BROKEN
Psalm 51:17: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and
contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
Consider this saying. You ever thought that storms may come in the form of discipline, and you must go through the discipline to experience the brokenness that God wants you to have in your life to be more deeply rooted in Him.
To be broken, and experience brokenness, is not pleasant at times. Hebrews 12:11: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." To be broken or contrite is to be broken-hearted for sin, deeply affected with grief and sorrow for sin, or penitent - suffering sorrow of heart on account of sin.
How do you get there? Well, for me, I had to be hit on the head with the Lord's hammer. An anvil had to fall out of the sky to get to the truth of Who God is in my life - my Lord and my Master. My name is not Felix the Cat, and my bag of tricks does not even compare to what God has in His bag. My bag had self-centeredness, pride, self-righteousness, arrogance, selfish ambition, envy ... need I go on?
God's bag has love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23) in it. And that's just scratching the surface of Who His is. God has reached down and used people in my life with these qualities to discipline me.
Romans 11:22a: "Consider the kindness and sternness of God," to show me the way to go and get deeper rooted in Him. Sometimes I have needed that instruction, and sometimes I have not. Proverbs 29:19, "A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond." That's where it starts, in responding correctly to the discipline.
Look at the life of Kind David, a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Then he committed adultery and murder. He did it in secret, but God disciplined him in broad daylight (2 Samuel 12:12).
David's bag didn't have enough tricks in it. God's bag had the prophet Nathan in it, and He used him to show David his sin and bring it in full view. I believe David knew what he did was wrong but needed God and his hammer (Nathan) to show it to him. That brought him to the point of brokenness in his life (Psalm 51) and become more deeply rooted in God. The Lord did renew a steadfast and willing spirit and the joy of his salvation within David. That came only after he experienced a broken and contrite heart.
What about you? What's in your bag? Will you call on Him, confess and be cleansed? I pray you do. Or do you think your bag is deep enough to get you by? I pray not. I pray that you experience brokenness in your heart for sin before God drops his hammer on you as he did me, with the result of becoming more deeply rooted in the true, living God.
Never forget that your bag is just that, your bag. Always remember that God's bag is divine and has you in it. - Today's Freedom Fighter was written by an anonymous author. I will share tomorrow who the writer has been.
Great Quote: Storms make oaks take deeper roots.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Proud or Humble
Proud or Humble
James 4:6: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Ever been puffed up ... have a head or ego so big you can't get through a door? I have. A friend of mine once said that a big ego leads to false pride. Price comes from the state of mind of being proud ... possessing a high and often unreasonable opinion of one's own excellence. God opposes that. When someone opposes you, you are in a battle. When that someone is God, you will lose that battle. It's happened to me too many times, so you'd think I would learn a lesson from that and not go there anymore.
2 Peter 1:3-4 says, "His divine power (divine meaning excellent to the highest degree), has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." For me to think that my way was excellent, and to pit that against God and His divinity, is just plain arrogant and stupid. I don't see my name in the Scripture just mentioned. It's all about God and His way, His nature. It's as if I had forgotten that I had been cleansed from my past sin (2 Peter 1:9). His blood was shed, not mine.
Look at King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26). He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and God gave him success (vs. 4-5). He went to war against the Philistines, broke down city walls then rebuilt them (v. 6). He built towers in Jerusalem and in barren places, had much lifestock and fertile lands (vs. 9-10). He had a well-trained army with all type of weapons and provided them with protection (vs. 11-15). But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord (v. 16). He was confronted, got angry, and leprosy broke out on his forehead (v. 19). He had leprosy till the day he died (v. 21). He was even buried in a separate field because of his affliction, away from others (v. 23). He forgot Who gave him success and what was the most excellent way.
I do not want to die with leprosy, or in my pride. Yes, I have experienced the separation and pain that comes from thinking my way is most excellent. Proverbs 14:12 says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." I do not want to go there. I wan to be one of the few (Matt. 7:14) who will participate with Him and experience His divine nature.
What about you? What team are you on? To be on God's team, we must get out of ourselves and lose our life for Him (Matt. 10:39). Never forget God is 100% successful and does not lose. Always remember He wants you on His team. -- Annonymous
Great Quote: When God measures a man he puts the tape around his heart, not his head.
James 4:6: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Ever been puffed up ... have a head or ego so big you can't get through a door? I have. A friend of mine once said that a big ego leads to false pride. Price comes from the state of mind of being proud ... possessing a high and often unreasonable opinion of one's own excellence. God opposes that. When someone opposes you, you are in a battle. When that someone is God, you will lose that battle. It's happened to me too many times, so you'd think I would learn a lesson from that and not go there anymore.
2 Peter 1:3-4 says, "His divine power (divine meaning excellent to the highest degree), has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." For me to think that my way was excellent, and to pit that against God and His divinity, is just plain arrogant and stupid. I don't see my name in the Scripture just mentioned. It's all about God and His way, His nature. It's as if I had forgotten that I had been cleansed from my past sin (2 Peter 1:9). His blood was shed, not mine.
Look at King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26). He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and God gave him success (vs. 4-5). He went to war against the Philistines, broke down city walls then rebuilt them (v. 6). He built towers in Jerusalem and in barren places, had much lifestock and fertile lands (vs. 9-10). He had a well-trained army with all type of weapons and provided them with protection (vs. 11-15). But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord (v. 16). He was confronted, got angry, and leprosy broke out on his forehead (v. 19). He had leprosy till the day he died (v. 21). He was even buried in a separate field because of his affliction, away from others (v. 23). He forgot Who gave him success and what was the most excellent way.
I do not want to die with leprosy, or in my pride. Yes, I have experienced the separation and pain that comes from thinking my way is most excellent. Proverbs 14:12 says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." I do not want to go there. I wan to be one of the few (Matt. 7:14) who will participate with Him and experience His divine nature.
What about you? What team are you on? To be on God's team, we must get out of ourselves and lose our life for Him (Matt. 10:39). Never forget God is 100% successful and does not lose. Always remember He wants you on His team. -- Annonymous
Great Quote: When God measures a man he puts the tape around his heart, not his head.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Self-Centeredness
SELF-CENTEREDNESS
1 Corinthians 1:26: "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth."
He who is full of himself is likely to be quite empty.
Conceit is the quicksand of success.
He who sings his own praises seldom gets the right pitch.
Can you relate to some of these? I know I can. In the quiet of my mind, I think this way - not always, but it happens. This is where self-centeredness starts - in the mind. At work ... "they couldn't do all this if I wasn't here." In sports ... "if it wasn't for me we probably wouldn't win a game. With friends ... "boy, are they blessed that I'm here." Sounds conceited, doesn't it? That's because it is. An ill-grounded opinion of one's own importance. That's sin - bottom line. We, I, must recognize it as that. When God called us, me, to where He has us/me, it was into fellowship, not one's own ship (1 Corinthians 1:9).
Consider those who wanted to make a name for themselves in building the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). They thought by doing this they could impress God and not be scattered over the face of the earth. They used brick instead of stone . . . which is a weaker material. Tar instead of mortar. They were relying on themselves, not God.
For the past few years, God has allowed me to share His Word in many different venues. When I started to rely on myself - a weaker vessel, much weaker - and not the stone or rock of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:4-7), I began to come apart or be scattered. Just as those who rejected stone in building the tower of Babel were scattered, when I rejected the Cornerstone of my faith, I came tumbling down (Matthew 7:24-27).
There is no upgrade with Jesus. He is the One. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). I had to learn that lesson the hard way. Never forget that when you know that Jesus is all you need, Jesus is all you will have. And when Jesus is all you have, you will know that Jesus is all you need. - Anonymous
GREAT QUOTE: "True faith cannot exist without love -- it works by love.
The views of faith cause the love of God to be shed abroad in the soul, and a sense of his love enkindles ours. "We love him because he first loved us." God is love. This is the brightest and most amiable aspect of his character; and when that divine excellence is manifested in unparalleled love to us, it cannot but produce a powerful effect in winning the affections, and drawing forth the heart in returns of love to him, 'who has loved us and given himself for us' ... The cross becomes the great point of attraction to the believer, and the center of his warmest affections. From this point radiate the brightest rays of the divine glory. From the cross go forth the most potent influences to conquer the world, and to draw all men to the Savior. The regenerate man lives by faith upon his crucified Redeemer...The new life inspired in regeneration is a life of dependence -- of entire dependence upon Christ. The love of God in Christ is the animating principle of the new creature. But graces rise not alone, they cluster together, and mutually support and adorn each other. Faith works by love; faith and love united generate hope; for the good which is loved and looked for, is not present but future. And when hope rises to assurance it brings forth joy; and a sense of God's favor, and confidence in his mercy and protection fills the soul with abiding peace; a peace which the world cannot give, but which Christ often breathes into the hearts of his disciples." Archibald Alexander, The Princeton Theological Review, 1836
1 Corinthians 1:26: "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth."
He who is full of himself is likely to be quite empty.
Conceit is the quicksand of success.
He who sings his own praises seldom gets the right pitch.
Can you relate to some of these? I know I can. In the quiet of my mind, I think this way - not always, but it happens. This is where self-centeredness starts - in the mind. At work ... "they couldn't do all this if I wasn't here." In sports ... "if it wasn't for me we probably wouldn't win a game. With friends ... "boy, are they blessed that I'm here." Sounds conceited, doesn't it? That's because it is. An ill-grounded opinion of one's own importance. That's sin - bottom line. We, I, must recognize it as that. When God called us, me, to where He has us/me, it was into fellowship, not one's own ship (1 Corinthians 1:9).
Consider those who wanted to make a name for themselves in building the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). They thought by doing this they could impress God and not be scattered over the face of the earth. They used brick instead of stone . . . which is a weaker material. Tar instead of mortar. They were relying on themselves, not God.
For the past few years, God has allowed me to share His Word in many different venues. When I started to rely on myself - a weaker vessel, much weaker - and not the stone or rock of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:4-7), I began to come apart or be scattered. Just as those who rejected stone in building the tower of Babel were scattered, when I rejected the Cornerstone of my faith, I came tumbling down (Matthew 7:24-27).
There is no upgrade with Jesus. He is the One. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). I had to learn that lesson the hard way. Never forget that when you know that Jesus is all you need, Jesus is all you will have. And when Jesus is all you have, you will know that Jesus is all you need. - Anonymous
GREAT QUOTE: "True faith cannot exist without love -- it works by love.
The views of faith cause the love of God to be shed abroad in the soul, and a sense of his love enkindles ours. "We love him because he first loved us." God is love. This is the brightest and most amiable aspect of his character; and when that divine excellence is manifested in unparalleled love to us, it cannot but produce a powerful effect in winning the affections, and drawing forth the heart in returns of love to him, 'who has loved us and given himself for us' ... The cross becomes the great point of attraction to the believer, and the center of his warmest affections. From this point radiate the brightest rays of the divine glory. From the cross go forth the most potent influences to conquer the world, and to draw all men to the Savior. The regenerate man lives by faith upon his crucified Redeemer...The new life inspired in regeneration is a life of dependence -- of entire dependence upon Christ. The love of God in Christ is the animating principle of the new creature. But graces rise not alone, they cluster together, and mutually support and adorn each other. Faith works by love; faith and love united generate hope; for the good which is loved and looked for, is not present but future. And when hope rises to assurance it brings forth joy; and a sense of God's favor, and confidence in his mercy and protection fills the soul with abiding peace; a peace which the world cannot give, but which Christ often breathes into the hearts of his disciples." Archibald Alexander, The Princeton Theological Review, 1836
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Beginning of the Journey
THE BEGINNING OF THE JOURNEY
Genesis 1:2 "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."
Isn't that how we are without Christ - formless and, especially, empty. Yes, God did knit us together in our mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13: "for you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 103:4: "for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust." But we are born into sin, so we are empty or void of the appropriate context to see Him for Who He is and live the life worthy of Him and please Him in every way. Just as God was hovering over the waters, He is there hovering over us. His Spirit is there waiting to say, "let there be light" (Genesis 1:3). In the same way He separated the light from the darkness (Genesis 1:4), He will separate us from the world and the sin that so easily entangles, when we call on His name. 2 Corinthians 6:17: "therefore come out from them and be separate."
When that happens, our attitudes and mindset must change on how we view sin (all of it) and see it for what it is - a separation or rift in our relationship with Christ. A light will come on inside us (conviction). Ephesians 5:8: "for we were once darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light." Yes, God does forgive and has forgiven as demonstrated at Calvary and on the cross. His grace and mercy are evident. He bore our sorrow and took away our sin.
Romans 6:1 says, "What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means." We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? To get to that point in our walk with Christ, we must have godly sorrow, which brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret (2 Corinthians 7:10).
In the next few days, I'll share some personal experiences that God has used to bring me to that point of seeing the sin in my life for what it is.
Never forget that in Christ we are not formless or empty. Always remember that He will continue to mold us to the image of His Son and fill us with love for Him by His Spirit. - Today's Freedom Fighter is part of a five-part series written by an anonymous friend.
Great Quote: Christ died for all men not just the ones you know and like. Anonymous
Genesis 1:2 "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."
Isn't that how we are without Christ - formless and, especially, empty. Yes, God did knit us together in our mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13: "for you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 103:4: "for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust." But we are born into sin, so we are empty or void of the appropriate context to see Him for Who He is and live the life worthy of Him and please Him in every way. Just as God was hovering over the waters, He is there hovering over us. His Spirit is there waiting to say, "let there be light" (Genesis 1:3). In the same way He separated the light from the darkness (Genesis 1:4), He will separate us from the world and the sin that so easily entangles, when we call on His name. 2 Corinthians 6:17: "therefore come out from them and be separate."
When that happens, our attitudes and mindset must change on how we view sin (all of it) and see it for what it is - a separation or rift in our relationship with Christ. A light will come on inside us (conviction). Ephesians 5:8: "for we were once darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light." Yes, God does forgive and has forgiven as demonstrated at Calvary and on the cross. His grace and mercy are evident. He bore our sorrow and took away our sin.
Romans 6:1 says, "What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means." We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? To get to that point in our walk with Christ, we must have godly sorrow, which brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret (2 Corinthians 7:10).
In the next few days, I'll share some personal experiences that God has used to bring me to that point of seeing the sin in my life for what it is.
Never forget that in Christ we are not formless or empty. Always remember that He will continue to mold us to the image of His Son and fill us with love for Him by His Spirit. - Today's Freedom Fighter is part of a five-part series written by an anonymous friend.
Great Quote: Christ died for all men not just the ones you know and like. Anonymous
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Discipline of Sacrifice
The Discipline of Sacrifice
"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." (Romans 12:1 NASB) Sacrifice is an abstinence discipline that helps us break free from our own self-security. It pushes us to find our security in God.
