Disllusionment

Disillusionment

"Jesus did not commit Himself to them ... for He knew what was in man."
John 2:24-25

Over the past twelve years, there have been men who have gone through our 120-day residential addiction recovery program (The Colony of Mercy) who have done very well during their stay only to leave and fall flat on their face and back into their addictions. Many get right back up and get back on track, but some of the "shining stars" have spent several more years back in the muck and mire living in "bondage" rather than enjoying the freedom that they could have in Christ.

Many of you have been praying for my friend and brother, Tom Paschke, who is sitting in a jail cell in Lancaster, PA for the next eight months. This week many of guests have expressed their deep sorrow that Tom went back into his full blown addiction. They have made comments like, "Doesn't this make you cynical or skeptical? Aren't you disillusioned when this happens?"

I would be lying to you if I told you that I didn't struggle with being cynical at times with certain men. And I have certainly been hurt and disappointed when a man gives up everything to go back to the muck and mire of sin. It hurts to think that Tom has come to this point in his life and rejected everything. I have shed many tears, along with so many others, and long to see the day that he will allow Christ to set him free - completely and fully restored.

Oswald Chambers touched on disillusionment today in MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST and I needed to hear these words today ...

"Refusing to be disillusioned is the cause of much of the suffering of human life. And this is how that suffering happens - if we love someone, but do not love God, we demand total perfection and righteousness from that person, and when we do not get it we become cruel and vindictive; yet we are demanding of a human being something which he or she cannot possibly give.

There is only one Being who can completely satisfy to the absolute depth of the hurting human heart, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord is so obviously uncompromising with regard to every human relationship because He knows that every relationship that is not based on faithfulness to Himself will end in disaster.

Our Lord trusted no one, and never placed faith in people, yet He was never suspicious or bitter. Our Lord's confidence in God, and what God's grace could do for anyone, was so perfect that He never despaired, never giving up hope for any person. If our trust is placed in human beings, we will end up despairing of everyone."

Are you struggling with disillusionment? Then let these words sink into your heart today. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Psalms 54-56; Romans 3

Great Quote: If I do not look with eyes of hope on all in whom there is even a faint beginning, as our Lord did when, just after His disciples has wrangled about which of them should be accounted the greatest, He softened His rebuke with those heart-melting words, "Ye are they which continue with Me in my temptations," then I know nothing of Calvary love. -- Amy Carmichael

Do You See Jesus in Your Clouds?

DO YOU SEE JESUS IN YOUR CLOUDS?

"The clouds are the dust of His feet ..." Nahum 1:3

This devotional writing from the pen of Oswald Chambers, was just too good to not share with you this morning. I needed to hear this message and hope it will encourage you ...

"In the Bible clouds are always associated with God. Clouds are the sorrows, sufferings, or providential circumstances, within or without our personal lives, which seem actually to contradict the sovereignty of God.

Yet it is THROUGH these very clouds that the Spirit of God is teaching us HOW to walk by faith. If there were never any clouds in our lives, we would have no faith. They are a sign to that GOD IS THERE. What a revelation to know that sorrow, bereavement, and suffering are actually the clouds that come along with God! God cannot come near us without clouds -- He does not come in clear-shining brightness.

It is not true to say that God wants to teach us something IN our trials. Through every cloud He wants to UNLEARN something. His purpose in using the cloud is to simplify our beliefs until our relationship with Him is exactly like that of a child -- a relationship simply between God and our own souls, and where other people are but shadows. Until other people become shadows to us, clouds and darkness will be ours every once in a while. Is our relationship with God becoming more simple than it has ever been?

There is a connection between the strange providential circumstances allowed by God and we know of Him, and we have to learn to interpret the mysteries of life in light of our knowledge of God. Until we come face to face with the deepest, darkest fact of life without damaging our view of God's character, we do not yet know Him!

"... they were fearful as they entered the cloud" (Luke 9:34). Is there anyone except Jesus in your cloud? If so, it will only get darker until you get to the place where there is "no one anymore, but only Jesus ..." (Mark 9:8; also see verses 2-7). (from My Utmost for His Highest) -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Psalm 51-53; Romans 2

Great Quote: A man may be haunted with doubts, and only grow thereby in faith. Doubts are the messengers of the Living One to the honest. They are the first knock at our door of things that are not yet, but have to be, understood...Doubt must precede every deeper assurance; for uncertainties are what we first see when we look into a region hitherto unknown, unexplored, unannexed.--George Macdonald

OUR VICTORY MARCH

OUR VICTORY MARCH

Today would have been Pastor Bill's 84th birthday. He is celebrating today in the presence of Jesus. I want to encourage you to leave a note of encouragement on his blog for his dear wife, Ruth, and the family. Visit http://www.americaskeswick.org/ and click on his blog. Be sure and let them know that you are a FREEDOM FIGHTER

"Now thanks be unto God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through usdiffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place." (2 Corinthians 2:14)Apparently the Apostle Paul had been a spectator at one or more of the parades marking the victory of Roman armies over barbarian attacks. These were quite impressive to him, and he used the memory of them to provide an illustration of the victorious Christian life.He expresses his thanks to the Lord, using a word for thanks which embraces the idea of grace. This indicates that the victory he describes is a gift and not something to be earned or merited.

As he develops the picture of a victory march, he declares that the spiritual march differs from the military in that it is to be continuous. He pictures the conquering general either riding in a chariot or marching at the head of his troops. He is preceded by people carrying incense pots. Behind the general would be a line of prisoners, probably chained to one another. These would be followed by the army.In the illustration, Jesus Christ is the conqueror who leads His people in a victory march into their home city. It is possible to consider believers either as conquered captives constrained by his love (see 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Romans 6:16-17) or members of His army (see 2 Timothy 2:3).

Whether prisoner or soldier, we shall bear the fragrance of victory like the marchers whose clothing retained the odor of the incense. As believer take the position of following in close association with the victorious Christ, the aroma of the knowledge of Him will be diffused from their lives wherever they go. -- William A. Raws

Happy Birthday, Pastor Bill. We love and miss you.

God's WORD for TODAY: Psalm 49-50; Romans 1

Great Quote: So come! With heads erect, let us advance, ignoring everything, and remaining always satisfied with God and with all that he makes us do and accomplishes within us. Let us take good care not to get foolishly involved in all those fears and doubts which, like paths leading nowhere, only tempt us to wander on and on until we are hopelessly lost. Let us leap over this maze of self-love instead of trying to explore its endless alleys.--Jean-Pierre de Caussade

He Was Tall and He Wore a Suit

He Was Tall and He Wore a Suit.

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV, Schofield)

It was my first Sunday in a suit and tie. And it wasn't even my own. I had to get it from Robert Hall. The Colony of Mercy's infamous "Robert Hall". And those brothers out there who know me, I have a strong dislike for the suit and tie. But when you are a Colony Man and you enter the Colony Chapel you wear the suit and tie. It was also my first Sunday in the Colony Chapel and it was the first of many of Pastor Raws' sermons I would to listen to. I mean really listen to.

The aforementioned Scripture verse was the focal point of his sermon that morning. He spoke of himself being a young man who had been a runner. And from what I was seeing, this guy in his suit and tie looked more like a preacher than an athlete. But once I got beyond that little quirk my ears got a tickle from what he was saying about receiving the victory in Jesus. His sermon that morning has never left me. Pastor Raws even stated that the King James version of Philippians 3:13-14 was a more on target but then told us that was just his opinion.

The notes from that sermon would be something I would look back on during my time in the colony. You see I could see Jesus in this man and I wanted that for myself. I wanted to know how to have grace under pressure like this man in a suit and tie did. So I pressed on. But you know I too do not count myself to have apprehended. So I still press on.

I had been at Keswick the night Bill Welte had announced that Pastor Raws went home. I had gone to watch a friend and his wife graduate from the 120 day part of restoration and was blessed seeing every aspect of what the Colony does move forward as well. What a testimony to what Jesus Christ brings us when we answer the call and press on.

I have written about my struggle's with working out here in "Secularland" and how through Christ (not of my own) things seem to work out. I had to realize in my heart that apart from Him I cannot do very much. And it can be slow steppin' at times but when things get tough for me trying to walk this narrow path I reach out for those things that are before, I press toward the mark...for the prize... of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. I pray that I see you along the way. Press on Brothers, press on!! -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy

God's WORD for TODAY: Psalm 46-48; Acts 28

Here's a good quote......
"Your spiritual walk is a little too restless and uneasy. Simply trust God. If you come to Him, He will give you all that you need to serve Him. You really need to believe that God keeps His word. The more you trust Him, the more He will be able to give you. If you were lost in an uncrossable desert, bread would fall from heaven for you alone." The Seeking Heart/Fenelon

Victorious Christian Living

Victorious Christian Living (2 Corinthians 9:8)

Allow me to take you back to Pastor Bill Raws memorial service held last Friday afternoon. Pastor Robert Alderman delivered the funeral message; he is one of my favorite preachers, and I always benefit from his ministry in the Word.

Pastor Raws and Pastor Alderman shared a common love for the Victorious Christian Life message. It has also been the Keswick message for many decades. During his message at the memorial service, Pastor Alderman reminded us of that message with six simple words (at least most of them are simple).

