The First Sunday of Advent (Galatians 4:4&5)
Robert Webber, professor and author who is now with the Lord, describes Advent as "a time when God disturbs the waters of our lives." God breaks through into our human world and says, "Here I am!" He might as well ask the question, "What are you going to do about it?"
Through the history of the church, people have looked at Advent from three perspectives. First, we must remember that God did step into our world and become like us-flesh and blood, but without sin. Jesus walked into the waters of our world through a supernatural birth. It was unlike anything that had ever or will ever occur again. As He began His public ministry, He stirred the waters by reading from Isaiah and announcing that they were looking at the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.
The Apostle Paul described this perspective of Advent in these words: "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons." The first way of looking at Advent simply announces that God sent His Son into our world. His purpose in coming focused on people like us, people who needed redemption. The people of Jesus' day were alienated from God. So are we. The only way to re-enter God's family is Jesus, the One who satisfies the law that condemned all the rest of us.
Some of you are familiar with the Advent wreath. Our church puts one on the communion table each year. It has four candles placed in a circle around the wreath and one large white candle in the middle. Some say that the four candles speak of the four centuries between the last prophet to Israel and the arrival of Jesus. The white, large center candle is called the "Christ Candle. " We light it Christmas Eve to announce Jesus' arrival into our world.
The first week of Advent brings us to the candle of hope. It is because Jesus comes into our world and stirs the waters of our lives that we can have hope. We have hope because Jesus brings redemption and adoption. Without those gifts from God, we're hopeless. Everything we know about God and His love tells us that He does not want us to live without hope. He sent His Son to make sure we wouldn't know hopelessness.
Take some time this week-maybe each day of the week-to reflect on the hope that lives in your life because Jesus came into our world. Think about what life might have been like had not Jesus, "in the fullness of time," been born in Bethlehem. Think about what life IS like for you-a follower of Jesus-because He experienced that entry into our world. Pastor John Strain is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist of Toms River
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 30; Ezekiel 37-39; 2 Peter 2
Think About This: "When captivity is led captive, the Eternal God is the refuge of his people...Our sins which pursued us so hotly have been drowned in the depths of the Savior's Blood. They sank to the bottom like stones, the depths have covered them, there is not one, no, not one of them left, and we, standing upon the shore in safety, can shout in triumph over our drowned sins, 'Sing unto the Lord for he hath triumphed gloriously, and all our iniquities hath he cast into the midst of the sea." Charles Spurgeon
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Choosing Your Friends
Choosing Our Friends (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Reminders have come my way recently that the people we hang out with influence us. We often think we're strong, that we can be the "influencer" instead of the "influencee." Most of us who read Freedom Fighter know how often it doesn't work as we think it will.
The believer lives with tension. We're not to let the world (or people in the world) hinder our walk with Jesus. We're also supposed to engage those who live in the world in an effort to share our faith. Being salt and light without losing our "saltiness" and being overcome by darkness is not easy.
We need to hear Paul's instruction to the Corinthians. "Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits." Paul provides the instruction in the context of belief. Bad company can make us believe wrong things, and wrong behaviors flow out of wrong beliefs.
I knew a man several years ago who knew he had a drinking problem. He hit a wall one day and on his way to talk to me about it, he encountered one of his old "drinking buddies." His former friend convinced him that one drink wouldn't hurt anything. You know the story-one drink led to another and another. He got drunk, committed several crimes and wound up in prison for more than ten years. "Don't be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits."
All of us have the responsibility to engage in "redemptive relationships." We need to spend time with non-Christians, befriend them and earn the right to share Jesus with them. At the same time, we must use caution. Part of the caution for many of us includes understanding the areas of our lives where we are most vulnerable. Some people just don't belong in our circle of acquaintance because their influence will do us harm.
Perhaps the counsel of James in the first chapter of his epistle gives us another help in distinguishing good company from bad company. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." None of us is wise enough to know what is best in every situation. That's why we can ask for wisdom. Choosing relationships will make us or break us. We must guard our hearts and seek God's wisdom. -- John Strain is Senior Pastor First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 30; Ezekiel 35-36; 2 Peter 1
Think About This: When the Word dwells as a familiar friend in the heart to direct, counsel and comfort us, then it is a sign it abides there. The devil knows good and hates it, therefore knowledge alone is nothing; but when the promise alters the temper of the heart itself, then it is engrafted there. Richard Sibbes
Join us live tonight at 7:00 PM for the 2008 Christmas cantata, A Christmas Festival, featuring the America's KESWICK Festival Choir. To view, visit www.americaskeswick.org.
You can also watch our singles conference sessions now in progress: today at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM and tomorrow at 10:30 AM. Dave Edward is our speaker.
Reminders have come my way recently that the people we hang out with influence us. We often think we're strong, that we can be the "influencer" instead of the "influencee." Most of us who read Freedom Fighter know how often it doesn't work as we think it will.
The believer lives with tension. We're not to let the world (or people in the world) hinder our walk with Jesus. We're also supposed to engage those who live in the world in an effort to share our faith. Being salt and light without losing our "saltiness" and being overcome by darkness is not easy.
We need to hear Paul's instruction to the Corinthians. "Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits." Paul provides the instruction in the context of belief. Bad company can make us believe wrong things, and wrong behaviors flow out of wrong beliefs.