Most Americans, even those with little by American standards, are richer than most of the rest of the world. Our culture pushes us to "take care of ourselves first." Somehow we come to believe that we're responsible for our well-being and provision. We start trusting ourselves more than we trust God.
Sacrifice pulls us out of comfort zone and puts us in a place where we must trust God for our needs. (Let me say that this discipline does not allow us to be irresponsible. We still must meet our obligations and pay the debts for which we've obligated ourselves.) Most of us, however, have more than we need. As we come before God as living sacrifices, we place everything on the table. Our money, our time, and our skills become things we're willing to give up as we ". . .
discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness;" (1 Timothy 4:7)
We recently had a "He Is Worthy!" offering at First Baptist /Toms River.
For five weeks we thought about all the ways God is worthy of all we can offer. The culmination of the celebration centered on a special offering. We asked our people to give the equivalent of a weeks pay to declare the worthiness of God. Our goal was $25,000.00. The First Family (That's what we call ourselves.) gave more than $45,000.00! Many who gave did so through sacrifice, and several of them have since told me how God met their needs.
Many of us who saw God provide in remarkable ways would not have known His provision had we not chosen to sacrifice for His glory. Dallas Willard offers a powerful image to describe the blessing of sacrifice. "The cautious faith that never saws off the limb on which it is sitting never learns that unattached limbs may find strange, unaccountable ways of not falling."
Sacrifice isn't only about money, however. It may include giving up a relationship, time, sleep, shirt, coat, or career-whatever of your own resources that you trust in rather than God. Choosing to live with the discipline of sacrifice helps us identify those things in our lives that we hold onto more than we do God. Choosing sacrifice will teach us how to "cut off the limb on which we sit" and learn how God can in "strange, unaccountable ways" keep it from falling.
Where is your confidence? What are you willing to give up to make sure your confidence is in the Lord? - John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River and is our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor.
Great Quote: "Prayer will make man cease from sin. Sin will make man cease from prayer." John Bunyan
You will not want to miss the next five days of Freedom Fighter's. Invite a friend to join you on the journey.
"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." (Romans 12:1 NASB) Sacrifice is an abstinence discipline that helps us break free from our own self-security. It pushes us to find our security in God.
Most Americans, even those with little by American standards, are richer than most of the rest of the world. Our culture pushes us to "take care of ourselves first." Somehow we come to believe that we're responsible for our well-being and provision. We start trusting ourselves more than we trust God.
Sacrifice pulls us out of comfort zone and puts us in a place where we must trust God for our needs. (Let me say that this discipline does not allow us to be irresponsible. We still must meet our obligations and pay the debts for which we've obligated ourselves.) Most of us, however, have more than we need. As we come before God as living sacrifices, we place everything on the table. Our money, our time, and our skills become things we're willing to give up as we ". . .
discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness;" (1 Timothy 4:7)
We recently had a "He Is Worthy!" offering at First Baptist /Toms River.
For five weeks we thought about all the ways God is worthy of all we can offer. The culmination of the celebration centered on a special offering. We asked our people to give the equivalent of a weeks pay to declare the worthiness of God. Our goal was $25,000.00. The First Family (That's what we call ourselves.) gave more than $45,000.00! Many who gave did so through sacrifice, and several of them have since told me how God met their needs.
Many of us who saw God provide in remarkable ways would not have known His provision had we not chosen to sacrifice for His glory. Dallas Willard offers a powerful image to describe the blessing of sacrifice. "The cautious faith that never saws off the limb on which it is sitting never learns that unattached limbs may find strange, unaccountable ways of not falling."
Sacrifice isn't only about money, however. It may include giving up a relationship, time, sleep, shirt, coat, or career-whatever of your own resources that you trust in rather than God. Choosing to live with the discipline of sacrifice helps us identify those things in our lives that we hold onto more than we do God. Choosing sacrifice will teach us how to "cut off the limb on which we sit" and learn how God can in "strange, unaccountable ways" keep it from falling.
Where is your confidence? What are you willing to give up to make sure your confidence is in the Lord? - John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River and is our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor.
Great Quote: "Prayer will make man cease from sin. Sin will make man cease from prayer." John Bunyan
You will not want to miss the next five days of Freedom Fighter's. Invite a friend to join you on the journey.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The Discipline of Service
The Discipline of ServiceIn "Celebration of Discipline," Richard Foster writes that "Jesus took a towel and a basin and redefined greatness." Jesus regularly modeled servanthood as a way of life for those who follow Him. Another writer says that "service is a way of orienting your life." The discipline of service helps us direct our lives toward that orientation.
Most of us enjoy being served, and we like being in charge. I read this week of the little five-year-old girl who told her babysitter "You're not the boss of me!" Many of us reflect that attitude; we don't want anyone telling us what to do. Choosing the discipline of service forces us to change that attitude. It forces us to let others call the shots while we look for ways to serve them.
Consider Jesus' words: "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. . . . "(Mt. 20:25-28)
Choosing to serve requires several things from us. First, we need to search our hearts and make sure our motives are pure. We serve to follow Jesus' example and to fulfill our calling. Any other motive is less than acceptable. We also serve without recognition. It's better to serve in relative obscurity, especially if we struggle with pride. We don't need someone "tooting our horn" for us because we've served.
Finally, we need to pursue service as a lifestyle. It's not an every-now-and-then thing. It's a life choice to live with the same kind of heart Jesus had. It is a discipline of engagement that all of us need to protect us from pride and arrogance. I remind you again of the theme of our January weekend Freedom Fighters: ". . . discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7)
By God's grace, let's choose the discipline of service. (John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist of Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter Contributor)
Great Quote: If I am a son of God, nothing but God will satisfy my soul; no amount of comfort, no amount of ease, no amount of pleasure, will give me peace or rest. If I had the full cup of all the world's joys held up to me, and could drain it to the dregs, I should still remain thirsty if I had not God.
G. Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy
Friday, January 25, 2008
8 Stages of Addiction
8 Stages of Addiction
Countless people struggle with addictive behaviors. As a pastor, I have repeatedly encountered people caught in the grip of addiction. I have counseled those addicted to alcohol, spending money, tobacco, food, gambling, pornography, drugs, exercise, sleeping, televised sports, and more. The pain in the lives of the addict and those close to him is often profound. Addictions have the power to leave a trail of shattered lives and widespread devastation.
Consider the following eight dynamics of addiction and a plan for
change:
1. Repetition of pleasurable and therefore habit-forming behavior,
plus escalating tolerance and desire.
2. Unpleasant after effects of such behavior, including withdrawal
symptoms and self-reproach.
3. Vows to moderate or quit, followed by relapses and attendant
feelings of guilt, shame and general distress.
4. Attempts to ease this distress with new rounds of the addictive
behavior (or with the first rounds of a companion addiction).
5. Deterioration of work and relationships, with accompanying
cognitive disturbances, including denial, delusions, and self-deceptions, especially about the effects of the addiction, and the degree to which one is enthralled by it.
6. Gradually increasing preoccupation, then obsession, with the
addiction.
7. Compulsivity in addictive behavior; evidence that one's will has
become at least partly split, enfeebled, and enslaved.
8. A tendency to draw others into the web of addiction, people who
support and enable the primary addiction. These "co-dependents" present certain addictive patterns of their own-in particular, the simultaneous need to be needed by the addict and to control him. The co-dependent relationship is thus one in which primary and parasitic additions join.
Do you find it hard to break bad habits? Many people realize they need to break from wrong behavior but have given up trying. Perhaps they've tried and failed so many times that they've lost all hope for change.
If you've accepted failure as a way of life, a change of attitude must occur before other changes are possible. There are no easy formulas for changing deeply ingrained habits, but change itself is impossible for those who accept defeat. Our lives are significantly affected by the mindsets we choose. Change must begin in our thinking before it affects our behavior. Lasting change requires a daily choice to look at life
through the right lens. I have repeatedly learned this truth.
As a teen I wasted two years in rebellion against God and all authority.
I left home and joined the gang life on the streets of Philadelphia. I quickly spiraled down a bad path. After hitting the bottom, I turned to God and made a recommitment to serve him with my life. I found change to be very hard to accomplish. I also learned that my main obstacle was my
mind.
During my rebellion, I had accumulated bad memories that continually pulled me in the wrong direction. I knew that change would only occur if I could wash my mind of wrong thoughts and fill it with good ones (see:
Philippians 4:8). This led me to an intense commitment to memorize scripture. Through the discipline of filling my mind with God's Word, I was able to change the way I thought about life. This progressively led to the changes I desired in my behavior.
The psalmist prayed, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. ... I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:9-11). I recommend a 20/20 approach to scripture: read for 20 minutes; contemplate for 20 minutes.
In Scripture, we find the hope and power for change.
In his book, "How to Say 'No' to a Stubborn Habit," Dr. Erwin Lutzer wrote, "A young man, caught in the grip of homosexuality, struggled with this sin for a period of months. God eventually changed him so radically that he developed normal attractions for the opposite sex. Today he is a godly, sensitive young man. God taught him principles of commitment which he has been able to apply to all areas of his life. He memorized more than 200 verses of scripture during those months of agonizing struggle. His sinful habit drove him to seek God and become intimately acquainted with the Almighty. He began by being occupied with his
problem; today he is occupied with his God."
Although there are no easy solutions for breaking long-established behavior patterns, change is possible. Through patient and persistent application of biblical principles, we can make steady progress. Victory
is possible!
Setbacks are often part of the struggle, but as Lutzer suggests, "God uses your struggle to give you a thorough housecleaning, reorganize your priorities and make you dependent on His grace ... You must want spiritual freedom, not merely for our own sake, but for God's sake as well. Only then will you find the victory he promises."
Here is a suggested prayer to help you stay on the path of victory:
"Lord, I confess my sin, particularly my rebellion against your authority. In agreeing that I have sinned, I also agree that this sin must be forsaken. Thank you for your forgiveness. I am grateful for this powerful temptation, which gave me the chance to prove that I love you more than any pleasure in the world. I thank you that the temptation is not greater than I can bear, and I rejoice at how you will use it in my life. I look forward to getting to know you better, and I am glad that you have sent me this trial as a reminder of how desperately I need you" (Erwin Lutzer)
Steve Cornell is the Senior Pastor of Millersville Bible Church, Millersville, Pa and will be speaking a America's KESWICK in the summer on 2009.
Check it out: Read the blog article that appeared on WORLD on the Web - the online webzine for WORLD magazine:
http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/01/24/a-time-to-speak/
Next week's Freedom Fighter's will be quite different. Don't miss them!
Invite a friend to join us on the journey.
Countless people struggle with addictive behaviors. As a pastor, I have repeatedly encountered people caught in the grip of addiction. I have counseled those addicted to alcohol, spending money, tobacco, food, gambling, pornography, drugs, exercise, sleeping, televised sports, and more. The pain in the lives of the addict and those close to him is often profound. Addictions have the power to leave a trail of shattered lives and widespread devastation.
Consider the following eight dynamics of addiction and a plan for
change:
1. Repetition of pleasurable and therefore habit-forming behavior,
plus escalating tolerance and desire.
2. Unpleasant after effects of such behavior, including withdrawal
symptoms and self-reproach.
3. Vows to moderate or quit, followed by relapses and attendant
feelings of guilt, shame and general distress.
4. Attempts to ease this distress with new rounds of the addictive
behavior (or with the first rounds of a companion addiction).
5. Deterioration of work and relationships, with accompanying
cognitive disturbances, including denial, delusions, and self-deceptions, especially about the effects of the addiction, and the degree to which one is enthralled by it.
6. Gradually increasing preoccupation, then obsession, with the
addiction.
7. Compulsivity in addictive behavior; evidence that one's will has
become at least partly split, enfeebled, and enslaved.
8. A tendency to draw others into the web of addiction, people who
support and enable the primary addiction. These "co-dependents" present certain addictive patterns of their own-in particular, the simultaneous need to be needed by the addict and to control him. The co-dependent relationship is thus one in which primary and parasitic additions join.
Do you find it hard to break bad habits? Many people realize they need to break from wrong behavior but have given up trying. Perhaps they've tried and failed so many times that they've lost all hope for change.
If you've accepted failure as a way of life, a change of attitude must occur before other changes are possible. There are no easy formulas for changing deeply ingrained habits, but change itself is impossible for those who accept defeat. Our lives are significantly affected by the mindsets we choose. Change must begin in our thinking before it affects our behavior. Lasting change requires a daily choice to look at life
through the right lens. I have repeatedly learned this truth.
As a teen I wasted two years in rebellion against God and all authority.
I left home and joined the gang life on the streets of Philadelphia. I quickly spiraled down a bad path. After hitting the bottom, I turned to God and made a recommitment to serve him with my life. I found change to be very hard to accomplish. I also learned that my main obstacle was my
mind.
During my rebellion, I had accumulated bad memories that continually pulled me in the wrong direction. I knew that change would only occur if I could wash my mind of wrong thoughts and fill it with good ones (see:
Philippians 4:8). This led me to an intense commitment to memorize scripture. Through the discipline of filling my mind with God's Word, I was able to change the way I thought about life. This progressively led to the changes I desired in my behavior.
The psalmist prayed, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. ... I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:9-11). I recommend a 20/20 approach to scripture: read for 20 minutes; contemplate for 20 minutes.
In Scripture, we find the hope and power for change.
In his book, "How to Say 'No' to a Stubborn Habit," Dr. Erwin Lutzer wrote, "A young man, caught in the grip of homosexuality, struggled with this sin for a period of months. God eventually changed him so radically that he developed normal attractions for the opposite sex. Today he is a godly, sensitive young man. God taught him principles of commitment which he has been able to apply to all areas of his life. He memorized more than 200 verses of scripture during those months of agonizing struggle. His sinful habit drove him to seek God and become intimately acquainted with the Almighty. He began by being occupied with his
problem; today he is occupied with his God."
Although there are no easy solutions for breaking long-established behavior patterns, change is possible. Through patient and persistent application of biblical principles, we can make steady progress. Victory
is possible!
Setbacks are often part of the struggle, but as Lutzer suggests, "God uses your struggle to give you a thorough housecleaning, reorganize your priorities and make you dependent on His grace ... You must want spiritual freedom, not merely for our own sake, but for God's sake as well. Only then will you find the victory he promises."