The first word is SIN. For people like you and me to know victory we have to confess that we are sinful people by nature and inclination.

The second word is SALVATION. God, through His Son Jesus, gives us the remedy for our sinful brokenness. Salvation is the forgiveness of sin, the new birth, and the gift of eternal life. Victorious Christian living is impossible without salvation.

The third word is (and this is the not so simple word) SANCTIFICATION.
Simply put, sanctification is the life-long pursuit of growth in Christ.
It is the renewing of the mind of which Paul speaks in Romans 12:2.

The fourth word is SURRENDER. At some point in our lives, we determine that God knows best and we yield control to Him. We say to God, "You take over!" It is the only way to victory.

The fifth word is SACRIFICE. The pursuit of victory brings us to a place where we are willing to sacrifice anything and everything to know Jesus' will and way for our lives.

The sixth word is SERVICE. The natural outflow of God's work in our lives is to serve as Jesus served.

After reminding us of the words of Victorious Christian Living, Pastor Alderman reminded us of a verse Pastor Raws had used in the devotional book published by America's Keswick a few years ago. He used it when talking about how we the live the life marked by these six words. "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8)

The Victorious Christian Life is a life God's grace equips us to live. We are not sufficient, but through grace, God makes us sufficient. Pastor Alderman, using Pastor Raws' words, reminded me that I CAN live the Victorious Christian Life. I thought it important enough to remind all who read the Freedom Fighter. I am going to memorize 2 Corinthians 9:8 this week. Why not join me! - John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River

God's WORD for YOU: Psalm 43-45; Acts 27:27-44

Great Quote: The love of Christ both wounds and heals, it fascinates and frightens, it kills and makes alive, it draws and repulses. There can be nothing more terrible or wonderful than to be stricken with love for Christ so deeply that the whole being goes out in a pained adoration of His person, an adoration that disturbs and disconcerts while it purges and satisfies and relaxes the deep inner heart.---A. W. Tozer

Join us this afternoon for a great concert at 3:00 PM with The Rick Webb Quartet - Southern Gospel at its finest! Our speakers this week are Drs.
Robertson McQuilken and George Murray from Columbia International University. Check out the homepage for details: www.americaskeswick.org

Finishing Well

Finishing Well (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

I served at one funeral, attended another, and went to a memorial service this week. The funeral service I led was for a ninety-four-year-old man who attended the church I serve. He served in World War II and participated in D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. He served in his North Jersey church for more than 30 years prior to retirement in Ocean County. Even in old age, he was faithful to his Lord, his wife and his family. He finished well.

The funeral and memorial service I attended were both for Pastor Bill Raws, Director Emeritus of America's Keswick. Until he went to the hospital about six weeks before he died, he was still preaching twice each Sunday and building into the lives of a number of men. He served more than fifty years on America's Keswick's board, and more than thirty years on the Board of Philadelphia Biblical University. He finished well.

As I sat in yesterday's memorial service for Pastor Bill, the Lord spoke to my heart. He reminded me that someday people will gather for my funeral/memorial service. What will they say about me? Will people think I finished well? During a long, but blessed, service, I thought several times about my life and my service for Jesus Christ. I sensed a strong burden to live at a greater level of focus and desire to finish well.

Here is how the Apostle Paul viewed his life at its end. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but to all who have loved His appearing."

Both men who were remembered and honored this week, a war veteran and a Christian service veteran, lived each day as though it mattered. They did not decide in their sixties, seventies, or eighties that it was time to think about finishing well. From early in their lives they focused on living with integrity and focus. I am honored to have known both of them. I am challenged by their lives.

What about you? Do you live with the end in mind? The choices you and I make each day influence the end of our lives. The man from my church and Pastor Bill finished well because they lived well-every day. You and I can learn from their examples.

Join me in committing each day to a simple goal. Let's choose to live each day in a way that will help us finish well. God's grace is sufficient to help us live out that commitment. - Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor First Baptist Toms River

God's WORD for YOU: Psalm 40-42; Acts 27:1-26

Think About This: Souls are not made sweet by taking [ill tempers] out, but by putting something in - a great Love, a new Spirit, the Spirit of Christ. Christ, the Spirit of Christ, interpenetrating ours, sweetens, purifies, transforms all. This can only eradicate what is wrong, renovate and regenerate, and rehabilitate the inner man. Will-power does not change men. Time does not change men. Christ does. Therefore "Let that mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."
Henry Drummond

Let Us Pray for Victory (Part 2)

LET US PRAY FOR VICTORY (Part 2)

Here is the second part of the prayer from J. Sidlow Baxter's devotional book, AWAKE MY HEART ...

Dear Savior, give me complete victory over DOUBT - doubt of my eternal salvation when I am emotionally cold; doubt of Thy promises in Scripture when circumstances seem to negate them; doubt of Thy goodness in permitted sickness or other adversity; doubt of Thy faithfulness if all I have done seems overthrown by the enemy; doubt of the gospel when it seems powerless to arrest and save people; doubt of Thy fairness when ironic trouble breaks over Thy sincere people; doubt of Thy sovereignty when evil things happen. May I never forget that the rainbow ever arches Thy throne, and that the God who bled on Calvary can never mock us.

Dear Savior, give me complete victory over the FLESH - over physical desires; over extravagant appetites; over habit-forming ill-tendencies; over every kind of lust; over laziness, self-indulgence, and every form of intemperateness; over headstrong assertiveness; unconsecrated ambition; misuse of the tongue of exaggeration, insinuation, idle gossip, tale-bearing.

Dear Savior, give me complete victory over ANXIETY - anxiety over yesterday's consequences and tomorrow's omens; over domestic, business, financial, and all other problems, knowing that in Thee all is fundamentally well with me forever. May my one concern be continual yieldedness to Thee. Then may Thy Holy Spirit so shed Thy love within me that I shall have rest indeed from all these foes." Amen

Now I will add one comment to this powerful prayer. As Pastor Bill would say, we already have the victory, so by faith, we can thank Him for the victory we already have in all these areas - now let's live in the victory over fear, pride, envy, hatred, doubt, the flesh, and anxiety! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Psalm 37-39; Acts 26

Think About This: Praise is more spontaneous when things go right; praise is more precious when things go wrong!

Join us today for Pastor Bill Raws' Memorial Service at 2:00 PM at the Activity Center. If you would like to watch the service live, go to our website and click on the link: www.americaskeswick.org

You can also give a gift to America's KESWICK in his memory when you visit the homepage.

Let Us Pray for Victory (Part 1)

LET US PRAY FOR VICTORY

I love to read the prayers of the heroes of the faith that have been put in print. This morning in the devotional AWAKE MY HEART, Dr. J. Sidlow Baxter has a wonderful prayer for victory that I would like to share the next two days with you ...

Dear Savior; give me complete victory over FEAR - fear of sickness; fear of accident; fear of poverty; fear of persecution; fear of ridicule; fear of loneliness; dear of trials; fear of old age; fear of whatever may be coming on the earth; fear of dying; fear of death itself; fear of the Beyond.

Dear Savior, give me complete victory over PRIDE - pride in the natural gifts; pride in possessions; pride of family; pride in the merely physical; pride in dress; pride of intellect; pride in how I may have excelled others. Dislodge all such vain pride, and instead give me humble gratitude to Thee.

Dear Savior, give me complete victory over ENVY - envy of another's physical appearance, gifts, possessions, advantages; envy of those who seem more blessed and used of Thee than I. Help me be content with what Thou has purposed or permitted me to be, knowing that in Thee I have all things, and that heaven will perfect all my holiest ambitions.

Dear Savior, give me complete victory over HATRED - hatred of those who wrong me; hatred of those whose nature is offensive; hatred of those who seem to obstruct my progress; hatred of so-called foreigners; hatred of those linked with heretical sects or non-Christian religions. Give me a true discreet love for all, a love like Thine, who when the nails were driven through Thy flesh couldst only say, "Father, forgive them ...."

A powerful prayer for your consideration this morning. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Psalm 35-36; Acts 25

Think About This: Not a blow will be permitted to fall upon your shrinking soul but that the love of God permits it, and works out from its depths, blessing and spiritual enrichment unseen and unthought-of of by you. Anonymous

The Pure and Powerful Word of God

THE PURE AND POWERFUL WORD OF GOD

Yesterday I received several calls and emails from friends in Christian Camping ministry indicating that they are going through very deep waters. In fact, after reading an email last night from a friend about what their conference center was going through, I was thankful for the trials I am facing compared to his.

I am overwhelmed at the timeliness of God's Word as I am reading it systematically using the plan at the bottom of each Freedom Fighter email. Today's reading was from Psalm 34. I share it with you for YOUR
encouragement:

I will bless the Lord at ALL times; HIS praise shall CONTINUALLY be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall HEAR it and REJOICE. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together (worship is not just private but corporate).

I sought the LORD (not the bank, not the management gurus), and He answered me, and delivered me from ALL (not just some, but all) my fears. They looked to HIM and were radiant, and their faces shall NEVER be ashamed. This poor man cried (that is a humbling thing to do) and listens attentively and the LORD heard (because He hears and listens attentively with both ears) him, and saved him out of ALL his troubles.