I knew a man several years ago who knew he had a drinking problem. He hit a wall one day and on his way to talk to me about it, he encountered one of his old "drinking buddies." His former friend convinced him that one drink wouldn't hurt anything. You know the story-one drink led to another and another. He got drunk, committed several crimes and wound up in prison for more than ten years. "Don't be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits."
All of us have the responsibility to engage in "redemptive relationships." We need to spend time with non-Christians, befriend them and earn the right to share Jesus with them. At the same time, we must use caution. Part of the caution for many of us includes understanding the areas of our lives where we are most vulnerable. Some people just don't belong in our circle of acquaintance because their influence will do us harm.
Perhaps the counsel of James in the first chapter of his epistle gives us another help in distinguishing good company from bad company. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." None of us is wise enough to know what is best in every situation. That's why we can ask for wisdom. Choosing relationships will make us or break us. We must guard our hearts and seek God's wisdom. -- John Strain is Senior Pastor First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 30; Ezekiel 35-36; 2 Peter 1
Think About This: When the Word dwells as a familiar friend in the heart to direct, counsel and comfort us, then it is a sign it abides there. The devil knows good and hates it, therefore knowledge alone is nothing; but when the promise alters the temper of the heart itself, then it is engrafted there. Richard Sibbes
Join us live tonight at 7:00 PM for the 2008 Christmas cantata, A Christmas Festival, featuring the America's KESWICK Festival Choir. To view, visit www.americaskeswick.org.
You can also watch our singles conference sessions now in progress: today at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM and tomorrow at 10:30 AM. Dave Edward is our speaker.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Walking By Faith
WALKING BY FAITH
Today's devotional is a classic from the pen of Pastor Bill Raws. It is written in our 365 daily devotional, REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE.
"As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith." (Colossians 2:6-7a)
There are some Christians whose lives appear to have transitioned from a faith basis to a works basis. They seem to have the attitude that faith alone is essential to salvation but that one graduates from the simplicity of faith into the complexity of works.The Bible does not support this idea. In fact, the Apostle Paul in dealing with the matter of disputed practices gives the litmus test, "Whatever is not from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23, b).
In Colossians 2:6 the Apostle Paul is dealing with the commencement and continuance of the Christian life. These are connected by two tiny conjunctions (correlative conjunctions, as and so) showing that the two parts of the verse are of equal importance. There seems to be no doubt that faith is the requirement for receiving Christ Jesus the Lord. But how are we to continue? By faith. In writing to the Corinthians concerning our present life versus our future hope, Paul says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).
In choosing a figure to express the nature of the Christian life, the Bible often uses the action of walking. The process of walking requires the transfer of dependence from one leg to another in a sequence of steps. Life for the Christian is a continuous transfer of dependence from self to the Savior.
As an illustration of this principle, we remind ourselves of the account of Peter walking on the water (Matthew 4:25-31). He walked in faith based on the invitation of Jesus, come.
However, he took his eyes off of Jesus, turning his attention from the Savior to the storm, and began to sink. His failure was not in continuing as he began - by faith. -- Rev. William A. Raws
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 28; Ezekiel 33-34; 1 Peter 5
Think About This: The Lord is my shepherd," is on Sunday, is on Monday, and is through every day of the week; is in January, is in December, and every month of the year; is at home, and is in China; is in peace, and, is in war; in abundance, and in penury. James Hudson Taylor
Today's devotional is a classic from the pen of Pastor Bill Raws. It is written in our 365 daily devotional, REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE.
"As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith." (Colossians 2:6-7a)
There are some Christians whose lives appear to have transitioned from a faith basis to a works basis. They seem to have the attitude that faith alone is essential to salvation but that one graduates from the simplicity of faith into the complexity of works.The Bible does not support this idea. In fact, the Apostle Paul in dealing with the matter of disputed practices gives the litmus test, "Whatever is not from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23, b).
In Colossians 2:6 the Apostle Paul is dealing with the commencement and continuance of the Christian life. These are connected by two tiny conjunctions (correlative conjunctions, as and so) showing that the two parts of the verse are of equal importance. There seems to be no doubt that faith is the requirement for receiving Christ Jesus the Lord. But how are we to continue? By faith. In writing to the Corinthians concerning our present life versus our future hope, Paul says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).
In choosing a figure to express the nature of the Christian life, the Bible often uses the action of walking. The process of walking requires the transfer of dependence from one leg to another in a sequence of steps. Life for the Christian is a continuous transfer of dependence from self to the Savior.
As an illustration of this principle, we remind ourselves of the account of Peter walking on the water (Matthew 4:25-31). He walked in faith based on the invitation of Jesus, come.
However, he took his eyes off of Jesus, turning his attention from the Savior to the storm, and began to sink. His failure was not in continuing as he began - by faith. -- Rev. William A. Raws
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 28; Ezekiel 33-34; 1 Peter 5
Think About This: The Lord is my shepherd," is on Sunday, is on Monday, and is through every day of the week; is in January, is in December, and every month of the year; is at home, and is in China; is in peace, and, is in war; in abundance, and in penury. James Hudson Taylor
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving
"Thank God in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
For the believer, Thanksgiving day is not a one-day event. It is an everyday experience as we live out the victorious Christian life. A thankful heart is a heart that is pleasing to God.
