundred years later with the good news that Christ can set men and women in bondage to sinful addictions and through Christ, can live victoriously.

God used the ordinary life of William Raws to impact thousands. He wants to take your ordinary life and doing extraordinary things. Are you willing to allow your life to have a ripple effect on others? Surrender you ALL to Him today.

Bill Welte

Scripture Reading: Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4

from the KESWICK DEVOTIONAL -- REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE

HOW TO HAVE AN EFFECTIVE PRAYER LIFE

(Adapted from a message by our friend Dr. Stephen F. Olford . . . now with the Lord).

Text: Luke 18:1

"Pray when you feel like it; pray when you don't feel like it; pray until you feel like it." -- Dr. W. Graham Scroggie

1. Pray in the Spirit (Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20)
2. Prayer the Scriptures. (John 15:7)
3. Pray with a system (Philippians 4:6; Matthew 6:9-13)
Adoration -- "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name . . . " Here is reverence and penitence in prayer.
Dedication -- "Your kingdom come. Your will be done." Here is allegiance and obedience in prayer.
Supplication -- "Give us this day . . ." Here is trustfulness and thankfulness in prayer.
Intercession -- "Forgive us our debts ..." Here is confession and concern in prayer.
Preparation -- "Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Here is contest and conquest in prayer.
Veneration -- "For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen!" Here is wonder and worship in prayer.
4. Have a prayer list for the saints, sinners, subjects and situations. (1 Timothy 2:1-7)
5. Pray to sensibilities:
A. Make sure you are physically ready for prayer. (Mark 4:34-37; 1 Corinthians 9:27a)
B. Make sure you are morally ready for prayer. (Psalm 66:18)
C. Make sure you are spiritually ready for prayer. (John 15:7)

Good words to ponder about your personal prayer life.

WE HAVE EVERYTHING WE NEED . . . TO DEAL WITH TEMPTATION

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who has called us by His own glory and goodness." (2 Peter 1:3)

1. We have been given the MIND of Christ so we can THINK like Him. (See 1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
2. We have been given the WORD of God so we can know WHAT to do. (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 1; Psalm 119)
3. We have been given PRAYER so that we can realize the power OVER temptation. (Matthew 6:13; 26:41)
4. We have been given the HOLY SPIRIT so we can EXPERIENCE freedom. (Romans 8; John 15)
5. We have been given FAITH so we can face WHATEVER Satan sends our way. (Hebrews 11:6; 1 Corinthians 10:13)
6. We have been given SPIRITUAL ARMOR so we can experience VICTORY. (Ephesians 6:10-20)
7. We have been given the NAME of JESUS so we can win, not just endure. (James 2:19; Revelation 12:11)

Adapted from TAMING YOUR PRIVATE THOUGHTS

Good words to ponder today!

YOU'RE BLESSED WHEN . . .

1. You're blessed when you are at the end of your rope. With less of you, there is more of God and His rule.
2. You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
3. You're blessed when you are content with just who you are -- no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourself the proud owner of everything that can't be bought.
4. You're blessed when you worked up a good appetite for God. His food and drink is the best meal you'll ever eat.
5. You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full' you'll find yourselves being cared for.
6. You're blessed when you get your inside world -- your mind and your heart -- put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
7. You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of competing or fighting. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
8. You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you deeper into God's kingdom.

These are the words of Jesus from THE BEATITUDES -- from THE MESSAGE.

Good words to ponder today.

POSITIVE LIVING

"I must avoid the popular and shallow form of Christianity that appears so prominently today. There is a kind of triumphant living trumpeted everywhere in which Jesus is simply the instigator or inciter of a flow of positive thoughts and ideas that bring me personal and material
success.

That kind of Christianity says I am a bundle of both negative and positive attitudes. Simply encourage the positive and discourage the negative, and lo, I am a victorious person. The problem is, however, that kind of victory is simply the victory of the NATURAL man. There is
nothing redemptive, remedial, or sanctifying about it.

