DON'T HARDEN YOUR NECK

DON'T HARDEN YOUR NECK
He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. Proverbs 29:1

This word from the Wisdom Writer strikes fear in me each time I read it. It should probably create the same response in many who regularly read the Freedom Fighter. We need to understand the consequence of stubborn refusal to hear God's rebuke in our lives.

I've mentioned this earlier in the month, but please hear me one more time. My experience tells me that many who struggle with addiction don't like rebukes. Some of us don't want God or anyone else telling us we're wrong. We don't accept confrontation, even when it comes from those who love us. We keep going our own way. We keep refusing to listen. In biblical terms, we harden our necks.

Hear what the Wisdom Writer says about those who harden their necks. "Sudden destruction" awaits them. As I think of this, I remember Paul's Lord's Supper instruction to the Corinthian Christians. Some people in that church died because of their disobedience. While God is infinitely patient, He will not continually tolerate our "hardened necks." This really is a fear-instilling admonition.

Think about the foolishness in all of this. Many of us who read this email every day have children. We've known their temper when they're small. Can you remember holding your small child as they arch their back in defiance? Adults do the same thing to God when they harden their necks. God will put up with our defiance only so long. That stubbornness will cost us. It may cost us everything, and it may be permanent.

These short lines of wisdom offer us a warning and a reminder. That God needs to warn and remind me saddens me. It doesn't make sense that people like us, who have received God's grace, will sometimes choose to defy Him. He never wants anything but our best. His rebukes always come to help us, not hurt us. Hardening our necks at His rebuke is foolish, harmful to us and dishonoring to God.

Don't forget: Freedom Fighters listen to rebuke rather than rejecting it. (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

Great Quote: ...the mechanics of a Spirit-filled life do not provide for a spasmodic filling that is, the Christian is not filled only when doing service such as preaching or teaching, but the Christian who is living a normal life of moment by moment yieldedness to God experiences a moment by moment fullness of the Spirit. No Christian can do with less and at the same time live a victorious life.

Kenneth Wuest

DON'T TRUST YOUR OWN HEART

DON'T TRUST YOUR OWN HEART
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered. Proverbs 28:26

Autonomy isn't a word we use much these days. It's an appropriate word for us to think about, however, as we consider this instruction. Many people who struggle with addictions consider themselves autonomous; they think they're on their own. No one has the right to tell them what to do.

If you and I live with those thought patterns, the first line of this verse describes us. We're not autonomous, and trusting our own hearts isn't wise living. The prophet Jeremiah had a good read on our hearts. Here's what he said, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)

The Wisdom Writers tell us that we shouldn't trust ourselves. We're not trustworthy in our own strength. If we think we always know what we need, we're fooling ourselves. Freedom Fighters wake up to this reality and choose a different thought pattern.

The second part of this instruction speaks of those who walk wisely. Difficulty may still come our way, but we have the promise of deliverance. We've learned several things about "walking wisely" this month. Let's review.

Men who walk wisely pursue wisdom, the ability to "live life skillfully." This pursuit begins with discovering the "fear of the Lord." We listen to Lady Wisdom as she speaks to us through God's Word and by His Spirit. Wise men avoid moral failure and spiritual adultery. We discover the value of wise counsel, and we choose our friends carefully. We have a healthy fear of evil, and we hide ourselves when we see it coming our way.

Walking wisely includes listening to counsel; we understand the danger of straying from the words of knowledge. Choosing to do righteousness and the right thing marks the way of men who walk in wisdom. Wisdom leads us to apply the truth to our lives, allowing it to transform us throughout our lives. Wise men avoid "murky springs" and "polluted wells" that poison our souls. We learn to discern danger, and we don't dance with it. Wise men know they aren't naturally wise. They receive the ongoing gift of wisdom from the good hand of God.

Don't forget: The true proof of foolishness is trusting your own heart! (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

Great Quote: By these things examine thyself: By whose rules am I acting? In whose name? In whose strength? For whose glory? What faith, humility, self-denial and love of God and to man have there been in my actions?

Anonymous

THE DANGER OF WANDERING . . .

THE DANGER OF WANDERING . . .

Like a bird that wanders from its nest is a man who wanders from his place. Proverbs 27:8

This little line from the Wisdom Writer talks to us about the danger of wandering. We may get into trouble when we wander aimlessly or carelessly from the safe place God has for us. Like a bird out of its place, we are vulnerable when we leave the safety of our place.

Freedom Fighters who know the battle with addictions need to accept this instruction. You may have known freedom from your addiction for a long time. Perhaps you've become too comfortable in your victories. Carelessness creeps into your life. You wander from the places that you know are safe. You may wander unintentionally, but still you wander.

Where might the wandering take you? You may go to the wrong place on the internet. You may wander back to the old neighborhood where you scored your last hit. An old affair may come to mind and you reconnect with someone who puts you in a compromising position. Hear the Proverbs Writer today: wandering is dangerous! You're as unsafe as a little bird that falls from its nest.

As I think about the word, I believe wandering also speaks to a lack of discipline. Those of us prone to wander probably aren't practicing good self-control. Wandering infers drifting, and I can't think of anything more dangerous for Freedom Fighters than drifting. Drifting gives Satan an opportunity to take us places we don't want to go, to places we don't need to visit.

This one little line of scripture also speaks of this "place" where we belong. It implies that we have a good and right place where we belong. We also know of places where we don't belong. All of us who choose freedom instead of bondage do well to accept the safe place, even if it sometimes feels like we're closed in. Safety always includes come level of restraint. We should accept that restraint, not fight it.

If you're out with your family for a Sunday afternoon drive, wandering is fun. Freedom Fighters striving for victory avoid wandering and appreciate the safety of their "place."

Don't forget: Birds and Freedom Fighters aren't safe when they're out of place! (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

ARE YOU A GRACELESS CHRISTIAN?

ARE YOU A GRACELESS CHRISTIAN?

Bible teacher and author Richard Blackaby (son of Henry, author of Experiencing God) says that "many Christians have lost the wonder of what God's grace as done for them. They have fallen into a debilitating send of self-centered entitlement, behaving as if God exists solely to serve them and to make them happy. These people have forgot how hopeless their situation was before God rescued them by His grace. They overlook the fact that God is not obligated to redeem them or walk with them daily or to answer their prayers or even to continue loving them when they act intolerably."

He goes on to say "that our generation may be one of the most self-centered in history. There is a chronic condition in our society that is far more widespread than is generally acknowledged. It affects most Christians. It causes are difficult to understand but its symptoms are obvious. And it seems to be contagious. It is perplexing to witness. It is inexcusable as it is pervasive. It contradicts the very purpose of Christ's death on the cross."