The text from 1 Thessalonians 5:17 suggests that we thank God not just when there are good things in life, but we thank Him IN all things. It isn't an optional exercise, but a command. It is God's will for you and me to be thankful. Please note that it does not to thank Him FOR all things - but IN all things.
This year has been a year of challenges for America's KESWICK and our family. Many of you have stood with us in prayer as we have walked through some very challenging days. While I don't necessarily understand WHY we went through some of the trials, I am thankful that IN the process we were able to say "thank you" to the Lord for seeing us through.
Many years ago, songwriter, Dan Burgess, penned the words to the song THANK YOU, LORD
Thank You Lord for the trials that come my way in that way I can grow each day as I let You lead and thank you lord for the patience those trials bring in the process of growing I can learn to care
chorus
but it goes against the way I am to put my human nature down and let the spirit take control of all I do cause when those trials come my human nature shouts the things to do and god's soft prompting can be easily ignore
verse 2
I thank you lord with each trial I feel inside that you're there to help lead and guide me away from wrong cause you promised lord that with every testing that your way of escaping is easier to bear
verse 3
I thank you lord for the victory that growing brings in surrender of everything life is so worthwhile and I thank you lord that when everything's put in place out in front I can see your face and it' there you belong
Are you thankful this morning? I trust that today will be the beginning of a life of THANKSLIVING for you! I am very thankful today for you, my Freedom Fighter family. Thanks for being in the journey with me. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 27; Ezekiel 30-32; 1 Peter 4
Think About This: Very often when I haven't faith in my faith, I have to have faith in His faith. He makes me believe in myself and my possibilities, when I simply can't. I have to rise to His faith in me. A woman who was inwardly collapsed said to me, "Well, I have no faith of my own, but I do have faith in your faith." "Good," I replied, "take faith in my faith as a first step, and then you will go on to something infinitely better - faith in His faith." With faith in His faith you can do anything- anything that ought to be done. There is a passage which touches your need. "For the Eternal... will not let you go." Faith is not merely your holding on to God; it is God holding on to you. He will not let you go! As Walt Whitman puts it, "Not until the sun refuses to shine, do I refuse you." Then keep saying to your soul, "In quietness and in confidence shall be your faith." (Isaiah 30:15). Then repeat to your soul these words: "To say what ought to be cannot be is a brief and complete statement of atheism." It is. Say to yourself, "What ought to be can be, and I will make it so." And you will. And will go beyond yourself. Eli E. Stanley Jones
"Thank God in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
For the believer, Thanksgiving day is not a one-day event. It is an everyday experience as we live out the victorious Christian life. A thankful heart is a heart that is pleasing to God.
The text from 1 Thessalonians 5:17 suggests that we thank God not just when there are good things in life, but we thank Him IN all things. It isn't an optional exercise, but a command. It is God's will for you and me to be thankful. Please note that it does not to thank Him FOR all things - but IN all things.
This year has been a year of challenges for America's KESWICK and our family. Many of you have stood with us in prayer as we have walked through some very challenging days. While I don't necessarily understand WHY we went through some of the trials, I am thankful that IN the process we were able to say "thank you" to the Lord for seeing us through.
Many years ago, songwriter, Dan Burgess, penned the words to the song THANK YOU, LORD
Thank You Lord for the trials that come my way in that way I can grow each day as I let You lead and thank you lord for the patience those trials bring in the process of growing I can learn to care
chorus
but it goes against the way I am to put my human nature down and let the spirit take control of all I do cause when those trials come my human nature shouts the things to do and god's soft prompting can be easily ignore
verse 2
I thank you lord with each trial I feel inside that you're there to help lead and guide me away from wrong cause you promised lord that with every testing that your way of escaping is easier to bear
verse 3
I thank you lord for the victory that growing brings in surrender of everything life is so worthwhile and I thank you lord that when everything's put in place out in front I can see your face and it' there you belong
Are you thankful this morning? I trust that today will be the beginning of a life of THANKSLIVING for you! I am very thankful today for you, my Freedom Fighter family. Thanks for being in the journey with me. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 27; Ezekiel 30-32; 1 Peter 4
Think About This: Very often when I haven't faith in my faith, I have to have faith in His faith. He makes me believe in myself and my possibilities, when I simply can't. I have to rise to His faith in me. A woman who was inwardly collapsed said to me, "Well, I have no faith of my own, but I do have faith in your faith." "Good," I replied, "take faith in my faith as a first step, and then you will go on to something infinitely better - faith in His faith." With faith in His faith you can do anything- anything that ought to be done. There is a passage which touches your need. "For the Eternal... will not let you go." Faith is not merely your holding on to God; it is God holding on to you. He will not let you go! As Walt Whitman puts it, "Not until the sun refuses to shine, do I refuse you." Then keep saying to your soul, "In quietness and in confidence shall be your faith." (Isaiah 30:15). Then repeat to your soul these words: "To say what ought to be cannot be is a brief and complete statement of atheism." It is. Say to yourself, "What ought to be can be, and I will make it so." And you will. And will go beyond yourself. Eli E. Stanley Jones
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thankfulness
THANKFULNESS
"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on His face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan." Luke 17:15-16
Here is a powerful word from Dr. Henry Blackaby on the subject of thankfulness. It is timely for us to consider as we think about tomorrow being a day to celebrate Thanksgiving:
"Thanksgiving is foundational to the Christian life. Thankfulness is a conscious response that comes from looking beyond our blessings to the source. As Christians, we have been forgiven, saved from death, and adopted as God's children. There could be no better reason for a grateful heart!