Before a Christian can TALK about victory, he must talk about dying. As J. Gregory Mantle says, the first place the natural man has got to go is to the cross. If I want Jesus at all, I have to find Him 'outside the camp'; and if I want to know His victory, I have to bear 'His reproach'
(Hebrews 13:13). Once I get to the cross and experience the crucifixion of the natural man's selfish greed's, desires and attitudes, then I am in a position to rise with Christ 'in newness of life' (Romans 6:4) and allow HIS new life to become the POSITIVE thing that my natural self
could never be. That is more than positive thinking; it is POSITIVE LIVING!

Jesus Christ did not die on the cross to make me a confident super salesman but a normal mass of clay reflecting His power, glory, and personality. That does not mean I lose my identity; rather, I confirm it. The life of Christ flowing through my personality becomes a unique
miracle in God's kingdom; I am authenticated by Christ. Thus, Jesus Christ is not only my Savior; He is the Establisher and Definer of my true self. Then it becomes sublimely and personally true that 'in HIM we live, and move, and have our being' (Acts 17:28).

'. . . And raised us up with Him, and sealed us with Him in the heavenly places IN CHRIST JESUS, in order that in the ages to come HE might show the surpassing riches of HIS grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:6-7)

from DAILY WITH KING by Evans, published by our good friends at Moody Press.

AVOID SPIRITUAL BUSYBODIES

"I am glad that you have found the qualities you were looking for in the person you told me about. God puts WHAT HE please WHERE He pleases. He sends us help and light through many different people and circumstances. Should this matter to you? If you see that God is sending you the help, then you will no be so taken up with HOW He sent it. His ways are above
our ways.

Trust HIS way and you will grow in humility and simplicity. The Lord will show you that you have no power in and of yourself. Receive what HE gives and depend on His Spirit, who blows where He wills. (John 8:38) You do not need to know the secrets of God -- just be obedient to what He shows you to do.

Thinking too much will distract you. If you become trapped in your thoughts, they will blow out your inward spiritual sense like a wind blowing out a candle. If you keep company with people like this, you will see how dry their hearts are and how far their minds have drifted off center. It is best to stay away from such people.

I also want to warn you about people who appear to have an inward spiritual life. It is easy to mistake a vivid imagination for true spiritual experience. Watch carefully and you will see that they are still improperly attached to outward things. Your wayward desires, left unattended, will lead to obsessions that strangle your inner peace and silence before God. Stay away from people who sound good but never exhibit true fruit of an inward walk. Their talk is deceptive and you will almost always find them restless, fault-finding, and full of their own thoughts.

These spiritual busybodies are annoyed with everything, and are almost always annoying." from THE SEEKING HEART by Fenelon Good words for your consideration on this Monday, September 19th, 2005.

ABOUNDING IN HOPE

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost" (Romans 15:13).

Hope is an indispensable quality of life, and yet the cry of humanity seems to be, "Is there no hope?" Perhaps that is the echo of your heart. Dark clouds have invaded your horizon. Boisterous waves threaten to destroy your frail vessel. Friends and family have disappointed you. Dreams lie shattered at your feet. Sickness has invaded your body. All seems hopeless. With God, however, there are no hopeless situations, just those situations about which we grow
hopeless.

Listen to the Lord's health-giving advice in Matthew 11:28: "Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." One of the most trying means by which God accomplishes His purpose in our lives is when we are forced to sit still When our hearts yearn to do something for Him, when we would like to be active witnessing for Christ, when we long to do something important, probably even spectacular, then the Lord Jesus places us in a position of
inactivity, causing us to learn the lesson of quietness and stillness where our hope is found only in Him. Be grateful that God is working out His purpose in your life. Those trials are evidence not of abandonment but of His confidence that this trial will produce glory to His name. Thus you can leave the future in God's hands without demanding a detailed road map. Real security comes from saying yes to God's plan for your life. In the challenge of darkness, with waves and
breakers sweeping over you, Jesus brings a calm, a "Hush, be still!" to the human heart. Not only can we hold on, we can be strong in His strength.