"A baffling reality is that the richest people in the world can be some of the stingiest tightwads. Those who have the most can be the least willing to show generosity to others. While 'Amazing Grace' may be a popular hymn among millions of believers, it is not the lifestyle of choice for many. Here are some examples of graceless Christians:

* People complain they 'got nothing out of the service' because the worship leader did not schedule any of THEIR favorite hymns.
* Members angrily leave the church because the pastor changed the format of the service.
* Believers become resentful toward God because He did not answer THEIR prayers the way THEY wanted Him to.
* People leave the church auditorium promptly at twelve o'clock hour whether the pastor is finished speaking or not.
* Church leaders are slandered by people who have been 'overlooked' for prominent positions.
* Two Christians refuse to forgive one another.
* Members leave the church because the Pastor talks too much about giving.
* Christian parents refuse to speak to their adult son or daughter because he or she did not heed their advice."

From PUTTING A FACE ON GRACE -- Living a Life Worth Passing On by Richard Blackaby. Published by Multnomah and available from the Keswick Bookstore (732-350-1187 ext. 31)

Are you a graceless Christian? I would love to dialog about this. What are some other ways that we can demonstrate that we are GRACELESS CHRISTIANS?

If Freedom Fighter has blessed your life, share it with a friend. You can sign them up from our website homepage by visiting www.americaskeswick.org

WISE GUYS

WISE GUYS
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 26:12

Proverbs writers don't hold fools in high regard. Their comments on the man who lives as a fool are scathing. That's what makes this verse in chapter 26 so astonishing. The wisdom writer has just used eleven verses giving us a completely unflattering description of a fool. In one verse he paints a picture of the "smart guy." Even the fool has more hope than the "wise guy" who thinks he knows everything.

I've noticed through the years that men with life-dominating sins often have the "I'm smarter than everyone else" mind frame. They don't need help because they don't have a problem. If they admit they have a problem, they can handle it by themselves. I've seen it with alcoholics, drug abusers and men with sexual addictions.

Hear me clearly: those of us who read this who think we know it all, who are "wise in our [own] eyes," live in dangerous territory. The Wisdom Writer tells us of our lack of hope. Do you hear what he's saying? If you or I live as "wise guys," we're just about hopeless! No one can help us because we don't even know we need help!

I wonder if writing these words is something like running into a brick wall. Somebody reading this Freedom Fighter needs to hear this verse. I fear that the one or more who need to hear it won't because they are "wise guys." If you sense anger while reading these words, you probably need them. If you think they're for someone else, you probably need them. If you sense God's Spirit driving them home to you, you definitely need to hear them!

How do you respond if you're a "wise guy?" Ask God to search your heart and show you if you qualify as a "wise guy." Read Psalm 139:23&24. Pray those words back to God with a willing and open heart. Choose to listen as God shows you truth about you.

Wisdom Writer didn't say no hope exists for the man who is "wise in his own eyes." God is mightier than our biggest issues. He can free us from our bondages and from ourselves. Choose to reject the "wise guy" lifestyle. Choose humility before God. Let those who care about you help you. Hope still exists . . . even for "wise guys!"

Don't forget: "Wise guys" become wise when they quit being "wise guys." (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

GREAT QUOTE: Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.

Charles Wesley

RALPH CARMICHAEL BAND AND DAVE BOYER in concert -- Friday, July 7th -- Tickets $15 -- Special Freedom Fighter Price $10. Call today for reservations -- 800-453-7942.

CONFRONTING WICKEDNESS

CONFRONTING WICKEDNESS

A righteous man who falters before the wicked is like a murky spring and a polluted well. Proverbs 25:26

What do you do when confronted with wickedness? You and I have options. We can turn the other way. We can resist. Some encounters with "the wicked" will demand that hide ourselves (remember the prudent from chapter 22?). Some of us don't see wickedness as dangerous, so we hang around it. We tolerate more than we should. We even enjoy it a little bit.

Wisdom Writers want us to understand the danger of wickedness and the damage it does to us. They want us to understand the consequences of dancing with the devil. I worked for a furniture company while I was in Bible college. I spent every afternoon in a delivery truck with a chain-smoker. When I returned to the college campus for dinner each afternoon, I could see other students sniffing as I walked by. I reeked of the cigarette smoke!

Wickedness does that to us. These lines paint a graphic word picture for us. If we hang around the wicked . . . if we let wickedness live close to us, we'll discover its smell becomes our smell. Its influence will make us like a spring murky and useless. Imagine you've worked at a hard, dirty job all day. You come home pretty filthy, and you want a long hot bath. Think about the bath water after you've used it to get clean. That's what you and I look like when we hang around wickedness!

This verse brings caution to us, and we can't misunderstand it. It warns us about the people we hang out with. The writer wants us to think about our entertainment choices. He wants us to think about what we read. Everything we allow into our lives comes up for review after reading this verse! Wicked people and wicked things pollute our lives. Wickedness ensures our defeat in the fight for freedom.

Yesterday, the Wisdom Writer warned us about fainting from lack of strength. Today, he warns us about faltering before gross, useless, polluting wickedness. I pray every Freedom Fighter who reads this will reject even the mildest form of wickedness and avoid polluting his soul.

Don't forget: Murky springs and polluted wells aren't becoming to Freedom Fighters. (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

GREAT QUOTE: Pride slays thanksgiving, but an humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow. A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves.

Harry Ward Beecher

HOW TO HANDLE ADVERSITY

HOW TO HANDLE ADVERSITY

If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Proverbs 24:10

Freedom fighting isn't for the faint of heart. Every day won't be a good day, and some days you'll wonder if fighting is worth the effort. You'll get discouraged. Some days you'll feel defeated. When those days come, I hope you'll remember that all of us who fight for freedom experience the same thing.

Proverbs 24:10 gives us a good reminder for those "hopeless" days. I'd like you to notice the assumption this verse brings us. It assumes adversity will come. No one lives without it. When thinking about adversity, the issue is "when," not "if." So, all of us should prepare for it.

We also should notice the possibility of fainting. If any of us get to the place where we think we're beyond failure, we've just gotten too big for our britches! I heard just this week of a man who had been sober for more than ten years and started drinking again. It is always too soon to think we've arrived, since we're never really sure what we'll do when adversity comes knocking at our door.

We also need to think about that "your strength is small" line. Proverbs exhorts us to pursue wisdom, instruction, knowledge and understanding. The Wisdom Writer also tells us to listen to wise counsel, that it provides safety for us. The whole purpose of The Proverbs, to live life skillfully, prepares us to face adversity. If we choose to absorb all Lady Wisdom offers, we'll have strength for the day of adversity. If we live as "the simple," we'll have no strength. We'll faint when adversity hits.

I think we see a final assumption in this verse. The Wisdom Writer says "if you faint." You and I don't have to faint! We can live with confidence (not cockiness) when we diligently build strength of character by pursuing wisdom. Not one of us who reads this has to faint. Every one of us can choose to pursue strength by living out the daily disciplines of reading the Scriptures, prayer, practicing accountability and avoiding evil.

Don't forget: Adversity will come. If you're prepared, it doesn't have to win. (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

Great Quote for Today: Outside of Christ, I am only a sinner, but in Christ, I am saved. Outside of Christ, I am empty; in Christ, I am full. Outside of Christ, I am weak; in Christ, I am strong. Outside of Christ, I cannot; in Christ, I am more than able. Outside of Christ, I have been defeated; in Christ, I am already victorious. How meaningful are the words, "in Christ."