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear (the fear of the Lord is the continual awareness that God knows, weighs and sees everyone of my thoughts, deeds, words, and actions) HIM, and rescues them.

O taste and see that the Lord is (not just was or will be, but is!) good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in HIM! O fear the Lord, you saints; For to those who fear HIM there is no want. The young lions do not lack and suffer hunger. But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing. Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is man who desires life, and loves the length of days that he may see good?

Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and HIS ears are OPEN to their cry. The face of the Lord is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry and the LORD HEARS (note present tense), and delivers (note present tense) them out of ALL their trouble.

The Lord IS NEAR to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.Many are the afflictions of the righteous (I can't believe how many of my friends are going through intense trials ... not just me, Lord); but the LORD delivers him out of them ALL. He keeps all hi bones; not even one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked; and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The LORD redeems (present tense) the soul of His servants; and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned. - Amen!

Oh by the way, the comments in the brackets are my thoughts as God spoke to my heart from this Psalm today. He knows exactly what I needed to hear today. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Psalm 33-34; Acts 24

Think About This: Nothing harms or destroys us but the wrong use of that liberty of choice which God has entrusted to us. William Law

We will be live stream webcasting the memorial service for Pastor Bill on Friday, July 25th at 2:00 PM. To join us, click on the link from the announcement on the homepage: www.americaskeswick.org

Open My Eyes to the Truth

OPEN MY EYES TO THE TRUTH

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, 'Did God really say ...''' Genesis 3:1

The pressures appear to be mounting. And not just for me. It seems that so many of my brothers and sisters in ministry are being hit with stuff that is overwhelming.

Last night I was ready to crawl into bed after a very long and stressful day, when my cell phone rang with the news that there was a major leak in the lobby of our main building. It certainly wasn't the straw that broke the camel's back, but it sure felt like it.

During the night I found myself being restless and trying in that "in-between" stage of sleep to ask the Lord to take control of my worry and stress. It seemed like it was getting worse than better. I found myself saying, "Is it really worth it? Does God really know and care about what is happening? How much more does He want to pile on us?"

As I sat down at my desk this morning to be in His presence, I pleaded with Him to speak to my heart and He did just that. Here are several verses from the Word that spoke to my heart:

"But I will trust in the Lord. I will rejoice and be glad in Thy lovingkindness, because Thou hast seen my affliction; Thou hast known the troubles of my soul, and Thou hast not given me over into the hand of the enemy; Thou hast set my feet in a large place." - Psalm 31:6-8

"O love the Lord, all you His godly ones! The Lord preserves the faithful and fully recompenses the proud doer. Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord." - Psalm 31:23-24

"Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to Thee in a time when Thou mayest be found; surely in a flood of great waters they shall not reach you. Thou art my hiding place; Thou doest preserve me from trouble; Thou dost surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah!" Psalm 32:6-7

After reading those verses, the devotional I am reading had a quote from Amy Carmichael and this commentary:

"Often when we pray there is a wrestle. A thousand invisible enemies will seem to fill the air and crowd between you and your Lord. Each of them has a stinging or depressing word. We shall be reminded of our prayers to which no answers have come yet (or what we call answers), and told that it will make no difference whether we pray or not [exactly what went through my mind during the night]. We shall be shown our own dreadful nothingness so clearly that we shall hardly be able to bring ourselves to believe that such prayers as we can offer will rise to God at all. Our wrestling is with these whispering or shouting spiritual foes. We must press through, fighting through, and the sword with which to fight is the word of God." - Amy Carmichael

"When we pray, the accusations of the enemy are endless. Either we're not worthy to have our prayer answered, or God isn't listening or can't do what we want, or worse yet, hears us but won't give us what we need!

It is the Word of God that we must use in such times to rout the enemy from our prayer closets. At the first hint of doubt or accusation, find a relevant Bible verse and stand unflinchingly on it. Don't let Satan respond. He has no standing when the Sword of the Spirit pierces Him."

I needed that this morning, Lord. Thank You for opening my eyes to the truth! With Your help, I can and will press on! - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for TODAY: Psalm 31-32

Think About This: Love means to love that which is unlovable, or it is no virtue at all; forgiving means to pardon that which is unpardonable, or it is no virtue at all. -- Gilbert Keith G. K. Chesterton

Please visit our website for information about the Memorial Service for Pastor Bill Raws on Friday, July 25, 2008. Live stream webcasting will be available.

Finally Home

FINALLY HOME

Yesterday , after a brief but hard battle, Pastor Bill Raws went home to be with Jesus shortly before 6:00 PM. Pastor Bill has been in the hospital for the past six weeks battle an infection, congestive heart failure and ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). While we were praying for his physical healing, God's plan was for a divine healing.

For me personally, the loss is huge. For me personally, Pastor Bill was one of those amazing men that God brought into my life, a relationship that has grown day by day during the last twelve years. I learned very quickly when coming to America's KESWICK that Pastor Bill was a man whose life was loved by thousands of people. Not only was he a giant in physical stature, he was a giant of the faith - a man whose life's passion was his love for the Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the life-transforming message of the victorious Christian life.

America's KESWICK has been his life. Born and raised here, he served the Lord in just about every capacity which included serving on the Board of Trustees for almost 51 years. He was a third generation leader - one with vision and determination to keep the ministry Christ-centered and focused. Under his leadership both the ministries of addiction recovery and Christian conferences blossomed.

He faithfully proclaimed the Word of God at the Colony Chapel each Sunday morning after having just preached the early service at Whiting Bible Church where he served as founding Pastor. The men of the Colony loved Pastor Bill, many calling him their spiritual father.

For me, Pastor Bill served in three roles. He has been an invaluable mentor. What a thrill to be able to sit for 12 years and learn all the intricacies of this ministry, gain historical perspective, and learn what are to be the non-negotiable core values that must never change.
While we certainly did not agree on every issue, his mind was always open and would lovingly communicate his concerns always as a gentleman and an open heart.

He was a special friend. We could meet each week for an hour to pray and discuss the ministry, but we would often stop and talk throughout the day, often telling each other funny stories and getting caught up about our families. Pastor Bill was a hugger and we'd hug often. One time Ruth (his wife) saw us hugging in the Dining Room and she said, "My word, you just saw each other several hours ago ... you might think you'd not seen each other in days."

But the relationship that I will miss the most was that of a father. My biological parents have both been gone for a number of years. When we came to Keswick, we were "adopted" into the Raws family (I even have papers!). By the way, my biological parents' names were Bill and Ruth!
One of those special moments for me that I will never forget was at the conclusion of our 2008 Colony Reunion Weekend. Pastor Bill came over to give me a hug, and said, "I never had the joy of raising my own son, but I'm glad he gave me you to be my son."

While we didn't want to leave him go, it was obvious that he was ready to be released from the physical suffering he quietly endured. As we stood around his bedside and watched him peacefully and quietly slip into eternity, the words of this song spoke volumes:

Just think of stepping on shore
And finding it heaven --
Of touching a hand, and finding it God's!
Of breathing new air and finding it celestial -- Of waking up in glory - and finding it HOME!

We love you Pastor Bill and we will miss you. Thanks for the testimony of your life. Thanks for the legacy that you have left behind for all of us. - Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America's KESWICK.

There is information about Pastor Bill's life on our website
(www.americaskeswick.org) and the date and time of his Memorial service will be posted on the site. You can leave messages of condolences on his blog which can be accessed from the website.

God's WORD for YOU: Psalm 29-30; Acts 23:1-15

Think About This: The spiritual artist-the man who paints Christ in his soul-wants no solitary niche in the temple of fame. He would not like to hear anyone say, 'He is the first of his profession; there is not one that can hold a candle to him.' He would be very sad to be thus distinguished in his profession of Christ, marked out as a solitary figure. The gladdest moment to him will always be the moment when the cry is heard, 'Thy brother is coming up the ladder also; thy brother will share the inheritance with thee.'-- George Matheson

Standing in the Gap -- Part 2

Standing in the Gap, Part 2 (Ezekiel 22:30)

Hear again what God said to Ezekiel in chapter 22, verse 30: "So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one."

We thought about "standing in the gap" yesterday for a friend or family member. People who stand in the gap are AWARE of what is going on in the lives of those they for whom they care. We pay attention to the relationships God gives us. Those who stand in the gap also make themselves AVAILABLE. We don't make excuses to avoid getting involved.

We're not willing to let someone else do it . . . even when it is hard. Finally, we considered "stand in the gap" people as ASSERTIVE people. They choose to get involved when they know someone needs them. Sometimes they don't even wait for an invitation; they care enough to insert themselves when needed.

We also need to think about what we might call "qualifications" for those who stand in the gap. Like anything else, we do for work or fun; we have to know some things before we can do some things. Think with me about some qualities that should exist in your life and mine if we are going to stand in the gap for a friend or family member.

First, we must be people who have an increasing knowledge of God's Word.
If we are going to stand in the gap between God and a friend, we have to know what God says about many different kinds of situations. Times will come when we need to say, "Thus saith the Lord." We cannot do that if we don't know what God says.