As we allow God's joy and peace to invade our souls, He will cause us to abound in hope instead of helplessness. Everything will be all right! The God of hope guarantees it. It's not our strength that God needs, but our willingness to use His strength. No situation is beyond the touch of Omnipotence.

Rev. W. Claire Greiner

Scripture Reading: Exodus 7-8; Matthew 15:1-20

from our KESWICK devotional -- REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE

HAVE YOU MET A SPIRITUAL HYPOCHONDRIAC?

Here are the symptoms:

They can drain your energy immediately.
They can cloud any meeting sometimes with just their presence and sour attitude.
They can hijack your time, draining hours at a stretch.
They drag you into their daily dramas and crises.
They can burden you with imagined problems, keeping you from ministering to others with more pressing needs.
They love being dependent and in need.
They contribute little or nothing to the Lord's work, being professional complainers.

"One of the clearest signs of a true, malignant spiritual hypochondriac is that the carrier refuses to believe he is infected. Most live in denial, assuming the entire community is conspiring against them. They feel unappreciated, unloved, and misunderstood. They consistently feel betrayed by their friends, ministers, and family. And they never realize their condition."

If you know someone in this condition, or maybe you are suffering from this malady, here are five actions you can take to correct the problem, from the compelling book WHY CHURCHES DIE by Mac Brunson and Ergun Caner (published by Broadman & Holman):

1. Focus on the blessing of God. Make it an obsession to notice the greatness and graciousness of God. In every situation work to discover the hidden positive dimensions rather than dwelling on the problems. Focus on Christ rather than yourself.

2. Change your thought life. Read Philippians 4:8. The term THINK in this verse is an agrarian term that farmers used to describe the method by which a cow chews food. Masticating the food and constantly passing it through their four stomachs, a cow thoroughly chews food. Our thought life is the same. We are commanded to develop the discipline of carefully choosing to concentrate on those edifying things.

3. Surround yourself with joyful believers. Develop relationships with those "ministers of joy" who fill you and lift you to new levels of faith and strength. Remember, their iron will sharpen your iron (Proverbs 27:17)

4. Learn to pray for others. Nothing forces us to get our attention off ourselves more than learning to pray for other people's burdens. The added blessing of seeing God intervene in people's lives is mandated by God. Bearing one another's burden fulfills the law of Christ, according to Galatians 6:2.

5. Get into a ministry now. Christian service not only gives glory to God, but infuses us with a new focus -- a focus on others. Good words for you to consider today.

THE BLOOD OF CHRIST

We are living in an age where many in the "body of Christ" in order to reach the post-modern world refuse to teach certain truths because they are afraid of offending the very people they are trying to reach. They shy away from the word "sin," "the Cross," "the blood." One of our dear friends in Christian music was invited to sing at one of America's leading churches. She was told that she could not sing anything that spoke of the blood of Christ or the Cross. Guess what -- she refused to sing there!

Drs. Mac Brunson and Ergun Caner remind us in the compelling book, WHY CHURCHES DIE, that the blood of Christ, "according to the Bible, redeems us, sanctifies us, and enables us to live peaceably with one another.

1. The blood of Christ cleanses us from sin. But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)
2. The blood of Christ obtains our eternal inheritance. He entered the holy of holies once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:12)
3. The blood of Christ cleanses our consciences to serve Him. How much more will the blood of the Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14)
4. The blood of Christ sanctifies us. Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate, so that He might sanctify the people by His own blood. (Hebrews 13:12)
5. The blood of Christ causes us to worship. Therefore, through Him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess His name. (Hebrews 13:15)
6. The blood of Christ reconciles all to peace. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross -- whether things on earth or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:19-20)

What wonderful TRUTH that unfortunately some will never hear! I am thankful today for the blood of Christ that was shed for me. "ARE YOU WASHED IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB?"

CASTING ALL MY CARES ON HIM

Yesterday I shared with you the wonderful truth that JESUS prays for you. That truth was a special blessing to me yesterday and through the night. In the midst of some exciting times at merica's KESWICK there are some struggles that are taking place in people's lives. There is
some unrest at the moment among the men of the Colony -- grumblers and complainers. There are some staff that are going through some very difficult personal problems. And there are some issues that have come to light that I need to address today that will be tough to handle.