Lepers in Jesus' day were social outcasts. Their highly contagious condition ostracized them from those they loved. When ten lepers encountered Jesus, they desperately implored Him to show them mercy. Jesus sent them to the priest. As they obeyed, they were healed! These men had been forbidden to enter their own villages, to live in their own homes, to work in their own jobs, or even to touch their own children. Imagine what unrestrained joy must have filled them as they ran back home again.
One of the lepers, a Samaritan, stopped and ran back to thank Jesus. Samaritans were normally shunned by the Jews, but Jesus had healed him! Jesus asked him, "Where are the others?" Ten lepers had been healed. Ten lepers were reveling in their new found health. Ten men were joyfully rushing to share the good news with those they loved. But only ONE considered the SOURCE of that blessing and stopped to thank and worship the ONE who had given him back his life.
We, too, have been healed and made whole by the Savior. We are free to enjoy the abundant life the Savior has graciously given us. Could we, like the nine lepers, rush off so quickly to glory in our blessings without stopping to thank our Redeemer? God looks for our thanks. Our worship, prayers, service, and daily life ought to be saturated with thanksgiving to God." (Philippians 4:6)"
How about it guys? When was the last time you took some time besides Thanksgiving Day to thank HIM for what He has done for you? He blesses us daily - thanksgiving ought to be a daily part of our lives. Start today. Don't wait until tomorrow. Thank Him! Go ahead! He can't wait to hear from YOU! - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 26; Ezekiel 27-29; 1 Peter 3
Think About This: "God is more eager to ANSWER than we are to ASK." Smith Wigglesworth
Check out George's Stewardship Insight for this week: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/. It's a good one.
"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on His face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan." Luke 17:15-16
Here is a powerful word from Dr. Henry Blackaby on the subject of thankfulness. It is timely for us to consider as we think about tomorrow being a day to celebrate Thanksgiving:
"Thanksgiving is foundational to the Christian life. Thankfulness is a conscious response that comes from looking beyond our blessings to the source. As Christians, we have been forgiven, saved from death, and adopted as God's children. There could be no better reason for a grateful heart!
Lepers in Jesus' day were social outcasts. Their highly contagious condition ostracized them from those they loved. When ten lepers encountered Jesus, they desperately implored Him to show them mercy. Jesus sent them to the priest. As they obeyed, they were healed! These men had been forbidden to enter their own villages, to live in their own homes, to work in their own jobs, or even to touch their own children. Imagine what unrestrained joy must have filled them as they ran back home again.
One of the lepers, a Samaritan, stopped and ran back to thank Jesus. Samaritans were normally shunned by the Jews, but Jesus had healed him! Jesus asked him, "Where are the others?" Ten lepers had been healed. Ten lepers were reveling in their new found health. Ten men were joyfully rushing to share the good news with those they loved. But only ONE considered the SOURCE of that blessing and stopped to thank and worship the ONE who had given him back his life.
We, too, have been healed and made whole by the Savior. We are free to enjoy the abundant life the Savior has graciously given us. Could we, like the nine lepers, rush off so quickly to glory in our blessings without stopping to thank our Redeemer? God looks for our thanks. Our worship, prayers, service, and daily life ought to be saturated with thanksgiving to God." (Philippians 4:6)"
How about it guys? When was the last time you took some time besides Thanksgiving Day to thank HIM for what He has done for you? He blesses us daily - thanksgiving ought to be a daily part of our lives. Start today. Don't wait until tomorrow. Thank Him! Go ahead! He can't wait to hear from YOU! - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 26; Ezekiel 27-29; 1 Peter 3
Think About This: "God is more eager to ANSWER than we are to ASK." Smith Wigglesworth
Check out George's Stewardship Insight for this week: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/. It's a good one.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Flight 93
Flight 93
On Sunday we had the amazing privilege of visiting the temporary Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA with the group that traveled with us to Branson. It was a very meaningful but emotional time for all of us.
Our group joined me in spending some time to reflect upon the heroes of Flight 93 who valiantly and heroically gave their lives for our freedom on September 11th. As many of you know, two of our America's KESWICK family were passengers on Flight 93. They were the only husband and wife on the plane that morning.
Minutes before the plane crashed into the field in Shanksville, the terrorist pilot flying the plane began to rock the plane side to side to keep the passengers from moving into the cock pit area. The crested the hill at 500 miles per hour, and realizing their plan was unraveling, he flipped the plane so that when they crashed, the plane was upside down.
Since 9/11, we have had several memorial services to honor Don and Jean Peterson and the other victims of the terrorist attack on American soil. But there was something very special about being right there where it took place. Standing at the sight overlooking the field my heart was filled with thankfulness to the Lord for the friendship we all enjoyed with Don and Jean. They were truly a unique couple who gave of themselves in so many so that others could enjoy life. From Colony men and their wives to widows and widowers, to members of our staff who were in need, Don and Jean were all about loving and serving people.