I also think we need to be people who walk in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the One by whom we will know that standing in the gap is necessary. He will let us know when some friend is in trouble and needs us. Almost forty years ago, I was working in New Castle, DE. I had been home to Texas for vacation and stretched it as far as I could. I was driving back to New Castle on Saturday night into Sunday morning. I could hardly keep my eyes open.

That morning in church one of our elderly ladies came to me and asked me if I was OK. I told her that I was. She then told me that she woke up during the night before (Saturday) and sensed God's Spirit telling her to pray for me. She did not know why, but she sensed I was in danger.

I am convinced after all these years that without knowing, she was standing in the gap for me that night. I might not have made it home without those prayers. We need to walk in the Spirit to know He is prompting when to get in the gap.

Finally, those who stand in the gap must be people of wisdom. Anyone who wants wisdom can have it. God told us in the Epistle of James that all we have to do is ask. Wisdom is the ability to live life skillfully, and it comes from knowing God's Word and allowing God's Spirit to work it into the fabric of our lives. The more you and I grow in wisdom, the better we can stand in the gap.

I am glad people have stand in the gap for me. I pray God will help all of us who read Freedom Fighter to stand in the gap when those who are important to us need us. - John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River

God's WORD for YOU: Psalm 26-28; Acts 22

Think About This: Almighty God in whom we live and move and have our being, You have made us for Yourself, so that our hearts are restless until they have rest in You; grant us purity or heart and strength of purpose, that no selfish passion may hinder us from knowing Your will, no weakness from doing it; but that in Your light we may see light clearly, and in Your service find our perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Saint Augustine

Join us tonight for our first session of Victory Week #1 with Dr.
Charles Zimmerman. We will have seven graduations from the Colony of Mercy. The session tonight will be in the Activity Center at 7:00 PM.

Standing in the Gap

Standing in the Gap (Ezekiel 22:30)

Yesterday's Bible reading took me back to Ezekiel. One verse in five chapters jumped out at me. I knew as soon as I read it that it provided the theme for this Freedom Fighter. Hear what God said to Ezekiel in chapter 22, verse 30: "So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one."

God was looking for someone who would stand between Israel and God's judgment. No one chose to stand. Not one person made himself available to God for the people of Israel. The people sinned openly and rampantly, but no one spoke up. No one pleaded with God for their correction.

I doubt that God will ever ask us to stand in the gap for a whole nation. He may ask us to stand in the gap for a church. He almost certainly will ask us to stand in the gap for some individual. Let me see if I can show you how that might work.

During the last couple of weeks, a good friend of mine became aware of a defect in my character that was hurting my service to God and damaging relationships with the very people God has called me to serve. This friend of mine, a pastor, chose to step into the gap for me. It was risky; he could have offended me and damaged our relationship. He could have stepped out of the picture and left me alone. That would have been easier and more comfortable for him.



Instead, he confronted me. He told me what he had discovered and warned me about the consequences if I did not deal with the issue. He did more than that. He offered to help me. He made himself available to counsel me, pray with me, and hold me accountable. I believe God spoke to him because He (God) knew I needed someone to stand in the gap for me.

Let me share three things that I think help people like you and me stand in the gap for friends who need us. First, if we stand in the gap, we pay attention. We are aware of what is going on around us. We care enough about the people in our lives to pay attention to them. We notice when something isn't quite right. Standing in the gap is more than that, however. We also choose to make ourselves available. We do not say we're too busy. We don't say we're not knowledgeable enough.

As God leads us to step into the gap, we choose to say yes to His leading. Finally, when we stand in the gap we accept the need to be assertive. We choose interaction over neglect. We choose confrontation over keeping the peace.

When God asks us to stand in the gap, He does so because the person for whom we stand in the gap has value. They are too important to neglect. They are too valuable to settle for keeping the peace. As Mordecai said to Queen Esther, "Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? God puts us in relationships because we need each other. God may have brought my good friend into my life for just this time. He chose to stand in the gap for me!

I want you to think about people in your life. Who might need you to stand in the gap for them? You also might want to think about who may need to stand in the gap for you. I cannot tell you how glad I am that someone is willing to stand in the gap for me. All of us need someone for whom we can stand and someone who will stand for us. - Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River

God's WORD for YOU: Psalm 23-25; Acts 21:18-40

Think about this: Once you look at the cross, you can't look at anything else, no matter how horrid it appears, and infer that God's intention is to do us harm. The truth is that God is good. - William Backcus

Tomorrow evening starts our first Victory Week of the summer season. Our speakers this week are Drs. Charles Zimmer and Dave Wryzten. We'd love to have you join us. The evening sessions are at 7:00 PM and the mornings at 9:30 AM. For information, contact 732-350-1187 or download the brochure at http://www.americaskeswick.org/.

YOU CAN'T GOD CAN

YOU CAN’T BUT GOD CAN

“The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

Yesterday I had one of those difficult meetings where I had to ask a very dear friend to do something that was completely out of his comfort zone. I could sense his agony over what I had asked him to do, and I was in a very difficult spot as his boss because I knew he needed to take responsibility in this area.

At one point in the conversation he made the statement, “I can’t do this.”
The Holy Spirit prompted me to remind him that his statement was absolutely true! The are so many things WE can’t do, but through CHRIST He enables us to do impossible things, often stretching us out of our comfort zones.

I shared with him that I was a living, breathing testimony of being put in situations where I KNEW I couldn’t do something, but how wonderful my God was in supplying ALL that I needed to accomplish the difficult thing before me. One of the promises I hold onto during times like this is from
1 Thessalonians 5:24: “The One who calls you is faithful and he will do it!” I am SLOWLY learning that I can’t but HE CAN!

I shared with my dear friend several recent situations where I experienced this truth and our conversation ended well. Then God took me at my word!
Funny how He often does that …

Last night I was playing for the Memorial Service for Uncle Pete Kolody.
Everything was going great until I looked out in the audience and saw Dr.
Sam Hsu, an amazingly gifted concert pianist who is on the faculty of Philadelphia Biblical University, and with him was the new chairman of the music department at PBU.

Unlike Robert Hayes, I am an “un-trained” pianist. God gave me a gift that I don’t fully comprehend or understand, and I use it for His glory. Over the years I have struggled when there have been people like Dr. Hsu in the congregation. The “fear factor” peaks and I panic.

Sitting at the keyboard the panic was rising within me, and I found myself saying, “I can’t do this tonight with these guys here. There has to be a way out.” And then it was like the Holy Spirit tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Hmmmmmmm … didn’t something change since you met with so and so today? Hello?” In other words, I got whacked with my own words.

Someone once wrote: The world is watching and waiting to see what God can do through a life that is committed to Him. And not only is the world waiting but God Himself awaits to see who will be the most completely devoted person who has ever lived; willing to be nothing so Christ may be EVERYTHING; fully accepting God’s purposes as his own; receiving Christ’s humility, faith, love, and power, yet never hindering God’s plan but always allowing Him to continue His miraculous work.”

In other words: THERE IS NO LIMIT TO WHAT GOD CAN DO THROUGH YOU, PROVIDING YOU DO NOT SEEK YOUR OWN GLORY.

Let Him wow you today at what YOU can’t do, but what HE can do through you! – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Psalm 20-22; Acts 21:1-17

Think About This: How shall I feel at the judgment, if multitudes of missed opportunities pass before me in full review, and all my excuses prove to be disguises of my cowardice and pride?

William Edwin (W. E.) Sangster

The Heart Strangely Warmed

THE HEART STRANGELY WARMED

I received a new hymnal this week in the mail and in looking through it, found some powerful readings that were such a blessing. This reading is from the pen of preacher/hymn writer, John Wesley (1703-1791):

“In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistles to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.

I began to pray with all my might for those who had in a more special manner despitefully used and persecuted me. I then testified openly to all there what I now first felt in my heart. But it was no long before the enemy suggested, ‘This cannot be faith; for where is you joy?’ Then was I taught that peace and victory over sin are essential to faith in the Captain of our salvation; but that, as to the transports of joy that usually attend the beginnings of it, especially in those who have mourned deeply, God sometimes gives, sometimes withholds them, according to the counsel of His own will.

After my return home, I was much buffeted with temptation, but cried out, and they fled away. They returned again and again. I as often lifted up my eyes, and He “sent me help from His holy place.” And herein I found the difference between this and my former state chiefly consisted. I was striving, yea, fighting, with all my might under the law, as well as under grace. But then I was sometimes, if not often, conquered; praise God, now, I was always conqueror! – May 24, 1738

For me, this was just another reminder that we are in all these things, “we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us!” (Romans 8:37) Hallelujah! – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God WORD for TODAY: Psalm 18-19; Acts 20:17-38

Think About This: “The work of a true convert is not done. He (and she) finds a great work to do and great wants to be supplied. He (and she) still sees himself/herself to be a poor, empty, helpless creature who still stands in great and continual need of God’s help. He/she well knows that without God he/she can do nothing. After a true conversion, the soul is increasingly aware of its own impotence and emptiness. It is still aware of its universal dependence on God for everything. A true convert is aware that his grace is very imperfect and that he/she is very far from having all that he/she desires. Through conversion, new desires are produced in him/her that he/she never had before…So he/she still has plenty of business at the throne of grace: if fact, his/her business there increases rather than diminishes.” Jonathan Edwards

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The Concept of Divine Control

The Concept of Divine Control

" ... how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" Matthew 7:11

The past 24 hours have been difficult. Pastor Bill Raws, who has been in the hospital for almost five weeks, took a major step backwards yesterday, we received news that a dear friend had a brain hemorrhage and needed emergency surgery and now his life is hanging in the balances; several of our friends are going through challenging times right now ... and the list goes on and on.