We had our the first of eight anniversary banquets last night and we pulled in the driveway around 10:45 PM. I decided to check my email and discovered that there were indeed some challenges that I was going to face today. Normally, I chew on this stuff and it impacts my ability to sleep. Last night as I crawled into bed, I reminded myself that there is ONE who never slumbers or sleeps and that HE is the ONE who is interceding for me. The Holy Spirit brought back to mind the verse from 1 Peter 5:7: "Cast ALL your cares upon HIM, for HE cares for you." I slept!

This morning when I cracked open my devotional "DAILY LIGHT . . . " which is just Scripture verses compiled for each day (no commentary) -- guess what verse was in the middle of the page -- 1 Peter 5:7. Listen to what Dr. Warren Wiersbe says in his commentary on 1 Peter: "One of the benefits of our relationship with God is the PRIVILEGE of letting Him take care of our burdens . . . The word translated 'care' means 'anxiety, the state of being pulled apart.' When circumstances are difficult, it is easy for us to be anxious and worried; but if we are,
we will miss God's blessing and become poor witnesses to the lost. We need His inward peace if we are going to triumph in the fiery trial and bring glory to His name . . . We must ONCE AND FOR ALL give all our cares -- past, present, and future -- to the Lord. We must not HAND them to Him piecemeal, keeping those cares that we think WE can handle ourselves. If we keep the 'little cares' for ourselves, they will soon become BIG problems! Each time a new burden arises, we must by faith remind the Lord (and ourselves) that we have already turned it over to
Him . . . How does God show His love and care for us when we give our cares to Him? I believe that He performs four wonderful ministries on our behalf.

1. He give us COURAGE to face our cares HONESTLY and not run away (Isaiah 41:10).
2. He gives us the WISDOM to understand the situation (James 1:5).
3. He gives us the STRENGTH to do what we must do (Philippians 4:13).
4. He gives us the FAITH to trust HIM to do the rest (Psalm 37:5).

Some people give God their burdens and expect Him to do EVERYTHING! It is important that we let Him work IN us as well as work FOR us, so that we will be prepared WHEN the answer comes. 'CAST YOUR BURDEN ON THE LORD and HE WILL SUSTAIN YOU!' (Psalm 55:22) from THE BIBLE EXPOSITION COMMENTARY by Dr. Warren Wiersbe published by Victor Books. Good words for me and you today.

I AM PRAYING FOR YOU

Over the years I have worked at trying not to make a promise to someone that I would pray for them. Why? I tend to have a poor "rememberer." What I do try and do is pray for the person right on then so that I do not forget. Years ago, one of my mentors taught me the value of even
praying for someone on the phone. I then ask the Holy Spirit to bring back to my mind the people that I have prayed with. It is a precious privilege to pray with and intercede with others.

It is an encouragement to me when someone comes up to me or drops me a note to let me know that they are praying for me. Often those notes come at "just the right time." But it is an even greater comfort to be reminded that there is SOMEONE else praying for us -- JESUS CHRIST!

As I was reading the Word in my quiet time last week, two verses stood out from the DAILY LIGHT ON THE DAILY PATH that reminded me of HIS prayer ministry in my life. There is a time in Peter's life when Jesus reminded him that Satan had asked for Peter and wanted to "sift him as wheat." And then Jesus says, "BUT I HAVE PRAYED FOR YOU, THAT YOUR FAITH
SHOULD NOT FAIL." (Luke 22:31-32)
The writer to the book of Hebrews reminds us that the ONE who sits at the right hand of the Father, "He always lives to make intercession for you!" (Hebrews 7:25) He is praying for you today, my friend! WOW! As our friend, Dr. Wendell Calder says, "That ought to get your exciter going or there is something wrong with your exciter!"