After some spoken remarks that I shared with our group, we stood and sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee," "America the Beautiful," and "God Bless America." During our week in Branson, every show that we visited took time to honor our veterans. It is a very patriotic town and each show wanted to express their gratitude and thanksgiving to the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces to protect and preserve our freedoms. Singing those songs at the crash site reminded me that the thousands who lost their lives in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and at Shanksville, were also heroes that we need to be thankful for at this time of the year.
I know that we are not a perfect nation, but I am very thankful today for our country and the freedoms that we still enjoy. I am very thankful today for the heroes that gave their lives on September 11th. I am very thankful today for Don and Jean Peterson. Thank You, Lord, for these patriots! Thank You, Lord, for the testimony of their lives. Thank You, Lord, that it is not too late for America to turn back to You. May God bless America, and may we as a nation turn back and once again bless the God to whom our founding fathers declared unashamedly, "In God We Trust!" - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 25; Ezekiel 24-26; 1 Peter 2
Think About This: That thing that is not coming to you may seem good. But either the timing is wrong, or from His position He can see that the future of it is bleak. I have always believed that people who thank God only for delivering them from what happened are just scraping the surface of praise. The real praise comes when you start thanking Him for what could have happened but didn't because of His swift grace! -- T. D. Jakes
On Sunday we had the amazing privilege of visiting the temporary Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA with the group that traveled with us to Branson. It was a very meaningful but emotional time for all of us.
Our group joined me in spending some time to reflect upon the heroes of Flight 93 who valiantly and heroically gave their lives for our freedom on September 11th. As many of you know, two of our America's KESWICK family were passengers on Flight 93. They were the only husband and wife on the plane that morning.
Minutes before the plane crashed into the field in Shanksville, the terrorist pilot flying the plane began to rock the plane side to side to keep the passengers from moving into the cock pit area. The crested the hill at 500 miles per hour, and realizing their plan was unraveling, he flipped the plane so that when they crashed, the plane was upside down.
Since 9/11, we have had several memorial services to honor Don and Jean Peterson and the other victims of the terrorist attack on American soil. But there was something very special about being right there where it took place. Standing at the sight overlooking the field my heart was filled with thankfulness to the Lord for the friendship we all enjoyed with Don and Jean. They were truly a unique couple who gave of themselves in so many so that others could enjoy life. From Colony men and their wives to widows and widowers, to members of our staff who were in need, Don and Jean were all about loving and serving people.
After some spoken remarks that I shared with our group, we stood and sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee," "America the Beautiful," and "God Bless America." During our week in Branson, every show that we visited took time to honor our veterans. It is a very patriotic town and each show wanted to express their gratitude and thanksgiving to the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces to protect and preserve our freedoms. Singing those songs at the crash site reminded me that the thousands who lost their lives in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and at Shanksville, were also heroes that we need to be thankful for at this time of the year.
I know that we are not a perfect nation, but I am very thankful today for our country and the freedoms that we still enjoy. I am very thankful today for the heroes that gave their lives on September 11th. I am very thankful today for Don and Jean Peterson. Thank You, Lord, for these patriots! Thank You, Lord, for the testimony of their lives. Thank You, Lord, that it is not too late for America to turn back to You. May God bless America, and may we as a nation turn back and once again bless the God to whom our founding fathers declared unashamedly, "In God We Trust!" - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 25; Ezekiel 24-26; 1 Peter 2
Think About This: That thing that is not coming to you may seem good. But either the timing is wrong, or from His position He can see that the future of it is bleak. I have always believed that people who thank God only for delivering them from what happened are just scraping the surface of praise. The real praise comes when you start thanking Him for what could have happened but didn't because of His swift grace! -- T. D. Jakes
Monday, November 24, 2008
Inexcusable, Irreverant and Ingratitude
INEXCUSABLE, IRREVERANT AND INGRATITUDE (See Romans 1:20-21)
A missionary after being in India for a year had a Hindu ask him. When did you write and how did you know that we were so bad (referring to Romans chapter 1)? He said that he had not written it. It was written about 2000 years ago by someone who knew nothing about you.
We are without excuse because when we knew God we did not give Him the reverence due Him. I used to believe that very intelligent men (we call Scientists) looked at the evidence that we see all around us and determined that God never existed. We call them wise but God calls them fools.
Abe Lincoln used this conundrum: How many legs does a dog have. Answer: four. If we call his tail a leg how many legs does a dog have. Answer: four and what some fool calls a leg. They look at God's creation and see no need for an "Intelligent design" called creation. Once you determine that there is no God the only thing left is "Chance". They know God exists the only wish that he didn't.
It matters little if they know God or not for their behavior is the same. Perhaps if they could know that there is no God they would feel less guilt. But we say that we know God.
IRREVERENCE
How often do you think about God? How does this knowledge affect our behavior? The Psalmist says that the wicked man does not have God in all of His thoughts. When you come to church Sunday to Sunday you think of God but what about the days in between. It is good that the Church has Christmas and Easter for at least twice a year people think of God.