So I needed these words today from the pen of Oswald Chambers in MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST ...

"Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct in this passage for people who have His Spirit. He urges us to keep our MINDS filled with the concept of GOD'S control over EVERYTHING, which means that a disciple must maintain and attitude of perfect trust and an eagerness to ask and to seek.

Fill your mind with the thought that God is there. And once your mind is truly filled with that thought, when you experience difficulties it will be as easy as breathing for you to remember, 'My Heavenly Father knows all about this!' This will be no effort at all, but will be a natural thing for you when difficulties and uncertainties arise.

Before you formed this concept of divine control so powerfully in your mind, you used to go from person to person seeking help, but know you go to GOD about it. Jesus is laying down the rules of divine conduct for those people who have His Spirit, and it works on the following principle -- God is my Father, He loves me, and I will never think of anything that He will forget, so why should I worry?

Jesus said there are times when God cannot lift the darkness from you, but you should trust Him. At times God will appear like an unkind friend, but He is not; He will appear like an unnatural father, but He is not. Keep the thought that the mind of God is behind all things strong and growing. NOT EVEN THE SMALLEST DETAIL OF LIFE HAPPENS UNLESS GOD'S WILL IS BEHIND IT. Therefore, you can rest in perfect confidence in Him ..."

Wow! I needed that this morning. And my guess is that someone else who gets this daily Freedom Fighter email needs it too. Thanks, Lord, for speaking to our hearts. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Psalm 16-17; Acts 20:1-16 (Take the challenge -- by reading these daily passages of Scripture, you will read through the Bible in one year!)

Think about this: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Giovanni di Bernardone (Francis of Assisi)

He Knows My Name

HE KNOWS MY NAME

" ... he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out ..." John 10:3b

My Dad had a cousin who had eighteen living children. Yes, you heard me right! We didn't get to see them often, but when we did it was hilarious. The kids would never introduce themselves by name - they'd say, "I'm #2," or "I am #10."

Most of us, if we are really honest, are impressed when someone remembers our name. We have a dear speaker friend, Glenna Salsbury, who is one of those blest people who can remember names. I have been in her presence when she hasn't seen someone in five years, and without that person wearing a nametag, she remembers their name.

You and I have a Heavenly Father who is so awesome and powerful. He I is running the universe making sure everything is working according to schedule. Yet this awesome God who created the stars, stars that our telescopes and sophisticated equipment are just now discovering, he knows where they are, how many there are, and even calls them by name!

And even greater than that - He knows YOUR NAME! You and I are HIS sheep and He knows us individually by name. That blows my mind every time I think of that concept. It made me think of the praise song written by DC TALK ...

I have a maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He see each tear that falls
And hears me when I call

I have a father
He calls me his own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
( I'm so glad i can say)
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear the falls
And hears me when I call

(He knows me, he knows my name)

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He see each tear that falls
And hears me when I call

And he knows your name
He knows your every thought
He sees all those tears that fall
And he'll hear you when you call.

Aren't you glad that He knows your name? I am this morning. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Psalm 13-15; Acts 19:21-41

Think about this: Be wide awake to the dangers of unlimited hospitality.
You might reach saturation point and end by becoming superficial, distracted, or monopolized. Do not be nowhere in your effort to be everywhere, or attentive to no one simply because you are running after everyone. -- Anonymous

Well Done, Uncle Peter

WELL DONE, UNCLE PETER

Yesterday another one of our heroes went home to be with the Lord after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Known to thousands as "Uncle Peter," Peter Kolody was one of those heroes that made an impact on my life. He was one of those guys who was just there when you needed him. God gifted him in so many ways. He was an incredible cook as well as a skilled plumber.

During my childhood our church made it possible for kids to earn a free week at a Christian camp. To earn the free week, we had to memorize Bible verses -- and lots of them. The cool thing was that we thought the memorization of God's Word was to get the free week at Camp Sandy Cove or Camp Sandy Hill. But the real motivation was to get us kids to hide God's Word in our hearts.

We were each assigned someone to "hear" our verses, and guess who I was assigned to? Uncle Peter! Each week he faithfully listened to my verses and encouraged me to keep at it. But the biggest surprise of my life was when I got to Camp Sandy Hill, guess who our cook was that week? Uncle Peter!

Years later I was attending Philadelphia Biblical University as a part-time student. I was assigned to work in the maintenance department for several months and guess who was our plumber? Uncle Peter! In fact, Peter went on to serve for many years at PBU both at the center city campus and then at the campus in Langhorne. I don't think the University has a clue how many lives this gentle giant has impacted over his thirty five years on staff.

At our Memorial Day weekend concert, we honored Uncle Peter. He was a hero in his own right for serving our country in the Navy having been assigned to naval ship, Gambier Bay. Hundreds of men's lives were taken on October 25, 1944. His story is powerful and God used his testimony to encourage thousands as he quietly shared how God had spared his life in an amazing way.

His story will never be on Fox News. In fact, my guess is that very few of our Keswick family even know who he was. But he was a faithful servant of the Lord, and a good friend and mentor. I will miss his smile and his wit. I will miss his encouragement and prayers. I know that our loss is heaven's gain. And I have a sneaky suspicion that after he has had some time to see his Savior, a little blonde girl by the name of Lindsay Bear, who Uncle Peter adored and prayed for, ran over for a big hug ... and Uncle Pete's famous line would be -- "Hey, there doll!" Uncle Peter -- we love you! Thanks for your ministry in all of our lives. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK.

God's WORD for YOU: Psalm 10:12; Acts 19:1-20

Think about this: He has great tranquility of heart who cares neither for the praises nor the fault-finding of men. He will easily be content and pacified, whose conscience is pure. You are not holier if you are praised, nor the more worthless if you are found fault with. What you are, that you are;
neither by word can you be made greater than what you are in the sight of God. -- Thomas a Kempis

Life's Ultimate Purpose Part 2

Life’s Ultimate Purpose, Part 2

"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Too many of us live life with little purpose. We are relatives aimless and take life as it comes. All of Scripture refuses to allow us that passive kind of life. Rather, God’s Word tells us to pursue excellence and to live as though God’s glory depends upon us.

We thought about 1 Corinthians 10:31 yesterday. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” We thought about “everything meaning everything.” The reality that we cannot fulfill this instruction on our own means that we need to walk in the Spirit and depend upon his power and ministry. Finally, we thought about how living for the glory of God removes the focus from ourselves and puts it where it belongs . . . on God Himself.

Let me ask you to think about some other implications that flow from this instruction. Choosing to live in obedience to this word from God protects us from aimless desperation. It offers us a reason to get up in the morning and challenges us to do our best at everything we do. It makes even mundane things like eating and drinking an opportunity to give God glory.

Working this word into the fabric of our lives also offers us a great privilege. Living for God’s glory in all we do engages us in the greatest work of the universe. We become part of that great company that proclaims His majesty. Our lives gain eternal perspective when we live for God’s glory and the building up of His kingdom.

Finally, allowing this purpose to set the tone for our lives fulfills us.
Like nothing else we could ever do, doing everything for His glory allows us to complete each day knowing that we have done that for which God designed us.

The thoughts are simple. The purpose is worthwhile. The pursuit of the purpose gives us a reason to live. May God help us do everything, even eating and drinking, for God’s glory! -- Pastor John Strain is senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River

God's WORD for YOU: Psalm 7-9; Acts 18

Think About This: Christ's life unfolds, in part, as we learn to appreciate the gifts He has given us. How easy it is to blame others for our unhappiness, but we are only unhappy when something other than Christ has become our life. (For example) The husband or wife who has Christ as their life, comes to their spousal relationship already satisfied. They do not come continually looking to made happy by another person's attention; they bring Christ's life to their spouse. -- Francis Frangipane

Life's Ultimate Purpose

Life's Ultimate Purpose (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Life is full of activity. Most who read Freedom Fighters still work every day. Many of us still have children at home. Our responsibilities are varied and many. We engage many different kinds of people and every kind of job imaginable. Those of us who know and follow Jesus, however still have on overarching purpose in life.

The Apostle Paul defines that purpose for us in 1 Corinthians 10:31. "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." That is simple to say, but not so easy to live out. Most of us probably know that already.

I have been thinking about what it looks like to do everything to the glory of God. I invite you to think about it with me. If Scripture tells us that we should do everything for the glory of God, then we need to figure out how to do that.

Here are some observations, and I may think of more for tomorrow's edition of FF. First, everything means everything. I'm asking God to help me get to the place where I think consistently about seeking His glory. I want to think about whether what I say, think or do will bring glory to Him. If it doesn't, I probably do not need to say it, think it, or do it.