"Jesus Christ carries on intercession for us in heaven; the Holy Spirit carries on intercession in us on earth; and we the saints, have to carry on intercession for all men!" -- Oswald Chambers

Good words to ponder today!

SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS OF SPIRITUAL HARDENING OF THE ARTERIES

1. Am I grieved by the sins that seem to ensnare me?
2. Do I lay my heart concerns before God as the only one who can cure me?
3. When was the last time I sensed the call of God in my life?
4. Do I scoff at those who speak of hearing God's convictions and repent, as if I consider this a silly exercise?
5. Do I find myself increasingly uncomfortable around strong believers and even mock them because their lives make me feel guilty?
6. Do I often feel a twinge at the invitation hour and try to convince myself that stepping forward is an act of weakness? Do I wait for the feeling to subside?
7. Do I justify my ongoing sin by saying, "This is the way everyone lives"?

"A hardened heart, spiritually and physically, is no laughing matter. We do not accept the forgiveness of our sins purchased on Calvary and then scorn the one who calls us, convicts us, and challenges us." If you are not convinced, read the biblical account of Nabal in 1 Samuel 25:1-39.

from "WHY CHURCHES DIE . . . Diagnosing Letha Poisons in the Body of Christ" by Mac Brunson and Ergun Caner, published by Broadman & Holman

STILL REMEMBER.

It was published in our daily devotional, REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE. SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

"Heaven and earth may pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." (Luke 21:33)

Our nation will never forget the day that changed our lives forever. Little did we realize how personal September 11th would be for the ministry of America's KESWICK. Like many ministries, we were getting ready to begin a service of remembrance for our community, staff and the men of the Colony of Mercy. As I was preparing to walk to the Auditorium, I received word that this tragedy had impacted our ministry.

Don and Jean Peterson were actively involved with the ministry. In addition to being conference attendees, both were burdened for the Colony ministry. Don served for a number of years as a volunteer counselor and Jean became a faithful prayer warrior. Seeing Don's passion and vision for the ministry, we invited Don to serve on our Board of Trustees. He was a man of purpose, determination, integrity and commitment.

The Petersons were scheduled to leave for California for a family reunion on the morning of September 11. Arriving early at the airport, they were bumped to an earlier flight. They were assigned to Flight 93 that crashed on a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Several months after the tragedy we heard that a Bible had been found at the crash site. Selfishly we were hoping that it belonged to Don or Jean. When the rescue teams arrived at the crash site, there were only two things visible - a tire and Don Peterson's Bible. Tucked inside Don's Bible was a list of men from the Colony of Mercy that he would be praying for during the trip. Don loved the Word of God. He believed that the Word was true and that it could change and transform lives. How about you? Do you love the Word of God? Are you spending time each day reading, meditating and memorizing the Word? It will change and transform your life.

Bill Welte

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 10-12; 2 Corinthians 4

GUARD YOUR HEART

Proverbs 4: 20-22 "Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they're bursting with health. GUARD YOUR HEART; that's where life starts. Don't talk out of both ides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right or left; leave evil in
the dust." (THE MESSAGE)

GUARD YOUR HEART
Words and Music By Jon Mohr

What appears to be a harmless glance
Can turn to romance, and home are divided.
Feelings that should never have been
awakened within tearing the heart in two;
Listen, I beg you of you,
Guard your heart,
Guard your heart,
Don't trade it for treasure,
Don't give it away.
Guard your heart,
As payment for pleasure -- it's a high price to pay.
For a soul that remains sincere,
with a conscience clear,
Guard your heart!

The human heart is easily swayed,
and often betrayed at the hand of emotion.
You dare not leave the outcome to chance,
We must walk in advance or live with agony.
Guard your heart,
Guard your heart,
Don't trade it for treasure,
Don't give it away.
Guard your heart,
As payment for pleasure -- it's a high price to pay.
For a soul that remains sincere,
with a conscience clear,
Guard your heart!

Copyright 1989 Birdwing Music

Good words to ponder today!