Watchman Nee

WINNING THE BATTLE

WINNING THE BATTLE

Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge. Proverbs 23:12

Buy the truth, and do no sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding. Proverbs 23:23

These two lines from the Wisdom Writer go together. Verse twenty-three tells us to buy; verse twelve tells us to apply what we buy. Freedom Fighters who want to "live life skillfully," will practice the two disciplines of "buy and apply."

Notice from these lines that gaining the wisdom we need to fight for freedom requires initiative. This dual pursuit of wisdom and freedom demands ongoing engagement and discipline. We must engage our minds in the pursuit of wisdom. We must exercise regular discipline in applying wisdom to our daily lives.

Too many of us want to live by the old adage "let go and let God." While there is a kernel of truth in that adage, it allows people to live far too passively. We know God has to be at work in our lives if we're to achieve true victory. No one argues against that. He never, however, gives us liberty to sit back and let Him do all the work. When we see words like flee, resist, put on the whole armor, apply, etc., we understand that God expects initiative from us.

The Wisdom Writer tells us to "buy the truth." I believe that means that we're to pursue truth along with wisdom, instruction and understanding. Go back to Proverbs 1, and you'll see those four qualities provide the foundation upon which we build our lives. It's also a lifelong pursuit because we all need regular reminders of the truth.

Buying isn't enough, however. We must apply what we've bought. If we want to keep the "buy" metaphor, think about it this way. You come into some big money. You go buy the car of your dreams. You have it delivered to your house, put it in the garage and never use it. You don't even learn how to use all the controls. It just sits there. So it is with instruction, truth and words of knowledge. Without application they're just like your dream car. They do you know good unless you figure out how they should work into your life and change you.

Choose initiative and engagement. Buy and apply. Discover true freedom as you do.

Don't forget: Sitting around waiting isn't how you win the battle! (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

Join us for the DAVE BOYER AND RALPH CARMICHAEL BAND in concert, FRIDAY, JULY 7th! Special rate for Freedom Fighters. Call for details -- 732-350-1187

A prudent man

A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on
and are punished.

Proverbs 22:3

Freedom Fighters desperately need this instruction. We need to know
when to run and when to fight. Sometimes wisdom dictates what great
football coaches have known for years. The best offense is often a good
defense.

This line from the Wisdom Writers occurs again in chapter 27. A line
from Proverbs 14:16 reinforces it. Men who fight for freedom should
become familiar with all three instructions. We need to get this
clearly. At times in our lives when evil assaults us, hiding from it is
a positive alternative. Fighting or flirting with evil will do us more
damage than good.

Some who read this may think that hiding is comparable to cowardice.
Not so according to God's Word! We may not know the word "prudent." It
describes the man who acts with care and thought for the future. In
military terms, the prudent man knows when to retreat so he can live to
fight another day. Prudent men know when to fight and when to hide.
They don't hide because they're cowards. They hide because they've
thought carefully and wisely about the evil that confronts them.

Each of us can choose to prudence or simple foolishness. We can
exercise foresight and discernment, or we can walk right into evil and
pay the price. The Wisdom Writer makes the choice and the results clear
for us. He helps us understand the options and provides simple wisdom
that protects us.

I wonder why this is so hard for us. What makes us think we must always
fight? What makes us consider playing with or flirting with evil?
Maybe we don't understand the "evilness" of evil. "Oh, it's not all
that bad," may describe our thinking. Buying that line of thinking
means we're gullible for anything Satan wants to throw at us. We've
truly become "the simple" of Proverbs 22:3!

So, here's the deal. Are we prudent or simple? Do we choose to live
wisely or foolishly? This instruction is really clear. When we see the
tornado of evil coming our way, we head for the basement! We don't try
to outrun it or resist it. We stay out of its way.

Don't forget: The best offense against evil is knowing when to hide!

To do righteousness

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than
sacrifice.

Proverbs 21:3

Have you ever done something wrong and then tried to make it right? You
gave a larger offering at church, or you worked harder at some project.
Maybe you went out of your way to do something at home to please your
wife or children. We often think that we can make up for sin or failure
by "doing" something that will make God or our families happy with us.

The Wisdom Writer lets us know that doesn't work. Instead of trying to
make up for our wrongs, God just wants us to do right. The Outback
Steakhouse slogan impresses me. "No rules, just right." The owners and
managers of their franchises train the employees just to do the right
thing. They're not loaded down with rules.

So it is with God with one very positive exception. We have a Book and
the Holy Spirit to help us discern right from wrong. We're not left in
the dark to figure out the "right" thing. We who follow Jesus and
pursue freedom need not quibble over right and wrong. We definitely
shouldn't try to fool God, family and friends, by making some incredible
sacrifice after choosing wrong over right.

I believe this line from Proverbs holds a major key to winning the fight
for freedom. We simply need to commit ourselves to righteousness. We
need to choose righteousness. We need to pursue righteousness. We need
to hunger for righteousness. (Matthew 5:6) Once we've made those
commitments, we must reject anything that is unrighteous. These
decisions happen in two ways. We make an initial consecration of our
lives to righteousness. Then, with God's grace, we renew the
consecration each day for the rest of our lives.

Freedom Fighters want what God wants. We pursue what God wants. We
reject what God dislikes. We do that every day. We do it every hour.
We do it every minute if necessary. We just do it.

God's Word will strengthen our resolve to choose righteousness. God's
people will help us continue to pursuit. God's Spirit resides in us to
empower us toward right choices. We CAN pursue righteousness and
justice. It's a choice we make. We can pursue successfully, too.

As we live righteously, we can learn the joy of sacrifice to God for all
the right reasons!

Don't forget: You can't buy your way out of the consequences of sin with
sacrifices.

TRUTH AND WISDOM'S PROTECTION

TRUTH AND WISDOM'S PROTECTION

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Proverbs 20:1

Initially, I thought this verse was too obvious to use for today's Freedom Fighter. I had an inclination to go a different direction, but after reflection decided this was the place for all of us today.

Depending upon the life-dominating sin that attacks your life, you may think this verse doesn't apply to you. Do me a favor. Drop in pornography, drugs, food, money or any other sin that dominates your life in this verse and then apply it to your life.

We've talked already this month about Satan's treacherous and deceptive tricks. The nature of our struggle for freedom doesn't matter. This verse addresses the reality of consequences when we allow sin to dominate our lives. Our thinking goes like this. "One drink will help us." "One look at that picture will make us feel better." "Buying that newest and best toy will ease the pain I feel." Lies! That thinking has it roots in the lies that Satan so ably sells us. It's all a lie, and it will ultimately lead us astray.

If we choose to listen to the lie, God's Word labels us as those not wise. We become those who wander from the safe way marked by truth and wisdom. Most of us who read this email every day have known some of that wandering, and we know the damage that comes when we lose our way.

All of this pushes me to remind you why Proverbs is so important. God gives us these thirty-one chapters to help us "live life skillfully." It will help us embrace truth and wisdom and reject lies and foolishness. Every Freedom Fighter needs that help! The help is yours if you'll allow the Wisdom Writers to become your friends. Read one chapter each day of the month and do it month after month. Ask God's Spirit to bring wisdom home to your heart and mind. Allow Him to apply that wisdom to your life month after month.