It occurs to me, too, that doing everything to the glory of God is not something I can do on my own. As I think about some of the metaphors God gives us that describe the Christian life, I discover that I must live in ongoing fellowship with Jesus. If I'm in the yoke with Jesus, I'll find it easier to do everything for His glory. If I abide in Christ, I'll always have His help in pursuing His glory. If I walk in the Spirit, the Spirit (who is called the Helper) helps me do everything for God's glory. Living for God's glory is not a solo lifestyle!

Finally, living for God's glory removes the focus from me to God. The world tells us that it's all about ourselves, but that's a lie. For those who follow Christ, a focus anywhere but on Jesus is always the wrong focus. Fixing our eyes on Jesus will help us live for His glory.

Think about living for His glory as you drive, work, hang out with your family, and go to church this weekend. Think about living for His glory when you're alone . . . when no one else is around. Life's ultimate purpose is to "do all for the glory of God" 24/7. We're not offered breaks from the purpose. We do not get down time to live only for ourselves. Freedom Fighters follow Jesus and do everything for His glory . . . all the time. John D. Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River

God's WORD for TODAY: Psalm 4-6; Acts 17:16-34

Think about this: Be natural; forget yourself; be so absorbed in what you are doing and in the realization of the presence of God, and in the glory and the greatness of the Truth that you are preaching, and the occasion that brings you together,...that you forget yourself completely. That is the right condition; that is the only place of safety; that is the only way in which you can honor God. Self is the greatest enemy of the preacher, more so than in the case of any other man in society. And the only way to deal with self is to be so taken up with, and so enraptured by, the glory of what you are doing, that you forget yourself altogether. -- Martyn Lloyd-Jones

More

MORE

One of my heroes is Pastor Bob Alderman. He will be speaking this summer at America's KESWICK and you can't miss hearing him. Check out our website for details: www.americaskeswick.org.

"...we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
(Romans 8:37)

Here is our case for "surpassing victory." It is a statement of fact that in Christ we are "more than conquerors." We are in fact "hyper-conquerors," we are "pre-eminently victorious," we surpass mere victory and move to the higher ground of the extra.

I like the translation "more than conquerors." It tells me about the "more" aspect of my Savior's nature and the "more" aspect of my Savior's provision. Think of all the ways He has physically illustrated His "more" provision for His people.

In Eden there was one tree that was forbidden. Just one that was not available. Now count the trees that were available. There were "more" - so many MORE.

Have we adequately considered the dry ground upon which Israel crossed the sea? It was the very nature of God not to be satisfied with shallow water or damp dirt. With Him it had to be dry ground. It was all a part of the "more" nature of God. And these illustrations are of the merely physical. How about the spiritual aspect of His "more" nature?

In light of the "more" nature of God I must ask this serious question. Why do I often struggle with understanding and experiencing the conquering Christian life? Should not my difficulty be in understanding the non-conquering life? How can I, in light of the "more" nature of my Lord, accept the non-conquering life as normal and the conquering life as evasive and secretive?

We Christians need not abandon the victory of victorious living. We need not adopt the language or the experiences of the defeated. We are the recipients of the "more" nature of Christ.

Allow a simple illustration of the point. Far too often the modern response to the simple enquiry concerning personal well-being is the meager "I am hanging in there." Or maybe the sedated "I am squeezing by." Or perhaps there is some other colloquialism that speaks of such forfeiture and defeat. As Christians do we think of and long for victory and yet talk and experience defeat?

In Christ "we are more" - so much more. -- Dr. Robert L. Alderman

God's WORD for YOU: Psalms 1-3; Acts 17:1-15

Think About This: Only he who flings himself upward when the pull comes to drag him down, can hope to break the force of temptation. Temptation may be an invitation to hell, but much more is it an opportunity to reach heaven. At the moment of temptation. -- Charles H. Brent

The Power of Praise

THE POWER OF PRAISE

"The Lord IS my strength and song, and He has BECOME my salvation; This IS my God, and I will praise Him; my father's God, and I will exalt Him. Exodus 15:2

This morning as I was reading through the Scriptures, I was in Acts 16 which is the story of Paul and Silas in prison. It is recorded in Acts 16. You remember the story -- they were thrown into jail after being beaten by the mob, and about midnight "they were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them." (Acts 16:25)

At that point after praying and sing, their chains fell off and all the doors were open. And instead of fleeing, they had an evangelistic meeting in jail and the prison jailer ended up getting saved and all his house!

The Lord brought be back to Exodus 15 which is the Song of Moses and the children of Israel AFTER their Red Sea experience. I can't help but think that there was a lot of praying going on as two million Israelites were crossing through the dry ground while being pursued by the powerful Egyptian army.
Can you imagine what they must have been thinking as they watched the Sea on either side, the army behind them? No wonder they broke out in song when the victory came.

There seems to be a correlation between praying and praise in Scriptures. Paul and Silas used prayer and praise BEFORE the victory came! They had no idea how long they would be in prison or if they would make it out alive. But just think what an impact that prayer and worship service had.

Right now you and I might be experiencing a "prison" or "Red Sea experience in our lives. I can sit back and complain, moan and groan, get discouraged and full of despair (and I have been there and done that even this week) or I can turn this time into a service of prayer and praise. Who knows what might happen -- if God can part the Red Sea for 2 million of His people, if He can break prison doors and set captives free in a jail cell in Philipi, what could he do in Whiting, NJ or in the town you live?

It hasn't been the first time that God told His servants to use praise to do battle. If it worked for Gideon and his army, will it work for us today? What do we have to lose? I am going to keep at it. I have a sneaky suspicion that I am going to be amazed again with the power of God and you will certainly hear about it! Will you join me in the adventure? -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Job 41-42; Acts 16:22-40

Think About This: The truth is, living in agreement with God will bring His conviction when we are disobedient. Conviction may feel like a negative thing, but it's just as much a part of God as His smile. He is committed to making our lives work in Him, and He will use the strength and power of His conviction to let us know when we are outside His will. It may feel bad, but conviction is God at work in us.-- David Edwards

Confirmation

Confirmation

"I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." Isaiah 48:10

Last week I sent out an email about being overwhelmed and worn down. Remember? It was one of those kick in the pants moments for me. I needed to be reminded that the enemy hates praise.

Yesterday was one of those moments where it just seemed like things went from bad to worse. While I certainly am not facing the horrific stuff that dear old Job went through with losing his possessions, family and health within hours, it seemed like in my little world, everything was going from bad to worse. Equipment breakdowns when money is so tight. Summer conference numbers low and you can advertise because money is tight. People at each other. Pastor Bill's life is still hanging in the balances. Losing him, if God is going to take him, is like losing my Dad all over again, and on the heals of Lindsay's home-going, it hurts.

I guess if I am honest, I was falling right back into the trap of "stinkin' thinkin'" Then God spoke to my heart again this morning as I spent time in His presence. Here were the words from STREAMS IN THE DESERT (Zondervan) that spoke to my heart today:

"Doesn't God's Word come to us like a soft rain shower, dispelling the fury of the flames? Isn't it like fireproof armor, against which the heat is powerless? Then let the afflictions come, for God has CHOSEN me. Poverty, you may walk through my door, but God is already in my house, and He has CHOSEN me. Sickness, you may intrude my life, but I have a cure standing ready -- God has CHOSEN me. Whatever occurs in the valley of tears, I know He has CHOSEN me.

Dear brother and sister, do not be afraid, for Jesus is with you. Through all your fiery trials, HIS presence is both your comfort and safety. HE will NEVER forsake those He has CHOSEN for His own. 'Do not be afraid, for I am with you' (Genesis 26:24) is His unfailing word of promise to His CHOSEN ones who are experiencing "the furnace of affliction ... The burden of suffering seems to be a tombstone hung around our necks. Yet in reality it is simply the weight necessary to hold the diver down while he is searching for pearls."

Thanks, Lord, for speaking to my heart. I will also be praying for my Freedom Fighter brothers who may be experiencing tough times. Let me know what is happening in your lives and I will add you to my prayer list, guys. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Job 38-40; Acts 16:

Think About This: There is a big difference between mishearing and hearing only what we want to hear, right? We, the people of God, seem to have chronic 'itching ears,' and we can usually find somebody to scratch till we say 'Aaahh' (2 Tim. 4:3). Given the option, we will usually choose bigger barns to serve ourselves over bigger hearts to serve others (Luke 12:13-21)." Scotty Smith

Winning With Encouragement

WINNING WITH ENCOURAGEMENT

"So, when they were sent away, they went down to Antioch; and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. And when they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement." Acts 15: 30-31

Yesterday I shared with you a devotional written by my friend, Walt Wiley, the President of Winning with Encouragement. Walt LIVES the name of his ministry. He is MR. ENCOURAGEMENT.

On Saturday I received a note from Walt letting me know that even though he was out of the country and in Israel, he was praying for me and my family every day. That little note caused me to rejoice and be encouraged.