A SUCCESSFUL DAD

I may never be as clever as my neighbor down the street,
I may never be as wealthy as some other men I meet.
I may never have the glory that some other men have had,
But I've just got to be successful as that little fellow's dad.

There are certain dreams I cherish, that I'd like to see come true,
There are thing I would like to do.
There are things I would like to accomplish before my earthly life is through.
But the task I've set my heart on is to guide a little lad,
To make myself successful as that little fellow's dad.

Oh, I may never come to glory, I may never father gold,
And when my business life is over, I may be considered a failure as told.
But the task I've set my heart on is to guide a little lad,
To make myself successful as that little fellow's dad.

It's the one job that I dream of,
The takes I think of most,
For if I fail that little fellow, I have nothing else to boast.
For the wealth and fame I'd gather,
All my fortune would be sad,
If I fail to be successful as that little fellow's dad.

-- Author Unknown

Good words to ponder today from the book "It's Easier to Build Boys Than to Mend Men" by S. Truett Cathy

THINGS I WISH I HAD KNOWN BEFORE I WAS TWENTY-ONE

1. That my health AFTER thirty depended in a large degree on what I put into my stomach BEFORE I was twenty-one.
2. How to take care of money.
3. That a man's habits are mighty hard to change after he is twenty-one.
4. That a harvest depends upon the seeds sown.
5. That worthwhile things require time, patience and work.
6. That you cannot get something for nothing.
7. The folly of not taking older people's advice.
8. The value of absolute truthfulness in everything.
9. That what Mother wanted me to do was right.
10. Dad wasn't an old fogy after all.
11. More of the helpful and inspiring messages of the Bible.
12. The greatness of the opportunity and joy of serving a fellow human being.
13. That Jesus Christ wants to be my Savior and friend.

Good stuff to ponder today -- from "It's Better to Build Boys Than Men" by S. Truett Cathy -- founder of Chick-fil-A

THE POWER OF A DAD

The Results of Fatherlessness

The United States is the world's leader in fatherless homes. The results of our actions, according to the FATHER'S MANIFESTO

63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes.
90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes.
80% of rapists motivated with displaced anger come from fatherless homes.
71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes.
85% of youth in prisons grew up in fatherless homes.
75% of all adolescent patients in drug treatment centers come from fatherless homes.

Children from fatherless homes are:

5 times more likely to commit suicide
32 times more like to runaway
20 times for likely to have behavioral disorders
14 times more likely to commit rape
9 times more likely to drop out of school
10 times more likely to abuse chemical substances
9 times more likely to end up in a state-operated institution
20 times more likely to end up in prison

from "It's Better to Build Boys Than Mend Men" by S. Truett Cathy founder of Chic-fil-A!

Are you a Dad -- there is great responsibility in your God-given role. Think about it!

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Understanding the message of the victorious Christian life is sometimes a hard adjustment. It is an adjustment to our thinking to realize that it is IMPOSSIBLE to live the Christian life. We buy into the lie that it is all about WHAT WE do rather than allowing CHRIST to live HIS life through us.

The fruit of the spirit described for us in Galatians 5:22-33 is a perfect description of Jesus Himself. Remember that CHRIST LIVES IN YOU -- as we get to know more and more of him, we are being transformed from glory to glory -- "But we with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit."

Pastor, author and songwriter, Mike Pilavachi, writes in his book, FOR THE AUDIENCE OF ONE, that "someone said once that we shouldn't pray, 'Lord, give me joy, love, peace and patience,' but we should say 'Lord, I want more of YOU in me.' Why wear out ourselves by TRYING desperately to improve OUR levels of self-control when we get the whole package by
being transformed into HIS likeness? THE MORE WE LOOK AT HIM, THE MORE HIS CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY BEGIN TO BE LIVED OUT IN US. " . . . it is important to not that it is the SPIRIT'S fruit, not OURS . . . fruit trees aren't exactly flexible when it comes to production; a pear tree won't produce apples any more than a banana tree will produce lemons. No amount of concentration, hard work, fertilizer will help either tree divert from its genetic script. The fruit of the Spirit is a description of the character of Jesus, and the only person who can bear the fruit of the Spirit is Jesus . . . Only Jesus can tease of the characteristics of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, humility, and self-control. And it comes naturally to Him."