Some like to brag that they are agnostics. Now that is a Greek word while the Latin word in Ignoramus. I do not know why anyone would be proud of their ignorance!
If we know God and never talk to God or listen for God to speak to us, how do we differ from others. If we had a son or daughter who daily came to breakfast, dinner and supper and refused to speak or take part in table talk we would soon send them away. How does God feel when we ignore Him?
God wants to hear from us even when we do not want what He wants. Remember how His Son did not want "the cup" that His Father gave Him. Like Jesus, after we have told Him all of your heart we need to say, "Not my will, But Thine alone."
UNGRATEFUL
Do we come humbly before Him? Do we take time to thank Him? Thank him for all that He has given you. Thank Him for the many things He has not given you! Thank Him for a night of rest. Thank Him for whatever health you have. D. L. Moody and Sankey were walking past an "insane asylum" when a patient called out, "Did you ever thank God for your mind?" Both men answered the question and knelt on the gravel road and on the spot thanked God. As a small child I resented my father before a thanksgiving meal thanking God for His bounty as we ate my bantam rooster and a squab that had fallen from its nest.
I later learned to thank God that my father was able to work. I even thank Him when I am only able to sit up and take nourishment. Are we thankful that He went to all the trouble to write His thoughts in a book. A habit of "Daily Devotions" helps us to listen for God's will and to dedicate our day to God.
Inexcusable, Irreverence and Ingratitude
Romans 1: 20-21
God clearly says that they are without an excuse.
They were Inexcusable because of knowing God.
For while they knew Him they failed to give Him honor
As daily they neglected Him as on His good earth they trod
They did not pay Him homage as they surely should,
He was not in all their thoughts even when they were good.
They never talked to Him as children ought to do,
They never sought Him out their whole lives through.
What more could He do to help them change their ways?
He gave the Ten Commandments to help them grow.
He even wrote a letter that made up quite a Book
They did not read to find out what God wanted them to know.
They may have known Him but they did not trust Him,
For their hearts were so hardened.
They never received from Him
His special blood bought pardon.
Even that is not the end of God's charges against men
For if they truly knew Him (as He said they do) They never even took the time to think or even to
Say the words our children learn, "Thank You"
"Thank you for the night of rest and the morning dew
Thank you for loving us as you always do Thank you for our safety and keeping us from harm
Thank you for your peace that keeps us from alarm
"Thank you for our health and strength all day long
Thank you for the job we had even if it's gone Thank you for not failing us when we have failed you
Thank you for mercies that are always new
"Thank you for seeking us when we would hide from you
Thank you for sending your Son and seeing Him through The pain and bloody cross and while we were slow to repent
You loved us and love us through the Son you sent"
Forgive us for the way we treated YOU.
Forgive us for our ingratitude.
Thank you for changing our hearts
And giving us a new attitude! November 16, 2008 gvansandt@yahoo.com Today's Freedom Fighter was written by Pastor George Van Sandt
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 24; Ezekiel 22-23; 1 Peter 1
Think About This: We never know how much real faith we have until it is put to the test in some fierce storm; and that is the reason why the Saviour is on board. If you are ever to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might, your strength will be born in some storm.
A missionary after being in India for a year had a Hindu ask him. When did you write and how did you know that we were so bad (referring to Romans chapter 1)? He said that he had not written it. It was written about 2000 years ago by someone who knew nothing about you.
We are without excuse because when we knew God we did not give Him the reverence due Him. I used to believe that very intelligent men (we call Scientists) looked at the evidence that we see all around us and determined that God never existed. We call them wise but God calls them fools.
Abe Lincoln used this conundrum: How many legs does a dog have. Answer: four. If we call his tail a leg how many legs does a dog have. Answer: four and what some fool calls a leg. They look at God's creation and see no need for an "Intelligent design" called creation. Once you determine that there is no God the only thing left is "Chance". They know God exists the only wish that he didn't.
It matters little if they know God or not for their behavior is the same. Perhaps if they could know that there is no God they would feel less guilt. But we say that we know God.
IRREVERENCE
How often do you think about God? How does this knowledge affect our behavior? The Psalmist says that the wicked man does not have God in all of His thoughts. When you come to church Sunday to Sunday you think of God but what about the days in between. It is good that the Church has Christmas and Easter for at least twice a year people think of God.
Some like to brag that they are agnostics. Now that is a Greek word while the Latin word in Ignoramus. I do not know why anyone would be proud of their ignorance!
If we know God and never talk to God or listen for God to speak to us, how do we differ from others. If we had a son or daughter who daily came to breakfast, dinner and supper and refused to speak or take part in table talk we would soon send them away. How does God feel when we ignore Him?
God wants to hear from us even when we do not want what He wants. Remember how His Son did not want "the cup" that His Father gave Him. Like Jesus, after we have told Him all of your heart we need to say, "Not my will, But Thine alone."
UNGRATEFUL
Do we come humbly before Him? Do we take time to thank Him? Thank him for all that He has given you. Thank Him for the many things He has not given you! Thank Him for a night of rest. Thank Him for whatever health you have. D. L. Moody and Sankey were walking past an "insane asylum" when a patient called out, "Did you ever thank God for your mind?" Both men answered the question and knelt on the gravel road and on the spot thanked God. As a small child I resented my father before a thanksgiving meal thanking God for His bounty as we ate my bantam rooster and a squab that had fallen from its nest.