Those life-dominating sins, based on lies from hell, will put us in the ditch. Truth and wisdom will protect us from the sins, from the lies and from the ditch. Pursue wisdom from the Wisdom Writers today.

Don't forget: Truth will keep you safe. Lies will drive you to the ditch! (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

THE ART OF LISTENING

THE ART OF LISTENING

Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days. Proverbs 19:20

Cease listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. Proverbs 19:27

I have these two verse numbers circled in my Bible with a line in the margin connecting them. Like all Freedom Fighters, I need both lines of instruction. Life gets no less complicated as all of us get older. Temptation doesn't retire from our lives when we reach a certain age. We all need increasing wisdom as the days in which we live get more evil.

That wisdom to "live life skillfully" comes our way through counsel and instruction. We receive it in several different ways. Reading the Word of God regularly will counsel and instruct us. Good and godly friends can provide counsel and instruction if we're willing to open our lives to them. Consistent attendance in a good, Bible-teaching church offers God's Spirit time to teach us wisdom and instruction.

Listening is the key, however. If we get all that counsel and instruction without listening, we'll live our latter days without wisdom. If we pay attention to the counsel and attention God brings into our lives, we'll live out our latter days full of wisdom.

The Proverbs Writer brings us to look at the dark side of the listening issue, too. While wisdom comes our way when we do listen, danger awaits us if we don't listen. We all know the consequences of not listening. Most of us have paid heavy prices for thinking we knew better than those who offered counsel and instruction.

If I could paraphrase verse twenty-seven, here is what I would say: Quit paying attention to your teachers, my son, and you're bound to get into trouble. When we learned to drive, the person teaching us continually told us to keep our eyes on the road. I'm a sightseer, and I have to be careful. When I take my eyes off the road, the car often strays from the center of the lane. That's not a good thing!

So it is in life. If we quit listening to wise counsel and godly instruction, we'll stray from the safe path God has for us. We'll get into trouble. The option to listen or not to listen is ours. Freedom Fighters who wage the battle for moral purity and godliness will choose to listen.

Don't forget: Wisdom comes through listening. Danger comes when we don't listen. (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

TWO GREAT CONCERTS COMING UP AT AMERICA'S KESWICK:
Dinner Concert with Steve and Annie Chapman -- Saturday, June 24th 6:30 PM -- Call today for reservations: 800-453-7942.
Ralph Carmichael Band and Dave Boyer -- Friday evening, July 7th. Call today for a special Freedom Fighter for this concert only.

Have a great day!

THE VALUE OF DAD

Happy Father's Day. I am currently in Minnesota enjoying our grandson Tanner and our brand new granddaughter, Lindsay Alice, who was born on Wednesday. My good friend and my Pastor, John Strain, has been blessing our hearts by sharing some fresh thoughts from the book of Proverbs.

On Friday was bonding with Lindsay and caught a segment on Good Morning America on the value of a father from the perspective of what a he's worth around the house. Our society has de-valued the American male, picturing him as lazy, stupid, and inferior to women. I found it interesting that this feature showed that more and more Dad's are taking on more responsibility in the home. Not only are they doing their "normal" chores, they are helping with the cooking, cleaning and a number of other tasks at home.

"The survey found the average American dad who worked full time typically spent 39.6 hours a week doing work around the house," reported Good Morning America. The survey goes on to report that "according to a Salary.com survey conducted exclusively for "Good Morning America," dads would earn $71,160.45 a year if paid in real wages."
The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:2 commanded us to do what God commanded the children of Israel: "Honor you father . . . " The Amplified Bible says: "esteem and value as precious your father . . . " Note that it doesn't place any conditions on honoring Dad. It isn't about "if Dad does this ... I will honor him." Dad's are imperfect. They make mistakes. Sometimes big mistakes. But if they are following God, they are doing their best for their kids. By the way, this command which was given to Moses was one of the original ten -- it wasn't a suggestion up for debate.
Now that I am a grandfather, I am looking at fatherhood through a different set of lenses as I am watching my kids as adults. My son, Josh, is soon to become a Dad and will look at parenting quite differently. He is going to make a great Dad because of the way that I have seen him treat his wife. Howard Hendricks said that the best thing a man can do for his son is to love his mother. Josh treats Jenny with love and respect. I am very proud of him.
I know how that the responsibility of honoring my son and two son-in-laws, Garrett and Jon, as they take up the mantle of fathering my grandkids. It is a privilege to honor them and esteem them as precious. I want to transfer that truth to my grandkids too, teaching them how important it is to love, respect and honor their Dads.
When we arrived in Minnesota, Tanner was trying to call me "Grandpa" but the other day out of the clear blue, he called me "Pop Pop." I have to admit that when he first said those words, a HUGE knot formed in my throat and my eyes filled with tears. That's what my kids called my Dad. What an honor to be called "Pop Pop." I have huge shoes to fill.
And you know what guys, if you have a Dad that is still on this side of heaven, don't miss the opportunity to call him today and honor him. My Dad has been in heaven for 20 years this year and I still miss him as if it was yesterday. Dad, I love you and miss you so much.
Have a great Father's Day.

Adversity

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17

I think my friend, Bill Welte, coined the term "freedom-fighter." I'm also pretty sure that I have a good idea about his thinking behind the term. It speaks of freedom that is available through Jesus Christ. The freedom of which we speak lets us pursue righteousness and releases us from the bondage of sin.

But we can't forget the second word. Those who would know freedom will also know the fight. We have an enemy. He is the enemy of our souls, and he knows well that "residue of the flesh" we thought about earlier this month. The Wicked One knows the tug of that "residue," and he is quite good at using it against us. To know freedom is to fight the one who fights against us.

Many of us think this fight should be easy. Sometimes it is. Adversity comes along at other times, and the intensity of the battle is more than we think we can take. That's why the Proverbs Writer gave us the line we're thinking about today.

All of us must learn that we don't resist Satan alone. Choosing to fight alone usually means we'll lose. Friends, real friends, who love us will help us in the fight. They'll love us enough to confront us, to hold us accountable. They'll love us enough to encourage us when we're hanging on by a thread. Apart from the power of Jesus Christ at work in our lives, one good friend who loves us may be the key to victory or defeat in the fight for freedom.

Notice the rest of the verse. " . . . and a brother is born for adversity." The writer's assumption is simple. Adversity will come. It's not a maybe thing; it's a definite thing. He lets us know that God gives us brothers for those adverse times. These brothers aren't always brothers by natural birth. They're probably brothers by "the new birth." They share faith in Jesus, and they know the fight for freedom.

God gives us these men to fight with us and for us. They don't run when things get hard. They don't walk away if we experience temporary failure. Brothers in adversity have lasting power, and they love us enough to engage the battle with us. You and I need these brothers. If you've been a believer for forty years or four months, you need these brothers! If you have them already, as I do, praise God for them. If you don't, find them. If you don't know how to find them, write Bill Welte or me, and we'll help you find them.

