CHILD-LIKE FAITH
"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:4
Here is one of those interesting paradoxes of Scripture. We are to grow and mature in our faith, but we are also to retain child-like faith!
Kids view life so differently than we do as adults. Yesterday at church, Zach's Sunday School teacher challenged his class to make a list of unsaved friends and begin to pray for their salvation. Zach immediately commented that he didn't have any unsaved friends to pray for. When we got in the car he started asking who he should pray for. Jan and I gave him a few names and his comment to me later was, "Now I will pray that they will get saved." It was as simple as that.
How often do I have the faith of a child when I pray? Today we are having a day of prayer in regards to our finances at America's KESWICK. Unless God shows up, this could be the first time in 12 years that our staff will have to miss a payroll or we will need to borrow the money to meet payroll.
Last night I was placing the sign-up sheet on the counter at the Front Desk, and one of my staff guys (a graduate of the Colony) asked me what I was doing. His immediate response was, "Well let's start now and pray!" I wish you could have heard his prayer -- simple child-like faith that his great God is going to supply our needs this week!" I had chills going up and down my spine as he simply laid out his request to his Father.
This morning as I opened the Word to have my quiet time, the first verse on the page was this, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) Then I read these words: "If you are going through a difficult or confusing time, know that your Lord has gone BEFORE you and He is PRESENT with you. He is fully aware of what you are facing, and He is ACTIVELY responding to your need!" (Henry Blackaby)
Lord, today I need child-like faith to believe that You will meet our needs. I don't know HOW you will do it, but by faith, I am trusting you and taking you at Your Word. Thank You for sending blessing me with a friend like David Askildsen who has child-like faith. Give me that same faith today as we face this insurmountable challenge. Amen.
How about you? Do you have that child-like faith in YOUR Heavenly Father?
Today's Scripture: Judge 11-12; Luke 6:1-26
Think About This: "Jesus Christ is not my security AGAINST the storms of life, but He is my PERFECT security IN the storms. He has never promised me an easy passage, only a safe landing."
I have challenged our Board, staff and praying friends to take 15 minute blocks to pray today. If you'd like to join me in praying for our needs, send me the times you will pray and I will add you to the list. It will encourage our staff today.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Post-Resurrection Living Again!
Post-Resurrection Living. . . Again
Allow me to take you to Acts 1:1-14 today. We're thinking this weekend about living as followers of Jesus post-resurrection. Just before Jesus ascended to heaven, He gave his disciples some simple instructions.
They were to wait in Jerusalem until the power of the Holy Spirit came to empower them. Most of us already know that.
Think with me about what happened while they waited. I think we can learn from the things the disciples did while they waited. They way they began their post-resurrection living offers us insight into how we, too, can live with power in our lives.
First, I want you to notice that the disciples chose to obey Jesus' instructions. He told them to go to Jerusalem and wait. That's what they did. Verse 12 tells us that they returned from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem and went into an upper room. The men who would become the apostles and some of the other disciples obeyed that very simple instruction. All of us who want to live with post-resurrection power must understand the importance of obedience. Everything else flows out of the choice to obey.
The next thing we notice is the spirit marking the disciples while they waited. Verse 14 shows us that the men and women gathered in that upper room were waiting with one accord. We sometimes saw the disciples bickering and divided while Jesus was alive. That behavior is gone! In fact, if you follow the events of the first few chapters of Acts, you'll notice the "one accord" theme recurring through those early days of the church. Most of belong to churches that hardly ever experience one accord. That lack of unity hinders the work of God's Spirit in our midst. Each of us can choose to contribute to unity or diminish that unity. What do you choose?
Finally, those men and women in the upper room prayed. (1:14) They prayed for each other. They prayed for the people of Jerusalem. They prayed for God to use them for His glory. As you follow the development of the early church in the Book of Acts, you'll see that every major movement of God began after God's people prayed. You and I have yet to learn what God can do when we live obedient lives in harmony with our brothers and sisters and pray for God's work.
Obedience. Unity. Prayer. These simple steps will take us to a post-resurrection life marked by God's power and blessing. They are qualities of life that will mark us as followers of Jesus. We can't ask for more than that. - Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist of Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor.
Today's Scripture Reading - Judges 9-10; Luke 5:17-39
Great Quote For You to Think About: If you can't be thankful for what you receive, be thankful for what you escape. - Anonymous
Allow me to take you to Acts 1:1-14 today. We're thinking this weekend about living as followers of Jesus post-resurrection. Just before Jesus ascended to heaven, He gave his disciples some simple instructions.
They were to wait in Jerusalem until the power of the Holy Spirit came to empower them. Most of us already know that.
Think with me about what happened while they waited. I think we can learn from the things the disciples did while they waited. They way they began their post-resurrection living offers us insight into how we, too, can live with power in our lives.
First, I want you to notice that the disciples chose to obey Jesus' instructions. He told them to go to Jerusalem and wait. That's what they did. Verse 12 tells us that they returned from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem and went into an upper room. The men who would become the apostles and some of the other disciples obeyed that very simple instruction. All of us who want to live with post-resurrection power must understand the importance of obedience. Everything else flows out of the choice to obey.
The next thing we notice is the spirit marking the disciples while they waited. Verse 14 shows us that the men and women gathered in that upper room were waiting with one accord. We sometimes saw the disciples bickering and divided while Jesus was alive. That behavior is gone! In fact, if you follow the events of the first few chapters of Acts, you'll notice the "one accord" theme recurring through those early days of the church. Most of belong to churches that hardly ever experience one accord. That lack of unity hinders the work of God's Spirit in our midst. Each of us can choose to contribute to unity or diminish that unity. What do you choose?
Finally, those men and women in the upper room prayed. (1:14) They prayed for each other. They prayed for the people of Jerusalem. They prayed for God to use them for His glory. As you follow the development of the early church in the Book of Acts, you'll see that every major movement of God began after God's people prayed. You and I have yet to learn what God can do when we live obedient lives in harmony with our brothers and sisters and pray for God's work.
Obedience. Unity. Prayer. These simple steps will take us to a post-resurrection life marked by God's power and blessing. They are qualities of life that will mark us as followers of Jesus. We can't ask for more than that. - Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist of Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor.
Today's Scripture Reading - Judges 9-10; Luke 5:17-39
Great Quote For You to Think About: If you can't be thankful for what you receive, be thankful for what you escape. - Anonymous
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Post-Resurrection Living
Post-Resurrection Living
We're almost a week past Resurrection Sunday. And, we're just a little bit farther past Good Friday when Jesus died. What difference do those two days make in your life? What difference should Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday make in our lives?
Consider Galatians 2:20 with me this morning. "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Paul reminds us in this verse of some things that have the power to transform us as we live post-resurrection. First, he tells us that we live as followers of Jesus by the life Jesus lives in us. That simple fact empowers each of us to live in freedom and the power of the resurrection. As followers of Jesus, through the presence of His Spirit in us, we have every resource we need to live as Jesus has called us to live.
He also reminds us that we have the privilege of living as Christians because Jesus died for us. Apart from His death and all that death means, each of us would still live separated from God and without hope. He loved us and gave Himself for us. We must never lose the impact of that incredible gift in our post-resurrection lives.
Finally, Paul teaches us that we cannot live this post-resurrection life on our own. In fact, Paul understands that we have actually died with Christ (see Romans 6); we're crucified with Him. Too many of us are too sure of ourselves. We think we've got it together enough to live this post-resurrection life in our own strength. Paul says that's impossible.
Coming to faith in Christ brings us to the cross. We're crucified with Him. As we die to the power of sin and put off that old man, Jesus brings His life to us. Because He died and rose from the grave, He lives in us with resurrection power. That power transforms us as we yield more and more of ourselves to Him. Every man who longs for freedom will discover this key to post-resurrection living. If you've not already discovered it, it's not too late! -- Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor.
Today's Scripture: Judges 7-8; Luke 5:1-16
Great Quote: Such is our dependence upon God that we are obliged not only to do everything for His sake, but also to seek from Him the very power. This happy necessity of having recourse to Him in all our wants, instead of being grievous to us, should be our greatest consolation. What a happiness is it that we are allowed to speak to Him with confidence; to open our hearts and hold familiar conversation with him, by prayer! He Himself invites us to it. --
Francois Fenelon
We're almost a week past Resurrection Sunday. And, we're just a little bit farther past Good Friday when Jesus died. What difference do those two days make in your life? What difference should Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday make in our lives?
Consider Galatians 2:20 with me this morning. "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Paul reminds us in this verse of some things that have the power to transform us as we live post-resurrection. First, he tells us that we live as followers of Jesus by the life Jesus lives in us. That simple fact empowers each of us to live in freedom and the power of the resurrection. As followers of Jesus, through the presence of His Spirit in us, we have every resource we need to live as Jesus has called us to live.
He also reminds us that we have the privilege of living as Christians because Jesus died for us. Apart from His death and all that death means, each of us would still live separated from God and without hope. He loved us and gave Himself for us. We must never lose the impact of that incredible gift in our post-resurrection lives.
Finally, Paul teaches us that we cannot live this post-resurrection life on our own. In fact, Paul understands that we have actually died with Christ (see Romans 6); we're crucified with Him. Too many of us are too sure of ourselves. We think we've got it together enough to live this post-resurrection life in our own strength. Paul says that's impossible.
Coming to faith in Christ brings us to the cross. We're crucified with Him. As we die to the power of sin and put off that old man, Jesus brings His life to us. Because He died and rose from the grave, He lives in us with resurrection power. That power transforms us as we yield more and more of ourselves to Him. Every man who longs for freedom will discover this key to post-resurrection living. If you've not already discovered it, it's not too late! -- Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor.
Today's Scripture: Judges 7-8; Luke 5:1-16
Great Quote: Such is our dependence upon God that we are obliged not only to do everything for His sake, but also to seek from Him the very power. This happy necessity of having recourse to Him in all our wants, instead of being grievous to us, should be our greatest consolation. What a happiness is it that we are allowed to speak to Him with confidence; to open our hearts and hold familiar conversation with him, by prayer! He Himself invites us to it. --
Francois Fenelon
Friday, March 28, 2008
Gratitude
GRATITUDE
There is an interesting principle that is at work in our me-society.
Have you noticed it? People just aren't thankful. Our gratitude level seems to have plunged. We take things for granted: life, family, job, health, possessions.
Recently one of our friends lost both his son and wife - almost a week apart! Gone! I had an email from a dear friend, Dr. Al Platt, whose wife has cancer, and a special needs daughter. What amazed me was his "attitude of gratitude." Despite the challenges he and his two ladies are facing, he is grateful for the time God has given them.
Dr. Richard Swenson says in his book ONE MINUTE MARGIN: "In everyone's life there is much to be unhappy about and there is much to be grateful for. Realistically acknowledging both ends of the spectrum is appropriate.
When we turn to look at our problems, we assess them and make a plan - no matter how small or grand - to work on them. This plan we formulate with our MIND and motivate with our WILL. Then we look in the other direction at our blessings, finding our obligation for gratitude. Here we may fully engage our EMOTIONS.
Often we send our emotions to do battle with our problems, and despair results. Then we send our will to express our gratitude lacking any confirming passion whatsoever.
Of course our emotions ought to be informed about our problems; of course our mind and our will ought to express gratitude. But we should send out that warrior best suited for the duty. And I think there can be little debate concerning the most appropriate assignments here.
If we can adopt such a balanced approach, we will combine a realistic and objective involvement in working on our problems with a simultaneous assurance that there is much good in life. We'll recognize that the world is full of beauty, that most people are worthy of our respect and trust, and that the affairs of suffering humans are replete with acts of love, kindness, nobility, and sacrifice. And we'll remember that overseeing it all is a God who knows us well, who loves us anyway, and who is very, very good.
We all have within our grasp much to be thankful for. Gratitude fills.
Discontent drains. The choice is ours."
So today - will you choose discontentment or gratitude! The choice us ours today. By faith, let's choose to be men of gratitude. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK.
Today's Scripture: Judges 4-6; Luke 4:31-44
Today's quote: "The modern world has far too little understanding of the art of keeping young. Its notion of progress has been to pile one thing on top of another, without caring if each thing was crushed in turn.
People forget that the human soul can enjoy a thing most when there is time to think about it and be thankful for it." G. K. Chesterton
There is an interesting principle that is at work in our me-society.
Have you noticed it? People just aren't thankful. Our gratitude level seems to have plunged. We take things for granted: life, family, job, health, possessions.
Recently one of our friends lost both his son and wife - almost a week apart! Gone! I had an email from a dear friend, Dr. Al Platt, whose wife has cancer, and a special needs daughter. What amazed me was his "attitude of gratitude." Despite the challenges he and his two ladies are facing, he is grateful for the time God has given them.
Dr. Richard Swenson says in his book ONE MINUTE MARGIN: "In everyone's life there is much to be unhappy about and there is much to be grateful for. Realistically acknowledging both ends of the spectrum is appropriate.
When we turn to look at our problems, we assess them and make a plan - no matter how small or grand - to work on them. This plan we formulate with our MIND and motivate with our WILL. Then we look in the other direction at our blessings, finding our obligation for gratitude. Here we may fully engage our EMOTIONS.
Often we send our emotions to do battle with our problems, and despair results. Then we send our will to express our gratitude lacking any confirming passion whatsoever.
Of course our emotions ought to be informed about our problems; of course our mind and our will ought to express gratitude. But we should send out that warrior best suited for the duty. And I think there can be little debate concerning the most appropriate assignments here.
If we can adopt such a balanced approach, we will combine a realistic and objective involvement in working on our problems with a simultaneous assurance that there is much good in life. We'll recognize that the world is full of beauty, that most people are worthy of our respect and trust, and that the affairs of suffering humans are replete with acts of love, kindness, nobility, and sacrifice. And we'll remember that overseeing it all is a God who knows us well, who loves us anyway, and who is very, very good.
We all have within our grasp much to be thankful for. Gratitude fills.
Discontent drains. The choice is ours."
So today - will you choose discontentment or gratitude! The choice us ours today. By faith, let's choose to be men of gratitude. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK.
Today's Scripture: Judges 4-6; Luke 4:31-44
Today's quote: "The modern world has far too little understanding of the art of keeping young. Its notion of progress has been to pile one thing on top of another, without caring if each thing was crushed in turn.
People forget that the human soul can enjoy a thing most when there is time to think about it and be thankful for it." G. K. Chesterton
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Breaking the Speed of Life
BREAKING THE SPEED OF LIFE
"Be still and know that I am God ..." Psalm 46:10
Yesterday we drove to Lancaster, Pa, one of our favorite places to visit. I am always impressed with the simplicity of the Amish people and their way of life. In fact, I joked with Zach and Jan yesterday, that they are not feeling the crunch on electric and gas prices like we are. Maybe it is time for Keswick to buy some horses and buggies!
Being off this week causes me to realize how fast life can be even in ministry. These past several weeks have been crazy. Listen to what Dr. Richard Swenson says about this in his daily devotional, ONE MINUTE MARGIN:
"We are a nation on the move and in a hurry, the people of the forward stampede. We eat fast food during rush hour. We ship by FedEx, place calls through Sprint, balance books on Quicken, and diet with Slim Fast.
We're hyperliving, like field mice on amphetamines at harvest time, moving so fast we're passing up photons.
Our global treadmill is equipped with an automatically advancing speed rheostat, and every year the world spins faster. Gone are the1930's when ... people moved slower then. They ambled across the square, shuffled in and out of store, took their time about everything. A day was twenty-four house long but seemed longer. There was no hurry, for there was nowhere to go, nothing to buy and no money to buy it with ... if we were bored in 1930, we are breathless and exhausted now.
The speed phenomenon is not only subjectively true, but objectively measureable. Because progress gives us more and more, faster and faster, the escalating pace of daily life is both scientifically verifiable and a permanent feature of the modern age.