I later learned to thank God that my father was able to work. I even thank Him when I am only able to sit up and take nourishment. Are we thankful that He went to all the trouble to write His thoughts in a book. A habit of "Daily Devotions" helps us to listen for God's will and to dedicate our day to God.
Inexcusable, Irreverence and Ingratitude
Romans 1: 20-21
God clearly says that they are without an excuse.
They were Inexcusable because of knowing God.
For while they knew Him they failed to give Him honor
As daily they neglected Him as on His good earth they trod
They did not pay Him homage as they surely should,
He was not in all their thoughts even when they were good.
They never talked to Him as children ought to do,
They never sought Him out their whole lives through.
What more could He do to help them change their ways?
He gave the Ten Commandments to help them grow.
He even wrote a letter that made up quite a Book
They did not read to find out what God wanted them to know.
They may have known Him but they did not trust Him,
For their hearts were so hardened.
They never received from Him
His special blood bought pardon.
Even that is not the end of God's charges against men
For if they truly knew Him (as He said they do) They never even took the time to think or even to
Say the words our children learn, "Thank You"
"Thank you for the night of rest and the morning dew
Thank you for loving us as you always do Thank you for our safety and keeping us from harm
Thank you for your peace that keeps us from alarm
"Thank you for our health and strength all day long
Thank you for the job we had even if it's gone Thank you for not failing us when we have failed you
Thank you for mercies that are always new
"Thank you for seeking us when we would hide from you
Thank you for sending your Son and seeing Him through The pain and bloody cross and while we were slow to repent
You loved us and love us through the Son you sent"
Forgive us for the way we treated YOU.
Forgive us for our ingratitude.
Thank you for changing our hearts
And giving us a new attitude! November 16, 2008 gvansandt@yahoo.com Today's Freedom Fighter was written by Pastor George Van Sandt
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 24; Ezekiel 22-23; 1 Peter 1
Think About This: We never know how much real faith we have until it is put to the test in some fierce storm; and that is the reason why the Saviour is on board. If you are ever to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might, your strength will be born in some storm.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
A Prayer for the People of God
A Prayer for the People of God
I'd like to share a prayer I wrote recently for First Baptist Church. With far too much frequency I hear of churches that struggle with division, competing agendas and people who would rather fight than love. It must break God's heart when He observes the way His people behave. Each of us who read Freedom Fighter each day have freedom to make a difference in our churches. May God help us love Christ's church!
Almighty God: thank You for the privilege of gathering for worship in this place today. We come as needy people who are hungry for Your presence. We come as broken people who need Your cleansing and forgiveness. We come as helpless people who need Your transforming work in our lives.
Gracious God, help us worship you today in a way that declares Your majestic goodness. Strip from our hearts and minds anything that hurts Your heart as you look on Your people. Empower us to focus on You and what You want to do in our lives and our church. If even one of us has an agenda that takes us away from our First Love, convict us powerfully and deeply.
We confess to You, Lord, that we don't always make good choices. We don't always live as we should live. We don't always love as we should love. It is only through Your grace that we survive and overcome our sinful failures. Thank You for that grace!
Holy God, You have called us to be Your body in this place. You have made us the family of God in this place. With deep sorrow we confess that we are not always good at being Your body. We don't always love Your family as we should. Heal our hearts, O God, and help us live in the unity of Your Spirit. May the world around us know us as people who know You, love you and serve You. May we never cause a bad word to be said about You or Your people because of the way we live in Your family.
Protect us, loving Father, from our enemy, the devil. As Your Word teaches, help us never give Satan a foothold in our lives or in Your church. Help us hate the sin he tempts us to commit. Help us hate the sin that flows from our fallen nature. Live in us and lead us to choose right over wrong as we discover it in Your Word. -- John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 23; Ezekiel 20-21; James 5
Think About This: People seem to think that the masses are outside the Christian church because our evangelistic methods are not what they ought to be. That is not the answer. People are outside the church because looking at us they say, "What is the point of being Christians? - look at them!" They are judging Christ by you and me. And you cannot stop them and you cannot blame them. -- Martyn Lloyd-Jones
I'd like to share a prayer I wrote recently for First Baptist Church. With far too much frequency I hear of churches that struggle with division, competing agendas and people who would rather fight than love. It must break God's heart when He observes the way His people behave. Each of us who read Freedom Fighter each day have freedom to make a difference in our churches. May God help us love Christ's church!
Almighty God: thank You for the privilege of gathering for worship in this place today. We come as needy people who are hungry for Your presence. We come as broken people who need Your cleansing and forgiveness. We come as helpless people who need Your transforming work in our lives.
Gracious God, help us worship you today in a way that declares Your majestic goodness. Strip from our hearts and minds anything that hurts Your heart as you look on Your people. Empower us to focus on You and what You want to do in our lives and our church. If even one of us has an agenda that takes us away from our First Love, convict us powerfully and deeply.
We confess to You, Lord, that we don't always make good choices. We don't always live as we should live. We don't always love as we should love. It is only through Your grace that we survive and overcome our sinful failures. Thank You for that grace!