We tend to pray for the fruit and want it NOW! But Pastor Mike Pilavachi reminds us that "growing fruit always takes a full season. You cannot expect the apples to be hours away as soon as the blossom arrives; instead, you need to allow the development to take place over the months and years. Once the period of basking in the summer sun is over, the apples tend to be ready, but only then. It has nothing to do with YOU -- only HE can produce the fruit in YOU."

Good words for you to ponder today.

"GRASS"

People are funny when it comes to their grass! I served with an organization for many years and it was the "unpardonable sin" to walk on the grass. It was funny that they built some really nice tennis courts and forgot to put in paths. There were signs leading up to the courts that said: "Do not walk on the grass." Not sure how you were supposed to get there . . .

One of my friends sent me a photo of a sign he saw in Maine: "GRASS GROWS BY INCHES AND DIES BY FEET ... PLEASE STAY ON THE PATH." That is a really cool sign and reminder for each of us.

The writer of the little book of 1 John wrote in chapter 2:6 "the one who says he abides in Him out to walk in the same manner as He did." How do we do that? Dr. Warren Wiersbe in his commentary, "BE REAL" says: "Jesus Himself taught the disciples what it means to abide in Him. He explains it in His illustration of the vine and the branches (John 15). Just as the branch gets its life by remaining in contact with the vine, so believers receive their strength by maintaining fellowship with Christ. To abide in Christ means to depend completely on Him for all that we need in order to live for Him and serve Him. It is a living relationship. As He lives out HIS life THROUGH me, we are able to follow His example and walk as He walked.

Christ lives out HIS life THROUGH me by the power of the Spirit who lives within our bodies. It is not by means of IMITATION that we abide in Christ and walk as He walked. No, it is through INCARNATION: through HIS Spirit. 'CHRIST LIVETH IN ME!' To walk in the light is to walk in the Spirit and not to fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16)."

Apart from Christ, my friend, IT IS NOT JUST DIFFICULT TO LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE -- IT IS IMPOSSIBLE! He wants to live HIS life THROUGH YOU -- "CHRIST IN YOU -- THE HOPE OF GLORY." (Colossians 1:27)

Today, stay of the path -- allow Christ to live His life THROUGH you today. Enjoy your Labor Day!

IN CHRIST

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me!" (Galatians 2:20)

"All unbelievers have an old nature which is characterized by sin. Before you came to Christ you were one of those individuals. You were a sinner because it was your NATURE to sin. This 'natural man' cannot accept or understand the things of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14).

What happened to the OLD you at salvation? You died-- not he physical you, of course, but that old inner self which was empowered by the old nature you inherited from Adam (Romans 6:2-6; Colossians 3:3). What was the method of execution? Crucifixion with Christ. Paul announced in
Galatians 2:20: 'I have been crucified with Christ.' And in Galatians 6:14, Paul disclaimed any right to boast 'except in the cross of our Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.' At salvation you were placed INTO Christ, the one who died on the cross for your sin. Being IN CHRIST, your old self died with Him there.

Notice the remarkable difference. In Adam you had an OLD self; IN CHRIST you have a NEW self. In Adam you had a sin nature (Ephesians 2:1-3); IN CHRIST you are a partaker of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). In Adam you were in the flesh (Romans 8:8); IN CHRIST you are in the Spirit (Romans 8:9). In Adam you could only walk AFTER the flesh; IN CHRIST you may choose to walk after the SPIRIT or after the flesh. YOU ARE A NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST!" from DAILY IN CHRIST by Neil and Joanne Anderson published by Harvest House.

What a wonderful truth to celebrate as we WORSHIP today on this HIS DAY!

ALREADY ACCEPTED

"Fellowship with God is not an abstract theological concept, but a LIVING relationship. Living in a continuous agreement with God is to walk in the light. Satan can't accuse me if I live in the light, but walking in the light is not moral perfection (1 John 1:8). We are not sinless, but the confession mentioned in 1 John 1:9 brings us into agreement with God about our present moral condition before Him.