Personally, I don't mind going fast. I don't even mind going faster. But going TOO FAST is another issue. It is not wrong to enjoy the pleasure of being efficient and productive. But the anguish of being gasping, resentful, and consume is real, compliments of excessive speed.
Is there a speed limit to life ... a pace beyond which the brain, body and spirit begin to suffer? What happens when we exceed this limit? Clearly there IS such a limit, and clearly many of us exceed it routinely.
The increase in ambient speed is one of the most pressing problems of our time. Our lives are nonstop. We walk fast, talk fast, eat fast, and then excuse ourselves by saying, 'I must run!' This frenzy is responsible for much personal and family dysfunction. Very little of lasting spiritual value happens in the presence of speed.
Speed. Hurry. We pay a price for the pace at which we live." Ouch! Ouch!
Ouch! Something for me to think about today. How about you?
Today's Scripture: Judges 1-3; Luke 4:1-30
Great Quote: "Consciously slow the pace of life. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. Throttle back. Put on the brakes and obey the speed limit of the soul. The green pastures and still waters yet await us - but not in the direction the treadmill is spinning." - Dr. Richard A.
Swenson
"Be still and know that I am God ..." Psalm 46:10
Yesterday we drove to Lancaster, Pa, one of our favorite places to visit. I am always impressed with the simplicity of the Amish people and their way of life. In fact, I joked with Zach and Jan yesterday, that they are not feeling the crunch on electric and gas prices like we are. Maybe it is time for Keswick to buy some horses and buggies!
Being off this week causes me to realize how fast life can be even in ministry. These past several weeks have been crazy. Listen to what Dr. Richard Swenson says about this in his daily devotional, ONE MINUTE MARGIN:
"We are a nation on the move and in a hurry, the people of the forward stampede. We eat fast food during rush hour. We ship by FedEx, place calls through Sprint, balance books on Quicken, and diet with Slim Fast.
We're hyperliving, like field mice on amphetamines at harvest time, moving so fast we're passing up photons.
Our global treadmill is equipped with an automatically advancing speed rheostat, and every year the world spins faster. Gone are the1930's when ... people moved slower then. They ambled across the square, shuffled in and out of store, took their time about everything. A day was twenty-four house long but seemed longer. There was no hurry, for there was nowhere to go, nothing to buy and no money to buy it with ... if we were bored in 1930, we are breathless and exhausted now.
The speed phenomenon is not only subjectively true, but objectively measureable. Because progress gives us more and more, faster and faster, the escalating pace of daily life is both scientifically verifiable and a permanent feature of the modern age.
Personally, I don't mind going fast. I don't even mind going faster. But going TOO FAST is another issue. It is not wrong to enjoy the pleasure of being efficient and productive. But the anguish of being gasping, resentful, and consume is real, compliments of excessive speed.
Is there a speed limit to life ... a pace beyond which the brain, body and spirit begin to suffer? What happens when we exceed this limit? Clearly there IS such a limit, and clearly many of us exceed it routinely.
The increase in ambient speed is one of the most pressing problems of our time. Our lives are nonstop. We walk fast, talk fast, eat fast, and then excuse ourselves by saying, 'I must run!' This frenzy is responsible for much personal and family dysfunction. Very little of lasting spiritual value happens in the presence of speed.
Speed. Hurry. We pay a price for the pace at which we live." Ouch! Ouch!
Ouch! Something for me to think about today. How about you?
Today's Scripture: Judges 1-3; Luke 4:1-30
Great Quote: "Consciously slow the pace of life. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. Throttle back. Put on the brakes and obey the speed limit of the soul. The green pastures and still waters yet await us - but not in the direction the treadmill is spinning." - Dr. Richard A.
Swenson
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Accepting Our Inadequacies
ACCEPTING OUR INADEQUACIES
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God." - 2 Corinthians 3:5
Today's reading came at just the right time. I was having one of those moments last night where I was feeling very inadequate to be the President and CEO of America's KESWICK. So this one was timely and hit me right where it needed to hit:
"As we press past all our fears of being inadequate to fulfill the call God has on our lives, we begin to see the full blessing that comes with accepting our inadequacies. Paul wrote, Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God." (2 Corinthians 3:5 NASB
Here are some blessings from recognizing our inadequacies:
1. They drive us to God. If we feel we are self-sufficient in all
things, we may not seek the Lord's guidance.
2. They relieve us of the burden of trying to do the will of God in
our OWN strength. The burden rests on Him.
3. They force us to live our lives and do His work in the power of
the Holy Spirit.
4. They provide God the opportunity to demonstrate what great things
HE can do with so little. We know we are incapable and that HE is capable of all.
5. They free God to use us to the maximum of our potential. We stop
trying to interject our own contributions, giving all of who we are for HIS purposes.
6. They allow God to receive the full glory for HIS work. If we know
HE is responsible, we will point to HIM.
7. They enable us to walk in contentment and quietness of spirit.
Nothing is more satisfying than seeing God use our willingness to advance HIS kingdom.
-- from Pathways to His Presence - Charles Stanley (Nelson Publishers)
I know I needed this reminder today from HIS lips to my ears. God is faithful in speaking to our hearts.
Today's Scripture: Joshua 22-24; Luke 3
Great Quote: Encouragement is awesome. It (can) actually change the course of another person's day, week, or life. Charles (Chuck) Swindoll
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God." - 2 Corinthians 3:5
Today's reading came at just the right time. I was having one of those moments last night where I was feeling very inadequate to be the President and CEO of America's KESWICK. So this one was timely and hit me right where it needed to hit:
"As we press past all our fears of being inadequate to fulfill the call God has on our lives, we begin to see the full blessing that comes with accepting our inadequacies. Paul wrote, Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God." (2 Corinthians 3:5 NASB
Here are some blessings from recognizing our inadequacies:
1. They drive us to God. If we feel we are self-sufficient in all
things, we may not seek the Lord's guidance.
2. They relieve us of the burden of trying to do the will of God in
our OWN strength. The burden rests on Him.
3. They force us to live our lives and do His work in the power of
the Holy Spirit.
4. They provide God the opportunity to demonstrate what great things
HE can do with so little. We know we are incapable and that HE is capable of all.
5. They free God to use us to the maximum of our potential. We stop
trying to interject our own contributions, giving all of who we are for HIS purposes.
6. They allow God to receive the full glory for HIS work. If we know
HE is responsible, we will point to HIM.
7. They enable us to walk in contentment and quietness of spirit.
Nothing is more satisfying than seeing God use our willingness to advance HIS kingdom.
-- from Pathways to His Presence - Charles Stanley (Nelson Publishers)
I know I needed this reminder today from HIS lips to my ears. God is faithful in speaking to our hearts.
Today's Scripture: Joshua 22-24; Luke 3
Great Quote: Encouragement is awesome. It (can) actually change the course of another person's day, week, or life. Charles (Chuck) Swindoll
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Dog Theology vs. Cat Theology
DOG THEOLOGY vs. CAT THEOLOGY
"But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the Law, which Moses, the servant of the Lord charged you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, and to cleave unto Him, and to serve Him, with all your heart and with all your soul. (Joshua
22:5)
A dog says: you feed me, you pet me, you house me - you must be God.
A cat says: you feed me, you pet me, you house me - I must be God.
Most of us have had a dog in our lifetime, a good dog. A dog
who brought us complete joy when we realized that what the dog enjoyed most out of life was to be devoted to us. That wag of the tail that would sweep faster with just an encouraging word from us. The upturned ears at the sound of our voice. I think God gave us dogs to show us in some small way how real devotion should be.
When you have a good dog, his favorite place is by your side or laying at your feet waiting on you. If you say "stay," he stays; or say "come," and he leaves all to come.
His gaze is usually fixed on your face in eager anticipation of what you will do. He wants to go where you go. You are his world and he loves you.
When it comes to our love for our God, could we at least follow the example of a devoted dog. We are even more dependent upon God for everything than our dog is on us. He just doesn't have a lot of "stuff" going on to keep him from his main goal of being a devoted friend and follower. Do we?
Ken Brown served as Director of Maintenance for over 25 years at America's KESWICK. He mentored and impacted the lives of hundreds of Colony men. Ken died several years after a long battle with leukemia.
Today's Scripture: Joshua 19-21; Luke 2:25-52
Great Quote: No erudition, no purity of diction, no width of mental outlook, no flowers of eloquence, no grace of person can atone for lack of fire. Prayer ascends by fire. Flame gives prayer access as well as wings, acceptance as well as energy. There is no incense without fire; no prayer without flame.
"But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the Law, which Moses, the servant of the Lord charged you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, and to cleave unto Him, and to serve Him, with all your heart and with all your soul. (Joshua
22:5)
A dog says: you feed me, you pet me, you house me - you must be God.
A cat says: you feed me, you pet me, you house me - I must be God.
Most of us have had a dog in our lifetime, a good dog. A dog
who brought us complete joy when we realized that what the dog enjoyed most out of life was to be devoted to us. That wag of the tail that would sweep faster with just an encouraging word from us. The upturned ears at the sound of our voice. I think God gave us dogs to show us in some small way how real devotion should be.
When you have a good dog, his favorite place is by your side or laying at your feet waiting on you. If you say "stay," he stays; or say "come," and he leaves all to come.
His gaze is usually fixed on your face in eager anticipation of what you will do. He wants to go where you go. You are his world and he loves you.
When it comes to our love for our God, could we at least follow the example of a devoted dog. We are even more dependent upon God for everything than our dog is on us. He just doesn't have a lot of "stuff" going on to keep him from his main goal of being a devoted friend and follower. Do we?
Ken Brown served as Director of Maintenance for over 25 years at America's KESWICK. He mentored and impacted the lives of hundreds of Colony men. Ken died several years after a long battle with leukemia.
Today's Scripture: Joshua 19-21; Luke 2:25-52
Great Quote: No erudition, no purity of diction, no width of mental outlook, no flowers of eloquence, no grace of person can atone for lack of fire. Prayer ascends by fire. Flame gives prayer access as well as wings, acceptance as well as energy. There is no incense without fire; no prayer without flame.
Monday, March 24, 2008
HE STILL SPEAKS
HE STILL SPEAKS
" ... though he is dead, he still speaks ..." Hebrews 11:4
One of the many things that fascinates me about history is that the fact that dead men still speak. I have been watching the series on the life of John Adams and it has been a powerful review of the life of one of America's great patriots. Some of the statements he made over two hundred years ago ring true as we think about where we are as a nation today.
Recently I was privileged to do an oral history for the Flight 93 Memorial. The purpose of this oral history project is to be able to tell the stories about the passengers as a reminder of their lives for generations to come. It is good for us to remember.
Hebrews 11 is an account of men and women's lives recorded for is in Scripture of saints whose lives still speak generations after their deaths - and in fact, the writer says of Abel - thought he is dead - he still speaks."
Yesterday we celebrated the glorious resurrection of our Savior! He lives! He is risen. And think over 2000+ years later people are still telling the story of HIS life. It is good to rehearse that story over and over again. As my Pastor reminded us yesterday, it is the greatest story ever told!
God often brings into our lives those special people who impact our lives. Some are now with Jesus and it is important to remember what they have meant to us. Some are easy to remember because of the impact of their lives. Yesterday was the birthday of my friend, Ken Brown, who for many years was the Director of Maintenance at America's KESWICK. Though he has been with Jesus for several years now, people still mention Ken Brown. Grads from the Colony, people in the community, friends from his church still tell Ken stories.
Ken loved Jesus with all his heart, soul, mind and strength! The Gospel changed his life and the resurrection gave him hope that because of Jesus, he could face the many challenges of life! His life was a constant illustration - he always had a story recounting God's faithfulness and how He was at work in his life.
We miss you, Ken. Though you are in heaven, your life is still speaking down here on earth! Thanks for the impact of your life. I want to share with you for the next day or so, several of Ken's devotionals from our
365 daily devotional, REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE . Make your life count like Ken's! - Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America's KESWICK
Today's Scripture: Joshua 16-18; Luke 2:1-24
Great Quote: Receive every day as a resurrection from death, as a new enjoyment of life; meet every rising sun with such sentiments of God's goodness, as if you had seen it, and all things, new-created upon your
account: and under the sense of so great a blessing, let your joyful heart praise and magnify so good and glorious a Creator. William Law
" ... though he is dead, he still speaks ..." Hebrews 11:4
One of the many things that fascinates me about history is that the fact that dead men still speak. I have been watching the series on the life of John Adams and it has been a powerful review of the life of one of America's great patriots. Some of the statements he made over two hundred years ago ring true as we think about where we are as a nation today.
Recently I was privileged to do an oral history for the Flight 93 Memorial. The purpose of this oral history project is to be able to tell the stories about the passengers as a reminder of their lives for generations to come. It is good for us to remember.
Hebrews 11 is an account of men and women's lives recorded for is in Scripture of saints whose lives still speak generations after their deaths - and in fact, the writer says of Abel - thought he is dead - he still speaks."
Yesterday we celebrated the glorious resurrection of our Savior! He lives! He is risen. And think over 2000+ years later people are still telling the story of HIS life. It is good to rehearse that story over and over again. As my Pastor reminded us yesterday, it is the greatest story ever told!
God often brings into our lives those special people who impact our lives. Some are now with Jesus and it is important to remember what they have meant to us. Some are easy to remember because of the impact of their lives. Yesterday was the birthday of my friend, Ken Brown, who for many years was the Director of Maintenance at America's KESWICK. Though he has been with Jesus for several years now, people still mention Ken Brown. Grads from the Colony, people in the community, friends from his church still tell Ken stories.
Ken loved Jesus with all his heart, soul, mind and strength! The Gospel changed his life and the resurrection gave him hope that because of Jesus, he could face the many challenges of life! His life was a constant illustration - he always had a story recounting God's faithfulness and how He was at work in his life.
We miss you, Ken. Though you are in heaven, your life is still speaking down here on earth! Thanks for the impact of your life. I want to share with you for the next day or so, several of Ken's devotionals from our
365 daily devotional, REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE . Make your life count like Ken's! - Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America's KESWICK
Today's Scripture: Joshua 16-18; Luke 2:1-24
Great Quote: Receive every day as a resurrection from death, as a new enjoyment of life; meet every rising sun with such sentiments of God's goodness, as if you had seen it, and all things, new-created upon your
account: and under the sense of so great a blessing, let your joyful heart praise and magnify so good and glorious a Creator. William Law
Sunday, March 23, 2008
The Power of the Resurrection
RESURRECTION DAY!
Christ the Lord is risen! He is risen! He is risen indeed!
The Power of the Resurrection
This is Resurrection Sunday. It's the day we celebrate the empty tomb and honor our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This single event, Jesus' resurrection, separates Christianity from ever other world religion. The fact that Jesus lives brings to Christianity a hope that no other faith system offers. Praise God for the empty tomb!
But what difference does the resurrection make in your life and mine?
Just knowing the facts of the resurrection won't change our lives or make us more like Jesus. Yesterday we thought about the Apostle Paul's words in Philippians 2. Remember "Let this mind be in you . . .?" They are important words for those of us who follow Jesus.
But other words in Paul's letter to Philippi bring us from yesterdays "in between" time to "real" time. Hear what he says in Philippians 3:10, ". . . that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. . . ." Within the context of those words (see vss. 1-11), the apostle helps us understand that nothing was more important to him than knowing the power Jesus' resurrection brings to those who follow Him.
Each one of us who choose to be Freedom Fighters understand the challenges that fighting for freedom bring to our lives. Most of us have learned that we can fight for freedom in our own strength. The resurrection of Jesus Christ puts us on notice. We don't have to fight on our own! Jesus rose from the grave to provide us with power beyond anything our own resources might provide. Paul understood that. Nothing he had was worth holding onto if it would prevent him from living in resurrection power.