Don't forget: You and I need those men who will stay with us through adversity. (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

NO SECRETS WITH GOD ...

Sorry for the delay this morning. We are in Minnesota celebrating the birth of our second grandchild, Lindsay Alice Groen, and Pastor John Strain has been forwarding me the daily FF's from Proverbs that he is writing. For some reason we didn't the one for today. Here it is . . .

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3

Too many men live hidden lives. We keep secrets. We maintain appearances that don't truly reflect our hearts. Many of us actually think we're really good at it. "Nobody knows and nobody needs to know" is often our thinking.

This line from Proverbs strips us of our secrecy. All the people who know us may not know our secrets, but God does. Those who struggle with life-dominating sins that they think are secret need to wrestle with this revelation. Try as we may to hide, it's impossible to hide anything from God.

This reality brings us back to the beginning of our thinking in Proverbs. Do you remember "the fear of the Lord?" Pursuing the fear of the Lord-that humble, obedient spirit that puts God first-makes Proverbs 15:3 incredibly important.

We try to hide from our wives, co-workers, friends at church, etc. We really live, however, for an audience of one. Someone has said that what we do when no one is watching reveals our true character. That statement has one huge problem; someone is always watching!

All of us who live with the "residue of the flesh" sometimes want to satisfy that flesh. Knowing that God always sees us ought to motivate us to flee from evil whenever it comes near us. Resisting and fleeing make sense because we know evil is dangerous. We know it will do us damage rather than good. Most of all, however, we flee from evil because God sees us. If we choose not to flee from evil, we run the risk of hurting God. For all of us, that's just unacceptable.

When we nurture those addictions that plague our lives, we live in a fantasy world. We think we're OK; no one will ever know. Proverbs 15:3 is real-world truth. We're never OK when we do wrong. We're never going to do wrong without that "audience of one" knowing. So, let's quit fooling ourselves. Let's make sure that what the Lord sees from our lives is good, not evil.

Don't forget: We have no secrets from the all-knowing God!

Good word for today!!!

STAY AWAY FROM EVIL

STAY AWAY FROM EVIL

A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident. Proverbs 14:16

Too many of us want to live to close to the edge. A few years ago I had the privilege of driving up Pike's Peak. Once you get above the tree line, the road becomes gravel, and there are no guard rails. I chose to hug the middle of the road that day!

The Proverbs Writer cautions us in this description of a wise man. Once wisdom begins its work in our lives, we become less macho and freely admit that some things deserve our fear. Evil, in any form, is one of those things. Some things warrant us running the other direction; we don't need to hang around to see if we're brave enough to handle them.

I read this week that New Jersey's Casino Commission has renewed the license of a casino executive who had lost the license because of a gambling addiction. I don't know the man involved, but he shouldn't be applying for a renewed license. He ought to be as far away from Atlantic City as possible!

If your addiction is alcohol, you don't need to hang out in the bar with your buds drinking diet sodas. You need to avoid the place like the plague! If you're hooked on internet porn, you either need to give up your computer or put software on that blocks the porn. Someone other than you should control that software!

Do you get the idea? Our Proverbs guy tells us this morning that a fool is self-confident. "I can handle this!" Do you know men with life-dominating sins who think that way? I do, and they almost never handle their issue wisely. Wise men know their limitations, and they run from evil. They don't mess around with the things that can lead them down the road of the foolish.

This really is simple stuff. If God's wisdom is at work in your life, you'll figure out the nature of evil and know when to be afraid. If you're the self-confident fool who thinks he knows everything, you're probably living closer to the edge than you should. You may need to think about how far down it is if you get too close.

Don't forget: Lady Wisdom urges you to stay far away from evil! (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

he who regards a rebuke

Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored. Proverbs 13:18

The issues of correction, rebuke and instruction run through the entire book of Proverbs. It is as though the Proverb writers knew how resistant we are to those things. I've seen how often I get defensive when someone tries to correct me. Many with whom I've worked seem to have the same problem. Those who struggle with addictions seem particularly resistant to correction.

I've often wondered why those who so much need help resist receiving it. A good friend of mine who travels the country teaching on prayer may have the answer. He speaks of believers struggling with "the residue of the flesh." All of us have that "residue." It often flares up when rebuke or correction comes our way.

The writer of Proverbs 13:18 wants us to see the benefit of a godly rebuke. He wants us to know the danger of resisting correction. Do you remember the two paths that meet. It is the place where Lady Wisdom stands and calls out to us? She'll remind us that we receive blessing when we accept needed rebukes. She'll also let us know that we're wrong when we won't accept correction from those who care about us. We need to listen.

Let's think for a minute how we receive rebuke and correction. I believe strongly that correction needs to come from mature believers. You'll usually find these people in a Bible-believing local church. The Colony of Mercy at America's Keswick insists that graduates of the Colony connect with a good church and establish a pastoral covenant. We find safety in a good church. We find people who can correct us and help us stay on course. All of us need that.

You and I are better for having people who love us enough to correct us when they see us straying from the right way. Let's thank God for them and benefit from them. Let's make sure we don't ignore them or resist them.

Don't forget: Resist the "residue of your flesh" and pay attention to wise correction. (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)
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CHOOSING RIGHT FRIENDS

CHOOSING RIGHT FRIENDS

The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26

People who fight for freedom choose their friends carefully. The right kind of friend will help us win the fight. The wrong kind will usually cause us to lose the fight.

Remember that Proverbs writers want us to live life skillfully. Even little one-line instructions like the one we consider today, have that goal. Don't forget, too, that Solomon possessed incredible wisdom. Beyond that, he wrote under the influence of God's Holy Spirit. Put all of that together, and we need to pay attention to this instruction.

The thinking is really simple. Good friends will help us become what God wants us to be. Most of us who read this email every day do so because we want to grow in our walk with Jesus. We look for encouragement, instruction, help for the journey. For the same reasons we need to build solid friendships with people who provide the same kind of support for us. While we don't forsake non-Christian friends, we discover from this verse that we can't just hang out with anyone.

None of us is immune to the influences of those around us, especially those who are our friends. People who were friends when we walked in ways that brought addictions our lives, need to hear what the Proverb Writer says to us in this little instruction. Once we're clean and walking with Jesus, we may need to break off those friendships. The influence of those who don't walk with Jesus (the wicked) will often lead us back to sinful life patterns. We don't want to go there!

Take a few minutes today and think about the people who influence you. Do your friends help you stay free? Do they encourage you in your walk with Jesus? Don't minimize the influence of your friends, and, don't forget that all your friends aren't people. Books are your friends. Do you read books that push you toward Jesus or away from Him? What about your TV friends? The material you allow into your life through your eyes and ears from big or small screens can help you or hurt you.

Don't forget: Choosing the right friends protects you from failure! (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

Senility is setting in -- I wished you all a Happy Father's Day yesterday . . . Better early than never? Listen this week to KESWICK TODAY and meet Dr. Jimmy DeYoung, our Prophecy Week speaker. Join us for an action-packed week of information to help you understand prophecy in light of today's news. You can tune in by visiting our website: www.americaskeswick.org

DON'T GO IT ALONE

DON'T GO IT ALONE

"Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14

The fight for freedom happens best when fought with others. God didn't design us for isolation.