While Lindsay was in Children's Hospital, we encouraged people to write notes to the four major doctors who were providing her care. The day before Lindsay went home to be with Jesus, this doctor was chatting with me and during the conversation, he pulled out a pile of notes he had received. He said, "Bill, this is just a few of the hundreds of notes I have received from 'your' people." He was beaming from ear to ear. Another doctor said, in my 25 years of practice, I have never received a note of thanks. I have received hundreds of notes from your friends.

Years ago I wrote a thank you note to the Pastor, that along with my Dad, led me to the Lord. I will never forget his response to my letter. In his 30 years of ministry, mine was the first letter he had ever received thanking him for his ministry.

One little word of encouragement could make the difference in someone's life today. Someone may be dying on the vine, feeling like nobody cares or even gives a rip about them. It could be that YOUR note of encouragement could be the catalyst to bring them back the abyss of despair. Today you could win a battle through a simple word of encouragement, recorded on paper, that I believe could be the "oxygen to the soul" that someone needs today.

Take some time to write to someone who has impacted your life. Then step back and see what God will do in that person's life. Win today with encouragement. -- Bill Welte is President of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Job 36-37; Acts 15:22-41

THINK ABOUT THIS: The proof that you love someone is not that you have warm affectionate feelings toward them. The proof is in your actions, your words and your sacrifice, your willingness to give the best of yourself and your willingness to get nothing in return.-- Katherine Walden

Look Who He Called

LOOK WHO HE CALLED....

"Then Jesus said to them, Come after Me, and I will make you become fishers of men"
Mark 1:17

Shortly after Jesus went public with His reason for being on earth He uttered His first words by announcing the time was here, the kingdom of God was at hand and people needed to repent. Immediately after that He did something rather strange; He called for help. Strange because why would the person who could speak the world into existence ever need help?

Here are a few observations about this story:
Notice who He was talking to: They weren't preachers, teachers, counselors, missionaries, politicians, policemen, and people of wealth or influence. Today I guess we would call them local businessmen. That's interesting!

Notice how He called them: "Follow Me!" He didn't have a deal for them, He wasn't laying a new philosophy on them, and there was no theological debate, just "Follow Me. They did what He asked not because of what He offered but because of who he was. That's cool!

Notice what He said: Did you catch it? He wants them to start working with Him to impact others with the message of salvation He is bringing. But wait a minute, what does a fisherman know about that? Had any of them been trained, how many of them had gone to seminary?

No they hadn't and that is the point; He want to use everyone, even me. That's encouraging!

Notice how they were to do that: He said "I will make you...." You don't become what He was asking without total reliance on Him. He would make them into what He was calling them to. That's a relief!

Notice one other thing: He said "I will make you become...." What He was asking them to do would happen over a period of time. They would spend time with Him, observe Him and in due time they would become what He was asking them to be. That's comforting!

Notice this: No matter who you are, if you know Him He wants to and will gladly use you, yes, even you, and me.-- Walt Wiley is the President of Winning With Encouragement and serves on the Board of Reference of America's KESWICK. He was our speaker for our Memorial Day Weekend Conference. I'd love to send you Walt's two part message of Stewardship. If you'd like to have it, please respond to this email and please include your mailing address.

God's WORD for YOU: Job 34-35; Acts 15:1-21

Think About This: "If we but knew what irreparable damage is often caused by idle gossip, cruel criticisms, wicked exaggerations, or jealous sarcasm, how stunned we would be! On the other hand, if we knew what lovely harvests of blessing often grow from seeds of good, kind, wise words and deeds, how eager should we be to sow only the good seed!" -- Dr. J. Sidlow Baxter

Good News for the Idolatry Struggle

Good News for the Idolatry Struggle (Ezekiel 14:1-11 & 2 Thessalonians 3:3)

Reading Scripture is exciting! I love watching God's Spirit tie things together from different sections of His Word in ways that teach and encourage me. It doesn't matter how long or how often we read the Bible, God still shows up to give us new insight and encouragement.

I had planned to go back to Ezekiel for today's Freedom Fighter. I didn't plan to find "collateral" material from Paul's writings. That is what happened, though.

Yesterday we thought about the danger of idolatry. In that same section of Ezekiel God tells Ezekiel what He (God) is going to do to resolve the idolatry problem in Israel. Look at vs. 5. ". . . that I may seize the house of Israel by their heart, because they are all estranged from Me by their idols." Even when the children of Israel (and we) refuse to listen and avoid the danger of idols, God proactively intervenes to turn our hearts back to Him! He loved Israel (and loves us) that much.

Let's learn the lesson, Freedom Fighters. We know, love and serve a God who refuses to give up on us. We may walk away. We may struggle with the world, the flesh, and the devil. We may think we will never win lasting victory. Even when we feel overwhelmed, we must remember God's gracious love for us. He will not give up on us even when we give up on ourselves.

The devil does not want us to believe that. He wants us to think we are hopeless failures. The lies and deceptions keep coming; they are endless. Satan will bombard us with every trick he has to keep us from God's proactive "seizing of our hearts." During Ezekiel's day, Satan had false prophets, false priests, and ungodly leaders who convinced the people to pursue idolatry. God kept sending genuine prophets. He did not give up. He did not quit. He determined to "seize the house of Israel by their heart" because He loved them. He loves us no less!

This is where 2 Thessalonians comes in. My reading in that little letter yesterday morning brought me to chapter 3, verse 3. "But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one." Do you see the pattern? Even when we struggle with the temptations to idolatry, the Lord is at work establishing us and protecting us from Satan's tricks and deceptions.

America's Keswick has a slogan they use a lot. It's simple: "Think Victory!" Because we walk with a God who refuses to let idolatry rule our lives, we can think victory. Because we belong to the true and living God who establishes us and guards us from the evil one, we can think victory. I urge you to allow God to do His work in your life this week. Think victory! -- John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River

God's WORD for YOU: Job 32:33; Acts 14

Think About This: What is meant by "follow"? To follow signifies that the way I tread and the place where I go are all decided by someone else. We are following the Lord; therefore we have no authority to decide our own path. The body in its relation to the Head can only obey and follow. If we wish to live out the life of the body of Christ we must cover our own head; that is to say, we must not have our personal opinion, egoistic will or selfish thought. We can only obey the Lord and let Him be the Head. -- Watchman Nee

The Danger of Idolatry

The Danger of Idolatry (Ezekiel 14:1-11)

God's Word confronted me yesterday as I read Ezekiel. This section of Ezekiel's prophecy addresses the idolatry of Israel, but I don't think idolatry ended with the Old Testament. As I read his words, I had to ask myself if their idols that estrange me from God (see vs. 5). As I thought about it, it occurred to me that I cannot think of anything worse than estrangement from God.

Simply defined, an idol is anything that comes between God and me. It is anything that "estranges" me from God. It might be something tangible . . . material. It could be an attitude or some private sin that no one else knows about. Whatever that idol might be, we need to understand that idols are dangerous. When I find myself estranged from God, I am in danger. When your particular idol estranges you from God, you are in danger.

Throughout Scripture, the writers warn us to guard our hearts, to examine our lives, to beware our adversary. Those warnings come because all of us face the idolatry challenge. Not even a single one of us is immune to the allure of idols. They sneak up on us. We usually will not know we are dealing with an idol until it has already arrived. They don't often, if ever, give us warning of their arrival.

Freedom Fighters know, or want to know, the danger of idolatry. They choose to guard their hearts and examine their lives because we know there is nothing worse than estrangement from God. May God help each of us understand the danger of idolatry, whatever form it takes, and avoid it at all cost. -- John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River

God's WORD for YOU: Job 30-31; Acts 13:26-52

Think About This: We are so utterly ordinary, so commonplace, while we profess to know a Power the Twentieth Century does not reckon with. But we are 'harmless', and therefore unharmed. We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the-death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contact with men, but brass, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the Cross. We are 'sideliners'---coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged. The world cannot hate us, we are too much like its own. Oh that God would make us dangerous! -- Jim Elliot

What Price Freedom

WHAT PRICE FREEDOM

"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:36)

There is a story about a pig and a chicken that were walking by a church where a grand party was taking place. The pig was quite thrilled about the celebration and suggested to the chicken that they each make a contribution.

"Great idea!" the chicken cried. "Let's offer them ham and eggs?" "Not so fast," said the pig. "For you, that's a contribution. For me, it's total commitment."

For our founding fathers they were not just looking at making a contribution when securing our freedom on July 4, 1776 -- they made a total commitment. The fifty-six men who signed their names to the Declaration of Independence did so knowing he risks that they would face.

Five of the men were captured and tortured before they died. Twelve of the men had their homes looted or destroyed by the enemy. Nine of the fifty-six died in the war from its hardships and bullets. One was harassed and forced to move his family five times in five months.

Thomas Nelson Jr. laid his life on the line by raising two million dollars on his own signature to help our allies. After the war he wiped out his entire estate paying back the loads. He was never reimbursed by his government and died bankrupt and was buried in an unmarked grave. Historians tell is that Thomas Nelson Jr. pledged his life, his fortune, his sacred honor. All that for our freedom!