He also understood that "the fellowship of [Jesus] suffering" when with His resurrection power. That's why "Let this mind be in you. . . ."
from yesterday is so important. We can know Jesus' power, but only if we live willing to endure His sufferings. As I once read somewhere, "We can't have the crown (power) without the cross (suffering)."
I urge you to join other Freedom Fighters who are hungry to know Jesus'
resurrection power. Identify those things which hinder knowing Jesus'
power in your life. Come to the conclusion that nothing is more important or more valuable than living in resurrection power. Jesus died on Good Friday so you could know resurrection power today! Don't live another day without it. It's priceless!
Have a blessed Resurrection Day. - Pastor John Strain is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor.
Today's Scripture: Joshua 13-15; Luke 1:57-80The Watergate cover-up reveals the true nature of humanity. Even political zealots at the pinnacle of power will, in the crunch, save their own necks, even at the expense of the ones they profess to serve so loyally. But the apostles could not deny Jesus because they had seen Him face to face, and they knew He had risen from the dead. No, you can take it from an expert in cover-ups -- I've lived through Watergate -- that nothing less than a resurrected Christ could have caused those men to maintain to their dying whispers that Jesus is alive and is Lord. Two thousand years later, nothing less than the power of the risen Christ could inspire Christians around the world to remain faithful -- despite prison, torture, and death.
Charles (Chuck) Colson
Christ the Lord is risen! He is risen! He is risen indeed!
The Power of the Resurrection
This is Resurrection Sunday. It's the day we celebrate the empty tomb and honor our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This single event, Jesus' resurrection, separates Christianity from ever other world religion. The fact that Jesus lives brings to Christianity a hope that no other faith system offers. Praise God for the empty tomb!
But what difference does the resurrection make in your life and mine?
Just knowing the facts of the resurrection won't change our lives or make us more like Jesus. Yesterday we thought about the Apostle Paul's words in Philippians 2. Remember "Let this mind be in you . . .?" They are important words for those of us who follow Jesus.
But other words in Paul's letter to Philippi bring us from yesterdays "in between" time to "real" time. Hear what he says in Philippians 3:10, ". . . that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. . . ." Within the context of those words (see vss. 1-11), the apostle helps us understand that nothing was more important to him than knowing the power Jesus' resurrection brings to those who follow Him.
Each one of us who choose to be Freedom Fighters understand the challenges that fighting for freedom bring to our lives. Most of us have learned that we can fight for freedom in our own strength. The resurrection of Jesus Christ puts us on notice. We don't have to fight on our own! Jesus rose from the grave to provide us with power beyond anything our own resources might provide. Paul understood that. Nothing he had was worth holding onto if it would prevent him from living in resurrection power.
He also understood that "the fellowship of [Jesus] suffering" when with His resurrection power. That's why "Let this mind be in you. . . ."
from yesterday is so important. We can know Jesus' power, but only if we live willing to endure His sufferings. As I once read somewhere, "We can't have the crown (power) without the cross (suffering)."
I urge you to join other Freedom Fighters who are hungry to know Jesus'
resurrection power. Identify those things which hinder knowing Jesus'
power in your life. Come to the conclusion that nothing is more important or more valuable than living in resurrection power. Jesus died on Good Friday so you could know resurrection power today! Don't live another day without it. It's priceless!
Have a blessed Resurrection Day. - Pastor John Strain is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor.
Today's Scripture: Joshua 13-15; Luke 1:57-80The Watergate cover-up reveals the true nature of humanity. Even political zealots at the pinnacle of power will, in the crunch, save their own necks, even at the expense of the ones they profess to serve so loyally. But the apostles could not deny Jesus because they had seen Him face to face, and they knew He had risen from the dead. No, you can take it from an expert in cover-ups -- I've lived through Watergate -- that nothing less than a resurrected Christ could have caused those men to maintain to their dying whispers that Jesus is alive and is Lord. Two thousand years later, nothing less than the power of the risen Christ could inspire Christians around the world to remain faithful -- despite prison, torture, and death.
Charles (Chuck) Colson
Saturday, March 22, 2008
In-Between
IN-BETWEEN
This is the "in-between" day. Good Friday is gone. Resurrection Sunday is not yet. It's still a good day to think about Jesus. Allow me to direct your attention to Philippians 2:5-8. It's a familiar writing from the Apostle Paul and good for us to consider on this "in-between"day.
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" Paul says.
What kind of mind did Jesus have? Paul tells us. Jesus left Heaven to become like us. He humbled Himself and became a man like us. He chose the role of a servant even though He was a king. He chose the most humiliating kind of death even though He was the giver of life. He thought of others rather than Himself.
Jesus told us that He came to serve, not to be served. That was His mindset. And Paul tells us we should share Jesus' thinking. This "in-between" day is a good day for us to think about servanthood, humility and death to ourselves. It's a good day to think about the mind of Christ and the pursuit of that mind for our own lives.
We spent yesterday thinking about Jesus' death on the cross; it was a reflection of His mind, His thinking. We'll spend tomorrow thinking of His resurrection and the power it brings to our lives. We could not celebrate tomorrow without yesterday. Yesterday could not have happened without this one who was "equal with God" making Himself of "no reputation" and becoming "obedient to the point of death."
I wonder what things we could accomplish for the kingdom if we chose servanthood over reputation. What might God do with us if we were as willing as Jesus to endure our cross? Who might come to Christ if we chose to serve instead of demanding service?
Lord Jesus, by Your grace, bring us to the place where we want Your mind more than our own. Help us choose Your way, rather than our way. Give us humble, servant hearts. On this "in-between" day and every other day, allow us to live out "the mind of Christ." Amen - Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor
Today's Scripture: Joshua 10-12; Luke 1:39-56
Great Quote: "Study the Cross for no other sake than God's sake, and you will be holy without knowing it." -Oswald Chambers
Join us tonight for the KESWICK CELEBRATION CHOIR as they present "IT TOOK A MIRACLE!" 135-voice choir for churches all over the tri-state area. 7:00 PM in the Activity Center.
This is the "in-between" day. Good Friday is gone. Resurrection Sunday is not yet. It's still a good day to think about Jesus. Allow me to direct your attention to Philippians 2:5-8. It's a familiar writing from the Apostle Paul and good for us to consider on this "in-between"day.
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" Paul says.
What kind of mind did Jesus have? Paul tells us. Jesus left Heaven to become like us. He humbled Himself and became a man like us. He chose the role of a servant even though He was a king. He chose the most humiliating kind of death even though He was the giver of life. He thought of others rather than Himself.
Jesus told us that He came to serve, not to be served. That was His mindset. And Paul tells us we should share Jesus' thinking. This "in-between" day is a good day for us to think about servanthood, humility and death to ourselves. It's a good day to think about the mind of Christ and the pursuit of that mind for our own lives.
We spent yesterday thinking about Jesus' death on the cross; it was a reflection of His mind, His thinking. We'll spend tomorrow thinking of His resurrection and the power it brings to our lives. We could not celebrate tomorrow without yesterday. Yesterday could not have happened without this one who was "equal with God" making Himself of "no reputation" and becoming "obedient to the point of death."
I wonder what things we could accomplish for the kingdom if we chose servanthood over reputation. What might God do with us if we were as willing as Jesus to endure our cross? Who might come to Christ if we chose to serve instead of demanding service?
Lord Jesus, by Your grace, bring us to the place where we want Your mind more than our own. Help us choose Your way, rather than our way. Give us humble, servant hearts. On this "in-between" day and every other day, allow us to live out "the mind of Christ." Amen - Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor
Today's Scripture: Joshua 10-12; Luke 1:39-56
Great Quote: "Study the Cross for no other sake than God's sake, and you will be holy without knowing it." -Oswald Chambers
Join us tonight for the KESWICK CELEBRATION CHOIR as they present "IT TOOK A MIRACLE!" 135-voice choir for churches all over the tri-state area. 7:00 PM in the Activity Center.
Friday, March 21, 2008
The Heart of the Cross
THE HEART OF THE CROSS
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth." Exodus 34:6
Dr. Charles Stanley shares some powerful thoughts about the heart of the cross in his daily devotional, PATHWAYS TO HIS PRESENCE:
"Could not God have come up with a better idea for the salvation of man than the Cross? This question is sometimes posed during debates regarding the purpose for the brutal punishment Jesus endured at Golgotha.
Yet, apart from our human understanding, and in His infinite wisdom, God had a perfect plan for the Cross. The circumstances of the day were never out of His control or in conflict with His will. Instead, the Cross revealed WHO God is and WHAT He is like - compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth.
(Exodus 34:6)
The Cross exposed Satan for what he is and, at the same time, took away his power. Though Satan's final defeat will occur at the end of time, the Cross invalidated the need for physical payment for sin for those who would accept Christ's ultimate atoning sacrifice made for all.
Finally, the Cross unveiled a new covenant relationship with God, which gives all people the opportunity to experience eternity through Jesus Christ. Matthew 27:51 tells us that at the moment of Christ's death, the temple veil, (which allowed only high priests access to God) was torn in half from top to bottom. This act signified the beginning of a new type of access to God through Jesus Christ, our Intercessor. Was God's perfect will carried out at the Cross? Even in death, His love was demonstrated to the world He created to receive His blessings."
Take time to day to reflect on the what Jesus did for YOU on the Cross of Calvary.
Today's Scripture: Joshua 7-9; Luke 1:21-38
Great Quote: Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection.
Watchman Nee
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth." Exodus 34:6
Dr. Charles Stanley shares some powerful thoughts about the heart of the cross in his daily devotional, PATHWAYS TO HIS PRESENCE:
"Could not God have come up with a better idea for the salvation of man than the Cross? This question is sometimes posed during debates regarding the purpose for the brutal punishment Jesus endured at Golgotha.
Yet, apart from our human understanding, and in His infinite wisdom, God had a perfect plan for the Cross. The circumstances of the day were never out of His control or in conflict with His will. Instead, the Cross revealed WHO God is and WHAT He is like - compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth.
(Exodus 34:6)
The Cross exposed Satan for what he is and, at the same time, took away his power. Though Satan's final defeat will occur at the end of time, the Cross invalidated the need for physical payment for sin for those who would accept Christ's ultimate atoning sacrifice made for all.
Finally, the Cross unveiled a new covenant relationship with God, which gives all people the opportunity to experience eternity through Jesus Christ. Matthew 27:51 tells us that at the moment of Christ's death, the temple veil, (which allowed only high priests access to God) was torn in half from top to bottom. This act signified the beginning of a new type of access to God through Jesus Christ, our Intercessor. Was God's perfect will carried out at the Cross? Even in death, His love was demonstrated to the world He created to receive His blessings."
Take time to day to reflect on the what Jesus did for YOU on the Cross of Calvary.
Today's Scripture: Joshua 7-9; Luke 1:21-38
Great Quote: Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection.
Watchman Nee
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Calvary's Anthem
CALVARY'S ANTHEM
Here is a powerful prayer from the book, THE VALLEY OF VISION - Prayers of the Puritans:
"Heavenly Father,
You have led me singing to the cross
Where I fling down all my burdens and see them vanish, Where my mountains of guilt are leveled to a plain, Where my sins disappear, though they are the greatest that exist, And are more in number than the grains of fine sand;
For there is power in the blood of Calvary to destroy sins more than can be counted even by one from the choir of heaven.
You have given me a hill-side spring
that washes clear and white,
and I go as a sinner to its waters,
bathing without hindrance
in its crystal streams.
At the cross there is free forgiveness
for poor and meek ones,
and ample blessings that last forever;
The blood of the Lamb is like a great river of infinite grace with never any diminishing of its fullness as thirsty ones without number drink of it.
O Lord, forever will Your free forgiveness live that was gained on the mount of blood; In the midst of a world of pain it is a subject for praise in every place, a song on earth, an anthem in heaven, its love and virtue knowing no end.
I have a longing for the world above
where multitudes sing the great song,
for my soul was never created to love the dust of the earth.
Though here my spiritual state is frail and poor, I shall go on singing Calvary's anthem.
May I always know that a clean heart full of goodness is more beautiful than the lily, that only a clean heart can sing by night and by day, that such a heart is mine when I abide at Calvary."
Think about it as we approach Good Friday! Can you sing the anthem of Calvary today?
Today's Scripture Reading: Joshua 4-6; Luke 1:1-20
Today's Quote: There is no neutral ground in the universe; every square inch, every split second is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan.
C. S. Lewis
Three Easter events at Keswick:
Good Friday Service tomorrow at 10:30 AM - Raws Auditorium Keswick Celebration Choir Concert with 125-voice choir - 7:00 PM - Activity Center Easter Sunrise Service - 6:30 AM - Raws Auditorium
We'd love to have you attend. Call for information: 732-350-1187!!!
Here is a powerful prayer from the book, THE VALLEY OF VISION - Prayers of the Puritans:
"Heavenly Father,
You have led me singing to the cross
Where I fling down all my burdens and see them vanish, Where my mountains of guilt are leveled to a plain, Where my sins disappear, though they are the greatest that exist, And are more in number than the grains of fine sand;
For there is power in the blood of Calvary to destroy sins more than can be counted even by one from the choir of heaven.
You have given me a hill-side spring
that washes clear and white,
and I go as a sinner to its waters,
bathing without hindrance
in its crystal streams.
At the cross there is free forgiveness
for poor and meek ones,
and ample blessings that last forever;
The blood of the Lamb is like a great river of infinite grace with never any diminishing of its fullness as thirsty ones without number drink of it.
O Lord, forever will Your free forgiveness live that was gained on the mount of blood; In the midst of a world of pain it is a subject for praise in every place, a song on earth, an anthem in heaven, its love and virtue knowing no end.
I have a longing for the world above
where multitudes sing the great song,
for my soul was never created to love the dust of the earth.
Though here my spiritual state is frail and poor, I shall go on singing Calvary's anthem.
May I always know that a clean heart full of goodness is more beautiful than the lily, that only a clean heart can sing by night and by day, that such a heart is mine when I abide at Calvary."
Think about it as we approach Good Friday! Can you sing the anthem of Calvary today?
Today's Scripture Reading: Joshua 4-6; Luke 1:1-20
Today's Quote: There is no neutral ground in the universe; every square inch, every split second is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan.
C. S. Lewis
Three Easter events at Keswick:
Good Friday Service tomorrow at 10:30 AM - Raws Auditorium Keswick Celebration Choir Concert with 125-voice choir - 7:00 PM - Activity Center Easter Sunrise Service - 6:30 AM - Raws Auditorium
We'd love to have you attend. Call for information: 732-350-1187!!!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross
JESUS KEEP ME NEAR THE CROSS
"It was through what His Son did that God cleared a path for everything to come to him - all things in heaven and on earth - for Christ's death on the cross has made peace with God for all by his blood. This includes you who were once so far away from God. You were his enemies and hated him and were separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions, yet he has brought you back as his friends." Colossians 1:20-21
We are at a cross-roads today in the church. In our desire to be "user-friendly" to get people into the church, many have opted to shy away from foundational truth because it might offend. We don't talk about sin and its impact on our lives. We don't talk about the cross because it might offend. We want people to feel good and feel comfortable so that we can draw them into conversation.
The Apostle Paul made it very clear: "For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God ... but we preach Christ crucified!" - 1 Corinthians
1:18,23)
Fanny Crosby, the blind hymn writer, penned the words of this powerful
hymn:
Jesus, keep me near the cross --
There a precious fountain,
Free to all a healing stream,
Flows from Calv'rys mountain.
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Shed its beams around me.
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadow o'er me.
Near the cross I'll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand
Just beyond the river.
Refrain
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest, beyond the river.