Here is a suggested prayer to help you stay on the path of victory:
"Lord, I confess my sin, particularly my rebellion against your authority. In agreeing that I have sinned, I also agree that this sin must be forsaken. Thank you for your forgiveness. I am grateful for this powerful temptation, which gave me the chance to prove that I love you more than any pleasure in the world. I thank you that the temptation is not greater than I can bear, and I rejoice at how you will use it in my life. I look forward to getting to know you better, and I am glad that you have sent me this trial as a reminder of how desperately I need you" (Erwin Lutzer)
Steve Cornell is the Senior Pastor of Millersville Bible Church, Millersville, Pa and will be speaking a America's KESWICK in the summer on 2009.
Check it out: Read the blog article that appeared on WORLD on the Web - the online webzine for WORLD magazine:
http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/01/24/a-time-to-speak/
Next week's Freedom Fighter's will be quite different. Don't miss them!
Invite a friend to join us on the journey.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
FROM GLORY TO GLORY
FROM GLORY TO GLORY
He Lifted My Veil
"But we all, 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 by the Spirit of the Lord." II Corinthians 3:18
When I was training for and competing in karate tournaments my instructor would put me through intense physical exercise. I would spend day after day working on one move, one block, or one kick. Days sometimes turned into weeks on just one exercise. My instructor saw some potential in me when I was young and because I enjoyed the attention I received from it, I persevered. What I didn't enjoy was the road I had to travel on to achieve victory. I willingly put myself through extreme physical and emotional abuse so I would be more teachable. I would question my instructor on why I had to do the same block or strike over and over again. He told me he could see from my previous fights where I needed to improve. I wanted to work on high flying kicks and one strike knockouts, things that brought the crowd to their feet. He knew from experience that my idea of what I needed to win would not work. I still suffer now from some of the injuries I received then. The bottom line is that I was willing to do whatever it took to bring praise and recognition to myself. I made up my mind that no one was going to stand in my way of getting that gold spray painted plastic trophy. I truly believed that I needed these trophies awarded by man to make up and complete me.
Through Christ's endless grace I now can see how foolish and vain this old way of life was. He lifted my veil. I didn't deserve it or could I ever repay it, but He did it; because He loves me. I could say that I understand but I'd be lying. But in truth I can say that I want to know. The problem is I spent my whole life filling this earthen vessel with disgusting and vile garbage. God made me after His likeness and I corrupted it. I reveled in gluttony, not so much in food, but in my self-sins. Now I ask the Lord to examine me and show me the things that offend Him, to give me the strength to remove the decaying debris.
Once again I find myself on a difficult road in search of reward. But this time the road is well lit and my Instructor is the best traveling Companion a person could have. I no longer desire man's reward but a treasure that is stored away in heaven. I have just begun this journey and know that I can't get there as I am now. I must be transformed, I must submit to His instruction and training. I must learn to trust and obey Him. If I was so willing to be broken by man for my own praise how much more should I be for my Savior's glory. I pray that He puts me through the exercises that will continually transform me into His likeness. To know that He is capable if I am willing is my motivation.
That Jesus will never give up on me and I have eternity with Him to be blessed in transformation, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
He Lifted My Veil
"But we all, 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 by the Spirit of the Lord." II Corinthians 3:18
When I was training for and competing in karate tournaments my instructor would put me through intense physical exercise. I would spend day after day working on one move, one block, or one kick. Days sometimes turned into weeks on just one exercise. My instructor saw some potential in me when I was young and because I enjoyed the attention I received from it, I persevered. What I didn't enjoy was the road I had to travel on to achieve victory. I willingly put myself through extreme physical and emotional abuse so I would be more teachable. I would question my instructor on why I had to do the same block or strike over and over again. He told me he could see from my previous fights where I needed to improve. I wanted to work on high flying kicks and one strike knockouts, things that brought the crowd to their feet. He knew from experience that my idea of what I needed to win would not work. I still suffer now from some of the injuries I received then. The bottom line is that I was willing to do whatever it took to bring praise and recognition to myself. I made up my mind that no one was going to stand in my way of getting that gold spray painted plastic trophy. I truly believed that I needed these trophies awarded by man to make up and complete me.
Through Christ's endless grace I now can see how foolish and vain this old way of life was. He lifted my veil. I didn't deserve it or could I ever repay it, but He did it; because He loves me. I could say that I understand but I'd be lying. But in truth I can say that I want to know. The problem is I spent my whole life filling this earthen vessel with disgusting and vile garbage. God made me after His likeness and I corrupted it. I reveled in gluttony, not so much in food, but in my self-sins. Now I ask the Lord to examine me and show me the things that offend Him, to give me the strength to remove the decaying debris.
Once again I find myself on a difficult road in search of reward. But this time the road is well lit and my Instructor is the best traveling Companion a person could have. I no longer desire man's reward but a treasure that is stored away in heaven. I have just begun this journey and know that I can't get there as I am now. I must be transformed, I must submit to His instruction and training. I must learn to trust and obey Him. If I was so willing to be broken by man for my own praise how much more should I be for my Savior's glory. I pray that He puts me through the exercises that will continually transform me into His likeness. To know that He is capable if I am willing is my motivation.
That Jesus will never give up on me and I have eternity with Him to be blessed in transformation, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
"The severest discipline of a Christian's life is to learn how to keep "beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord." - Oswald ChambersToday's Freedom Fighter was written by Chris Connors, who is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and Director of Housekeeping at America's KESWICK.
Great Quote: To overcome a difficulty in your life: believe in the character of God. He is good; believe in the power of God. He will bring you through; believe in the love of God. He cares for you deeply and He will not abandon you. Frances Ridley Havergal
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
A Man Who Modeled Encouragement
A MAN WHO MODELED ENCOURAGEMENT
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. Philemon 1:7
Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the memorial service for a dear friend of America's KESWICK, Robert Westcott, affectionately known to all of us as Bob. I have known Bob, and his dear wife, JoAnn, for about seventeen years as they were regular attendees at both Sandy Cove and America's KESWICK.
I learned yesterday that Bob's life was radically transformed after hearing a message at America's KESWICK on the Beatitudes by one of my mentors, Dr. Stephen Olford, who is also with the Lord. That was a special encouragement to me.
Throughout the service there was one common thread about Bob's life that was mentioned again and again - Bob was a man of encouragement. And that he was in so many ways. He loved the Lord, studied and taught the Word, loved his wife and family, and his church. Whatever setting he was in, he was an encourager.
When he came to Keswick, he would sit right up front and just his smile would brighten your day! After the meetings he'd come up and give you a firm handshake and a hug and offer words of encouragement about the music and the preaching of the Word.
These last few years his "tent" has felt the effects of Alzheimer's, but even then, he still was an encourager. Bob and JoAnn loved our hymnsings and even though he may not have remembered WHO I was, when I would approach his table he'd grab my hand and say, "Good show today, boy - good show!"
Bob is in heaven enjoying the presence of His Savior. He leaves for me and many others a wonderful legacy - a legacy of encouraging others and "refreshing the hearts of the saints." Are you an encourager this morning? Could it be said of you - " _____ was an man of encouragement.
Oh how he refreshed the hearts of the saints!" Let's purpose together to be men of encouragement. - Bill Welte
Bill is the President & CEO of America's KESWICK and the General Editor and Writer of the daily email ministry, FREEDOM FIGHTERS.
Great quote: Faith, mighty faith the promise sees and rests on that
alone: laughs at impossibilities, and says it shall be done. Charles Wesley
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. Philemon 1:7
Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the memorial service for a dear friend of America's KESWICK, Robert Westcott, affectionately known to all of us as Bob. I have known Bob, and his dear wife, JoAnn, for about seventeen years as they were regular attendees at both Sandy Cove and America's KESWICK.
I learned yesterday that Bob's life was radically transformed after hearing a message at America's KESWICK on the Beatitudes by one of my mentors, Dr. Stephen Olford, who is also with the Lord. That was a special encouragement to me.
Throughout the service there was one common thread about Bob's life that was mentioned again and again - Bob was a man of encouragement. And that he was in so many ways. He loved the Lord, studied and taught the Word, loved his wife and family, and his church. Whatever setting he was in, he was an encourager.
When he came to Keswick, he would sit right up front and just his smile would brighten your day! After the meetings he'd come up and give you a firm handshake and a hug and offer words of encouragement about the music and the preaching of the Word.
These last few years his "tent" has felt the effects of Alzheimer's, but even then, he still was an encourager. Bob and JoAnn loved our hymnsings and even though he may not have remembered WHO I was, when I would approach his table he'd grab my hand and say, "Good show today, boy - good show!"
Bob is in heaven enjoying the presence of His Savior. He leaves for me and many others a wonderful legacy - a legacy of encouraging others and "refreshing the hearts of the saints." Are you an encourager this morning? Could it be said of you - " _____ was an man of encouragement.
Oh how he refreshed the hearts of the saints!" Let's purpose together to be men of encouragement. - Bill Welte
Bill is the President & CEO of America's KESWICK and the General Editor and Writer of the daily email ministry, FREEDOM FIGHTERS.
Great quote: Faith, mighty faith the promise sees and rests on that
alone: laughs at impossibilities, and says it shall be done. Charles Wesley
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Spare No Integrity
SPARE NO INTEGRITY
"Then the Lord said to Satan, Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one
who fears God and shuns evil?" Job 1:8
One of the things I've noticed while working in the secular world is the lack or absence of integrity. I was having a conversation with the head of our vinyl fence division when we began to discuss a potential new customer who asked for an elaborate fence display "just because" they were a potential new customer. The potential new customer has not been heard from since placing his request over three weeks ago. Of course, the display is ready to go.
I had mentioned that this could be a sign of bad integrity on his part since he insisted that we move quickly for completion. My boss turned and said "Integrity? Chris even I lack that." What do you do with that?
After I picked my bottom jaw up, I most definitely felt the need to bring up the importance of integrity not only in the world but in God's world.
My first response was to say how important integrity comes into play in my own life when it concerns my wife and children. Then I plainly stated that God holds the highest regard for integrity and that is what Jesus'
ministry was clearly about. I explain to him that there were Hebrew leaders who comprised Gods will and they wound up being sent to what is modern day Iraq.
Did anything I said that day make a dent? That I do not know but I'll keep at it.
In eighteenth century England's integrity got tossed out the window.
Drinking and gambling was at epidemic proportions. Public hangings were like T.V. commercials and one historian called it a "vast casino". The church suffered as well as there was a purging of Puritan values. This set in motion "The Holy Club of Oxford" making the following mission statement. "We want to reform the nation, particularly the church, and to spread Scriptural Holiness over the land".
What John and Charles Wesley, along with George Whitefield, did was begin an evangelistic movement that saved England from herself. Can that happen here in twenty-first century America? For me, I guess God would have me do it one fence customer at a time. But for the brethren around me, I would pray that if you hear that an unsaved man is thinking of allowing the values that make who you are in Christ to fall by the wayside, that God would shrug you in those moments and share the hope that only God provides. - Chris Hughes
Chris is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and has attended the Keswick Institute of Biblical Studies. Our Winter semester begins next week.
Have you considered digging deeper into God's WORD? It's not too late to sign up. Check out the full color brochure on the website
(www.americaskeswick.org) or call today for information: 732-350-1187)
Great Quote: "Tragically, many men all across the country will come to Promise Keepers events and miss the point. They will think that somehow by association and osmosis-having a PK T-shirt, a PK hat, and a PK notebook-they are godly men. Let me be clear: Information is not transformation, and exposure is not experience." Crawford Loritts
"Then the Lord said to Satan, Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one
who fears God and shuns evil?" Job 1:8
One of the things I've noticed while working in the secular world is the lack or absence of integrity. I was having a conversation with the head of our vinyl fence division when we began to discuss a potential new customer who asked for an elaborate fence display "just because" they were a potential new customer. The potential new customer has not been heard from since placing his request over three weeks ago. Of course, the display is ready to go.
I had mentioned that this could be a sign of bad integrity on his part since he insisted that we move quickly for completion. My boss turned and said "Integrity? Chris even I lack that." What do you do with that?
After I picked my bottom jaw up, I most definitely felt the need to bring up the importance of integrity not only in the world but in God's world.
My first response was to say how important integrity comes into play in my own life when it concerns my wife and children. Then I plainly stated that God holds the highest regard for integrity and that is what Jesus'
ministry was clearly about. I explain to him that there were Hebrew leaders who comprised Gods will and they wound up being sent to what is modern day Iraq.
Did anything I said that day make a dent? That I do not know but I'll keep at it.
In eighteenth century England's integrity got tossed out the window.
Drinking and gambling was at epidemic proportions. Public hangings were like T.V. commercials and one historian called it a "vast casino". The church suffered as well as there was a purging of Puritan values. This set in motion "The Holy Club of Oxford" making the following mission statement. "We want to reform the nation, particularly the church, and to spread Scriptural Holiness over the land".
What John and Charles Wesley, along with George Whitefield, did was begin an evangelistic movement that saved England from herself. Can that happen here in twenty-first century America? For me, I guess God would have me do it one fence customer at a time. But for the brethren around me, I would pray that if you hear that an unsaved man is thinking of allowing the values that make who you are in Christ to fall by the wayside, that God would shrug you in those moments and share the hope that only God provides. - Chris Hughes
Chris is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and has attended the Keswick Institute of Biblical Studies. Our Winter semester begins next week.
Have you considered digging deeper into God's WORD? It's not too late to sign up. Check out the full color brochure on the website
(www.americaskeswick.org) or call today for information: 732-350-1187)
Great Quote: "Tragically, many men all across the country will come to Promise Keepers events and miss the point. They will think that somehow by association and osmosis-having a PK T-shirt, a PK hat, and a PK notebook-they are godly men. Let me be clear: Information is not transformation, and exposure is not experience." Crawford Loritts
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Discipline of Prayer
The Discipline of Prayer
The Lord Jesus told us in The Sermon on the Mount to go into our closet, close the door and talk to our Father. (Matthew 6:6) Jesus' life modeled that principle of getting away and being alone in the presence of the Father. The discipline of prayer opens our lives to God for change.
As we spend time in prayer, God has the freedom to change our minds about the people and situations we experience in every day life. We'll probably discover changes in our own lives during those extended times of prayer. I read of one person who regularly prays "Lord, shine your light on the dark corners of my heart." When we're really honest with ourselves, we know those dark corners exist and that we need change to get rid of them.
The discipline of prayer helps us learn to talk with God in different ways given the situations of our lives. We can spend time in private prayer, or we can say a quick word of prayer for someone who captures our attention in a store. We can pray silently in a meeting, asking God for wisdom when it's time to make decisions. Many of us who are not used to praying think we must have some special words. God isn't worried about the words; He just wants you to talk to Him and listen to Him.