But One greater than our founding fathers gave an even greater sacrifice so that we could be FOREVER FREE and a part of God's FOREVER family. God the Father gave His precious Son, Jesus Christ to secure our freedom from the bondage of sin. Jesus died on the Cross to purchase your freedom. His was not just a "contribution" but a total "commitment." He gave His life so that you could live victoriously in this ever changing world.

Take some time today as we celebrate our freedom as a nation to thank HIM for securing your freedom for all eternity. "He sealed your pardon with His blood - Hallelujah! What a Savior."-- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Job 28-29; Acts 13:1-25

Think About This: Lord Jesus, thou who art the way, the truth, and the life; hear us as we pray for the truth that shall make all free. Teach us that liberty is not only to be loved but also to be lived. Liberty is too precious a thing to be buried in books. It costs too much to be hoarded. Help us see that our liberty is not the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to please to do what is right. -- Peter Marshall

Pizza Dough

PIZZA DOUGH

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

I have just spent some time being stretched. Every part of what I think I am about has been pulled like pizza dough. And when I thought the stretching was done someone had to add some sauce, cheese, and various other ingredients that make no sense putting on pizza. There is a pizza place in my area that makes pizza with eggs, potatoes and asparagus. These ingredients should not and do not belong on pizza. And to top this all off I have been wondering and praying for someone who turned back to his own vomit and is being detained over it. Even as I write this I shake and scratch my head. (heavy sigh!)

The past week was full of deadlines barely made and equipment failure. And because we live in an America that seems to have gone from "good old fashioned craftsmanship" to a McDonalds " Two all beef patties, special sauce ,lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun in under thirty seconds" mentality, some things just were not as good in quality as they should have been. And I heard about it. Actually I am still hearing about today. Oh well!!

I also spent my evenings helping out with Vacation Bible School at our church. Very hard to shine a light let alone show the face of Christ. But I did what I did through Christ who gave me the strength to bear it. I pray that the children who attended were fertile soil. I had a blessed weekend. But then came another Monday morning. The battle waged on and it seemed to have picked up right where it left off. But I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!!

Lately I have been reading the writings of Fenelon and I came across this passage from "Spiritual Letters". It is letter number three. "I cannot but wonder at the virtue that lies in suffering-we are worth nothing without the cross. I tremble and am in an agony while it lasts, and all my conviction of its remedial effects vanish under the pain. But when it is over, I look back at it with admiration, and am ashamed that I bore it so poorly. This experience of my foolishness is a deep lesson of wisdom to me."

So what lesson am I learning from all this "stretching"? That as a child of the Most High who do I think I am to complain about what ingredients He puts on my slice of pizza? Yes Brothers I forgot to mention the major amount of complaining I was doing. The weight at times had become unbearable...but I kept looking towards the cross and tried to shut my mouth. I am still trying. What about you? Are you bearing weight? He will take it from and give you rest!! -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy

God's WORD for YOU: Job 25-27; Acts 12

Think about this: "God wants to cultivate within us the adoration and admiration of which HE is worthy. He wants us to be ASTONISHED at the inconceivable elevation and magnitude of Almighty God." -- A. W. Tozer

Wearing Down the Saints

WEARING DOWN THE SAINTS

""And he will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One ..." Daniel 7:25

Last weekend as I opened up my Yahoo News, the headline article that grabbed my attention as this: "Is Life Spinning Out of Control?" The article which was written by a non-believer looked at every area of life as he sees it from the economy to the weather to the crazy things happening around the world. His conclusion was that life is spiraling out of control at such a rapid pace and that we are heading for a huge crash in our society.

In recent days I have been amazed at how many of my friends and co-workers have expressed the same concerns as they have experienced setbacks financially, severely ill family members, death, and a myriad of other difficulties which seem to be coming in waves.

I have found myself overwhelmed at times with all that is on my plate and wondering will I ever dig out? Just when you see the light at the end of the tunnel, and a very faint light at that, another crisis or difficulty is piled on top. One of my dearest friends has said more and more in recent days, "Bill, I am so weary and tired. Will any of this ever end?"

I was preparing to speak this past Sunday on 2 Corinthians 4, which is a wonderful passage that reminds us not to lose heart in the midst of the difficulties of life. As I was studying this passage, one of the cross references to the passage led me to Daniel 7:25. This verse jumped off the page and opened my eyes to something that has stuck in my crawl the past few days.

Not I know that we can't blame everything on the enemy, but sometimes we forget what he is up to! One of his roles according to Daniel 7:25 is to "wear down the saints!" Hmmmmm ... Now I began to think about this throughout the day on Monday. My staff and Board have experienced this wearing down in both the ministry and their personal lives. The more I thought about it, the more I started to get my feathers ruffled.

As I was praying and meditating throughout the day, the Lord impressed upon my heart that one of the ways the enemy is thwarted is when I praise God. The enemy hates our praise. Much of our praying ends up being petition and supplication vs. taking time to focus in on praising our great God not just for WHAT He does, but for WHO He IS!

Psalm 148:5-9 states: "Let the godly ones exult in glory; Let them sing for joy on their beds, let their high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishment on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the judgment written; This is an honor for all His godly ones. Praise the Lord!"

I don't know about you, but I have had enough of him wearing me down. I am tired to being tired, tired of the whining of people who really don't want to be what God wants them to be. I am tired of seeing Pastor's who are being worn down, men who are faithfully proclaiming God's Word and loving on their people, yet are being beat up, criticized, scrutinized by people who should know better. I am tired of fighting the wrong enemy. I am tired of seeing good people being hammered by the attacks of the one who appears to promise a better way, but is dragging them down to destruction.

So I am challenging you to join me. Let's stop focusing in on this stuff and begin PRAISING GOD DAY AND NIGHT. Think about how many battles recorded for us in Scripture that were preceded by PRAISE TO OUR GREAT GOD. The bottom line is the enemy of our souls hates it when we praise because God inhabits the praise of His people. I challenge you to begin this week to turn your prayer meeting into a PRAISE meeting. See if you can pray this week and ONLY praise the Lord for who He is. Pray the Scriptures. I have a sneaky suspicion that if we are willing to use this two-edged sword, we are going to see some amazing victories.

Are you willing to take the risk? I am. I hope you will join me on the journey. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Job 22-24; Acts 11

Think about it: Communion is strength; solitude is weakness. Alone, the fine old beech yields to the blast and lies prone on the meadow. In the forest, supporting each other, the trees laugh at the hurricane. The sheep of Jesus flock together. The social element is the genius of Christianity. --Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Looking Unto Jesus

LOOKING UNTO JESUS - Hebrews 12:2

Last Sunday I was checking the morning news on Yahoo and an article caught my eye. The caption of the article was this "IS LIFE SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL." As I read through the article it would have been very easy to be filled with despair and discouragement because of the way life, even to an unbeliever, is spinning out of control in every area from the economy to even the environment.

Many believers are being faced with difficult times. Multitudes of ministries are facing huge financial crisis's. How do we cope in these challenging times? We need to look to Jesus! One of my favorite devotional authors, J. Sidlow Baxter, offers these thoughts written back in 1960!

"Looking unto Jesus." This should be our fixed mental habit, especially in days like ours. There are the age-end times. Iniquity abounds in a multiplicity of new expressions. The world was never more glamorous or seductive. International affairs move on an immense scale up to new tension hitherto unparalleled. Atomic research and invention have keyed life up to a new tension and sensitivity. In all the human story there were never distractions of louder gaiety on the one hand, and of deeper gravity on the other hand.

Life has never been so fast or complex. Politics, finance, cliques, slogans have never been so clever, complicated or deceptive. The status quo has never seemed more shakily susceptible to violent disruption. This is the age of mental and nervous disorders, of druggist shops, sleeping pills and psychiatry.

This is the 21st century of apostasy of Christendom from the evangelical faith; of moral breakdown, of repudiated sanctions, of adolescent unchastity, of increased divorce, of tyrannical trade-unionisms, of totalitarianisms, and syndicated crimes. There have never been such changes in ANY preceding century.

With all this, and the kaleidoscopic changefulness of the international situation, and the seemingly overwhelming odds against evangelical Christianity, and temptations to compromise, and the plentiful discouragements to those who would be out-and-out Christians, it is easy to get our eyes diverted from Christ to the disturbing developments and discouraging doings around us.

Looking unto Jesus: the words might have been written for this very hour; for the full force of the Greek word is, looking OFF unto Jesus. By an act of intelligent determination we must 'look off' to JESUS, the perfect example of patient endurance and the now-enthroned Forerunner who is the pledge of our own heavenly glorification. Our Lord told us, 'Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold; but he that shall ENDURE unto the end, the same shall be saved.' (Matthew 23:12, 13). And the best secret of enduring [in this crazy, ever-changing times] is, LOOKING UNTO JESUS."

I cannot believe those words were written in 1960! Imagine what dear old Baxter would be saying today. Is life spinning out of control for you? Then let's do what the Bible tells us to do - LOOK TO JESUS! He's the only antidote to discouragement! - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK.

God's WORD for YOU: Job 20-21; Acts 10:24-48

Think about this: "We can depend on God to fulfill His promise, even when all the roads leading to us are closed. 'For no matter how many promises God has made, the are "Yes" in Christ. And so through Him the "Amen: is spoken by us to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 1:20 - Matthew Henry