As we approach this Good Friday, take time to reflect on what Jesus did for YOU on the cross. Let's never forget the cross. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK.
Today's Scripture Reading: Joshua 1-3; Mark 16
Great Quote: Jesus appears to be holding out his hand to us even as he calls us. He tells us he will provide a bridge over the chasm if we will abide in him. We hear his words, but such language is strange to us, sounding like the dialects of many who have used us or consumed us and then left us along the highway, exposed and alone. We pull back. Many of us return to Vanity Fair and mortgage our heart to purchase more of what is religiously or materially familiar. A few of us arouse our spirit and take a step toward the chasm. Brent Curtis
"It was through what His Son did that God cleared a path for everything to come to him - all things in heaven and on earth - for Christ's death on the cross has made peace with God for all by his blood. This includes you who were once so far away from God. You were his enemies and hated him and were separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions, yet he has brought you back as his friends." Colossians 1:20-21
We are at a cross-roads today in the church. In our desire to be "user-friendly" to get people into the church, many have opted to shy away from foundational truth because it might offend. We don't talk about sin and its impact on our lives. We don't talk about the cross because it might offend. We want people to feel good and feel comfortable so that we can draw them into conversation.
The Apostle Paul made it very clear: "For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God ... but we preach Christ crucified!" - 1 Corinthians
1:18,23)
Fanny Crosby, the blind hymn writer, penned the words of this powerful
hymn:
Jesus, keep me near the cross --
There a precious fountain,
Free to all a healing stream,
Flows from Calv'rys mountain.
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Shed its beams around me.
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadow o'er me.
Near the cross I'll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand
Just beyond the river.
Refrain
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest, beyond the river.
As we approach this Good Friday, take time to reflect on what Jesus did for YOU on the cross. Let's never forget the cross. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK.
Today's Scripture Reading: Joshua 1-3; Mark 16
Great Quote: Jesus appears to be holding out his hand to us even as he calls us. He tells us he will provide a bridge over the chasm if we will abide in him. We hear his words, but such language is strange to us, sounding like the dialects of many who have used us or consumed us and then left us along the highway, exposed and alone. We pull back. Many of us return to Vanity Fair and mortgage our heart to purchase more of what is religiously or materially familiar. A few of us arouse our spirit and take a step toward the chasm. Brent Curtis
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
MY SAVIOR'S LOVE . . . Please don't skip over this because it appears to be JUST a hymn quoted . . .
I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, And wonder how He could love ME, A sinner, condemned, unclean.
How marvelous! how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! how wonderful
Is my Savior's love for me!
For ME it was in he garden
He prayed, "Not My will, but Thine";
He had no tears for His OWN griefs,
But sweat-drops of blood for mine.
In pity angels beheld Him,
And came from the world of light
To comfort Him in the sorrows
He bore for MY soul that night.
He took MY sins and my sorrows,
He made them HIS very own;
He bore the burden to Calvr'y
And suffered and died ALONE . . .
Alone! Alone! Hanging on the cross, listening to the cries and jeers from the crowd. And yet he cries, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And then the darkness comes. Horrible darkness. C. J.
Mahaney writes "an atmospheric confirmation of the judgment of God . . .
It's a darkness you can feel. Even the sky reflects what is happening to the Son of God. Jesus is being made to drink from the cup which He had asked to be removed. He's being made to experience the full fury of the wrath of God -- the intense, righteous hatred of God for sin, a wrath that has been stored up beginning with Adam's sin and extending to all of your sin and mine, and to all the sin to the end of world history.
The sinless One -- innocent and holy Himself -- is made the object of that vast and vile immensity of sin. This is His severe test, His cruelest and most demanding ordeal, a torment far beyond the pain of His physical suffering . . ."
And He cries from the Cross, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
"He who for all eternity has never been alone is now wholly abandoned. Such utter desolation has never existed before in all eternity, because infinite love and fellowship of the Trinity, which can never be broken.
But now the incarnate Son, must be forsaken by the Father . . . because the Father is holy, and there in the Father's sight is 'the most grotesque display of ugliness imaginable.' It's the monstrous sight of the unbounded totality of human sin resting upon the Son of Man.
Therefore that Man must be utterly removed from the presence of the holy God, utterly separated, as far as the east is from the west. Jesus doesn't FEEL forsaken; He IS forsaken. In an unfathomable mystery, at that moment, as God's wrath is poured upon Him as the substitute for our sin, Jesus is rejected by God, His Father turns away from Him. It isn't a deceptive feeling -- it's reality . . .
Why alone? He's alone so that we might never be alone. He cries out to God so that you and I will NEVER have to make a similar cry. He was cut off from His Father so that we can boldly say, "Nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.' He's forsaken so that we might be forgiven . . .
God, in abandoning His Son, is treating Jesus as a sinner so that He can treat you and me -- who ARE sinners -- as if we were righteous -- all because of JESUS!"
from LIVING THE CROSS-CENTERED LIFE by C. J. Mahaney (Multnomah
Publishers)
Powerful words for you to reflect on as many reflect of the hours before Good Friday.
Today's Scripture: Deuteronomy 32-34; Mark 15:26-47
Great Quote: Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself one way or the other at all. William Temple
I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, And wonder how He could love ME, A sinner, condemned, unclean.
How marvelous! how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! how wonderful
Is my Savior's love for me!
For ME it was in he garden
He prayed, "Not My will, but Thine";
He had no tears for His OWN griefs,
But sweat-drops of blood for mine.
In pity angels beheld Him,
And came from the world of light
To comfort Him in the sorrows
He bore for MY soul that night.
He took MY sins and my sorrows,
He made them HIS very own;
He bore the burden to Calvr'y
And suffered and died ALONE . . .
Alone! Alone! Hanging on the cross, listening to the cries and jeers from the crowd. And yet he cries, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And then the darkness comes. Horrible darkness. C. J.
Mahaney writes "an atmospheric confirmation of the judgment of God . . .
It's a darkness you can feel. Even the sky reflects what is happening to the Son of God. Jesus is being made to drink from the cup which He had asked to be removed. He's being made to experience the full fury of the wrath of God -- the intense, righteous hatred of God for sin, a wrath that has been stored up beginning with Adam's sin and extending to all of your sin and mine, and to all the sin to the end of world history.
The sinless One -- innocent and holy Himself -- is made the object of that vast and vile immensity of sin. This is His severe test, His cruelest and most demanding ordeal, a torment far beyond the pain of His physical suffering . . ."
And He cries from the Cross, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
"He who for all eternity has never been alone is now wholly abandoned. Such utter desolation has never existed before in all eternity, because infinite love and fellowship of the Trinity, which can never be broken.
But now the incarnate Son, must be forsaken by the Father . . . because the Father is holy, and there in the Father's sight is 'the most grotesque display of ugliness imaginable.' It's the monstrous sight of the unbounded totality of human sin resting upon the Son of Man.
Therefore that Man must be utterly removed from the presence of the holy God, utterly separated, as far as the east is from the west. Jesus doesn't FEEL forsaken; He IS forsaken. In an unfathomable mystery, at that moment, as God's wrath is poured upon Him as the substitute for our sin, Jesus is rejected by God, His Father turns away from Him. It isn't a deceptive feeling -- it's reality . . .
Why alone? He's alone so that we might never be alone. He cries out to God so that you and I will NEVER have to make a similar cry. He was cut off from His Father so that we can boldly say, "Nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.' He's forsaken so that we might be forgiven . . .
God, in abandoning His Son, is treating Jesus as a sinner so that He can treat you and me -- who ARE sinners -- as if we were righteous -- all because of JESUS!"
from LIVING THE CROSS-CENTERED LIFE by C. J. Mahaney (Multnomah
Publishers)
Powerful words for you to reflect on as many reflect of the hours before Good Friday.
Today's Scripture: Deuteronomy 32-34; Mark 15:26-47
Great Quote: Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself one way or the other at all. William Temple
Monday, March 17, 2008
The Lord Strengthened Me
THE LORD STRENGTHENED ME
"And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him."
Luke 22:43
This week marks the events that lead up to the Cross - the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Yesterday we celebrated Palm Sunday, however there is much that will take place in the next several days for us to consider.
Fast forward to Jesus and three of his followers going to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus is wanting to spend time with His Father before the events leading to His death will take place. There, alone in the garden, he cries out to His Father. Alone. He checks on his three friends and they are asleep. The moment when Jesus is wanting his three friends, Peter, James and John, to stand with him, there they are fast asleep. There he is, our Savior - all alone.
But not really! His Father sends an angel to strengthen him. The Greek word here means to "impart strength; to empower someone; to fill a person with heartiness; or to give someone renewed vitality." At the moment when Jesus was feeling so weak and alone, God sends an angel that imparts strength, empowerment and recharges Jesus, renewing His vitality with the strength needed to victoriously face the most difficult hour in His life!
And that is what He does for us when we are facing difficulties in our lives. The Apostle Paul wrote these words in 2 Timothy 4:17 - "The Lord strengthened me ...!" I love those words. When we are at our weakest point -- when we feel like we cannot go another step - when we feel like crawling back into bed and pulling up the covers because we know what the events of today will be like - we can count on the Lord strengthening us.
Tonight we will drive back to Cressona, PA for the viewing of a dear friend who just went home to be with Jesus after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Just one week ago, we were in Cressona for the viewing of this lady's son, who was killed in an automobile accident.
How does a family, a husband get through this time of tragedy and immense grief? How can Pastor Randy stand for hours at the casket of his dear wife? I can tell you that there is only one way - THE LORD WILL STRENGTHEN HIM! Everyone in this family, in their darkest hours of grief and pain, will experience the supernatural strengthening of our Savior.
What are you facing today? Do you feel all alone? Overwhelmed? My friend, be encouraged today - allow HIM to stand by you and strengthen you in your hour of need. - Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America's KESWICK and the General Editor of the daily devotional REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE.
Today's Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:31; Mark 15:1-25
Great Quote: The shop, the barn, the scullery, and the smithy become temples when men and women do all to the glory of God! The "divine service" is not a thing of a few hours and a few places, but all life becomes holiness unto the Lord, and every place and thing, as consecrated as the tabernacle and its golden candlestick. Charles Haddon Spurgeon
"And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him."
Luke 22:43
This week marks the events that lead up to the Cross - the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Yesterday we celebrated Palm Sunday, however there is much that will take place in the next several days for us to consider.
Fast forward to Jesus and three of his followers going to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus is wanting to spend time with His Father before the events leading to His death will take place. There, alone in the garden, he cries out to His Father. Alone. He checks on his three friends and they are asleep. The moment when Jesus is wanting his three friends, Peter, James and John, to stand with him, there they are fast asleep. There he is, our Savior - all alone.
But not really! His Father sends an angel to strengthen him. The Greek word here means to "impart strength; to empower someone; to fill a person with heartiness; or to give someone renewed vitality." At the moment when Jesus was feeling so weak and alone, God sends an angel that imparts strength, empowerment and recharges Jesus, renewing His vitality with the strength needed to victoriously face the most difficult hour in His life!
And that is what He does for us when we are facing difficulties in our lives. The Apostle Paul wrote these words in 2 Timothy 4:17 - "The Lord strengthened me ...!" I love those words. When we are at our weakest point -- when we feel like we cannot go another step - when we feel like crawling back into bed and pulling up the covers because we know what the events of today will be like - we can count on the Lord strengthening us.
Tonight we will drive back to Cressona, PA for the viewing of a dear friend who just went home to be with Jesus after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Just one week ago, we were in Cressona for the viewing of this lady's son, who was killed in an automobile accident.
How does a family, a husband get through this time of tragedy and immense grief? How can Pastor Randy stand for hours at the casket of his dear wife? I can tell you that there is only one way - THE LORD WILL STRENGTHEN HIM! Everyone in this family, in their darkest hours of grief and pain, will experience the supernatural strengthening of our Savior.
What are you facing today? Do you feel all alone? Overwhelmed? My friend, be encouraged today - allow HIM to stand by you and strengthen you in your hour of need. - Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America's KESWICK and the General Editor of the daily devotional REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE.
Today's Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:31; Mark 15:1-25
Great Quote: The shop, the barn, the scullery, and the smithy become temples when men and women do all to the glory of God! The "divine service" is not a thing of a few hours and a few places, but all life becomes holiness unto the Lord, and every place and thing, as consecrated as the tabernacle and its golden candlestick. Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Palm Sunday
PALM SUNDAY
Today marks the beginning of the end that leads to the new beginning every one of us needs. Are you confused? It's really a simple story, and it bears repeating.
This is Palm Sunday. It's the day we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem just a few days before His death. It was the beginning of the week. People proclaimed His greatness because they had seen His amazing works and heard His even more amazing words.
Palm Sunday was the beginning of the end. He offered more amazing teaching during the week. The disciples and Jesus shared a last Passover meal in what we call the Upper Room. Jesus taught them one last time. We call that teaching the Upper Room Discourse. That meal would take much of Thursday night as the end approached.
Then came Gethsemane. The disciples fell asleep. Jesus is all alone in His agony. Judas and the soldiers show up. Jesus' predicted betrayal is now a fact. The end draws nearer.
The rest of Thursday night and early Friday bring the end closer. Mock trials, the conclusion determined before the trials, condemn Jesus to death. Many who were in the Palm Sunday Crowd singing Jesus' praise now sing a new song. Crucify Him! Crucify Him! The end is almost.
Finally, Jesus goes to the cross and hangs there for six hours on Friday. He dies. Some of His disciples bury Him in a borrowed tomb. It's the end! Or is it?
Sunday comes. The tomb is empty! Jesus is alive! With is resurrection comes the new beginning that we all must know. Because He lives, we can know new life, eternal life in the family of God. We can know freedom from the bondage of sin.
Today is the beginning of the end that really brings us to the beginning. I pray that new beginning is a reality in your life. I pray you'll not just stand with Jesus on Palm Sunday, but that you'll remain with Him when Good Friday gets here. I pray that you and I will know the power of His resurrection at work in our lives come next Sunday. - Pastor John Strain is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist of Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter correspondent.
Today's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 28-29; Mark 14:54-72
Today's Quote: Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone but in every leaf in springtime. Martin Luther
Today marks the beginning of the end that leads to the new beginning every one of us needs. Are you confused? It's really a simple story, and it bears repeating.
This is Palm Sunday. It's the day we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem just a few days before His death. It was the beginning of the week. People proclaimed His greatness because they had seen His amazing works and heard His even more amazing words.
Palm Sunday was the beginning of the end. He offered more amazing teaching during the week. The disciples and Jesus shared a last Passover meal in what we call the Upper Room. Jesus taught them one last time. We call that teaching the Upper Room Discourse. That meal would take much of Thursday night as the end approached.
Then came Gethsemane. The disciples fell asleep. Jesus is all alone in His agony. Judas and the soldiers show up. Jesus' predicted betrayal is now a fact. The end draws nearer.
The rest of Thursday night and early Friday bring the end closer. Mock trials, the conclusion determined before the trials, condemn Jesus to death. Many who were in the Palm Sunday Crowd singing Jesus' praise now sing a new song. Crucify Him! Crucify Him! The end is almost.
Finally, Jesus goes to the cross and hangs there for six hours on Friday. He dies. Some of His disciples bury Him in a borrowed tomb. It's the end! Or is it?
Sunday comes. The tomb is empty! Jesus is alive! With is resurrection comes the new beginning that we all must know. Because He lives, we can know new life, eternal life in the family of God. We can know freedom from the bondage of sin.
Today is the beginning of the end that really brings us to the beginning. I pray that new beginning is a reality in your life. I pray you'll not just stand with Jesus on Palm Sunday, but that you'll remain with Him when Good Friday gets here. I pray that you and I will know the power of His resurrection at work in our lives come next Sunday. - Pastor John Strain is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist of Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter correspondent.