Prayer needs to be more than a discipline, however. Dallas Willard writes, "It would...be a rather low-voltage spiritual life in which prayer was chiefly undertaken as a discipline...." Having said that, the practice of prayer is a learned discipline. Most of us know the experience of getting just past "Heavenly Father" when we pray before our minds begin to wander. The discipline involved in learning to pray brings us to a place of single-mindedness, a place where God really is the focus of our praying.
We'll find ourselves distracted at times. Don't give up! We will notice our minds wandering among the countless concerns of the day.
However, as we continue in the paths of prayer, our meanders will be shorter and less frequent. We'll discover that God seems present more and more through our day, and we'll carry on conversations with Him about all the things that come into our day. Remember 1 Timothy 4:7.
". . . discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness . . . ."
Finally, don't forget that prayer is a conversation, not a monologue.
Take time to listen for God's voice in the midst of your praying. It's good to just sit in His presence and tell Him that you're listening.
Even if you don't hear anything specific, you'll benefit from living in His presence.
Many resources are available to help you learn how to pray. Read some books. Talk to your pastor. Look for some instruction in the internet from sources you trust. If you still have questions about how to pray, email Bill Welte. Either he can help you or put you in touch with me or someone else who can help you.
Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist of Toms River and is our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor.
Great Quote: Since God offers to manage our affairs for us, let us once and for all hand them over to His infinite wisdom, in order to occupy ourselves only with Himself and what belongs to Him. Jean-Pierre de Caussade
The Lord Jesus told us in The Sermon on the Mount to go into our closet, close the door and talk to our Father. (Matthew 6:6) Jesus' life modeled that principle of getting away and being alone in the presence of the Father. The discipline of prayer opens our lives to God for change.
As we spend time in prayer, God has the freedom to change our minds about the people and situations we experience in every day life. We'll probably discover changes in our own lives during those extended times of prayer. I read of one person who regularly prays "Lord, shine your light on the dark corners of my heart." When we're really honest with ourselves, we know those dark corners exist and that we need change to get rid of them.
The discipline of prayer helps us learn to talk with God in different ways given the situations of our lives. We can spend time in private prayer, or we can say a quick word of prayer for someone who captures our attention in a store. We can pray silently in a meeting, asking God for wisdom when it's time to make decisions. Many of us who are not used to praying think we must have some special words. God isn't worried about the words; He just wants you to talk to Him and listen to Him.
Prayer needs to be more than a discipline, however. Dallas Willard writes, "It would...be a rather low-voltage spiritual life in which prayer was chiefly undertaken as a discipline...." Having said that, the practice of prayer is a learned discipline. Most of us know the experience of getting just past "Heavenly Father" when we pray before our minds begin to wander. The discipline involved in learning to pray brings us to a place of single-mindedness, a place where God really is the focus of our praying.
We'll find ourselves distracted at times. Don't give up! We will notice our minds wandering among the countless concerns of the day.
However, as we continue in the paths of prayer, our meanders will be shorter and less frequent. We'll discover that God seems present more and more through our day, and we'll carry on conversations with Him about all the things that come into our day. Remember 1 Timothy 4:7.
". . . discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness . . . ."
Finally, don't forget that prayer is a conversation, not a monologue.
Take time to listen for God's voice in the midst of your praying. It's good to just sit in His presence and tell Him that you're listening.
Even if you don't hear anything specific, you'll benefit from living in His presence.
Many resources are available to help you learn how to pray. Read some books. Talk to your pastor. Look for some instruction in the internet from sources you trust. If you still have questions about how to pray, email Bill Welte. Either he can help you or put you in touch with me or someone else who can help you.
Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist of Toms River and is our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor.
Great Quote: Since God offers to manage our affairs for us, let us once and for all hand them over to His infinite wisdom, in order to occupy ourselves only with Himself and what belongs to Him. Jean-Pierre de Caussade
Friday, January 18, 2008
God's Truth Abideth Still
"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of The Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully, giving thanks to The Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Colossians 1:9-14
Paul prayed for the new believers in Colosse to grow in Christ. He prayed ceaselessly for them to find their salvation through Jesus. He saw that if they continued to separate themselves from Jesus and put their faith in idols, angels and false doctrine they would perish.
There are so many things we can approach The Throne of Grace with, how many of us truly concern ourselves with the salvation of others? To ask for God's blessing on our brethren should be routine. That others may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior is vital. (2 Peter 3:18) To gain understanding and to learn the significance of allowing God's will to come to pass through them is crucial. Striving to do good in all we do and living a life pleasing to The Lord is expected.
Being spiritually strengthened by God is to be equipped by His grace.
We cannot expect to accomplish anything on our own, to realize that
through Christ who strengthens us we can do anything. (Phil 4:13) Paul
emphatically states we can trust in Christ - we can trust His power - we can rely on Him to carry us through each day as it comes. That we must turn to Jesus and not to idols or rituals to endure through difficult seasons. For the glory of God as believers is The Power of God. To be absent of it would mean certain failure.
Through Christ Jesus, we have been adopted into His kingdom. Because of the sacrifice Our Savior made for us, His precious blood has qualified us to share in this inheritance. We should always be thankful to Our Lord God for sending His Only Son to die for us. It is only because of Jesus we are made spotless and without blemish in the eyes of God. For our salvation is hidden with Christ only by His enduring love for us.
He brought us out of darkness and into the light of the everlasting.
This unbelievable gift from God is not because of anything we have done or could do. It is by the sacrifices Our Redeemer made for us while we were yet sinners.
The body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever. - Martin Luther
Chris Connors is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is our Director of Housekeeping. We praise God for the growth we have seen in Chris'
life.
Great Quote: The problem with prayer is heightened by the fact that people often succumb either to the extreme of all form and no freedom, or the opposite extreme of all freedom and no form. The first extreme leads to a rote or impersonal approach to prayer, while the second produces an unbalanced and undisciplined prayer life that can degenerate into a litany of one 'gimme' after another. Kenneth Boa
Colossians 1:9-14
Paul prayed for the new believers in Colosse to grow in Christ. He prayed ceaselessly for them to find their salvation through Jesus. He saw that if they continued to separate themselves from Jesus and put their faith in idols, angels and false doctrine they would perish.
There are so many things we can approach The Throne of Grace with, how many of us truly concern ourselves with the salvation of others? To ask for God's blessing on our brethren should be routine. That others may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior is vital. (2 Peter 3:18) To gain understanding and to learn the significance of allowing God's will to come to pass through them is crucial. Striving to do good in all we do and living a life pleasing to The Lord is expected.
Being spiritually strengthened by God is to be equipped by His grace.
We cannot expect to accomplish anything on our own, to realize that
through Christ who strengthens us we can do anything. (Phil 4:13) Paul
emphatically states we can trust in Christ - we can trust His power - we can rely on Him to carry us through each day as it comes. That we must turn to Jesus and not to idols or rituals to endure through difficult seasons. For the glory of God as believers is The Power of God. To be absent of it would mean certain failure.
Through Christ Jesus, we have been adopted into His kingdom. Because of the sacrifice Our Savior made for us, His precious blood has qualified us to share in this inheritance. We should always be thankful to Our Lord God for sending His Only Son to die for us. It is only because of Jesus we are made spotless and without blemish in the eyes of God. For our salvation is hidden with Christ only by His enduring love for us.
He brought us out of darkness and into the light of the everlasting.
This unbelievable gift from God is not because of anything we have done or could do. It is by the sacrifices Our Redeemer made for us while we were yet sinners.
The body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever. - Martin Luther
Chris Connors is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is our Director of Housekeeping. We praise God for the growth we have seen in Chris'
life.
Great Quote: The problem with prayer is heightened by the fact that people often succumb either to the extreme of all form and no freedom, or the opposite extreme of all freedom and no form. The first extreme leads to a rote or impersonal approach to prayer, while the second produces an unbalanced and undisciplined prayer life that can degenerate into a litany of one 'gimme' after another. Kenneth Boa
Thursday, January 17, 2008
The Lord's Prayer
THE LORD'S PRAYER
"This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For it you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:9-14
Two key parts of Matthew 6 are the words of this prayer outline, and the words that precede them. "This, then, is how you should pray." Jesus gave these words as a structured outline of how all people should seek Our Lord God in prayer. How we are to esteem Him in hallowed reverence.
In our lives, thoughts and finally the words that come out of our mouth.
That everything we say shall be edifying and all our conversations will be holy and pleasing to Him. Our desire to have a relationship with God should pour out from our heart into our words.
God knows our desires and our needs. So when we petition Our Lord in prayer we must remove anything that offends Him out of our heart and allow Him to reign there supreme. God requires that we be specific, to list things and people by their names one by one. That we appeal to His sovereignty with a sense of urgency. To be in constant remembrance that He created us for His pleasure and not to let anything come between this divine communion.
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord teach us to pray just as John taught His disciples." (Luke 11:1) Because they had seen Jesus do this, they also wanted to. Jesus took their initial interest and gave them a model to follow. He shared with them spiritual principles on confession, praise, thanksgiving, intercession and petition. We follow these same principles today in our walk with God. We can waste a lot of precious time away from the presence of God. By getting ready to pray, finding the time, getting in the right frame of mind and then reading books on prayer. But sooner or later - WE MUST PRAY! We must humble ourselves and cry out to Our Lord for help, mercy and forgiveness.
Our Father has given all power unto His Son and if we ask in the name of Jesus, He will give it. We must pray in Jesus' name - as standing in His place - fully identified with Him - asking by virtue of our very union with Him. When we truly ask in the name of Christ, He is the real petitioner. When we plead before God the merits of His Blessed Son, He looks past us and sees His Son as the true recipient. When we pray like this we demonstrate our total dependence and confidence in God. There are many places in the New Testament Jesus shows us that constant prayer is mandatory in order to live a victorious Christian life. Paul exhorts us to "pray continually." (I Thess. 5:17) Peter declares he gave himself over "continually to prayer." (Acts 6:4) Jesus teaches us that in order for our prayers to be effective, we must be diligent, fixing our eyes on Christ, so that all our prayers begin with, are directed by, and received by God alone.
When all they mercies, O my God,
My rising soul surveys,
Transported with the view, I'm lost
In wonder, love and praise - Joseph Addison
Today's Freedom Fighter was written by Chris Connors, a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and our Director of Housekeeping.
Great Quote: "I don't have a hard time believing the Gospel is true...for you. God loves you and accepts you and wants to do good to you. The problem is, I have such a hard time believing it's true for me. Luther nailed it when he said that we are born with an inborn suspicion that God is not for us. Like a bass note in a terrific song, I battle almost daily the constant thumping that because of my failures, sins, and selfishness, I do not have God's favor. He seems to be never satisfied. So what is the answer? How do I keep on keeping on? The life and death of Jesus tells me that the lie is just that, a lie. God is satisfied because He was satisfied with Jesus; and I am in Him and He is in me. That's the antidote to the inborn suspicion-the Father is for me, because of the cross of Jesus. So daily, it's a fight of faith; to believe the Gospel is true for me." Tom Wood
"This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For it you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:9-14
Two key parts of Matthew 6 are the words of this prayer outline, and the words that precede them. "This, then, is how you should pray." Jesus gave these words as a structured outline of how all people should seek Our Lord God in prayer. How we are to esteem Him in hallowed reverence.
In our lives, thoughts and finally the words that come out of our mouth.
That everything we say shall be edifying and all our conversations will be holy and pleasing to Him. Our desire to have a relationship with God should pour out from our heart into our words.
God knows our desires and our needs. So when we petition Our Lord in prayer we must remove anything that offends Him out of our heart and allow Him to reign there supreme. God requires that we be specific, to list things and people by their names one by one. That we appeal to His sovereignty with a sense of urgency. To be in constant remembrance that He created us for His pleasure and not to let anything come between this divine communion.
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord teach us to pray just as John taught His disciples." (Luke 11:1) Because they had seen Jesus do this, they also wanted to. Jesus took their initial interest and gave them a model to follow. He shared with them spiritual principles on confession, praise, thanksgiving, intercession and petition. We follow these same principles today in our walk with God. We can waste a lot of precious time away from the presence of God. By getting ready to pray, finding the time, getting in the right frame of mind and then reading books on prayer. But sooner or later - WE MUST PRAY! We must humble ourselves and cry out to Our Lord for help, mercy and forgiveness.
Our Father has given all power unto His Son and if we ask in the name of Jesus, He will give it. We must pray in Jesus' name - as standing in His place - fully identified with Him - asking by virtue of our very union with Him. When we truly ask in the name of Christ, He is the real petitioner. When we plead before God the merits of His Blessed Son, He looks past us and sees His Son as the true recipient. When we pray like this we demonstrate our total dependence and confidence in God. There are many places in the New Testament Jesus shows us that constant prayer is mandatory in order to live a victorious Christian life. Paul exhorts us to "pray continually." (I Thess. 5:17) Peter declares he gave himself over "continually to prayer." (Acts 6:4) Jesus teaches us that in order for our prayers to be effective, we must be diligent, fixing our eyes on Christ, so that all our prayers begin with, are directed by, and received by God alone.
When all they mercies, O my God,
My rising soul surveys,
Transported with the view, I'm lost
In wonder, love and praise - Joseph Addison
Today's Freedom Fighter was written by Chris Connors, a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and our Director of Housekeeping.
Great Quote: "I don't have a hard time believing the Gospel is true...for you. God loves you and accepts you and wants to do good to you. The problem is, I have such a hard time believing it's true for me. Luther nailed it when he said that we are born with an inborn suspicion that God is not for us. Like a bass note in a terrific song, I battle almost daily the constant thumping that because of my failures, sins, and selfishness, I do not have God's favor. He seems to be never satisfied. So what is the answer? How do I keep on keeping on? The life and death of Jesus tells me that the lie is just that, a lie. God is satisfied because He was satisfied with Jesus; and I am in Him and He is in me. That's the antidote to the inborn suspicion-the Father is for me, because of the cross of Jesus. So daily, it's a fight of faith; to believe the Gospel is true for me." Tom Wood
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
YESTERDAY
YESTERDAY
"Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far the Lord has helped us." 1 Samuel 7:12
Monday I wrote about ANTICIPATION. Yesterday we talked about the word TODAY. Today I'd like to dialog about the word YESTERDAY ... I know - I am backwards ... sorry!
I have often heard messages on Paul's instructions "forgetting those things which are behind ..." and while there is great value in forgetting many things about our lives in the past, there is a certain sense where it is good for us to REMEMBER what God has done for us.
Pastor Jim Cymbala says that some of us "remember what we should forget, and forget what we should remember."
For a man or woman struggling in addiction, they need to forget about their past life of sin. They need to stop dwelling on those things that remind them of the places where they should not be - people they should not be hanging around with . It's that old illustration of don't think about pink elephants. Seriously, don't even allow your mind to drift into thinking about pink elephants. And I bet right now you are thinking about pink elephants.