What makes it possible to be this open with God about our condition is the fact that we are already His children. Our eternal state is not at stake, only our daily victory. We don't have to PRETEND with God in the HOPE that He will accept us. As His children, we're already accepted so we are free to be honest with Him. We have no relationship to lose, only fellowship to gain. Knowing that we're secure in Christ, we can express ourselves honestly to Him. He already knows the thoughts and intentions of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12).

Knowing that we are forgiven, let's come before His presence with thanksgiving. God is our Father, and like any parent He doesn't appreciate grumbling, complaining children, especially since this Father sacrificed His only begotten Son for us. He will not be very interested in our list of demands if we haven't been obedient to Him. I also don't think He is going to be very interested in helping us develop our OWN kingdom when we are to work at establishing the one one that will last -- HIS!

To sit in the presence of my Father who loves me, who has made an incredible sacrifice so I can be there, doesn't have to be a dismal, failing experience. He invites us into His presence just as we are, because in Christ our weakness and sin have been covered: 'Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from and evil conscience ' (Hebrews 10:22)"

Good words from DAILY IN CHRIST -- A Devotional and Neil T. Anderson published by Harvest House.

WHAT TIME IS IT?

Our speaker for the week, Dr. Wendall Calder, shared an incredible message last night entitled WHAT TIME IS IT -- IT'S LATER THAN YOU THINK. It is a message that every child of God needs to hear. In fact, I am going to stick my neck out on the limb and make it available to our
Freedom Fighter family on cassette or CD at now cost. All I ask is that when you receive it you prayerfully consider sending a gift to help cover the cost of the postage. If you would like the CD or cassette, reply to this email and include your mailing address.

The text was from 2 Timothy 3:1-5. I am giving you just THE WORD this morning as it speaks for itself. We are seeing this fulfilled as we watch with horror at what is taking place in New Orleans.

"You may as well know this too, Timothy, that in the last days it is going to be very difficult to be a Christian. For people will love only themselves and their money; they will be proud and boastful, sneering at God, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful to them, and thoroughly
bad. They will be hardhearted and never give to others; they will be constant liars and troublemakers and will think nothing of immorality. They will be rough and cruel, and sneer at those who try to be good. They will betray their friends; they will be hotheaded, puffed up with
pride, and prefer good times to worshipping God. They will go to church, yes, but they won't really believe anything they hear."

These are times of great opportunity, my friend! Challenging times to be living for and serving the Lord. "So be careful how you act; these are difficult days. Don't be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good." (Ephesians 5: 15,16)

BOUNDLESS GRANDEUR

"No heart can measure, no tongue can utter, the half of the greatness of God. The whole creation is full of His glory and radiant with the excellency of His power. His goodness and wisdom are displayed on every hand. The countless hosts of terrestrial beings, from man the head to the creeping worm at the foot, are all supported and nourished by the Divine bounty. The solid fabric of the universe leans upon His eternal arms.

Universally is He present, and everywhere is His name is excellent. God works always and everywhere. There is no place where God is not. God is there in a thousand wonders, upholding rocky barriers, filling the flower cups with their perfume, and refreshing the lonely pines with the breath of His mouth. Descend, if you will, into the depths of the ocean, where the water sleeps undisturbed and the very sand is motionless in unbroken quiet -- but the glory of the Lord is there, revealing its excellence in the silent palace of the sea. Borrow the wings of the
morning and fly to the uttermost parts of the sea -- but God is there.

Nor on earth alone is God extolled, for His brightness shines forth in the skies above the earth and His glory exceeds the splendor of the starry heavens. Above the region of the stars He has immovably set His everlasting throne, and there He dwells in light indescribable. Let us adore Him who 'alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.'" (Job 9:8-9)

from HOW GREAT THOU ART -- A Daily Devotional by Steve Halliday & William Travis published by Multnomah

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens!" (Psalm 8:1)