Today's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 28-29; Mark 14:54-72
Today's Quote: Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone but in every leaf in springtime. Martin Luther
Saturday, March 15, 2008
HOLY WEEK
We stand on the threshold of what many Christians call Holy Week. I urge you to take time to read about the week; you can read Mark 11 through Mark 16 to get the big picture. It starts on a high note. It falls to the lowest of all notes before rising to the highest note of all--the Resurrection.
I ask you to think this weekend and next about the impact of this Holy Week on our lives. Consider your personal pursuit of freedom and what that pursuit would look like without the events of Holy Week. More than how it affects each of us, however, we need to focus on Jesus and what the week was like for Him.
His week went from affirmation to confrontation to desertion to condemnation to death and then life. That all happened in seven days! This one who is Jesus Christ, God's only Son, experienced more in a week than we'll know in a lifetime. He didn't have to live through any of it; He chose to endure the week for people like you and me. He accepted everything that came His way for people who desperately wanted freedom from the bondage of sin.
Reflection on Jesus' life during Holy Week is part of the reason Christians observe days like Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Resurrection Day. You can't really enter into His life and suffering and death if you don't take time to reflect and review what that week was like. This is a good week to take time to think. Turn your mind off automatic and think each day about what went on in Jesus life. Participate in as many special services as you can during the week.
How would you have responded on Palm Sunday? What would you have thought when He cleaned out the temple? Had you been in the upper room with the disciples on Thursday evening, would you have questioned your loyalty to Jesus like the disciples did? Where would you have been on Good Friday, standing at the cross with John or hiding with Peter? Would you have believed the account of the empty tomb?
Holy Week offers us a time to look at Jesus and to look into our own walk with Jesus. The six chapters of Mark that I've suggested you read won't take you a long time. You might even want to read all the gospel accounts of Holy Week. Use this week to grow in your walk with Jesus. Let the events of the week remind you what it cost Jesus to buy your freedom. - Pastor John Strain is Pastor of First Baptist of Toms River and weekend Freedom Fighter contributor.
Today's Scripture: Deuteronomy 25-27; Mark 14:27-53
Today's Quote: The heart of Christianity is the bible, the heart of the bible is the cross and the heart of the cross is the very heart of God. Inscribed upon the cross we see in shining letters. "God is love". The Lamb who died upon the tree has bought mercy from above. Anonymous
We stand on the threshold of what many Christians call Holy Week. I urge you to take time to read about the week; you can read Mark 11 through Mark 16 to get the big picture. It starts on a high note. It falls to the lowest of all notes before rising to the highest note of all--the Resurrection.
I ask you to think this weekend and next about the impact of this Holy Week on our lives. Consider your personal pursuit of freedom and what that pursuit would look like without the events of Holy Week. More than how it affects each of us, however, we need to focus on Jesus and what the week was like for Him.
His week went from affirmation to confrontation to desertion to condemnation to death and then life. That all happened in seven days! This one who is Jesus Christ, God's only Son, experienced more in a week than we'll know in a lifetime. He didn't have to live through any of it; He chose to endure the week for people like you and me. He accepted everything that came His way for people who desperately wanted freedom from the bondage of sin.
Reflection on Jesus' life during Holy Week is part of the reason Christians observe days like Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Resurrection Day. You can't really enter into His life and suffering and death if you don't take time to reflect and review what that week was like. This is a good week to take time to think. Turn your mind off automatic and think each day about what went on in Jesus life. Participate in as many special services as you can during the week.
How would you have responded on Palm Sunday? What would you have thought when He cleaned out the temple? Had you been in the upper room with the disciples on Thursday evening, would you have questioned your loyalty to Jesus like the disciples did? Where would you have been on Good Friday, standing at the cross with John or hiding with Peter? Would you have believed the account of the empty tomb?
Holy Week offers us a time to look at Jesus and to look into our own walk with Jesus. The six chapters of Mark that I've suggested you read won't take you a long time. You might even want to read all the gospel accounts of Holy Week. Use this week to grow in your walk with Jesus. Let the events of the week remind you what it cost Jesus to buy your freedom. - Pastor John Strain is Pastor of First Baptist of Toms River and weekend Freedom Fighter contributor.
Today's Scripture: Deuteronomy 25-27; Mark 14:27-53
Today's Quote: The heart of Christianity is the bible, the heart of the bible is the cross and the heart of the cross is the very heart of God. Inscribed upon the cross we see in shining letters. "God is love". The Lamb who died upon the tree has bought mercy from above. Anonymous
Friday, March 14, 2008
Peter Put In His Place
PETER PUT IN HIS PLACE
"Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."(Mark 8:33b)
Peter was my favorite of the disciples because I think God made me a lot like him. You know, the sanguine personality who can't stand quiet so we do the thing at which we are the best, we talk. It has been said of this personality that we talk 15 minutes trying to think of something to say. We are fun to be around, sometimes, for a while, occasionally.
That was Peter; leading with his ready-aim-talk approach to life. It can get you to the head of the class and it can just as easily create embarrassing and awkward moments. This is turn can produce a life of emotional ups and downs.
In the story from Mark 8 we see evidence of those ups and downs. First Peter gallantly answered Jesus' question about who He is, which resulted in a high five from the Savior. Immediately after that Jesus predicted His looming death only to be rebuked by the same man who just confessed that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Do you see this personality I have described?
Jesus' response was interesting and thought provoking. He said Peter was thinking like man thinks, not like God thinks. He was accusing Peter of seeing things from a human point of view, not from God's point of view.
I'm sure it's not true of you but I have to confess that I make a regular habit of doing the same thing. My first reaction to situations is usually and unfortunately from a human perspective.
The big picture of what Jesus was saying was exactly God's plan for the ages but Peter saw it from a human point of view. That will always get us in trouble.
We need to work at divorcing ourselves what our culture says, what our society thinks, what they are saying on television and writing in the newspapers and concentrate on seeing things as God sees them.
What is going on right now in your life that you are trying to get a grip on? Are you working at seeing it through the eyes of the one who loved you enough to die for you, cares for you and wants the best for you? -- Walt Wiley is the President of WINNING WITH ENCOURAGEMENT and will be speaking for our Memorial Weekend Conference. Check out the website for information.
Today's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 22-24; Mark 14:1-26
Great Quote: We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking only to learn that it is God shaking them. Charles West
"Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."(Mark 8:33b)
Peter was my favorite of the disciples because I think God made me a lot like him. You know, the sanguine personality who can't stand quiet so we do the thing at which we are the best, we talk. It has been said of this personality that we talk 15 minutes trying to think of something to say. We are fun to be around, sometimes, for a while, occasionally.
That was Peter; leading with his ready-aim-talk approach to life. It can get you to the head of the class and it can just as easily create embarrassing and awkward moments. This is turn can produce a life of emotional ups and downs.
In the story from Mark 8 we see evidence of those ups and downs. First Peter gallantly answered Jesus' question about who He is, which resulted in a high five from the Savior. Immediately after that Jesus predicted His looming death only to be rebuked by the same man who just confessed that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Do you see this personality I have described?
Jesus' response was interesting and thought provoking. He said Peter was thinking like man thinks, not like God thinks. He was accusing Peter of seeing things from a human point of view, not from God's point of view.
I'm sure it's not true of you but I have to confess that I make a regular habit of doing the same thing. My first reaction to situations is usually and unfortunately from a human perspective.
The big picture of what Jesus was saying was exactly God's plan for the ages but Peter saw it from a human point of view. That will always get us in trouble.
We need to work at divorcing ourselves what our culture says, what our society thinks, what they are saying on television and writing in the newspapers and concentrate on seeing things as God sees them.
What is going on right now in your life that you are trying to get a grip on? Are you working at seeing it through the eyes of the one who loved you enough to die for you, cares for you and wants the best for you? -- Walt Wiley is the President of WINNING WITH ENCOURAGEMENT and will be speaking for our Memorial Weekend Conference. Check out the website for information.
Today's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 22-24; Mark 14:1-26
Great Quote: We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking only to learn that it is God shaking them. Charles West
Thursday, March 13, 2008
TOO GOOD TO PASS UP
TOO GOOD TO PASS UP
Robert Hayes asked me to find this story yesterday and I thought it would worth passing on to you for today's Freedom Fighter. There was no name attached to give credit, so if you have seen it and know who wrote it, kindly let me know.
Empty Egg Story
There is an interesting story of Philip, an eight year old, born a Mongoloid. He was in a Sunday school class with nine other children.
Never quite fitting in, he was accepted only peripherally. It was the Sunday after Easter that the Sunday school teacher decided to give the youngsters a very special assignment. He gave them little eggs. You have seen those little containers in which panty hose comes and it looks like an egg. He gave each youngster an egg and he said to the youngsters, "Go outside on the church ground and find some symbol of new life. When you bring it back, we will mix all of the eggs together and see what we have."
And so they did. Each youngster taking their little containers shaped like an egg and finding something and putting it inside and then waiting to see what would happen. As they came back into the Sunday school class, the Sunday school teacher opened the eggs. In one there was a flower and everyone said, "Oh, wonderful!" In another they opened the egg and there was a butterfly. The children marveled. And in another there was a stone. Someone said, "A stone? What does that mean?
One little boy simply said, "Well, that represents new life to me."
The teacher then opened another and in this one there was nothing. The children began to laugh and said, "Who did that? Someone didn't follow the instructions. There's nothing in this egg!" And the little boy who was born Mongoloid said, "Teacher, teacher, that's my egg! It's empty because the tomb was empty!" The tomb was empty.
Thereafter, only a few months later, little Philip died. At his funeral service his little playmates walked to the altar, each of them placing on the altar a little container shaped like an egg: each one was empty.
The promise of new life. It has already been done.
Today's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 19 - 21; Mark 13:21-37
Great Quote: Like Joseph storing up grain during the years of plenty to be used during the years of famine that lay ahead, may we store up the truth of God's Word in our hearts as much as possible, so that we are prepared for whatever suffering we are called upon to endure. -- Billy Graham
Robert Hayes asked me to find this story yesterday and I thought it would worth passing on to you for today's Freedom Fighter. There was no name attached to give credit, so if you have seen it and know who wrote it, kindly let me know.
Empty Egg Story
There is an interesting story of Philip, an eight year old, born a Mongoloid. He was in a Sunday school class with nine other children.
Never quite fitting in, he was accepted only peripherally. It was the Sunday after Easter that the Sunday school teacher decided to give the youngsters a very special assignment. He gave them little eggs. You have seen those little containers in which panty hose comes and it looks like an egg. He gave each youngster an egg and he said to the youngsters, "Go outside on the church ground and find some symbol of new life. When you bring it back, we will mix all of the eggs together and see what we have."
And so they did. Each youngster taking their little containers shaped like an egg and finding something and putting it inside and then waiting to see what would happen. As they came back into the Sunday school class, the Sunday school teacher opened the eggs. In one there was a flower and everyone said, "Oh, wonderful!" In another they opened the egg and there was a butterfly. The children marveled. And in another there was a stone. Someone said, "A stone? What does that mean?
One little boy simply said, "Well, that represents new life to me."
The teacher then opened another and in this one there was nothing. The children began to laugh and said, "Who did that? Someone didn't follow the instructions. There's nothing in this egg!" And the little boy who was born Mongoloid said, "Teacher, teacher, that's my egg! It's empty because the tomb was empty!" The tomb was empty.
Thereafter, only a few months later, little Philip died. At his funeral service his little playmates walked to the altar, each of them placing on the altar a little container shaped like an egg: each one was empty.
The promise of new life. It has already been done.
Today's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 19 - 21; Mark 13:21-37
Great Quote: Like Joseph storing up grain during the years of plenty to be used during the years of famine that lay ahead, may we store up the truth of God's Word in our hearts as much as possible, so that we are prepared for whatever suffering we are called upon to endure. -- Billy Graham
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Dying to Self
DYING TO SELF
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24"
When you are forgotten or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, and impunctuality, or any annoyance; when you can stand face-to-face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility ... and endure it is Jesus endured it, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you are content with any food, any offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you no longer care to hear yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself, and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up with your heart, THAT IS
DYING TO SELF. Author Unknown
Today's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 16-18; Mark 13:1-20 (I added this new feature for you to use with your devotional times. If you will commit to reading these passages daily, in one year will read through the entire Bible)
Great Quote: Tell God all that is in your heart, as one unloads one's heart, its pleasures and its pains, to a dear friend. Tell Him your troubles, that He may comfort you; tell Him your joys, that He may sober them; tell Him your longings, that He may purify them; tell Him your dislikes, that He may help you conquer them; talk to Him of your temptations, that He may shield you from them: show Him the wounds of your heart, that He may heal them; lay bare your indifference to good, your depraved tastes for evil, your instability. Tell Him how self-love makes you unjust to others, how vanity tempts you to be insincere, how pride disguises you to yourself and others. --Francois Fenelon
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24"
When you are forgotten or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, and impunctuality, or any annoyance; when you can stand face-to-face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility ... and endure it is Jesus endured it, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you are content with any food, any offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you no longer care to hear yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself, and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up with your heart, THAT IS
DYING TO SELF. Author Unknown
Today's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 16-18; Mark 13:1-20 (I added this new feature for you to use with your devotional times. If you will commit to reading these passages daily, in one year will read through the entire Bible)
Great Quote: Tell God all that is in your heart, as one unloads one's heart, its pleasures and its pains, to a dear friend. Tell Him your troubles, that He may comfort you; tell Him your joys, that He may sober them; tell Him your longings, that He may purify them; tell Him your dislikes, that He may help you conquer them; talk to Him of your temptations, that He may shield you from them: show Him the wounds of your heart, that He may heal them; lay bare your indifference to good, your depraved tastes for evil, your instability. Tell Him how self-love makes you unjust to others, how vanity tempts you to be insincere, how pride disguises you to yourself and others. --Francois Fenelon
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
DEALING WITH STUFF
DEALING WITH "STUFF"
"Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive orchards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen...?" (2 Kings 5:26)
Gehazi, Elisha's servant, could not bear to see Naaman depart with his gifts of silver, gold, and changes of garments. "As the Lord lives, I will run after him and take something from him." But Elisha went with him in spirit and, upon his servant's return, immediately exposed the covetous act. The prophet's rebuke came in the form of a question: "Is this a time to receive money, clothing, lands, possessions..."
I'm told that my Italian grandmother from the old country owned two garments. When one was in the wash, she wore the other. Simplicity is a beautiful thing. My wife and I are in the midst of an effort to simplify our family life. At the outset, it became clear that we must address two things; the attic and our wardrobes. I wish I could describe the satisfied feeling I enjoyed as we looked at that very long line of "stuff" out on the street, and waited for the township dump truck. It seems that we can actually come to believe that our life is somehow bound together with that trash we've been carrying around for years!
Brothers and sisters, I believe these are the last days before our Lord's return-I have been convinced of this since early childhood. And I am also convinced that Elisha would pose the very same question to the Church today-"Is this a time to be occupied with 'stuff'?" No indeed, it is not a time to accumulate, and tend to our possessions. Material possessions can be a great distraction from doing the will of God and the work of the Kingdom. The world lives for the next purchase-the Church must not be of this mind. It is not a time to be focused on our own comfort, prosperity, and security. I am extremely bothered by any teaching in the church that might be characterized as "prosperity teaching." Jesus did not come to make us prosperous and comfortable!
The Church will never know victorious Christian living until we deal the death-blow to that coveteous spirit of Gehazi which is so prevalent in our culture and in our churches. - Peter Cardillo is the Director of Food Services at America's KESWICK and the father of a full quiver.
Today's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 13-15; Mark 12:28-44
Great quote: Contrition, repentance, acknowledgement of personal responsibility and sorrow over sin should never include massive self-hatred and total self-rejection. God's conviction points to a specific sin, it is sharp and accurate, going straight to the point where repentance is needed.