Some of us remember past hurts that have taken place 10, 15, 20 years ago. It's time to forget those and remember the what God has done for us in the past. That's what the children of Israel did throughout the Old Testament. How many times have your read chapters where they are rehearsing how God brought them out of Egypt (bondage) and retraced the goodness of God in their lives.
In this passage in 1 Samuel 7, the ark has been returned to the Israelites and the Philistines are defeated after the people cry out to God with Samuel, repent of their sin, and take God at His Word. Samuel takes a stone and sets it up as a reminder to the people of what God has done for them. He calls the stone "Ebenezer" - which literally means "THUS FAR THE LORD HAS HELPED US."
Are you in the pits having a pity party and you are the only invited guest? Then I recommend to you that you take some time to reflect, rehearse, recount the hundreds, maybe even thousands of ways that the Lord helped you during your brief time on this planet. Think of the Ebenezer's that could be put in place - stones of remembrance - that point back to God's goodness even in the midst of difficult circumstance. It's a good exercise, my brother, and one that will be a blessing in your life!
I shared a message from this passage for our January Super Senior Day.
If you'd like a copy, respond to this email and I will send you a copy of the message on CD.
Great Quote: A church that sets out to win over the world is tempted to divest itself of everything that might offend the world, to promise forgiveness without confession and renewal without repentance. It markets joy without awe and love without accountability for justice.
Some compromise is inevitable, but a congregation needs to be aware of the point at which its compromises begin it serve itself more than God.
-- Daniel Frankforter
Want to dig deeper into God's Word? Why not join us for our winter semester of the KESWICK INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES. Check out the full color brochure on our website: www.americaskeswick.org or call Lynne Jahns today for information: 732-350-1187.
"Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far the Lord has helped us." 1 Samuel 7:12
Monday I wrote about ANTICIPATION. Yesterday we talked about the word TODAY. Today I'd like to dialog about the word YESTERDAY ... I know - I am backwards ... sorry!
I have often heard messages on Paul's instructions "forgetting those things which are behind ..." and while there is great value in forgetting many things about our lives in the past, there is a certain sense where it is good for us to REMEMBER what God has done for us.
Pastor Jim Cymbala says that some of us "remember what we should forget, and forget what we should remember."
For a man or woman struggling in addiction, they need to forget about their past life of sin. They need to stop dwelling on those things that remind them of the places where they should not be - people they should not be hanging around with . It's that old illustration of don't think about pink elephants. Seriously, don't even allow your mind to drift into thinking about pink elephants. And I bet right now you are thinking about pink elephants.
Some of us remember past hurts that have taken place 10, 15, 20 years ago. It's time to forget those and remember the what God has done for us in the past. That's what the children of Israel did throughout the Old Testament. How many times have your read chapters where they are rehearsing how God brought them out of Egypt (bondage) and retraced the goodness of God in their lives.
In this passage in 1 Samuel 7, the ark has been returned to the Israelites and the Philistines are defeated after the people cry out to God with Samuel, repent of their sin, and take God at His Word. Samuel takes a stone and sets it up as a reminder to the people of what God has done for them. He calls the stone "Ebenezer" - which literally means "THUS FAR THE LORD HAS HELPED US."
Are you in the pits having a pity party and you are the only invited guest? Then I recommend to you that you take some time to reflect, rehearse, recount the hundreds, maybe even thousands of ways that the Lord helped you during your brief time on this planet. Think of the Ebenezer's that could be put in place - stones of remembrance - that point back to God's goodness even in the midst of difficult circumstance. It's a good exercise, my brother, and one that will be a blessing in your life!
I shared a message from this passage for our January Super Senior Day.
If you'd like a copy, respond to this email and I will send you a copy of the message on CD.
Great Quote: A church that sets out to win over the world is tempted to divest itself of everything that might offend the world, to promise forgiveness without confession and renewal without repentance. It markets joy without awe and love without accountability for justice.
Some compromise is inevitable, but a congregation needs to be aware of the point at which its compromises begin it serve itself more than God.
-- Daniel Frankforter
Want to dig deeper into God's Word? Why not join us for our winter semester of the KESWICK INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES. Check out the full color brochure on our website: www.americaskeswick.org or call Lynne Jahns today for information: 732-350-1187.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
TODAY
TODAY
For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, God is ready to help you right now.
Today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2
I am really not quite sure how many people receive Freedom Fighters on a daily basis. We have the actual number of men who we know get it from our list, but last week I received a comment from a friend in Texas who received one as a forward.
All that to say, while I know many of you, there are many of you that I have never met. Believe it or not, there are some things that we all have in common.
One thing that we have in common is TODAY! Most of us had a yesterday, and right now we have today. There are no guarantees for tomorrow.
One of the topics I read about is time management. Because my schedule is always full, I am always looking for ways to better manage my time.
Each one of us has the same amount of time in a given day - the same number of available hours and minutes. HOW we use our time and WHAT we do with it is important because once a day is done, it is gone.
Take an interesting journey and use your concordance to look at what the Bible says about the word "day" and "today." You can use a great concordance tool on the computer - visit www.crosswalk.com)
The most important thing you need to know about today is that if you have never come to the place of trusting in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, TODAY is the day of salvation. Most of us are procrastinators in some area of our lives. We find ourselves saying, "I'll do that tomorrow!"
Well my friend, Ralph Carmichael, now 83, wrote a musical many years ago called "Tell It Like It Is" and one of the songs says, "Yesterday has come and gone - sorry about that! Tomorrow may never come - sorry about that!"
If you are reading today's Freedom Fighter and you have not experienced the joy of salvation - God's free gift offered through Jesus Christ - I beg you - consider this - TODAY is the day of salvation. I'd love to share how you can KNOW that you are a part of God's forever family, not just for eternity, but TODAY! Drop me a line if you need help. Your decision TODAY will affect everyone of your TOMORROWS or as someone else said - "Your decision today will determine your destiny!"
Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America's KESWICK and is the editor of Freedom Fighters.
Great Quote: Before we look at how we make Jesus Lord, we need to see what it is we mean when we talk about lordship. To make Jesus Lord of our life means to surrender control of every area of our life to Him. We come under His authority. His authority is supreme over our authority.
We start taking orders from Him - we do what He tells us to do. That's what lordship is -- Christ reigning as supreme authority over our life.
Making Jesus Lord of our life is not something passive. It's not a state of being, it's a state of doing. Those whom Jesus recognizes as His own are those who do the will of His Father in heaven. Keith Green
For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, God is ready to help you right now.
Today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2
I am really not quite sure how many people receive Freedom Fighters on a daily basis. We have the actual number of men who we know get it from our list, but last week I received a comment from a friend in Texas who received one as a forward.
All that to say, while I know many of you, there are many of you that I have never met. Believe it or not, there are some things that we all have in common.
One thing that we have in common is TODAY! Most of us had a yesterday, and right now we have today. There are no guarantees for tomorrow.
One of the topics I read about is time management. Because my schedule is always full, I am always looking for ways to better manage my time.
Each one of us has the same amount of time in a given day - the same number of available hours and minutes. HOW we use our time and WHAT we do with it is important because once a day is done, it is gone.
Take an interesting journey and use your concordance to look at what the Bible says about the word "day" and "today." You can use a great concordance tool on the computer - visit www.crosswalk.com)
The most important thing you need to know about today is that if you have never come to the place of trusting in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, TODAY is the day of salvation. Most of us are procrastinators in some area of our lives. We find ourselves saying, "I'll do that tomorrow!"
Well my friend, Ralph Carmichael, now 83, wrote a musical many years ago called "Tell It Like It Is" and one of the songs says, "Yesterday has come and gone - sorry about that! Tomorrow may never come - sorry about that!"
If you are reading today's Freedom Fighter and you have not experienced the joy of salvation - God's free gift offered through Jesus Christ - I beg you - consider this - TODAY is the day of salvation. I'd love to share how you can KNOW that you are a part of God's forever family, not just for eternity, but TODAY! Drop me a line if you need help. Your decision TODAY will affect everyone of your TOMORROWS or as someone else said - "Your decision today will determine your destiny!"
Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America's KESWICK and is the editor of Freedom Fighters.
Great Quote: Before we look at how we make Jesus Lord, we need to see what it is we mean when we talk about lordship. To make Jesus Lord of our life means to surrender control of every area of our life to Him. We come under His authority. His authority is supreme over our authority.
We start taking orders from Him - we do what He tells us to do. That's what lordship is -- Christ reigning as supreme authority over our life.
Making Jesus Lord of our life is not something passive. It's not a state of being, it's a state of doing. Those whom Jesus recognizes as His own are those who do the will of His Father in heaven. Keith Green
Monday, January 14, 2008
Anticipation
ANTICIPATION
" ... looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ ..." Titus 2:13
I can't believe that in just a few weeks we will have the opportunity to see our fifth grandson for the very first time. It seems like years since Julie and Garrett announced that she was pregnant ... well for someone with my personality, nine months seems like years!
During these nine months of preparation we heard that he was coming in the month of February. The doctors were able to calculate and predict the approximate date for his coming, but up until last week, there was no actual day set for his coming - we just knew it was imminent!
There has been much preparation for his coming. One of the rooms was prepared for Caleb (yeah, we know his name!) with fresh paint, new crib, clothes and curtains. It is a time of great anticipation and expectation. As the countdown continues, it is getting really exciting.
That is how it should be for us. The Lord is coming back again. We don't know the "time or the season, "the day or the hour," but we do know this
- we need to be ready for his imminent return.
Growing up we would have a prophecy week at our church and most of the teens would dread it. We'd hear all these horrible things about the rapture and the tribulation, and for teens whose whole lives are before them - well, the thought of "looking for the blessed hope" was not something on the radar screen.
Maybe it is something that happens when you get older - or maybe it has to do with where are world is - but I find myself saying, "Maybe today, Lord?" or even echo the words of John, the author of Revelation, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"
Are you "looking for that blessed hope?" I can't tell you WHEN it will be, but I can tell you this - it is closer today than it was yesterday!
Anticipating His return should impact how we live today! Think about it!
Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK, home of America's oldest residential addiction recovery center for men - the Colony of Mercy. (www.americaskeswick.org)
Great Quote: "If you woke up this morning and you are still here - God obviously still has a plan for your life!" - Dr. Adrian Rogers
Have you ever considered attending Bible College? Interested in digging deeper into God's Word? You can do so by attending the KESWICK INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES. Join us for our eight week semester that begins shortly. Check out the brochure on our homepage:
www.americaskeswick.org. or call Lynne Jahns today for information:
732-350-1187.
" ... looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ ..." Titus 2:13
I can't believe that in just a few weeks we will have the opportunity to see our fifth grandson for the very first time. It seems like years since Julie and Garrett announced that she was pregnant ... well for someone with my personality, nine months seems like years!
During these nine months of preparation we heard that he was coming in the month of February. The doctors were able to calculate and predict the approximate date for his coming, but up until last week, there was no actual day set for his coming - we just knew it was imminent!
There has been much preparation for his coming. One of the rooms was prepared for Caleb (yeah, we know his name!) with fresh paint, new crib, clothes and curtains. It is a time of great anticipation and expectation. As the countdown continues, it is getting really exciting.
That is how it should be for us. The Lord is coming back again. We don't know the "time or the season, "the day or the hour," but we do know this
- we need to be ready for his imminent return.
Growing up we would have a prophecy week at our church and most of the teens would dread it. We'd hear all these horrible things about the rapture and the tribulation, and for teens whose whole lives are before them - well, the thought of "looking for the blessed hope" was not something on the radar screen.
Maybe it is something that happens when you get older - or maybe it has to do with where are world is - but I find myself saying, "Maybe today, Lord?" or even echo the words of John, the author of Revelation, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"
Are you "looking for that blessed hope?" I can't tell you WHEN it will be, but I can tell you this - it is closer today than it was yesterday!
Anticipating His return should impact how we live today! Think about it!
Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK, home of America's oldest residential addiction recovery center for men - the Colony of Mercy. (www.americaskeswick.org)
Great Quote: "If you woke up this morning and you are still here - God obviously still has a plan for your life!" - Dr. Adrian Rogers
Have you ever considered attending Bible College? Interested in digging deeper into God's Word? You can do so by attending the KESWICK INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES. Join us for our eight week semester that begins shortly. Check out the brochure on our homepage:
www.americaskeswick.org. or call Lynne Jahns today for information:
732-350-1187.
The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting
The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting
“ . . . discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness . . . .” is the key to understanding all the spiritual disciplines. Perhaps you’ll remember the two questions I shared on Saturday, 1/5. They really define the purpose of the disciplines. 1) What am I currently not doing that, if I were doing, would open myself up more to God's work of grace in my life? 2) What am I currently doing that, if eliminated, would open myself up more to God's work of grace in my life? The disciplines of abstinence and engagement address the two questions. Most of us have things that need to disappear from our lives and things that need to appear. The spiritual disciplines offer us a framework for seeing that both happen. When they do, God has much more freedom to work in us and through us for His glory.
I invite you to think with me about the discipline of fasting today. It’s one of the abstinence disciplines, and most of you have already thought of it terms of food. While that may be something that you choose to give up during a time of fasting, just about anything can be an object of fasting. Think about television, the computer, or some hobby that distracts you from God’s work in your life.
Jesus affirmed the importance of fasting and assumed that His followers would fast. (Matthew 6:16) He doesn’t say “if” you fast, but “when” you fast. As I study the lives of Christians through the history of the Church, fasting marks many of their lives. Choosing to deny ourselves helps us remove our focus from our own pleasures and redirect our attention to God and His ongoing work in our lives.
Why would God expect us to fast regularly? It really serves several purposes. First, it reveals the things that control us. (And, those aren’t just physical things. Pride, anger, lust and impatience often show themselves when we choose to deprive ourselves.) Fasting also reminds us that we’re aren’t sustained by bread alone, but by every Word of God.
Finally, fasting helps us maintain balance in our lives. Whether we choose food, television, the computer, or some other pleasure, fasting will help us maintain control over the things that can control us.
By example and instruction, Jesus leads us to fasting as a spiritual d
iscipline. Several people (Richard Foster, Dallas Willard and Donald Whitney come to mind) have written on the subject and help you learn how to pursue this discipline. Those of us who want to see God display His power and grace in our lives will consider the need and benefit of fasting. (Pastor John Strain – First Baptist of Toms River)Great Quote: The Scriptures are shallow enough for a babe to come and drink without fear of drowning and deep enough for theologians to swim in without ever reaching the bottom. – St. Jerome
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The Discipline of Study
The Discipline of Study
Our theme for the January weekend Freedom Fighters comes from 1 Timothy
4:7 (NASB): ". . . discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness . .
. ." The New King James Version translates the verse like this: "and exercise yourself toward godliness." That translation seems to fit with the discipline I want us to consider today.
Remember that four of the disciplines we'll review fall into the category of "abstinence" disciplines. The other four are disciplines of "engagement." Let's think today about one of the engagement
disciplines: study. Both the Old and New Testaments give us ample instruction about the importance of learning the Word of God and applying it our lives.
The discipline of study sets us on a path of learning Scripture. It will almost certainly involve memorizing Scripture, investing time in reading and studying God's Word and exposing ourselves to good Bible teaching. The goal of the discipline isn't "just" the acquiring of knowledge. Rather, the goal is the transformation of our hearts and minds. Disciplining ourselves to the study of God's Word is choosing to do the hard work of "exercising ourselves toward godliness."
The Psalmist said, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Engaging in regular study of God's Word prepares us for a life of righteousness; it will protect us from temptation when we know it and apply it to our lives. On the contrary, without this discipline of study, we're fair game for anything the enemy of our souls wants to throw our way.
Take some time to read Deuteronomy 6:4-9. God made it very clear through Moses that this discipline of study must address every area of our lives. If you follow on in Deuteronomy 6, you'll see why God
thought it so important. It was His Word that God knew would protect
the children of Israel from disobedience when they moved into the Promised Land. All the people currently living in the land were pagan idol worshipers. Only through the consistent application of God's Word to their lives would His people avoid the sins of their enemies.
Remember Dallas Willard's definition of the spiritual disciplines: "any activity within our power that we engage in to enable us to do what we
cannot do by direct effort." Living a godly life in an ungodly world
qualifies as one of those things we cannot do by direct effort. We can engage in the discipline of study as an "exercise for godliness." We have incredible tools available to us for studying God's Word. Let's choose to discipline ourselves to use them. (Pastor John Strain, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River, is writer for our weekend Freedom
Fighters)
Great Quote: Human fellowship can go to great lengths, but not all the way. Fellowship with God can go to all lengths. Oswald Chambers
Our theme for the January weekend Freedom Fighters comes from 1 Timothy
4:7 (NASB): ". . . discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness . .
. ." The New King James Version translates the verse like this: "and exercise yourself toward godliness." That translation seems to fit with the discipline I want us to consider today.
Remember that four of the disciplines we'll review fall into the category of "abstinence" disciplines. The other four are disciplines of "engagement." Let's think today about one of the engagement
disciplines: study. Both the Old and New Testaments give us ample instruction about the importance of learning the Word of God and applying it our lives.
The discipline of study sets us on a path of learning Scripture. It will almost certainly involve memorizing Scripture, investing time in reading and studying God's Word and exposing ourselves to good Bible teaching. The goal of the discipline isn't "just" the acquiring of knowledge. Rather, the goal is the transformation of our hearts and minds. Disciplining ourselves to the study of God's Word is choosing to do the hard work of "exercising ourselves toward godliness."
The Psalmist said, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Engaging in regular study of God's Word prepares us for a life of righteousness; it will protect us from temptation when we know it and apply it to our lives. On the contrary, without this discipline of study, we're fair game for anything the enemy of our souls wants to throw our way.
Take some time to read Deuteronomy 6:4-9. God made it very clear through Moses that this discipline of study must address every area of our lives. If you follow on in Deuteronomy 6, you'll see why God
thought it so important. It was His Word that God knew would protect
the children of Israel from disobedience when they moved into the Promised Land. All the people currently living in the land were pagan idol worshipers. Only through the consistent application of God's Word to their lives would His people avoid the sins of their enemies.
Remember Dallas Willard's definition of the spiritual disciplines: "any activity within our power that we engage in to enable us to do what we
cannot do by direct effort." Living a godly life in an ungodly world
qualifies as one of those things we cannot do by direct effort. We can engage in the discipline of study as an "exercise for godliness." We have incredible tools available to us for studying God's Word. Let's choose to discipline ourselves to use them. (Pastor John Strain, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River, is writer for our weekend Freedom
Fighters)
Great Quote: Human fellowship can go to great lengths, but not all the way. Fellowship with God can go to all lengths. Oswald Chambers
Friday, January 11, 2008
Defender of the Faith
Defender of the Faith
"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good solider of Jesus Christ."
2 Timothy 2:1-3
How many of you went out into the world during the month of December shouting, "Jesus is the reason for the season" or "Put Christ back in Christmas"? Okay, now put your hands down. Out of those of you who raised their hands, how many of you practice that same zeal year 'round?
I was wondering about my zeal while my son, nephew and I were taking the outside Christmas lights down (and with my wife's suggestion, we cleaned the gutters around our home). I had been one of those who spent time to defend the faith this past month and got a little beat up doing it. And although I am called to make a stand, it was hard hearing "Santa Scrooge" when asked what I planned to give as presents to some of the folks around me. All I wanted to do was give as much Jesus as I could.
In 98 A.D. people were shouting "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" in Ephesus. The people were celebrating the feast of Catagogion. It was major money making feast. And even though Timothy tried to avoid the merriment he wound up right in front of its procession. He made a stand and was called a blasphemer. He was beaten and died of wounds a few days later. That is true defense of faith. That is true zeal.
In front of the crowd, Timothy was quoted as saying, "Do as you please!
And what if pleases you is a trap? What if it is a bond that will take your life from you before you have even lived and chain you to regret and dissatisfaction? Jesus came that you might have life and life abundantly! Why accept the chains of sin when you can live free in His Spirit!"
Paul's charge to Timothy was clear. And Timothy followed to the end. I do not believe that I should make a stand once in awhile but all the while. I pray that our loving and gracious Father can forgive me in my shortcoming this past month and in those times where I did not even recognize my charge to defend my faith in Christ. I pray that you too will make your stand when it is your time.
Here's a good quote from Jesus Freaks Vol II
"There is a time to be quiet, but there is also a time to speak out. If a friend is not looking and about to trip out over something in his path, isn't it only natural for us to shout out and warn him before he hurts himself? How much more should we yell if he is casually on his way to hell and has no idea that there is something better?"
Chris Hughes graduated from the Colony of Mercy in 2003. Chris, and his wife Cathy, attend First Baptist Church in Little Egg Harbor, NJ. Chris is also a student at the KESWICK INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES. Check information for the January semester at www.americaskeswick.org
Great quote: It is possible to be so active in the service of Christ as to forget to love him. P. T. Forsyth
"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good solider of Jesus Christ."
2 Timothy 2:1-3
How many of you went out into the world during the month of December shouting, "Jesus is the reason for the season" or "Put Christ back in Christmas"? Okay, now put your hands down. Out of those of you who raised their hands, how many of you practice that same zeal year 'round?
I was wondering about my zeal while my son, nephew and I were taking the outside Christmas lights down (and with my wife's suggestion, we cleaned the gutters around our home). I had been one of those who spent time to defend the faith this past month and got a little beat up doing it. And although I am called to make a stand, it was hard hearing "Santa Scrooge" when asked what I planned to give as presents to some of the folks around me. All I wanted to do was give as much Jesus as I could.
In 98 A.D. people were shouting "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" in Ephesus. The people were celebrating the feast of Catagogion. It was major money making feast. And even though Timothy tried to avoid the merriment he wound up right in front of its procession. He made a stand and was called a blasphemer. He was beaten and died of wounds a few days later. That is true defense of faith. That is true zeal.
In front of the crowd, Timothy was quoted as saying, "Do as you please!
And what if pleases you is a trap? What if it is a bond that will take your life from you before you have even lived and chain you to regret and dissatisfaction? Jesus came that you might have life and life abundantly! Why accept the chains of sin when you can live free in His Spirit!"
Paul's charge to Timothy was clear. And Timothy followed to the end. I do not believe that I should make a stand once in awhile but all the while. I pray that our loving and gracious Father can forgive me in my shortcoming this past month and in those times where I did not even recognize my charge to defend my faith in Christ. I pray that you too will make your stand when it is your time.
Here's a good quote from Jesus Freaks Vol II
"There is a time to be quiet, but there is also a time to speak out. If a friend is not looking and about to trip out over something in his path, isn't it only natural for us to shout out and warn him before he hurts himself? How much more should we yell if he is casually on his way to hell and has no idea that there is something better?"
Chris Hughes graduated from the Colony of Mercy in 2003. Chris, and his wife Cathy, attend First Baptist Church in Little Egg Harbor, NJ. Chris is also a student at the KESWICK INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES. Check information for the January semester at www.americaskeswick.org
Great quote: It is possible to be so active in the service of Christ as to forget to love him. P. T. Forsyth
Thursday, January 10, 2008
What Is Your Life Saying
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE SAYING
"Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave and strong. Your every action must be done with love." 1 Corinthians 16:13
Last night I saw a disturbing bumper sticker. It read: "I love God - it's His fans that I can't stand." It took a few minutes for the shock value to set in, but as I have thought about it through the night, it was a good reminder to me that the world is watching our every move and action. What makes us different because we call ourselves "Christians" - followers of Christ?
Several years ago I was a part of a board meeting where an unsaved business man was asked to attend the meeting in order to get some clarity about a property he was selling to another Christian organization. The board that I was serving on used to own the property, and in fact, their name was still on the deed restriction. The man was asking us to release the property so that the transaction could proceed.
A number of the Board members asked good questions to bring clarity, but one man in particular who had a very strong personality, came out of the gate and forcefully attacked the man's integrity and made all kinds of unkind, unfounded accusations. It was very obvious that this unsaved man was offended by what meet took place, and the discussion quickly ended.
After he left the room, the Board member who attacked this man verbally, smugly said," "Well, I hope you are all proud of me. I sure put him in his place."
One by one, the Board members had the courage to say, "You not only embarrassed us, you brought shame to the name of Christ." It was one of those defining moments. Several years later we needed to solicit help from the offended party and I had opportunity to speak to the CFO of his organization to see how best to approach him. The CFO went on to explain that his boss had never forgotten the incident, and had said, "And these men and women call themselves Christians?"
We met with this man and he was very gracious, but you could sense he was holding back and not real supportive. The Lord provided the opportunity for me to mention the meeting he had with our Board and he immediately shared how bothered he was about what had happened and that he had shared this with numerous people. I humbly asked his forgiveness and apologized for what took place and told him how the other Board members had rebuked the man for his obnoxious behavior. The man graciously accepted the apology and the whole tone of the meeting turned around, and in fact, he ended up helping us in a very positive way.
There are individuals that want to make sure every "I' is dotted and every "T" crossed when it comes to doctrine. They will contend for the faith, and rightly so, but with their actions they send a signal to the world that they are no different than the rest of the world. Our actions do speak louder than our words. What is your life saying to the lost around you? Are you living life so that people are asking, "What is it about him that makes him so different?"
Something good to think about today. Wouldn't it be a great testimony if the bumper stick would read: "I love God and love his fans"?
Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America's KESWICK and is the editor and founding writer of the daily FREEDOM FIGHTERS. For more information about the ministries of America's KESWICK, visit our
website: www.americaskeswick.org
Great quote: "Guilty people make others feel guilty; free people make others free. And you can always tell how guilty a person feels by noticing how guilty you feel around him or her. Can I repeat that? You can always tell how guilty a person feels by noticing how guilty you feel are him or her. Jesus has made you free. It is important that you bring others to Him for the same surgery that He has performed on you." Steve Brown, Born Free
"Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave and strong. Your every action must be done with love." 1 Corinthians 16:13
Last night I saw a disturbing bumper sticker. It read: "I love God - it's His fans that I can't stand." It took a few minutes for the shock value to set in, but as I have thought about it through the night, it was a good reminder to me that the world is watching our every move and action. What makes us different because we call ourselves "Christians" - followers of Christ?
Several years ago I was a part of a board meeting where an unsaved business man was asked to attend the meeting in order to get some clarity about a property he was selling to another Christian organization. The board that I was serving on used to own the property, and in fact, their name was still on the deed restriction. The man was asking us to release the property so that the transaction could proceed.
A number of the Board members asked good questions to bring clarity, but one man in particular who had a very strong personality, came out of the gate and forcefully attacked the man's integrity and made all kinds of unkind, unfounded accusations. It was very obvious that this unsaved man was offended by what meet took place, and the discussion quickly ended.
After he left the room, the Board member who attacked this man verbally, smugly said," "Well, I hope you are all proud of me. I sure put him in his place."
One by one, the Board members had the courage to say, "You not only embarrassed us, you brought shame to the name of Christ." It was one of those defining moments. Several years later we needed to solicit help from the offended party and I had opportunity to speak to the CFO of his organization to see how best to approach him. The CFO went on to explain that his boss had never forgotten the incident, and had said, "And these men and women call themselves Christians?"
We met with this man and he was very gracious, but you could sense he was holding back and not real supportive. The Lord provided the opportunity for me to mention the meeting he had with our Board and he immediately shared how bothered he was about what had happened and that he had shared this with numerous people. I humbly asked his forgiveness and apologized for what took place and told him how the other Board members had rebuked the man for his obnoxious behavior. The man graciously accepted the apology and the whole tone of the meeting turned around, and in fact, he ended up helping us in a very positive way.
There are individuals that want to make sure every "I' is dotted and every "T" crossed when it comes to doctrine. They will contend for the faith, and rightly so, but with their actions they send a signal to the world that they are no different than the rest of the world. Our actions do speak louder than our words. What is your life saying to the lost around you? Are you living life so that people are asking, "What is it about him that makes him so different?"
Something good to think about today. Wouldn't it be a great testimony if the bumper stick would read: "I love God and love his fans"?
Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America's KESWICK and is the editor and founding writer of the daily FREEDOM FIGHTERS. For more information about the ministries of America's KESWICK, visit our
website: www.americaskeswick.org
Great quote: "Guilty people make others feel guilty; free people make others free. And you can always tell how guilty a person feels by noticing how guilty you feel around him or her. Can I repeat that? You can always tell how guilty a person feels by noticing how guilty you feel are him or her. Jesus has made you free. It is important that you bring others to Him for the same surgery that He has performed on you." Steve Brown, Born Free
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Majesty
MAJESTY
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles." Romans 1:20-23
By faith, we walk with God. What we first think about God when He comes to mind is how we are going to worship Him. The low view of God entertained by the world is common among Christians as well. How and what we feel about God directly reflects upon our walk with Him. The common idea that God is a being who scares people into loving Him and desperately needs our companionship is an abomination. If everyone on this planet would turn their back on God tomorrow, it would not change God in any measure. Our Heavenly Father would be the same as He was before time began. Our imaginations betray us, we composite many mental pictures. We cut and paste together a reasonable image of what God is like. In a never-ending pursuit to feel secure, we reduce God to some measurable being we can reason our self to. We ingrain a sense of security into ourselves by believing we know where He is when we need Him.