I've seen isolation happen too often not to recognize the signs. With men particularly isolation often provides the first indication that sin is taking root in our lives. That isolation from others is more prevalent than ever with various internet addictions. We can't drag ourselves away from the pictures or the online casino or the chat room. We can do whatever we want in the privacy of our home or office . . . or so we think.

If you choose to read Proverbs this month, you'll find other places that speak to the danger of isolation and lack of counsel in our lives. Proverbs writers frequently beat the same drum. We need each other. We live in danger when we reject those who can give us counsel and encouragement.

A man on my church Board spent a year in Iraq. He'll be the first to tell you about the security that comes with safety. We're never safe if we nurture life-dominating sins in an unholy cocoon of isolation. Safety comes in numbers. The Proverb writer saw safety in multiple godly counselors who walk with us as we pursue freedom from those sins.

How about you? Do you live in the safety of many counselors? Or, do you live in the dark shadows of isolation? If you're living in the shadow world of secret sins, I encourage you to leave the darkness. God didn't design His people to live there. You may think no one cares. You may think that if people knew of your shadow world that they would only judge you. Some might do just that, but finding those who won't judge you makes the risk worthwhile.

You'll never find a better day than today to come out of the dark corners of isolation. If you want to take that step and don't know where to go, respond to this email. Bill Welte can contact you, or you can ask for me to contact you. We want nothing more than to walk with you in the light.

Don't forget: God didn't design you to live in the dark world of isolation. (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

DON'T LIVE IN ISOLATION

DON'T LIVE IN ISOLATION
"Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14

The fight for freedom happens best when fought with others. God didn't design us for isolation.

I've seen isolation happen too often not to recognize the signs. With men particularly isolation often provides the first indication that sin is taking root in our lives. That isolation from others is more prevalent than ever with various internet addictions. We can't drag ourselves away from the pictures or the online casino or the chat room. We can do whatever we want in the privacy of our home or office . . . or so we think.

If you choose to read Proverbs this month, you'll find other places that speak to the danger of isolation and lack of counsel in our lives. Proverbs writers frequently beat the same drum. We need each other. We live in danger when we reject those who can give us counsel and encouragement.

A man on my church Board spent a year in Iraq. He'll be the first to tell you about the security that comes with safety. We're never safe if we nurture life-dominating sins in an unholy cocoon of isolation. Safety comes in numbers. The Proverb writer saw safety in multiple godly counselors who walk with us as we pursue freedom from those sins.

How about you? Do you live in the safety of many counselors? Or, do you live in the dark shadows of isolation? If you're living in the shadow world of secret sins, I encourage you to leave the darkness. God didn't design His people to live there. You may think no one cares. You may think that if people knew of your shadow world that they would only judge you. Some might do just that, but finding those who won't judge you makes the risk worthwhile.

You'll never find a better day than today to come out of the dark corners of isolation. If you want to take that step and don't know where to go, respond to this email. Bill Welte can contact you, or you can ask for me to contact you. We want nothing more than to walk with you in the light.

Don't forget: God didn't design you to live in the dark world of isolation. (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

Good words for our consideration today!

"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here"

"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here"

Proverbs 9:4&16

We see this phrase twice in the chapter 9. Yesterday we learned that
Lady Wisdom is better than anything else we might want. She stands
"where the paths meet" to help us choose between right and wrong,
between prudence and foolishness.

Today Proverbs confronts us with the two paths: the way of wisdom and
the way of foolishness. Both cry for our attention. Both initially
look attractive. Both make offers that seem appealing. Freedom
Fighters, this lesson in living life skillfully, must take root in your
souls!

The choices you make have consequences. The voices that hold your
attention will either protect you or destroy you. Before we go on,
let's make sure we understand. Each of us is "simple." We're not
prepared to make wise choices by ourselves. We need this lesson!

Notice vs. 4. Whoever is simple, let him turn in here. Wisdom asks us
to take her path and promises to multiply our days and add years to our
lives if we do. (vss. 6&11)

The invitation comes to us again in vs. 16, but it's offered by "a
foolish woman." She tells us that what she offers us is "sweet" and
"pleasant." Many who read this have taken her path. It just looks more
appealing than Lady Wisdom's path.

The contrast couldn't be more huge! Lady Wisdom offers us life,
understanding and knowledge. The Foolish Woman offers us a little
pleasure that carries with it the sting of death. Read Proverbs 9:18
and let it reverberate through your mind the next time you stand "where
the paths meet."

Freedom Fighters love truth and avoid lies at all costs. Grasp once and
for all this truth. The way of foolishness is a lie! It has always
been, and it will always be. It is never what it appears to be, and it
is always worse than we can imagine.

The way of wisdom keeps you in the light. The way of foolishness keeps
you in the dark so you can't see how bad it is. Believe Solomon when he
tells you that you don't want to walk the way of foolishness. Accept
Lady Wisdom's invitation today, tomorrow and every day for the rest of
your life.

Don't forget: You have two invitations. Only one of them offers you
life worth living.

LADY WISDOM

LADY WISDOM
"To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart." Proverbs 8:4&5

Proverbs 8 personifies wisdom as the opposite of the foolish woman we see in chapters 7 and 9. She speaks to men, all men, inviting them to hear her . . . to discover her benefits for their lives. The men who need to hear her are simple and foolish. Those to whom Solomon wrote were not unlike you and me. Even those of us who truly follow Jesus have those moments when we act imprudently and foolishly. Would any of us ever struggle with life-dominating assaults if we weren't sometimes imprudent and foolish?

Two things stand out in my reading of this chapter. First, I notice where this lady (wisdom) stands. She stands "where the paths meet." (vs. 2) Think of her as standing at the place in our lives where we decide to act wisely or foolishly, prudently or imprudently. She stands "where the paths meet" and tells us that she (wisdom) is better than rubies and that any other thing we might want can't compare with her. (vs. 11)

Do you get the picture? You and I are standing where the paths to wisdom and foolishness (trouble!) meet. We have to decide. The foolish choice looks really good. Or, the foolish choice feels really good. Or, the foolish choice tastes really good, but it's still foolish. Lady Wisdom stands in the middle of the two intersecting paths. She cries out to us, "I'm better than all those other choices! I'll help you and make your life better."

Have you heard her voice when standing "where the paths meet?" I have. I wish I could tell you that I've always listened and chosen the right path. Like many who'll read this, I haven't always made the right choice. I can tell you that I'm more committed to hearing Lady Wisdom than anytime in my life. Even those of us who are slow learners can still get it! We can still hear her voice. We can still choose her over all the other things that will only do us harm. I invite you to join me in choosing to listen for Lady Wisdom.