Truly understanding this principle will lead you into freedom from your past so you can serve God and His people without the fetters of constantly looking behind. --Katherine Walden
Join us Thursday evening for our monthly Men's Fellowship Night. Pastor Dave Rittinger is our speaker. Call for reservations: 732-350-1187
"Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive orchards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen...?" (2 Kings 5:26)
Gehazi, Elisha's servant, could not bear to see Naaman depart with his gifts of silver, gold, and changes of garments. "As the Lord lives, I will run after him and take something from him." But Elisha went with him in spirit and, upon his servant's return, immediately exposed the covetous act. The prophet's rebuke came in the form of a question: "Is this a time to receive money, clothing, lands, possessions..."
I'm told that my Italian grandmother from the old country owned two garments. When one was in the wash, she wore the other. Simplicity is a beautiful thing. My wife and I are in the midst of an effort to simplify our family life. At the outset, it became clear that we must address two things; the attic and our wardrobes. I wish I could describe the satisfied feeling I enjoyed as we looked at that very long line of "stuff" out on the street, and waited for the township dump truck. It seems that we can actually come to believe that our life is somehow bound together with that trash we've been carrying around for years!
Brothers and sisters, I believe these are the last days before our Lord's return-I have been convinced of this since early childhood. And I am also convinced that Elisha would pose the very same question to the Church today-"Is this a time to be occupied with 'stuff'?" No indeed, it is not a time to accumulate, and tend to our possessions. Material possessions can be a great distraction from doing the will of God and the work of the Kingdom. The world lives for the next purchase-the Church must not be of this mind. It is not a time to be focused on our own comfort, prosperity, and security. I am extremely bothered by any teaching in the church that might be characterized as "prosperity teaching." Jesus did not come to make us prosperous and comfortable!
The Church will never know victorious Christian living until we deal the death-blow to that coveteous spirit of Gehazi which is so prevalent in our culture and in our churches. - Peter Cardillo is the Director of Food Services at America's KESWICK and the father of a full quiver.
Today's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 13-15; Mark 12:28-44
Great quote: Contrition, repentance, acknowledgement of personal responsibility and sorrow over sin should never include massive self-hatred and total self-rejection. God's conviction points to a specific sin, it is sharp and accurate, going straight to the point where repentance is needed.
Truly understanding this principle will lead you into freedom from your past so you can serve God and His people without the fetters of constantly looking behind. --Katherine Walden
Join us Thursday evening for our monthly Men's Fellowship Night. Pastor Dave Rittinger is our speaker. Call for reservations: 732-350-1187
Monday, March 10, 2008
DELIGHTING IN GOD'S WILL
"...I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." (John 10:10b RSV)"I delight to do thy will, O my God;" (Psalm 40:8 RSV)
We all live-most of us do not wish to die-and yet, there is no driving desire to go on living either! We rise in the morning, accepting of the new day. We do not dread the day, but neither do we relish it with a sense of anticipation. The new day is part duty, part chore, and mostly routine-there is no joyous bounding into the day. The day, and any opportunity it may hold, is not a delight to us- we embark on the new day with resignation. Something is wrong. Many go on in this way for years, having settled for a quality of "life" that is far below that which is possible for the believer.
We do not doubt that God is there, or that He loves us. It isn't a crisis of faith (theologically), and yet it is a crisis... a quiet and prolonged crisis. In our best moments we are very aware that this "wilderness experience" is hardly the "life more abundant" that Jesus came to give! In our heart we know we must enter more fully into this gift of life, and that something is dreadfully wrong. For me, a deep breath of spring air is enough to remind me of what has been lost from my childhood- there was joy and anticipation in those days. What is the answer? How do we get this quality of life that Jesus speaks of?
For the child of God, abundant life comes only when we are obedient to the will of God- David said "I delight to do thy will O my God." And delight is just the missing ingredient for many of us. There is a delight that comes when we are obedient to the light that we have.
Simple obedience can turn a life of plodding resignation into a life that is a daily delight! Begin to read God's Word again with a single eye towards obedience. Then, go into the day with an obedient child-like heart, and let's see what God does! -- Peter Cardillo is the Director of Food Services at America's KESWICK and a graduate of Wheaton College.
Today's devotional is from our daily devotional, REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE and is available from the KESWICK BOOK AND GIFT SHOP (732-350-1187)
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 10-12; Mark 12:1-27
Great Quote: Where does your security lie? Is God your refuge, your hiding place, your stronghold, your shepherd, your counselor, your friend, your redeemer, your Saviour, your guide? If He is, you don't need to search any further for security. Elisabeth Elliot
Join us this Thursday evening, March 13th, for our Men's Fellowship Night. Pastor Dave Rittinger, Senior Pastor of Whiting Bible Church, will be our speaker. Please call today and make your reservation (732-350-1187).
"...I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." (John 10:10b RSV)"I delight to do thy will, O my God;" (Psalm 40:8 RSV)
We all live-most of us do not wish to die-and yet, there is no driving desire to go on living either! We rise in the morning, accepting of the new day. We do not dread the day, but neither do we relish it with a sense of anticipation. The new day is part duty, part chore, and mostly routine-there is no joyous bounding into the day. The day, and any opportunity it may hold, is not a delight to us- we embark on the new day with resignation. Something is wrong. Many go on in this way for years, having settled for a quality of "life" that is far below that which is possible for the believer.
We do not doubt that God is there, or that He loves us. It isn't a crisis of faith (theologically), and yet it is a crisis... a quiet and prolonged crisis. In our best moments we are very aware that this "wilderness experience" is hardly the "life more abundant" that Jesus came to give! In our heart we know we must enter more fully into this gift of life, and that something is dreadfully wrong. For me, a deep breath of spring air is enough to remind me of what has been lost from my childhood- there was joy and anticipation in those days. What is the answer? How do we get this quality of life that Jesus speaks of?
For the child of God, abundant life comes only when we are obedient to the will of God- David said "I delight to do thy will O my God." And delight is just the missing ingredient for many of us. There is a delight that comes when we are obedient to the light that we have.
Simple obedience can turn a life of plodding resignation into a life that is a daily delight! Begin to read God's Word again with a single eye towards obedience. Then, go into the day with an obedient child-like heart, and let's see what God does! -- Peter Cardillo is the Director of Food Services at America's KESWICK and a graduate of Wheaton College.
Today's devotional is from our daily devotional, REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE and is available from the KESWICK BOOK AND GIFT SHOP (732-350-1187)
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 10-12; Mark 12:1-27
Great Quote: Where does your security lie? Is God your refuge, your hiding place, your stronghold, your shepherd, your counselor, your friend, your redeemer, your Saviour, your guide? If He is, you don't need to search any further for security. Elisabeth Elliot
Join us this Thursday evening, March 13th, for our Men's Fellowship Night. Pastor Dave Rittinger, Senior Pastor of Whiting Bible Church, will be our speaker. Please call today and make your reservation (732-350-1187).
Sunday, March 09, 2008
The "If-Then Concept" for Life
The "If-Then Concept" for Life
We've talked about Wisdom Way and Foolishness Boulevard in our thinking about Proverbs 2:1-20 and the "If-Then Concept." I'd like you to think with me today about those two streets as metaphors for our lives.
Some who read these Freedom Fighters know they've spent far too long on Foolishness Boulevard at great personal price. It's not an easy road, even though the devil would make us think it is. We've learned the consequences of traveling on a road devoted to all the things that do us damage rather than good. Foolishness Boulevard is a metaphor for lives lived filled with wrong choices and the determination to do things "our way."
Then there is Wisdom Way. It, too, is not an easy road. It's narrow, sometimes steep and not without unexpected curves and bumps. It offers entirely different consequences-or should I say blessings? God promises those who choose Wisdom Way that it is a protected way that will keep us from being seduced by the deceitful attractions of the world.
It's all about the "If-Then Concept." It's all about choices. It's all
about thinking before we make the choices. Proverbs 9 picks up on the
theme of wisdom and foolishness. Read verses 1-18. Compare vss. 4-6 with vss. 16-18. Solomon shows us the metaphor clearly. IF you choose the Wisdom Way, THEN you're promised life. IF you choose Foolishness Boulevard, THEN you're promised death.
I urge you to think about the "If-Then Concept" as you make choices in your life. I urge you to think about the "If-Then Concept" when temptation comes knocking at your door. I urge you to think about the "If-Then Concept" when you make big and little decisions. Even if we walk on Wisdom way today, the detours that put us on Foolishness Boulevard can come quickly. You can wander from the way easily if you live carelessly and without thinking about the consequences of your choices and decisions.
Choose hunger for God, His Word and His way. Make Him and His teaching the priority of your life. The more you choose Wisdom Way the safer and more secure you are.
I pray God will enable us to choose Wisdom Way. IF we do, THEN we'll know freedom and safety. IF we don't choose that way, THEN we'll know bondage and danger. May God help us choose the right way! - Pastor John Strain is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor
Today's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 11:19-33
Great Quote: The Christian who is not committed to a group of other believers for praying, sharing, and serving, so that he is known, as he knows others, is not an obedient Christian. He is not in the will of God. However vocal he may be in his theology, he is not obeying the Lord. Ray Ortland
We've talked about Wisdom Way and Foolishness Boulevard in our thinking about Proverbs 2:1-20 and the "If-Then Concept." I'd like you to think with me today about those two streets as metaphors for our lives.
Some who read these Freedom Fighters know they've spent far too long on Foolishness Boulevard at great personal price. It's not an easy road, even though the devil would make us think it is. We've learned the consequences of traveling on a road devoted to all the things that do us damage rather than good. Foolishness Boulevard is a metaphor for lives lived filled with wrong choices and the determination to do things "our way."
Then there is Wisdom Way. It, too, is not an easy road. It's narrow, sometimes steep and not without unexpected curves and bumps. It offers entirely different consequences-or should I say blessings? God promises those who choose Wisdom Way that it is a protected way that will keep us from being seduced by the deceitful attractions of the world.
It's all about the "If-Then Concept." It's all about choices. It's all
about thinking before we make the choices. Proverbs 9 picks up on the
theme of wisdom and foolishness. Read verses 1-18. Compare vss. 4-6 with vss. 16-18. Solomon shows us the metaphor clearly. IF you choose the Wisdom Way, THEN you're promised life. IF you choose Foolishness Boulevard, THEN you're promised death.
I urge you to think about the "If-Then Concept" as you make choices in your life. I urge you to think about the "If-Then Concept" when temptation comes knocking at your door. I urge you to think about the "If-Then Concept" when you make big and little decisions. Even if we walk on Wisdom way today, the detours that put us on Foolishness Boulevard can come quickly. You can wander from the way easily if you live carelessly and without thinking about the consequences of your choices and decisions.
Choose hunger for God, His Word and His way. Make Him and His teaching the priority of your life. The more you choose Wisdom Way the safer and more secure you are.
I pray God will enable us to choose Wisdom Way. IF we do, THEN we'll know freedom and safety. IF we don't choose that way, THEN we'll know bondage and danger. May God help us choose the right way! - Pastor John Strain is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor
Today's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 11:19-33
Great Quote: The Christian who is not committed to a group of other believers for praying, sharing, and serving, so that he is known, as he knows others, is not an obedient Christian. He is not in the will of God. However vocal he may be in his theology, he is not obeying the Lord. Ray Ortland
Saturday, March 08, 2008
The Assurance of "THEN" in the "IF-THEN CONCEPT"
The Assurance of "THEN" in the "If-Then Concept"
Part of what we learn in a regular reading of Proverbs is the difference between conditional and unconditional promises and/or teaching. Some things God promises are unconditional. Others are distinctly conditional.
We continue our walk through Proverbs 2:1-20 (I'm expanding the reading from last weekend.) today. Bill Welte didn't choose the name "Freedom Fighter" just because it sounds good. His goal in beginning this daily encouragement was simple: he wanted men like you and me to walk in the freedom that comes from knowing Christ.
Proverbs 2 assures us that freedom is available. That's what the "THEN"
is all about. We must understand, however, that the "THEN" is conditional on the "IF." I suggest to you this morning that the effort involved in pursuing the "IF" more than pays for itself in the promises that come with the "THEN."
IF we live out the "IF's," Solomon assures of that we'll live on Wisdom Way instead of Foolishness Boulevard. We'll understand the "fear of the Lord" and find the "knowledge of God." The Lord will give us "wisdom," that godly ability to live life skillfully. But, it gets better than that.
Take time to read vss. 10-20 of Proverbs 2. The Wisdom Writer begins that section by saying, "When wisdom enters your heart. . . ." You can change that "when" with another "IF." Wisdom, God's wisdom, operative in our lives brings "discretion." Solomon promises that discretion will preserve us or protect us from evil. It will help us see what is good and what isn't good. Discretion empowers us to make good choices. Now, notice the result of verse 10. "IF" wisdom enters our hearts and brings discretion to our lives, we "may walk in the way of goodness and keep to the paths of righteousness."
To really grasp the assurance of "THEN," read the verses between verse 10 and verse 20." IF we live out the "If-Then" concept by hearing, receiving and crying out for God's Word and wisdom, THEN we'll live with the assurance that comes when the fear of the Lord, wisdom and discretion govern our lives.
That's what being a Freedom Fighter is all about! - Pastor John Strain is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist of Tom's River
Today's Scripture Reading - Deuteronomy 4-6; Mark 11:1-18
Great Quote: "There is one thing I have noticed as I have traveled in different countries; I never have known the Spirit of God to work where the Lord's people are divided. Unity is the one thing that we must have for the Holy Spirit to work in our midst." Dwight L. Moody
Part of what we learn in a regular reading of Proverbs is the difference between conditional and unconditional promises and/or teaching. Some things God promises are unconditional. Others are distinctly conditional.
We continue our walk through Proverbs 2:1-20 (I'm expanding the reading from last weekend.) today. Bill Welte didn't choose the name "Freedom Fighter" just because it sounds good. His goal in beginning this daily encouragement was simple: he wanted men like you and me to walk in the freedom that comes from knowing Christ.
Proverbs 2 assures us that freedom is available. That's what the "THEN"
is all about. We must understand, however, that the "THEN" is conditional on the "IF." I suggest to you this morning that the effort involved in pursuing the "IF" more than pays for itself in the promises that come with the "THEN."
IF we live out the "IF's," Solomon assures of that we'll live on Wisdom Way instead of Foolishness Boulevard. We'll understand the "fear of the Lord" and find the "knowledge of God." The Lord will give us "wisdom," that godly ability to live life skillfully. But, it gets better than that.
Take time to read vss. 10-20 of Proverbs 2. The Wisdom Writer begins that section by saying, "When wisdom enters your heart. . . ." You can change that "when" with another "IF." Wisdom, God's wisdom, operative in our lives brings "discretion." Solomon promises that discretion will preserve us or protect us from evil. It will help us see what is good and what isn't good. Discretion empowers us to make good choices. Now, notice the result of verse 10. "IF" wisdom enters our hearts and brings discretion to our lives, we "may walk in the way of goodness and keep to the paths of righteousness."
To really grasp the assurance of "THEN," read the verses between verse 10 and verse 20." IF we live out the "If-Then" concept by hearing, receiving and crying out for God's Word and wisdom, THEN we'll live with the assurance that comes when the fear of the Lord, wisdom and discretion govern our lives.