This is not walking humbly with the Creator of heaven and earth. We must adjust ourselves to His will. We must learn His truths and be obedient to them. In order to walk humbly with The Lord we must first trust and obey Him. When we accept and submit to His perfect and pleasing will, we can start bringing honor and glory to Him. We seem to have forgotten that God created us exclusively for this purpose. By His great mercy and goodness, we are able to break free from thoughts that bind us. When we walk humbly with God, our faith will support us where reason fails and we will think because we believe, not in order that we may believe.
O God of Bethel, by whose hand Thy people still are fed; Who through this weary pilgrimage hast all our fathers led!
Our vows, our prayers we now present before Thy throne of grace; God of our fathers! Be the God of their succeeding race. -- Philip Doddridge
Chris Connors - Chris is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and now serves as the Director of Housekeeping.
Great Quote: Heaven is full of answers to prayer for which no one ever bothered to ask. Billy Graham
Don't forget Men's Fellowship tomorrow evening. Come and hear Pastor John Strain, our weekend Freedom Fighter writer. Dinner is at 6:15 PM.
Call today for reservations: 732-350-1187
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles." Romans 1:20-23
By faith, we walk with God. What we first think about God when He comes to mind is how we are going to worship Him. The low view of God entertained by the world is common among Christians as well. How and what we feel about God directly reflects upon our walk with Him. The common idea that God is a being who scares people into loving Him and desperately needs our companionship is an abomination. If everyone on this planet would turn their back on God tomorrow, it would not change God in any measure. Our Heavenly Father would be the same as He was before time began. Our imaginations betray us, we composite many mental pictures. We cut and paste together a reasonable image of what God is like. In a never-ending pursuit to feel secure, we reduce God to some measurable being we can reason our self to. We ingrain a sense of security into ourselves by believing we know where He is when we need Him.
This is not walking humbly with the Creator of heaven and earth. We must adjust ourselves to His will. We must learn His truths and be obedient to them. In order to walk humbly with The Lord we must first trust and obey Him. When we accept and submit to His perfect and pleasing will, we can start bringing honor and glory to Him. We seem to have forgotten that God created us exclusively for this purpose. By His great mercy and goodness, we are able to break free from thoughts that bind us. When we walk humbly with God, our faith will support us where reason fails and we will think because we believe, not in order that we may believe.
O God of Bethel, by whose hand Thy people still are fed; Who through this weary pilgrimage hast all our fathers led!
Our vows, our prayers we now present before Thy throne of grace; God of our fathers! Be the God of their succeeding race. -- Philip Doddridge
Chris Connors - Chris is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and now serves as the Director of Housekeeping.
Great Quote: Heaven is full of answers to prayer for which no one ever bothered to ask. Billy Graham
Don't forget Men's Fellowship tomorrow evening. Come and hear Pastor John Strain, our weekend Freedom Fighter writer. Dinner is at 6:15 PM.
Call today for reservations: 732-350-1187
Monday, January 07, 2008
GOD'S POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)
GOD'S POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)
This Christmas my daughter gave me a GPS system for my car. It is a neat little device that can keep me from losing my way. Apparently, my daughter believes I need some navigation in my life. I have a pretty good sense of direction and I do not tend to get lost often, but I have gotten lost.
As I was programming my new toy to make my way back down to the Pinelands, a trip which I have been making for several years now, I realized that I did not even know the name of the street it was on. I call it route 530, it is really Pinewald Keswick, so after about ten minutes of trying route 530, to no avail, I remembered Pinewald Keswick and sure enough it worked.
Here is what I am really looking to communicate. After putting in the necessary information, the GPS did what it is suppose to do. It mapped out the most direct route for me. I, however, decided to make a stop by my mother's house, in the Bronx, without informing the GPS. While the GPS is telling me to go this way, I am going the other way toward my mother's. Wouldn't you know it, the instrument did not get mad or yell or anything, it just took a deep pause and informed me that it would reroute me, still intending to get me to my destination in the Pinelands, despite my detours. Then today's verse spoke to me. God is our guide and His Holy Spirit is the positioning system that God has left with us to lead us to Himself.
My life has taken many different detours. But God has not wavered in directing me toward Himself. Every time I took a step in the wrong direction, He would not disown me or get frustrated with me, or forget about me. He would just map out the course from where I was to get me to Himself.
My ears have heard His voice saying to me, "...this is the way; walk in it." How about you? Are you following God's positioning system in your heart.
Chaplain Robert Roman (Robert is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and now serves as our Chaplain of Aftercare. He is a trophy of God's grace.
His wife, Sandra, serves at America's KESWICK in Housekeeping, and both are students at the Keswick Institute of Biblical Studies.)
GREAT QUOTE: "You can't expect God's blessing when you hold on to things that God hates." Pastor Jim Cymbala
You've read his weekend Freedom Fighters, now get to hear him live at our Men's Fellowship Night, Thursday, January 10, 2008. Pastor John Strain will be sharing God's Word for our MFN. Come for a great dinner, enjoy the singing, testimony and challenge from the Word, and then head to the Activity Center for fun and fellowship. Dinner is served at 6:15 PM. We ask that you make a reservation in advance. Call today - 732-350-1187.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)
This Christmas my daughter gave me a GPS system for my car. It is a neat little device that can keep me from losing my way. Apparently, my daughter believes I need some navigation in my life. I have a pretty good sense of direction and I do not tend to get lost often, but I have gotten lost.
As I was programming my new toy to make my way back down to the Pinelands, a trip which I have been making for several years now, I realized that I did not even know the name of the street it was on. I call it route 530, it is really Pinewald Keswick, so after about ten minutes of trying route 530, to no avail, I remembered Pinewald Keswick and sure enough it worked.
Here is what I am really looking to communicate. After putting in the necessary information, the GPS did what it is suppose to do. It mapped out the most direct route for me. I, however, decided to make a stop by my mother's house, in the Bronx, without informing the GPS. While the GPS is telling me to go this way, I am going the other way toward my mother's. Wouldn't you know it, the instrument did not get mad or yell or anything, it just took a deep pause and informed me that it would reroute me, still intending to get me to my destination in the Pinelands, despite my detours. Then today's verse spoke to me. God is our guide and His Holy Spirit is the positioning system that God has left with us to lead us to Himself.
My life has taken many different detours. But God has not wavered in directing me toward Himself. Every time I took a step in the wrong direction, He would not disown me or get frustrated with me, or forget about me. He would just map out the course from where I was to get me to Himself.
My ears have heard His voice saying to me, "...this is the way; walk in it." How about you? Are you following God's positioning system in your heart.
Chaplain Robert Roman (Robert is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and now serves as our Chaplain of Aftercare. He is a trophy of God's grace.
His wife, Sandra, serves at America's KESWICK in Housekeeping, and both are students at the Keswick Institute of Biblical Studies.)
GREAT QUOTE: "You can't expect God's blessing when you hold on to things that God hates." Pastor Jim Cymbala
You've read his weekend Freedom Fighters, now get to hear him live at our Men's Fellowship Night, Thursday, January 10, 2008. Pastor John Strain will be sharing God's Word for our MFN. Come for a great dinner, enjoy the singing, testimony and challenge from the Word, and then head to the Activity Center for fun and fellowship. Dinner is served at 6:15 PM. We ask that you make a reservation in advance. Call today - 732-350-1187.
Discipline for Godliness Part 2
The foundation for the weekend Freedom Fighters in January is 1 Timothy
4:7b: "On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness . . . ." The intent of spiritual discipline is simple. They are practices we incorporate into our lives to help us "put off the old man," and "put on the new man." They help us become like Jesus. I listed the disciplines we'll consider in yesterday's FF.
Think with me today about silence and solitude, which are disciplines in the abstinence category. The psalmist prayed "For God alone my souls waits in silence' from Him comes my salvation. (Ps. 62: 1&5) Sometimes we talk so much we just can't hear what God may want to say to us. The discipline of silence is closing off our souls from "sounds," whether noise, music or words. The intent is to still the inner noises so that we can be increasingly attentive to God.
If I have to drive some distance to keep an appointment or make a hospital call, I'll often choose to leave the radio off and just be quiet in the car. The only sound is wind noise. I'll say something like Lord, I give this time to you to be quiet. I'll listen for your voice and meditate on your Word while I drive. Those times are refreshing, and I often complete them knowing that God has spoken to my heart. One of my goals for 2008 is to schedule a day of silence at least once a quarter. It's much easier to hear God's voice in the quiet.
A discipline that goes along with silence is solitude. Jesus is our perfect model. Each Gospel writer tells us of Jesus taking time to be alone with His Father. Consider Matthew 14:23: "And after He had sent the multitudes away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone."
Solitude is purposefully abstaining from interaction with other people.
We choose to be absent from people so that we can be present to God. We choose to "be still and know that [He] is God. (Ps. 46:10) This is not passive. We engage our minds in waiting on God, living in His presence and expecting to hear a word from Him. We learn in solitude that there are parts of our lives for which we need no one other than God.
Both silence and solitude will help us deepen our walk with the Lord.
They will wean us from the clutter and noise of our world and help us focus on our good God who wants time with us. Why not set aside some time in January--maybe just a half day--to be silent before God and alone with God. (Pastor John Strain First Baptist Toms River)
Don't Miss This Great Quote: "Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness, nourishment of mind by His truth, purifying of imagination by His beauty, opening of the heart to His love, and submission of will to His purpose. And all this gathered up in adoration is the greatest of human expressions of which we are capable." - Ravi Zacharias
4:7b: "On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness . . . ." The intent of spiritual discipline is simple. They are practices we incorporate into our lives to help us "put off the old man," and "put on the new man." They help us become like Jesus. I listed the disciplines we'll consider in yesterday's FF.
Think with me today about silence and solitude, which are disciplines in the abstinence category. The psalmist prayed "For God alone my souls waits in silence' from Him comes my salvation. (Ps. 62: 1&5) Sometimes we talk so much we just can't hear what God may want to say to us. The discipline of silence is closing off our souls from "sounds," whether noise, music or words. The intent is to still the inner noises so that we can be increasingly attentive to God.
If I have to drive some distance to keep an appointment or make a hospital call, I'll often choose to leave the radio off and just be quiet in the car. The only sound is wind noise. I'll say something like Lord, I give this time to you to be quiet. I'll listen for your voice and meditate on your Word while I drive. Those times are refreshing, and I often complete them knowing that God has spoken to my heart. One of my goals for 2008 is to schedule a day of silence at least once a quarter. It's much easier to hear God's voice in the quiet.
A discipline that goes along with silence is solitude. Jesus is our perfect model. Each Gospel writer tells us of Jesus taking time to be alone with His Father. Consider Matthew 14:23: "And after He had sent the multitudes away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone."
Solitude is purposefully abstaining from interaction with other people.
We choose to be absent from people so that we can be present to God. We choose to "be still and know that [He] is God. (Ps. 46:10) This is not passive. We engage our minds in waiting on God, living in His presence and expecting to hear a word from Him. We learn in solitude that there are parts of our lives for which we need no one other than God.
Both silence and solitude will help us deepen our walk with the Lord.
They will wean us from the clutter and noise of our world and help us focus on our good God who wants time with us. Why not set aside some time in January--maybe just a half day--to be silent before God and alone with God. (Pastor John Strain First Baptist Toms River)
Don't Miss This Great Quote: "Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness, nourishment of mind by His truth, purifying of imagination by His beauty, opening of the heart to His love, and submission of will to His purpose. And all this gathered up in adoration is the greatest of human expressions of which we are capable." - Ravi Zacharias
Discipline for Godliness
DISCIPLINE FOR GODLINESS
Many of us have been reading Jonathan Edward's Resolutions all week.
They will help us in our spiritual journey if we use them. If we read them and set them aside, they're of no use to us at all. Like so much in our world, we must choose to put them to work in our lives. The benefit won't occur without effort.
The Apostle Paul tells us to "discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness . . . ." (1 Timothy 4:6 NASB) Since the earliest days of the church, Christians have discovered the benefit of spiritual disciplines that help us fulfill God's design and plan for our lives. Bill Welte has given me the privilege of writing the weekend Freedom Fighters for another month, and I invite you to think about spiritual discipline with me during January.
Dallas Willard, one of my favorite writers, defines a discipline as, "any activity within our power that we engage in to enable us to do what we cannot do by direct effort." Growth in Christ does not occur by our own power. We can develop spiritual exercises, however, that give God's Spirit freedom to do in us what our own effort won't accomplish. This is not some new kind of quick-fix or legalism. The disciplines I want to share with you throughout the month have been time-tested through two hundred centuries.
While doing some research for this FF, I ran across two questions I'd like us to think about while we consider the spiritual disciplines. 1) What am I currently not doing that, if I were doing, would open myself up more to God's work of grace in my life? 2) What am I currently doing that, if eliminated, would open myself up more to God's work of grace in my life? The spiritual disciplines will help us add the things that will open us up to God's graceful work in our lives. They will also help us delete those things that hinder His graceful work.
You're probably wondering what kind of disciplines I'm suggesting. Here are the disciplines I want us to consider: solitude, silence, fasting and sacrifice are "disciplines of abstinence." Study, worship, service and prayer are "disciplines of engagement." We'll consider each of them in upcoming Freedom Fighters.
For today, the question we must consider is simple. "Will we choose to 'discipline [ourselves] for godliness'?" (Pastor John Strain - First Baptist of Toms River)
Great Quote: The air which our body requires envelops us on every hand.
The air of itself seeks to enter our bodies and, for this reason, exerts pressure upon us. It is well known that it is more difficult to hold one's breath than it is to breathe. We need but exercise our organs of respiration, and air will enter forthwith into our lungs and perform its life-giving function to the entire body. The air which our souls need also envelops all of us at all times and on all sides. God is round about us in Christ on every hand, with his many sided and all-sufficient grace. All we need to do is to open our hearts.
Ole Kristian O. Hallesby
Many of us have been reading Jonathan Edward's Resolutions all week.
They will help us in our spiritual journey if we use them. If we read them and set them aside, they're of no use to us at all. Like so much in our world, we must choose to put them to work in our lives. The benefit won't occur without effort.
The Apostle Paul tells us to "discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness . . . ." (1 Timothy 4:6 NASB) Since the earliest days of the church, Christians have discovered the benefit of spiritual disciplines that help us fulfill God's design and plan for our lives. Bill Welte has given me the privilege of writing the weekend Freedom Fighters for another month, and I invite you to think about spiritual discipline with me during January.