Don't forget: God places Lady Wisdom "where the paths meet" in your life to protect you from poor decisions. (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist Toms River)

WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING

WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING

My son, keep my words, and treasure my commands within you. Keep my commands and live, and my law as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your nearest kin, that they may keep you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words.
Proverbs 7:1-5

Addiction is all about lies. We believe lies about ourselves and about our addictions. The biggest lie we often tell ourselves is that we're not addicted! Those who fight for freedom must understand that it is a fight-an all-out war! Our enemy is the Master Liar, and he's incredibly skillful at making those lies look like truth.

Just a few lines down in chapter 7, the writer tells us about a young man who went the way of the harlot. He was "devoid of understanding." He didn't know how to live life skillfully. The ability to tell truth from lies didn't exist in his life. He believed all her lies and paid a huge price for his "night of pleasure."

The lines from Proverbs 7:1-5 tell us how to detect the lies and avoid their consequences. You may think I sound like a broken record, but the tools for skillful living haven't changed. Solomon simply says "Be good friends with God's Word!" It will keep you out of the ditch.

Your harlot may not be a woman. It may be a bottle or a pill. It may be a computer or a VCR. Whatever your poison, if it brings you into bondage and away from the God of heaven who loves you, you live a lie. You believe a lie. That's the bad news.

Here is the good news. You don't have to live in slavery! Jesus Christ came to set us free, to break the chains that bind us. He has given us the tools we need to discern truth and avoid lies. First, as genuine followers of Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit, also known as the Spirit of Truth. Then, we have this book we call the Bible. Finally, within this book, we have one particular book designed to build wisdom into our lives.

Look at the things you that take your time and attention. Do they have the ring of truth, or do they have the odor of lies? Can you tell a lie when you hear it? You may need some new relatives. Solomon calls them wisdom and understanding. They're available if you want them.

Don't forget: Wisdom and understanding . . . don't leave home without them! (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

Good words for today!

LIVING IN THE LIGHT

LIVING IN THE LIGHT

"For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light. . . ." Proverbs 6:23

Constant reminder may be the best benefit of reading Proverbs every month. The writers remind us of things best avoided and of things best remembered. Much of chapter six reminds us of things from which we ought to run. Right in the middle of, however, Solomon makes sure we remember how to stay on track.

He tells us that the commandment (God's Word) is a lamp. The law (God's Word) is a light. This Word of God has the power to light our way. Think about driving down a dark road at night without lights on your car. If you choose to drive through life without God's Word, you almost certainly will wind up in some ditch!

The psalmist said it this way: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (119:105) If we choose to fight for freedom from bondage, we better choose the right weapons for the fight. The commandment and the law help us see what lurks in the darkness that can do us damage. Without the light of God's Word, we're just asking for trouble.

The question is simple. Do you make time for the Scriptures? This commandment . . . this law . . . this light protects us from Satan and his devices. It's like a flashlight without batteries, though, if we don't allow it to saturate our lives. That saturation can't happen without disciplined time in God's Word regularly.

Again, the psalmist helps us see the importance of this Book. Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. (119:11) We're just a week away from Memorial day, a day set aside to honor those who have died to defend our country. The day reminds us that freedom is never free; it always has a cost.

If you choose to pursue freedom from life-dominating sins, be prepared to pay the cost. Freedom demands disciplined time with the commandment that is a lamp and the law that is light. You and I will never know freedom without them!

Don't forget: If you live in the dark without the light, you will wind up in the ditch! (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

"My son, pay attention to my wisdom. . . ." Proverbs 5:1

"My son, pay attention to my wisdom. . . ." Proverbs 5:1

I've learned a few things through more than thirty-five years of ministry. One thing stands out as I think about this line from Proverbs. People caught in the throes of addiction don't want to listen to wisdom. While it doesn't make sense, my experience tells me that people in bondage to some habit think they know more than anyone else.

I've counseled people who drink, gamble, eat too much and engage in sexual sin. Even as I type these words I think about how remarkably unsuccessful I've been in those counseling situations. Some of the failure may be lack of skill. Much of it, however, results from people who won't listen to wisdom from God's Word.

People who read these Freedom Fighter emails, at least many of them, read because they want freedom from some life-dominating sin. Chapters 5, 6 & 7 of Proverbs all address the issue of sexual sin. Some commentators believe that some of this teaching speaks to the problem of spiritual adultery. They suggest that the "immoral woman" (3:3) may be anything that causes us to be unfaithful to God's instructions.

While that may be true in part, I believe much of this instruction warns us about the dangers of sexual sin. These are hard chapters to read, especially if you've been guilty of any of these offenses. They tell us how to avoid the same sins in the future, however. We need to listen!

If you remember, Proverbs is about living life skillfully. We live in a world full of sexual land mines. Navigating the dangers requires more of us than we naturally can do. Others who have already navigated the territory can help us avoid the dangers. We need to listen!

Those who don't listen, who don't receive the instruction of those with more wisdom, live in danger. The Proverbs writer tells us that those who think they know all they need to know will "die for lack of instruction." (3:23) We need to listen!

I have one goal in writing Freedom Fighters this month. I want all of us men to learn how to live life skillfully . . . safely . . . freely. God's Word knows more than we do. Some people in our lives know more than we do. We need to listen!

Don't forget: listening to wisdom protects us from danger! (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

Listen this week on Keswick Today as Jim George shares WHAT GOD WANTS FOR YOU -- 20 Ways to Experience His Power. Listen right from the website: www.americaskeswick.org.

GUARDING AND KEEPING YOUR HEART

GUARDING AND KEEPING YOUR HEART

Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

God designed us with a "control center" that He calls the "heart." It's the place where we know God and from which life issues come.

Solomon's warning is clear and simple. We need to guard our hearts. The issues that determine whether we live free or enslaved to some habit begin as heart issues. Ultimately, we are responsible for the decisions that begin in this "control center" called the "heart."

Jesus made that clear in His teachings. Check out Matthew 5:21-30 where He says that murder and adultery begin in the heart. Then later in Matthew (15:11-20), He lets us know that the things that come out of our mouths that defile us begin in our hearts (vs. 18).

Your heart and my heart need guarding. We have the responsibility to do that guarding. Steve Green sings a song titled "Guard Your Heart." He sings of wrecked homes and hearts torn in two when hearts go unguarded. Some of us who read Freedom Fighter understand those lyrics. We know the pain that comes from choosing to not guard our hearts.

We each have to choose to guard that "control center" of our lives from which come the issues of life. How do we do that? Maybe choice is the key word.

First, we have to choose to obey the Word of God that tells us "keep our heart with all diligence." Once we've made the choice, then we have to go to work on the diligence issue. The world in which we live doesn't give us an opportunity to let down our guard. As soon as we do, we'll discover temptation waiting to take over.

A man in my church has struggled in the past with pornography and impure thought issues. He has overcome those attacks. Just recently he told me that he "prays on the armor of God" (Ephesians 6:10-17) each morning before he finishes his quiet time. He has also asked me to hold him accountable in this area of his life.

You can guard your heart. It's a matter of choice. And you'll probably want someone you trust to help you. I have three men who get a report every week on my computer usage. Simply put, they help me guard my heart.

Don't forget: your heart is worth guarding! (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

Have a blessed Lord's day, my friend.