That's what being a Freedom Fighter is all about! - Pastor John Strain is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist of Tom's River
Today's Scripture Reading - Deuteronomy 4-6; Mark 11:1-18
Great Quote: "There is one thing I have noticed as I have traveled in different countries; I never have known the Spirit of God to work where the Lord's people are divided. Unity is the one thing that we must have for the Holy Spirit to work in our midst." Dwight L. Moody
Friday, March 07, 2008
Taking Proverbs for A Walk with Jesus
Taking Proverbs For A Walk With Jesus
"My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck; Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3:1-4
Proverbs seems to be one of these books in the Bible that you can open up at any page and there will be something that you need to look at for yourself. The one thing that I have come to understand is God's word is a living word for everyday living and walking. In those times of self-doubt or self reflection a good Proverb can come in quite handy.
Doesn't the above Proverb sound like instruction given straight from above? Just picture the Savior saying this to the men that followed Him.
What I've learned to look at from my study of Proverbs is in the first 9 chapters of Solomon's wisdom. How Jesus and Paul were able to use the illustration of marriage to speak of the relationship between God and His children. Solomon wanted his son to marry a woman of honor, like Jesus, the bridegroom, wants to marry His church, the bride. An honorable woman lifts up the spiritual head of the family and in turn he lifts her up. The more we do not forget the law and keep His commands in our hearts; this relationship brings glory unto God.
As I walk this path that God has set before me, it's what I see or have seen that has brought to me the notion of experience dictating the application of Proverbs.
"Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil
with the proud." Proverbs 16:18-19
As a Colony man this was a Proverb that you could hear over and over again when it got around that a follow Colony man had gone astray. I can also take this upon myself in those times when things are going wrong and I have been a bit of a braggart and hopefully the conviction of His spirit will re-direct my steps.
In closing, Proverbs are an everyday, waking up by being mindful of and walking the path with, way of life. Within Solomon's wisdom is a code of conduct and also within his wisdom are the "what happens" when we stray and go on our own. It is defiantly clear that picking the wrong woman will bring nothing but harm and the woman who works at honoring will be honored.
Jesus wants His church to conduct itself not only obediently but wisely. He wanted us to understand what folly would do to His church and to the Father. A Proverb a day may keep the adversary away but it will most certainly help us with "just a closer walk with Thee." - Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy
Today's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 1-3; Mark 10:32-52
Great Quote: To give God the service of the body and not of the soul - is hypocrisy. To give God the service of the soul and not of the body is sacrilege. To give God neither is atheism and to give God both is worship. Anonymous
"My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck; Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3:1-4
Proverbs seems to be one of these books in the Bible that you can open up at any page and there will be something that you need to look at for yourself. The one thing that I have come to understand is God's word is a living word for everyday living and walking. In those times of self-doubt or self reflection a good Proverb can come in quite handy.
Doesn't the above Proverb sound like instruction given straight from above? Just picture the Savior saying this to the men that followed Him.
What I've learned to look at from my study of Proverbs is in the first 9 chapters of Solomon's wisdom. How Jesus and Paul were able to use the illustration of marriage to speak of the relationship between God and His children. Solomon wanted his son to marry a woman of honor, like Jesus, the bridegroom, wants to marry His church, the bride. An honorable woman lifts up the spiritual head of the family and in turn he lifts her up. The more we do not forget the law and keep His commands in our hearts; this relationship brings glory unto God.
As I walk this path that God has set before me, it's what I see or have seen that has brought to me the notion of experience dictating the application of Proverbs.
"Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil
with the proud." Proverbs 16:18-19
As a Colony man this was a Proverb that you could hear over and over again when it got around that a follow Colony man had gone astray. I can also take this upon myself in those times when things are going wrong and I have been a bit of a braggart and hopefully the conviction of His spirit will re-direct my steps.
In closing, Proverbs are an everyday, waking up by being mindful of and walking the path with, way of life. Within Solomon's wisdom is a code of conduct and also within his wisdom are the "what happens" when we stray and go on our own. It is defiantly clear that picking the wrong woman will bring nothing but harm and the woman who works at honoring will be honored.
Jesus wants His church to conduct itself not only obediently but wisely. He wanted us to understand what folly would do to His church and to the Father. A Proverb a day may keep the adversary away but it will most certainly help us with "just a closer walk with Thee." - Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy
Today's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 1-3; Mark 10:32-52
Great Quote: To give God the service of the body and not of the soul - is hypocrisy. To give God the service of the soul and not of the body is sacrilege. To give God neither is atheism and to give God both is worship. Anonymous
Thursday, March 06, 2008
FORGIVE TO BE FORGIVEN
"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." Matthew 6:12
The one area that so many of us get stuck is in the area of forgiveness.
We tend to remember what we should forget and forget what we should remember! Some of us have held on to stuff in our hearts that should have been long forgiven, and God makes it very plain that an unforgiving heart leads to a bitter heart which will eventually affect every area of our lives.
Dr. Henry Blackaby in his devotional, EXPERIENCING GOD - THE DEVOTIONAL, writes: "Few things are more precious to receive than forgiveness. After carrying the burden of our sin, it is wonderfully freeing to know that the one we have wronged has completely forgiven us.
Jesus told His disciples to ask God for forgiveness every time they prayed. Jesus knew that we would daily incur debts against God, as we inevitably fall short of God's standard. A day does not go by that we do not need to ask God to remove our debt against Him.
Jesus warned that we should expect forgiveness from God as we forgive those who sin against us, for God will forgive us in the same we that we forgive others (Matthew 6:15). God's nature is forgiveness (Exodus 34:6-7). If we are to be His disciples, we must follow HIS example. If God will forgive our most relentless enemy, we can do nothing less. Jesus did not say that certain offenses are unworthy of our forgiveness. We have no biblical excuse for allowing unforgiveness in our hearts.
If you choose to withhold forgiveness from someone, your worship and prayers are futile (Matthew 5:23-24). Ask God to make you aware of those dark corners in your life where you are bearing resentment. A keen awareness of your own need for forgiveness will put the offenses of others in their proper light. Ask God to make you like Christ so that, even when you are being persecuted, you can pray, 'Father, forgive them.'
What about it? Are you holding on to an offense that needs to be forgiven? Are you holding out on forgiving a brother? Get on your knees this morning, guys. Forgiveness = freedom! - Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America's KESWICK.
Today's Scripture Reading: Numbers 26-28; Mark 8
Great Quote: But, you object, a heart like mine can offer Christ so little - at best, so poor and pinched and stingy a hospitality and such meager fare; for I
have nothing worthy of Him to set before Him, only a kind of affection, real enough at times, but which, at others, can and does so easily forget; only a will, quite unreliable, deplorably unstable; only a faith that is the merest shadow of what His real friends mean when they speak about faith, I know. But, there was once a garret up under the roof, a poor, bare place enough. There was a table in it, and there were some benches, and a water-pot; a towel, and a basin in behind the door, but not much else- a bare, "unhomelike" room. But the Lord Christ entered into it. And, from that moment, it became the holiest of all, where souls innumerable ever since have met the Lord God, in High glory, face to face. And, if you give Him entrance to that very ordinary heart of yours, it too He will transform and sanctify and touch with a splendour of glory. Arthur John (A. J.) Gossip
"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." Matthew 6:12
The one area that so many of us get stuck is in the area of forgiveness.
We tend to remember what we should forget and forget what we should remember! Some of us have held on to stuff in our hearts that should have been long forgiven, and God makes it very plain that an unforgiving heart leads to a bitter heart which will eventually affect every area of our lives.
Dr. Henry Blackaby in his devotional, EXPERIENCING GOD - THE DEVOTIONAL, writes: "Few things are more precious to receive than forgiveness. After carrying the burden of our sin, it is wonderfully freeing to know that the one we have wronged has completely forgiven us.
Jesus told His disciples to ask God for forgiveness every time they prayed. Jesus knew that we would daily incur debts against God, as we inevitably fall short of God's standard. A day does not go by that we do not need to ask God to remove our debt against Him.
Jesus warned that we should expect forgiveness from God as we forgive those who sin against us, for God will forgive us in the same we that we forgive others (Matthew 6:15). God's nature is forgiveness (Exodus 34:6-7). If we are to be His disciples, we must follow HIS example. If God will forgive our most relentless enemy, we can do nothing less. Jesus did not say that certain offenses are unworthy of our forgiveness. We have no biblical excuse for allowing unforgiveness in our hearts.
If you choose to withhold forgiveness from someone, your worship and prayers are futile (Matthew 5:23-24). Ask God to make you aware of those dark corners in your life where you are bearing resentment. A keen awareness of your own need for forgiveness will put the offenses of others in their proper light. Ask God to make you like Christ so that, even when you are being persecuted, you can pray, 'Father, forgive them.'
What about it? Are you holding on to an offense that needs to be forgiven? Are you holding out on forgiving a brother? Get on your knees this morning, guys. Forgiveness = freedom! - Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America's KESWICK.
Today's Scripture Reading: Numbers 26-28; Mark 8
Great Quote: But, you object, a heart like mine can offer Christ so little - at best, so poor and pinched and stingy a hospitality and such meager fare; for I
have nothing worthy of Him to set before Him, only a kind of affection, real enough at times, but which, at others, can and does so easily forget; only a will, quite unreliable, deplorably unstable; only a faith that is the merest shadow of what His real friends mean when they speak about faith, I know. But, there was once a garret up under the roof, a poor, bare place enough. There was a table in it, and there were some benches, and a water-pot; a towel, and a basin in behind the door, but not much else- a bare, "unhomelike" room. But the Lord Christ entered into it. And, from that moment, it became the holiest of all, where souls innumerable ever since have met the Lord God, in High glory, face to face. And, if you give Him entrance to that very ordinary heart of yours, it too He will transform and sanctify and touch with a splendour of glory. Arthur John (A. J.) Gossip
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
A THREEFOLD VICTORY"... fashioned like unto his glorious body..." (Philippians. 3:20-21)
The motto of America's Keswick states that it is a place and a ministry "where God speaks to hearts and transforms lives." Through the years thousands have come to Keswick with such a desire, a need and an expectation. Many have heard the message of hope and have expressed hope in the message. Some have asked - "What is the key to a transformed life? Is there such a thing as a victorious life?" Others have referred to "the formula" for such a changed and victorious life as "a secret."
For some the "victorious life" appears to be a mystery solved by only a few. Yet "victory" is the theme of our Bible and the provision of our Lord. Examine our verses for the day as an illustration.
"For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself." (Phil. 3:20-21)
Here is a threefold victory. First, our Lord shall "change our vile body." We may have difficulty in acknowledging that our body is vile, that it is humiliated to the degree of such serious need. We may have difficulty in understanding that our Lord can in fact change such a body. We may call it a "key" but it is certainly no "secret," that acknowledging both our need and His provision are essential to victorious living.
Secondly, our Lord shall "fashion" our new body "...like unto His glorified body...." The design of our life belongs to Him. That must be our expectation and our willingness. We must cooperate but not dictate. When He begins to perfect the changes inherent in our redemption and along the lines of His design, we must give to Him our Will but not our opinion.
Thirdly, our Lord shall "subdue" our changed body - and "all things unto Himself." If we are to have victory now we acknowledge our de-crowning in submission to His subduing. That is grace on His part, yieldingness on ours, and victory in all. -- Robert L. Alderman is Minister-at-Large at Shenandoah Baptist and a member the Keswick Board of Reference
Scripture Reading: Exodus 1-3; Matthew 14:1-21
Great Quote: "We must, therefore, diligently observe that from the beginning God has sent into the world a two-fold word or message, the Law and the Gospel. These two messages must be rightly distinguished one from the other and properly understood, for besides the Scriptures there never has been a book written to this day, not even by a saint, in which these two messages, the Law and the Gospel, have been properly explained and distinguished, and yet so very much depends on such an explanation.
The Law is that word by which God teaches what we shall do, as for instance, the Ten Commandments... Now, the word Gospel...proclaims the blessed doctrine of life eternal by divine promise, and offers grace and forgiveness of sin: Therefore, works do not belong to the Gospel, as it is not a law; only faith belongs to it, as it is altogether a promise and an offer of divine grace. Whosoever now believes the Gospel will receive grace and the Holy Spirit. This will cause the heart to rejoice and find delight in God, and will enable the believer to keep the law cheerfully, without expecting reward, without fear of punishment, without seeking compensation, as the heart is perfectly satisfied with God's grace, by which the law has been fulfilled. But all these promises from the beginning are founded on Christ, so that God promises no one this grace except through Christ alone." Martin Luther, Sermon on Matthew 11
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Loving Others With Agape
Loving Others With AgapeI have been stretched and pulled over the years to love my son who is a homosexual. At first this had been devastating to me. Now almost 7 years later God is still using this in my life to conform me to His image. More then a year ago God asked me if I was loving my son. Yes, I was. I love the sinner but not the sin was my mantra. I was content with that. I felt that I was making a choice to love that God would be pleased with. This sinner is my son after all. Then God asked if I loved his partner. No I did not. I never meet him nor spoke to him. God asked me if that was love. Here is where I found out where my love ended and God's agape love needed to begin. A while after this I called my son repenting of how little I truly loved him and how I never loved his partner and I needed to love them better. I began to reach out, however awkwardly. This relationship ended and I felt relieved to not have to be stretched in this area.
Forward to Christmas. Michael wanted to come home for Christmas. Great! Then came the question, can I bring a friend? God apparently wanted me to love more-again! I was afraid and I was hesitant but within boundaries, yes, they could come home for Christmas. I prayed to have the love of Jesus for them. I prayed for that love because my flesh can't manufacture the love I would need. To make a long story short I found myself loving my son and this other young man more then I thought I ever could. I delighted in seeing that my son has matured a bit. I delighted in the respect I was given. I delighted in their company! I delighted that God will give us this agape love when we allow Him to love through us.
Now as I am studying God's love in a bible study I realize some of what God has done in and for me. As I look at God's agape love I read: "Agape love is not fueled by the desire of its recipient; it is fueled by the need. For God so (agape) the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 Agape means God did what humanity most needed- He pursued in us that which was highest and best." Pg 59- Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore Weren't you and I in the same position as my son and his friend are now? Weren't we desperately needy? Needy of the agape of God? God's agape wasn't given to me because I desired it. "But God demonstrates His own love (agape) toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 How and why could I demonstrate love to Michael and his friend? Because just like me I had a desperate need for a Savior and they need Jesus too.
Kathy is on staff fulltime at the Keswick Book and Gift Shop. She is married to her husband, Dave and has two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is the Word of God and encouraging women to dig deeper into the truths of the Bible.
Faith Pleases God
FAITH PLEASES GOD
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6
I never cease to be amazed at how God directs me in my reading as well as through my devotional reading. Today's devotional comes from Henry Blackaby's devotional, EXPERIENCING GOD ... THE DEVOTIONAL, and is a good follow-up to yesterday's Freedom Fighter.
"Your relationship with God is largely determined by your faith. When you come to Him, you must believe that He exists and that He is exactly who He has revealed Himself to be in Scriptures. You must also believe that He will respond to you when you earnestly seek Him. Without this kind of faith, you cannot please God.
Regardless of the morality of your life, the good works you perform, the words you speak, or the sacrifices you make for His sake, if you do not have faith, you will not please Him.
It can be tempting to substitute religious activity for faith in God.
Christians may claim they are being "good stewards" of their resources when, in fact, they are wanting to walk by SIGHT rather than by FAITH (Hebrews 11:1). They may refuse to do what God tells them unless they can see all the resources in place first.
You may say, 'I love God, but I just have difficulty trusting Him.' Then you are not pleasing to Him. You cannot struggle at the core of your relationship with God and still enjoy a vibrant fellowship with Him!
Faith does not eliminate problems. Faith keeps you in a trusting relationship with God IN THE MIDST of your problems. Faith has to do with your RELATIONSHIP with God, not your CIRCUMSTANCES.
Some may say, 'I'm not much of a person of faith. I am more of a PRACTICAL person!' Yet you will never do anything more practical that to place your trust in the Lord. NOTHING is more secure or certain that that which you entrust to God."