Dallas Willard, one of my favorite writers, defines a discipline as, "any activity within our power that we engage in to enable us to do what we cannot do by direct effort." Growth in Christ does not occur by our own power. We can develop spiritual exercises, however, that give God's Spirit freedom to do in us what our own effort won't accomplish. This is not some new kind of quick-fix or legalism. The disciplines I want to share with you throughout the month have been time-tested through two hundred centuries.
While doing some research for this FF, I ran across two questions I'd like us to think about while we consider the spiritual disciplines. 1) What am I currently not doing that, if I were doing, would open myself up more to God's work of grace in my life? 2) What am I currently doing that, if eliminated, would open myself up more to God's work of grace in my life? The spiritual disciplines will help us add the things that will open us up to God's graceful work in our lives. They will also help us delete those things that hinder His graceful work.
You're probably wondering what kind of disciplines I'm suggesting. Here are the disciplines I want us to consider: solitude, silence, fasting and sacrifice are "disciplines of abstinence." Study, worship, service and prayer are "disciplines of engagement." We'll consider each of them in upcoming Freedom Fighters.
For today, the question we must consider is simple. "Will we choose to 'discipline [ourselves] for godliness'?" (Pastor John Strain - First Baptist of Toms River)
Great Quote: The air which our body requires envelops us on every hand.
The air of itself seeks to enter our bodies and, for this reason, exerts pressure upon us. It is well known that it is more difficult to hold one's breath than it is to breathe. We need but exercise our organs of respiration, and air will enter forthwith into our lungs and perform its life-giving function to the entire body. The air which our souls need also envelops all of us at all times and on all sides. God is round about us in Christ on every hand, with his many sided and all-sufficient grace. All we need to do is to open our hearts.
Ole Kristian O. Hallesby
Friday, January 04, 2008
Stay on Mission
Staying on Mission - Edwards' Resolutions Part 5
I appreciate Sam Sutter sharing these five Freedom Fighters with us this week. I trust that they have been a blessing for you too.
It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Ecclesiastes 7:2
Jonathan Edwards in his resolutions, like the Preacher of Ecclesiastes, was able to think about his fight for freedom in the whole gamut of life. When he was happy, he thought about how joyful he would be in heaven. When he was in pain, he thought about the suffering in hell.
Like a solder on the battlefield, everything around him was interpreted through the grid of the war he was waging.
In a fight for freedom half of our battle is to remember that we are in one. Edwards was committed to using every available resource to creatively remember and to get back on mission. How can we get better at using our routine, diversions and schedules to remind ourselves of the war around and inside of us?
Jonathan Edward's Resolutions
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the every-day circumstances that remind me of death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, when I think of any theological problem to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards learn about God, if circumstances don't hinder.
37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22 and 26, 1722.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.
41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.
42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God.
43. Resolved, to never act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether belonging to God. Saturday, January 12. Jan.12, 1723.
53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.
55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments.
July 8, 1723.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.
(Pastor Samuel Sutter, Dix Hills EFC - www.dhefc.org <http://www.dhefc.org/> )
Great Quote: Men come and go; leaders, teachers, thinkers speak and work for a season, and then fall silent and impotent. He abides. They die, but He lives. They are lights kindled, and, therefore, sooner or later quenched; but He is the true light from which they draw all their brightness, and He shines for evermore. Alexander MacLaren
I appreciate Sam Sutter sharing these five Freedom Fighters with us this week. I trust that they have been a blessing for you too.
It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Ecclesiastes 7:2
Jonathan Edwards in his resolutions, like the Preacher of Ecclesiastes, was able to think about his fight for freedom in the whole gamut of life. When he was happy, he thought about how joyful he would be in heaven. When he was in pain, he thought about the suffering in hell.
Like a solder on the battlefield, everything around him was interpreted through the grid of the war he was waging.
In a fight for freedom half of our battle is to remember that we are in one. Edwards was committed to using every available resource to creatively remember and to get back on mission. How can we get better at using our routine, diversions and schedules to remind ourselves of the war around and inside of us?
Jonathan Edward's Resolutions
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the every-day circumstances that remind me of death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, when I think of any theological problem to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards learn about God, if circumstances don't hinder.
37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22 and 26, 1722.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.
41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.
42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God.
43. Resolved, to never act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether belonging to God. Saturday, January 12. Jan.12, 1723.
53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.
55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments.
July 8, 1723.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.
(Pastor Samuel Sutter, Dix Hills EFC - www.dhefc.org <http://www.dhefc.org/> )
Great Quote: Men come and go; leaders, teachers, thinkers speak and work for a season, and then fall silent and impotent. He abides. They die, but He lives. They are lights kindled, and, therefore, sooner or later quenched; but He is the true light from which they draw all their brightness, and He shines for evermore. Alexander MacLaren
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Devolving Mission -- Edward's Resolutions Part 4
Devolving Mission - Edwards' Resolutions Part 4
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." Mark 1:15
We're looking at the Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards and how to stay on mission in our fight for victory against sin. Edward's resolutions seem stringent and idealistic. One problem with resolutions is that we tend to throw them away when we find that we can't live up to them. But part of the gospel is that we can't live up to our righteous standing with Jesus. Failure, repentance and drinking deeply from the grace we have in Jesus in a normal part of fighting the good fight.
Edwards isn't naïve about living victoriously. He has already admitted in the first sentence his complete dependence on God for victory. Thus he plans for failure and defeat in a way that help him to return to his mission in a way that honors God. He views his spiritual defeat and failure as a way of focusing his mission rather than ending his fight.
Jonathan Edward's Resolutions <http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByDate/2007/1924_The_Resolutions_of_Jonathan_Edwards/> ...
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
12. Resolved, if I take delight in knowing theology as a means of pride - I will immediately repent.
14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do weaken my assurance and faith.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
48. Resolved, constantly, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.
68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
(Pastor Samuel Sutter, Dix Hills EFC - www.dhefc.org <http://www.dhefc.org/> )
Great Quote: We must devote, not only times and places to prayer, but be everywhere in the spirit of devotion; with hearts always set toward heaven, looking up to God in all our actions, and doing every thing as His servants; living in the world as in a holy temple of God, and always worshiping Him, though not with our lips, yet with the thankfulness of our hearts, the holiness of our actions and the pious and charitable use of all His gifts. William Law
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." Mark 1:15
We're looking at the Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards and how to stay on mission in our fight for victory against sin. Edward's resolutions seem stringent and idealistic. One problem with resolutions is that we tend to throw them away when we find that we can't live up to them. But part of the gospel is that we can't live up to our righteous standing with Jesus. Failure, repentance and drinking deeply from the grace we have in Jesus in a normal part of fighting the good fight.
Edwards isn't naïve about living victoriously. He has already admitted in the first sentence his complete dependence on God for victory. Thus he plans for failure and defeat in a way that help him to return to his mission in a way that honors God. He views his spiritual defeat and failure as a way of focusing his mission rather than ending his fight.
Jonathan Edward's Resolutions <http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByDate/2007/1924_The_Resolutions_of_Jonathan_Edwards/> ...
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
12. Resolved, if I take delight in knowing theology as a means of pride - I will immediately repent.
14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do weaken my assurance and faith.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
48. Resolved, constantly, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.
68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
(Pastor Samuel Sutter, Dix Hills EFC - www.dhefc.org <http://www.dhefc.org/> )
Great Quote: We must devote, not only times and places to prayer, but be everywhere in the spirit of devotion; with hearts always set toward heaven, looking up to God in all our actions, and doing every thing as His servants; living in the world as in a holy temple of God, and always worshiping Him, though not with our lips, yet with the thankfulness of our hearts, the holiness of our actions and the pious and charitable use of all His gifts. William Law
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Evolving Mission -- Edward's Resolutions Part 3
Evolving Mission - Edwards' Resolutions Part 3
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if
these things were so. Acts 17:11
We're looking at the Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards. - In his fight for victory he fights with three ideas which everyone should emulate. His mission evolves and grows as he grows.
1) Edwards is ever-creative in his fight for victory. He committed to not getting stuck in a spiritual rut. He's willing to use whatever means or method he can think of to grow and to fight.
2) Edwards is always reminding himself of his fight and his Resolutions. You'll notice that he doesn't call his resolutions "New Years" resolutions. - You can't just fight once a year, he systematically goes over his resolutions and commits, recommits and repents as a lifestyle of coming to Jesus.
3) Edwards expands the impact of the Spirit and his Fight for Freedom to every imaginable part of life. I think the temptation for us is to look for victory and freedom in segments of our lives while keeping our own private kingdoms within ourselves.
Jonathan Edward's Resolutions
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and creative solution to promote glorifying God.
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects - in speaking and doing - in humility, as if nobody had been so evil as I, and as if I had committed the same sins or the worst of others. I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and their failure only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God, rather than gloating in self-pride.
28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the Jesus.
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in my relationship with Jesus, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
44- Resolved, that my only agenda behind my actions will be my relationship with Jesus. I shall do nothing that does not advance this goal. Jan.12, 1723.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps my relationship with Jesus. Jan.12 and 13.1723.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an attitude of dislike, fear, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an attitude of love, cheerfulness and goodness. May27, and July 13, 1723.
(Pastor Samuel Sutter, Dix Hills EFC - www.dhefc.org <http://www.dhefc.org/> )
Men come and go; leaders, teachers, thinkers speak and work for a season, and then fall silent and impotent. He abides. They die, but He lives. They are lights kindled, and, therefore, sooner or later quenched; but He is the true light from which they draw all their brightness, and He shines for evermore. Alexander MacLaren
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if
these things were so. Acts 17:11
We're looking at the Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards. - In his fight for victory he fights with three ideas which everyone should emulate. His mission evolves and grows as he grows.
1) Edwards is ever-creative in his fight for victory. He committed to not getting stuck in a spiritual rut. He's willing to use whatever means or method he can think of to grow and to fight.
2) Edwards is always reminding himself of his fight and his Resolutions. You'll notice that he doesn't call his resolutions "New Years" resolutions. - You can't just fight once a year, he systematically goes over his resolutions and commits, recommits and repents as a lifestyle of coming to Jesus.
3) Edwards expands the impact of the Spirit and his Fight for Freedom to every imaginable part of life. I think the temptation for us is to look for victory and freedom in segments of our lives while keeping our own private kingdoms within ourselves.
Jonathan Edward's Resolutions
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and creative solution to promote glorifying God.
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects - in speaking and doing - in humility, as if nobody had been so evil as I, and as if I had committed the same sins or the worst of others. I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and their failure only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God, rather than gloating in self-pride.
28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the Jesus.
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in my relationship with Jesus, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
44- Resolved, that my only agenda behind my actions will be my relationship with Jesus. I shall do nothing that does not advance this goal. Jan.12, 1723.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps my relationship with Jesus. Jan.12 and 13.1723.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an attitude of dislike, fear, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an attitude of love, cheerfulness and goodness. May27, and July 13, 1723.
(Pastor Samuel Sutter, Dix Hills EFC - www.dhefc.org <http://www.dhefc.org/> )
Men come and go; leaders, teachers, thinkers speak and work for a season, and then fall silent and impotent. He abides. They die, but He lives. They are lights kindled, and, therefore, sooner or later quenched; but He is the true light from which they draw all their brightness, and He shines for evermore. Alexander MacLaren
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Defining Mission -- Edwards Resolutions Part 2
Good morning and Happy New Year. I am looking forward to starting the new year with you through the ministry of Freedom Fighters. If this ministry is a blessing to you, we'd love to hear from you and also encourage you to invite a friend to join you on the journey!
Defining Mission - Edwards's Resolutions Part 2
At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11
We're looking at the Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards. Philippians
2.10-11 summarizes the focus of Edward's mission. In light of Christ coming back as King, we should walk in Victory. We wage this fight daily in our speech, actions, pride and gossip. Jonathan Edwards tried to see every part of life in light of the return of Christ.
We can learn from Edwards that fighting for victory is a fight that battles in every part of our lives. There is no domain of our lives that needs not be defended. To make matters worse our thinking and our perspective is of variable clarity. Edwards pledges to acts the way he thinks when he is closest to God.
Jonathan Edward's Resolutions
16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, except for some real good.
17. Resolved, that I will live as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, to live at all times, as I think is best in my devout moments, and when I have clearest ideas of things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would be less than an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest control in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more less of him.
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, "A faithful man who can find?" may not be even partly fulfilled in me.
31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, unless it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.
33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec.26, 1722.
34. Resolved, when telling stories never to speak anything but the pure and simple truth.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.
(Pastor Samuel Sutter, Dix Hills EFC - www.dhefc.org <http://www.dhefc.org/> )
Great Quote: "The proof of spiritual maturity is not how pure you are, but an awareness of your impurity. That very awareness opens the door to grace. Spiritual maturity is not measured in the rules you keep.
Spiritual maturity is not measured in the Bible answers you know in small groups. Spiritual maturity is not even about what you do.
Primarily, Spiritual maturity is know who you are in Christ." Philip Yancey, The Jesus I Never Knew
Defining Mission - Edwards's Resolutions Part 2
At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11
We're looking at the Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards. Philippians
2.10-11 summarizes the focus of Edward's mission. In light of Christ coming back as King, we should walk in Victory. We wage this fight daily in our speech, actions, pride and gossip. Jonathan Edwards tried to see every part of life in light of the return of Christ.
We can learn from Edwards that fighting for victory is a fight that battles in every part of our lives. There is no domain of our lives that needs not be defended. To make matters worse our thinking and our perspective is of variable clarity. Edwards pledges to acts the way he thinks when he is closest to God.
Jonathan Edward's Resolutions
16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, except for some real good.
17. Resolved, that I will live as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, to live at all times, as I think is best in my devout moments, and when I have clearest ideas of things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would be less than an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest control in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more less of him.
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, "A faithful man who can find?" may not be even partly fulfilled in me.
31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, unless it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.
33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec.26, 1722.
34. Resolved, when telling stories never to speak anything but the pure and simple truth.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.
(Pastor Samuel Sutter, Dix Hills EFC - www.dhefc.org <http://www.dhefc.org/> )
Great Quote: "The proof of spiritual maturity is not how pure you are, but an awareness of your impurity. That very awareness opens the door to grace. Spiritual maturity is not measured in the rules you keep.
Spiritual maturity is not measured in the Bible answers you know in small groups. Spiritual maturity is not even about what you do.
Primarily, Spiritual maturity is know who you are in Christ." Philip Yancey, The Jesus I Never Knew
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