SAFETY FOR THE JOURNEY

SAFETY FOR THE JOURNEY

Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. Proverbs 3:22

I'm bypassing two of the most familiar verses in all the Bible today. (See Proverbs 3:5&6) Another line of wisdom from this chapter jumps out at me today. It's especially appropriate for a Freedom Figther since many who fight for freedom from sin and/or addictions need to know safety. It's easy to live in fear when we want to resist sin and temptation but know intimately the frustration of continuing failure.

Solomon tells us we can walk safely through the land mines on the landscape of our lives. Some of you probably doubt that; your experience tells you otherwise. Maybe you just need a new experience.

Back up with me and look at Proverbs 3:19-22. The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew. My son, let them not depart from your eyes-Keep sound wisdom and discretion; So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck.

Understanding, knowledge, wisdom and discretion recur frequently in Proverbs. We need close acquaintance with these character qualities. In the verses you just read, Solomon gives us the key to safety. As we keep sound wisdom and discretion before our eyes (perhaps by reading God's word regularly?), they bring life and safety to us.

We must learn these lessons to live safely. We don't know on our own how to live free. Only God can build into our lives genuine freedom that brings true safety. He is the one who, by teaching us wisdom and discretion, can bring us away from danger into sure safety. It's a safety that lets us sleep without fear and address danger with confidence.

All of us have failed somewhere along the journey. Solomon convinces me that choosing to keep wisdom and discretion in the fear of the Lord (vs. 7) before our eyes can change us. Instead of knowing a little victory with much failure, we can be men who know much victory with little failure.

Don't forget: Safety for the journey is ours if we'll have it! (written by Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

THE FEAR OF THE LORD

Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:5
THE FEAR OF THE LORD

Yesterday we thought about the fear of the Lord (1:1), and we defined it as a reverent, humble and obedient attitude toward God. It is the beginning of knowledge, particularly the knowledge we need to live lives marked by victory over sin. We also considered vs. 29 and learned that some choose not to pursue this very healthy fear.

Today we come to Proverbs 2 and see the fear of the Lord in play again. How does it become a part of our lives? How can this fear of the Lord begin to change the way we think and how we make choices? Solomon tells us in vs.5 and the verses that precede it. Take time to read vss. 1-5. Watch the progression. My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you. . . .

Some choose not to pursue the fear of the Lord. We know that already. Solomon also lets us know what happens if we make the other choice-to discover the fear of the Lord and its benefit for our lives. If we receive God's words and apply them to our lives we're on the right track.

But there's more. Notice vs. 4: If you seek her (wisdom) as silver, And search for her as hidden treasure. . . . Too many of us want something to happen to us, some experience that just comes out of the sun and makes us different. It doesn't work that way. We'll not discover the fear of the Lord and its power by sitting around waiting.

Proverbs 2:1-5 lets us know that we have to do at least three things. We have to listen to God's Word in a positive way-hoarding it in our hearts and minds as valuable treasure. We also have to cry out for discernment (the ability to choose the best thing among multiple choices). Then we have to search for God's wisdom with and energy and passion. We pursue it as though it were buried treasure.

Grasping the fear of the Lord comes by listening, crying out and searching. As God brings wisdom, discernment and understanding to our minds and hearts, we will experience the fear of the Lord. We'll see reverence, humility and obedience develop in our lives. Steadily, we'll see change occur that makes victory the norm and failure abnormal.

Don't forget: Listen . . . cry out . . . search . . . and you'll understand the fear of the Lord.

Today's Freedom Fighter is a part of a 30-day series written by my good friend, Pastor John Strain, First Baptist of Toms River, New Jersey.

Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

I offered to do a month of Freedom Fighters from the book of Proverbs, and Bill Welte accepted the offer. He has faithfully done this email seven days a week for a long time, and I thought he might need a break.

Many years ago a pastor challenged me to read a chapter of Proverbs a day, getting through the book in a month. Then he challenged me to keep doing that every month of every year. I accepted his challenge, and I've been reading Proverbs for the better part of fifteen years.

The introduction to this book in my Bible (a New King James Version published by Broadman and Holman) explains why reading Proverbs is so important and so beneficial. Allow me to share it with you: The key word in Proverbs is wisdom, "the ability to live life skillfully." A godly life in an ungodly world, however, is no simple assignment. Proverbs provides God's detailed instructions for His people to deal successfully with the practical affairs of everyday life: how to relate to God, parents, children, neighbors and government. Solomon, the principal author, uses a combination of poetry, parables, pithy questions, short stories, and wise maxims to give in strikingly memorable form the common sense and divine perspective necessary to handle life's issues.

I pray you'll find this thirty-one-day journey through Proverbs helpful, challenging and instructive. One month isn't enough, though. I hope you'll "catch" Proverbs fever in a way that will bring you back to this insightful book every day for the rest of your life. After reading it monthly for almost fifteen years, I can promise you that you'll never exhaust its wisdom!

My plan is simple: I'm reading the book in May, and I'm going to rely on God's Spirit to make one thought stand out each day as I read the chapter for that day. I invite you to read a chapter a day with me in June, and I'll share one thought with you from that day's chapter. The purpose of Proverbs, as with all God's Word, is not information. He's looking for transformation that will make us more like Jesus. Spending time in Proverbs will help you experience that transformation from the inside out.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Think with me today about "the fear of the Lord." The phrase occurs fourteen times in Proverbs, and Solomon says it "the beginning of knowledge." (1:7) This concept put to work in our lives is the foundation upon which everything else rests. If we are to know true freedom in Christ, we must grasp the power behind "the fear of the Lord."

I've discovered through the years that the idea isn't so easy to define. God doesn't want us to be afraid of Him. He does want us to give Him reverence and respect. He wants us to stand in awe of Him as we recognize His greatness and our lack of greatness. This fear of the Lord is a combination, I think, of three things: reverence, humility and a willing obedience to His instructions.

Freedom Fighters original intent was clear-to help men avoid and overcome habitual sin in our lives. Solomon says that freedom begins with "the fear of the Lord." How often have you and I walked into some kind of sin without ever thinking about how our conduct or thinking would affect God? When "the fear of the Lord," that reverent, humble, obedient attitude of which Solomon speaks is at work in our lives, we think before we act. Something-someone-has become more important than our own desires and passions.

If you and I will know freedom in our lives, this is where it begins. You may be thinking Ok, how does this work? How do I begin to fear the Lord? Those are worthwhile questions. Solomon gives us answers in chapters 1 & 2. We'll look at one part of the answer today. We'll discover more of the answer tomorrow.

Much of life is about choices. We already know that. We may not know that living out "the fear of the Lord" is a choice, too. Look at vs. 29 in chapter 1: Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord. God tells us that some will call on Him (vs. 28), but He will not answer. Their choosing not to choose "the fear of the Lord" prompts Him not to answer when they call.

What kind of choices have you made recently? Do they reflect reverence, humility and obedience toward God? Or, do they reveal a level of self-centeredness that pushes us to choose behaviors that can only lead us away from this great God who loves us?

Don't forget: The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge!

Today's Freedom Fighter was written by Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River. Good word for today.