So are you willing today to be a man of faith? Tell Him and allow Him to live His life through you in this area of your life. - Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America's KESWICK and the general editor and writer of Freedom Fighters. To dialog with Bill, simply reply to this email. He enjoys hearing from his Freedom Fighter family.
Great Quote: I don't often spend more than half an hour in prayer at one time, but I never go more than half an hour without praying. -- Smith Wigglesworth
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6
I never cease to be amazed at how God directs me in my reading as well as through my devotional reading. Today's devotional comes from Henry Blackaby's devotional, EXPERIENCING GOD ... THE DEVOTIONAL, and is a good follow-up to yesterday's Freedom Fighter.
"Your relationship with God is largely determined by your faith. When you come to Him, you must believe that He exists and that He is exactly who He has revealed Himself to be in Scriptures. You must also believe that He will respond to you when you earnestly seek Him. Without this kind of faith, you cannot please God.
Regardless of the morality of your life, the good works you perform, the words you speak, or the sacrifices you make for His sake, if you do not have faith, you will not please Him.
It can be tempting to substitute religious activity for faith in God.
Christians may claim they are being "good stewards" of their resources when, in fact, they are wanting to walk by SIGHT rather than by FAITH (Hebrews 11:1). They may refuse to do what God tells them unless they can see all the resources in place first.
You may say, 'I love God, but I just have difficulty trusting Him.' Then you are not pleasing to Him. You cannot struggle at the core of your relationship with God and still enjoy a vibrant fellowship with Him!
Faith does not eliminate problems. Faith keeps you in a trusting relationship with God IN THE MIDST of your problems. Faith has to do with your RELATIONSHIP with God, not your CIRCUMSTANCES.
Some may say, 'I'm not much of a person of faith. I am more of a PRACTICAL person!' Yet you will never do anything more practical that to place your trust in the Lord. NOTHING is more secure or certain that that which you entrust to God."
So are you willing today to be a man of faith? Tell Him and allow Him to live His life through you in this area of your life. - Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America's KESWICK and the general editor and writer of Freedom Fighters. To dialog with Bill, simply reply to this email. He enjoys hearing from his Freedom Fighter family.
Great Quote: I don't often spend more than half an hour in prayer at one time, but I never go more than half an hour without praying. -- Smith Wigglesworth
Monday, March 03, 2008
What it Takes to Please God
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO PLEASE GOD?
"Therefore we also have as our ambition [we make it our aim], whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him." 2 Corinthians 5:9; " ... trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord." Ephesians 5:8-10
Last week we looked at the characteristics of a God-pleaser. Today I want to share with you what it takes to please God. I have really been challenged by the study I have been doing as I have read through the Scriptures and Lou Prilio's book, PLEASING GOD... How Not to be An Approval Junkie. It has really stirred me on to learn what pleases God.
Here is what it takes to please God:
1. Pleasing God requires faith. "And without faith it is impossible
to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6
2. Pleasing God requires walking with Him. "For this reason also,
since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God ..." Colossians 1:9-10
3. Pleasing God requires sanctification. "Finally then, brethren, we
request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: ..." I Thessalonians 4:1-3
4. Pleasing God requires YOUR cooperation. "So then, my beloved,
just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:12-13
5. Pleasing God requires doing good works. " ... so that you will
walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God ..." Colossians 1:9-10
6. Pleasing God requires knowledge and wisdom. "For this reason
also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God ..." Colossians 1:9-10
7. Pleasing God requires gratitude (worship). "Therefore, since we
have received a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe ..." Hebrews 12:28
8. Pleasing God requires godly ambition. "Therefore we also have as
our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." 2 Corinthians 5:9-10
That question this morning is this - Am I willing to do what it takes to please God today? Think about it. But do more than that - do it! -- Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America's KESWICK
Great quote: He feared nothing for Himself; and never once employed His divine power to save Himself from His human fate. Let God do that for Him if He saw fit. He did not come into the world to take care of Himself...His life was of no value to Him but as His Father cared for it. God would mind all that was necessary for Him, and He would mind the work His Father had given Him to do. And, my friends, this is just the one secret of a blessed life, the one thing every man comes into this world to learn. George Macdonald
"Therefore we also have as our ambition [we make it our aim], whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him." 2 Corinthians 5:9; " ... trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord." Ephesians 5:8-10
Last week we looked at the characteristics of a God-pleaser. Today I want to share with you what it takes to please God. I have really been challenged by the study I have been doing as I have read through the Scriptures and Lou Prilio's book, PLEASING GOD... How Not to be An Approval Junkie. It has really stirred me on to learn what pleases God.
Here is what it takes to please God:
1. Pleasing God requires faith. "And without faith it is impossible
to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6
2. Pleasing God requires walking with Him. "For this reason also,
since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God ..." Colossians 1:9-10
3. Pleasing God requires sanctification. "Finally then, brethren, we
request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: ..." I Thessalonians 4:1-3
4. Pleasing God requires YOUR cooperation. "So then, my beloved,
just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:12-13
5. Pleasing God requires doing good works. " ... so that you will
walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God ..." Colossians 1:9-10
6. Pleasing God requires knowledge and wisdom. "For this reason
also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God ..." Colossians 1:9-10
7. Pleasing God requires gratitude (worship). "Therefore, since we
have received a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe ..." Hebrews 12:28
8. Pleasing God requires godly ambition. "Therefore we also have as
our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." 2 Corinthians 5:9-10
That question this morning is this - Am I willing to do what it takes to please God today? Think about it. But do more than that - do it! -- Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America's KESWICK
Great quote: He feared nothing for Himself; and never once employed His divine power to save Himself from His human fate. Let God do that for Him if He saw fit. He did not come into the world to take care of Himself...His life was of no value to Him but as His Father cared for it. God would mind all that was necessary for Him, and He would mind the work His Father had given Him to do. And, my friends, this is just the one secret of a blessed life, the one thing every man comes into this world to learn. George Macdonald
Sunday, March 02, 2008
The Intensity of "IF" in the "If -- Then Concept"
The Intensity of "IF" in the "If--Then Concept"
People who struggle with addictions discover the passion that a substance or attraction can create. People like us who know the power of addictions can get really passionate about then next hit, or the next drink, or the next chat session. I often wonder why men like us don't seem to get so passionate about our walk with Jesus.
The Wisdom Writer tried to convey the importance of passion when talking to his son about walking on Wisdom Way instead of Foolishness Boulevard.
Take another look at Proverbs 2:1-9. Notice the progression of passion in the little "IF" word that shows up in verses one, three and four. "If you receive my words," is not so intense. Then the father says, "if you cry out our understanding." Crying involves passion. In the context of this chapter, the son needs to cry out for that which he doesn't have but desperately needs. It requires passion.
Then, the father increases the level of passion. In verse four he encourages his son with these words: "If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures." Something of great value awaits the son who searches. He is to pursue the components of wisdom as though he were looking for hidden treasure. That kind of search requires passion.
Most of us have walked down Foolish Boulevard for one reason or another.
We were passionate about the issue that put us on that road. For some who read Freedom Fighter, it took a major catastrophe to get you off the road to destruction. We remember the passion, though. We remember the attraction and the power it held in our lives.
God offers us that which is of far greater value. Nothing we've given our lives for has the same power God brings to us in the person of Jesus Christ. He offers forgiveness, healing, wholeness and transformation. He, and only He, can make us brand new creations. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The Ephesian church, according to John's Revelation, lost its passion.
It lost that first love that came when they first knew Jesus. They became just "lukewarm." I suggest that they became "passionless." How passionate are you about living on Wisdom Way? How passionately do you pursue the "IF" of Proverbs 2? How intense is your commitment to the pursuit of Jesus and His plan for your life?
Consider these questions during the week ahead:
1. Do I receive God's Word and welcome it into my life?
2. Do I cry out for God's teaching and wisdom in my life?
3. Do I search for God's work and will in my life as though it
were hidden treasure?
4. Do I want Jesus in my life more passionately than I want
anything else? If not, why not?
Pastor John Strain is our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor and is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River
Great quote: Proud people are often so focused on the external sins in others that they can't see the attitudes that generate the external sins that they hold in contempt. They spend most of their time trying to put out small fires of sin on the surface of their lives while being totally unaware that there are shrewd and significant arsonists in their hearts setting new fires faster than the existing ones can be extinguished. - Lou Priolio
People who struggle with addictions discover the passion that a substance or attraction can create. People like us who know the power of addictions can get really passionate about then next hit, or the next drink, or the next chat session. I often wonder why men like us don't seem to get so passionate about our walk with Jesus.
The Wisdom Writer tried to convey the importance of passion when talking to his son about walking on Wisdom Way instead of Foolishness Boulevard.
Take another look at Proverbs 2:1-9. Notice the progression of passion in the little "IF" word that shows up in verses one, three and four. "If you receive my words," is not so intense. Then the father says, "if you cry out our understanding." Crying involves passion. In the context of this chapter, the son needs to cry out for that which he doesn't have but desperately needs. It requires passion.
Then, the father increases the level of passion. In verse four he encourages his son with these words: "If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures." Something of great value awaits the son who searches. He is to pursue the components of wisdom as though he were looking for hidden treasure. That kind of search requires passion.
Most of us have walked down Foolish Boulevard for one reason or another.
We were passionate about the issue that put us on that road. For some who read Freedom Fighter, it took a major catastrophe to get you off the road to destruction. We remember the passion, though. We remember the attraction and the power it held in our lives.
God offers us that which is of far greater value. Nothing we've given our lives for has the same power God brings to us in the person of Jesus Christ. He offers forgiveness, healing, wholeness and transformation. He, and only He, can make us brand new creations. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The Ephesian church, according to John's Revelation, lost its passion.
It lost that first love that came when they first knew Jesus. They became just "lukewarm." I suggest that they became "passionless." How passionate are you about living on Wisdom Way? How passionately do you pursue the "IF" of Proverbs 2? How intense is your commitment to the pursuit of Jesus and His plan for your life?
Consider these questions during the week ahead:
1. Do I receive God's Word and welcome it into my life?
2. Do I cry out for God's teaching and wisdom in my life?
3. Do I search for God's work and will in my life as though it
were hidden treasure?
4. Do I want Jesus in my life more passionately than I want
anything else? If not, why not?
Pastor John Strain is our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor and is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River
Great quote: Proud people are often so focused on the external sins in others that they can't see the attitudes that generate the external sins that they hold in contempt. They spend most of their time trying to put out small fires of sin on the surface of their lives while being totally unaware that there are shrewd and significant arsonists in their hearts setting new fires faster than the existing ones can be extinguished. - Lou Priolio
Saturday, March 01, 2008
The If Then Concept
"The If-Then Concept
We often think of consequences in negative terms. We think of consequences as the outcome of some wrong we've done. I want to take you back to Proverbs for a couple of weeks as we think about consequences in a different way. The book clearly teaches us that negative behaviors bring negative consequences. It also teaches what I call the "If-Then Concept" of positive choices and positive outcomes.
All of life is about choices. As Freedom Fighters, we understand the importance of wise, godly choices in our lives. We also understand that unwise and ungodly choices take us places we don't want to go, keep us longer than we want to stay and cost more than we want to pay. Bill Welte had several goals when he started this email ministry. Helping men like you and me make wise, godly choices was high on the goal list.
So, let's think about the "If-Then Concept" from the second chapter of Proverbs. Verse one begins with these words: "My son, if you receive my words and treasure my commands within you . . . ." Most of you know the importance of God's Word. You've received instruction about the need for God's Word to take root in your souls. You know about hiding God's Word in your heart. This is not new news for most of us.
Solomon comes at it from a different angle. By using the "if" word, Solomon lets his son know that he has choices. He can choose not to receive his father's words. He can choose not to treasure the commands.
Another road awaits him. Proverbs calls it the way of folly or foolishness. The son can choose that road. In other places in Proverbs, Solomon will let his son know the consequences of traveling down Foolishness Boulevard.
Solomon's son needs to know about another way, however. His father wants him to know the positive consequences of walking down Wisdom Way.
Everything a father wants for his son rests on that one little word--IF.
IF he chooses Wisdom way, THEN really good things await him. Verses 1-4 continue the IF part of the instruction.
Drop down to verse 5 to get the THEN part of the instruction. "Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God."
He concludes the THEN section in verse 9: "Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path." Those "consequences" of receiving words of wisdom protect us from everything that occurs on Foolishness Boulevard.
Each of us needs to think about the "If-Then Concept" and the choices it demands of us. The "If-Then" of Proverbs 2 protects us from danger and empowers us to live life without regret, shame or failure. That seems like a no-brainer kind of choice to me. What about you? - Pastor John Strain is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor
Great quote: The death of Christ on the cross was no imitation death or charade. It is presented to us by the Gospel writers because they want us to face death, to confront it - so that we will be prepared for real Life! The Hebrews when they were in Egypt were saved from the angel of death and destruction by marking the door-posts of their houses with the blood of a lamb, so we are marked with the life-giving sign of the cross, stained with the blood of the Lamb of God. The Cross then is the victory sign of every Christian. It is the powerful and defiant banner under which we journey to the safety of our proper homeland, for death has been conquered and Christ has destroyed its fear through the Cross. David Charlesworth
We often think of consequences in negative terms. We think of consequences as the outcome of some wrong we've done. I want to take you back to Proverbs for a couple of weeks as we think about consequences in a different way. The book clearly teaches us that negative behaviors bring negative consequences. It also teaches what I call the "If-Then Concept" of positive choices and positive outcomes.
All of life is about choices. As Freedom Fighters, we understand the importance of wise, godly choices in our lives. We also understand that unwise and ungodly choices take us places we don't want to go, keep us longer than we want to stay and cost more than we want to pay. Bill Welte had several goals when he started this email ministry. Helping men like you and me make wise, godly choices was high on the goal list.
So, let's think about the "If-Then Concept" from the second chapter of Proverbs. Verse one begins with these words: "My son, if you receive my words and treasure my commands within you . . . ." Most of you know the importance of God's Word. You've received instruction about the need for God's Word to take root in your souls. You know about hiding God's Word in your heart. This is not new news for most of us.
Solomon comes at it from a different angle. By using the "if" word, Solomon lets his son know that he has choices. He can choose not to receive his father's words. He can choose not to treasure the commands.
Another road awaits him. Proverbs calls it the way of folly or foolishness. The son can choose that road. In other places in Proverbs, Solomon will let his son know the consequences of traveling down Foolishness Boulevard.
Solomon's son needs to know about another way, however. His father wants him to know the positive consequences of walking down Wisdom Way.
Everything a father wants for his son rests on that one little word--IF.
IF he chooses Wisdom way, THEN really good things await him. Verses 1-4 continue the IF part of the instruction.
Drop down to verse 5 to get the THEN part of the instruction. "Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God."
He concludes the THEN section in verse 9: "Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path." Those "consequences" of receiving words of wisdom protect us from everything that occurs on Foolishness Boulevard.
Each of us needs to think about the "If-Then Concept" and the choices it demands of us. The "If-Then" of Proverbs 2 protects us from danger and empowers us to live life without regret, shame or failure. That seems like a no-brainer kind of choice to me. What about you? - Pastor John Strain is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor
Great quote: The death of Christ on the cross was no imitation death or charade. It is presented to us by the Gospel writers because they want us to face death, to confront it - so that we will be prepared for real Life! The Hebrews when they were in Egypt were saved from the angel of death and destruction by marking the door-posts of their houses with the blood of a lamb, so we are marked with the life-giving sign of the cross, stained with the blood of the Lamb of God. The Cross then is the victory sign of every Christian. It is the powerful and defiant banner under which we journey to the safety of our proper homeland, for death has been conquered and Christ has destroyed its fear through the Cross. David Charlesworth
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