Holy God, You have called us to be Your body in this place. You have made us the family of God in this place. With deep sorrow we confess that we are not always good at being Your body. We don't always love Your family as we should. Heal our hearts, O God, and help us live in the unity of Your Spirit. May the world around us know us as people who know You, love you and serve You. May we never cause a bad word to be said about You or Your people because of the way we live in Your family.
Protect us, loving Father, from our enemy, the devil. As Your Word teaches, help us never give Satan a foothold in our lives or in Your church. Help us hate the sin he tempts us to commit. Help us hate the sin that flows from our fallen nature. Live in us and lead us to choose right over wrong as we discover it in Your Word. -- John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 23; Ezekiel 20-21; James 5
Think About This: People seem to think that the masses are outside the Christian church because our evangelistic methods are not what they ought to be. That is not the answer. People are outside the church because looking at us they say, "What is the point of being Christians? - look at them!" They are judging Christ by you and me. And you cannot stop them and you cannot blame them. -- Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Saturday, November 22, 2008
A Life of Contentment
A Life of Contentment (Philippians 4:11&12)
A friend and I had lunch this week and talked about contentment. He struggles with wanting what he doesn't have. I had to confess that I sometimes have the same struggle. As I've thought about it through the week, some observations surfaced that may help us learn why we struggle and how we can avoid the struggle.
Paul says it simply in his letter to the Philippians. ". . . for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."
How do we get there? The journey to contentment isn't easy for at least three reasons. We live with the residue of the flesh as we follow Jesus. Sometimes that flesh just wants stuff it doesn't need. When we want stuff we don't need and can't get it, discontentment sets in. Unless we bring that old man-the flesh-under control and say no to unneeded desires, we'll not know contentment.
We also live in a world that tries to make us discontent. The ads you see on TV or in a magazine often work to make you want what you don't have. I've noticed that recently with the onslaught of ads for the newest Blackberry mobile phone. No other phone is enough; you have to have the newest and best. Or so our world wants us to believe. Unless we choose to tune out the messages the world sends, we'll see discontentment popping up in various arenas of our lives.
We also have one who is called the enemy of our souls. He specializes in discontent. He lies to us. He tricks us. He uses the power of suggestion. He wants us to want what we don't have, and then he'll try to blame our not having it on God. "If God really loves you, He'll let you have what you want." Can you hear him whispering in your ear?
So, how do we get to contentment? I'm working on three things in my own life. First, I've sensed the Lord pushing me to gratitude for what I do have-and I have far more than I deserve! Gratitude and discontentment can't live in the same house.God's Spirit is also reminding me that I am instructed to resist the devil when we lies to me and tries to create discontentment in my heart and mind. Take another read of James 4:7-10. Choose not to play his deceptive games.
Finally, Paul tells me not to focus on this world. In Romans 12:2 I'm told not to let the world press me into its mold. I don't have to have all the world has to offer, and I don't need all the world has to offer. The positive side of the instruction comes from Colossians 3:2. "Set your mind on things above. . . ." Contentment comes more easily when we focus on that which is eternal.
My friend and I are working on contentment. I pray that many who read this FF will join us in that pursuit. -- Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 21; Ezekiel 16-17; James 3
Think About This: People may excite in themselves a glow of compassion, not by toasting their feet at the fire, and saying: "Lord, teach me compassion," but by going and seeking an object that requires compassion. -- Henry Ward Beecher
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Choosing Life in the Spirit
Choosing Life in the Spirit (Romans 8:1-17)
Think with me again today about life in the Spirit. Anyone who is a genuine follower of Jesus has God's Spirit. He indwells each believer when they are born again. Having the Spirit, and living in the Spirit are two different issues, however. Living in the Spirit is something we learn to experience as we grow in Christ.
Romans 8:1-17 is some of Paul's clearest instruction about life in the Spirit. He contrasts it with the believer who lives life in the flesh-the "carnal" believer. Each of us who reads this FF lives as one or the other-carnal or spiritual. To choose life in the Spirit requires some decisions on our part. I'd like to suggest three decisions we must make to walk in the Spirit.
First, we must decide to surrender. It involves agreeing with God that we cannot live life as God intends it on our own. We decide to surrender our own abilities and desires so the Spirit can have freedom to work in us. Like so many decisions in the Christian life, we'll probably make the "big" decision and then reinforce it with small decisions through the rest of our lives.
We also must make the decision to obey. Disobedience moves us back to the carnal end of the spectrum. Obedience keeps us growing in our walk with the Spirit. Obedience enables God's Spirit to fill us with power, direct us in the ways we should walk and teach us everything our Lord wants us to learn.
I don't know why obedience is so hard for so many of us, but I know it is hard. Perhaps we need to learn how much we give up by choosing to disobey. I've learned I lose far more than I gain when I try to live in opposition to the Spirit's work in my life.
Finally, we must decide to trust. God gave us the Holy Spirit because He knew we needed the power, instruction and presence He brings to us. God's work in us is often so contrary to what we "think" life should look like; we're so sure we know better. To choose life in the Spirit is to decide to trust. Even when it doesn't make sense to us, we trust God's Spirit. Even when we think we know a better way, we trust God's Spirit. Even when we can't see where His direction and work will take us, we trust God's Spirit.For all of life and for each day of life, deciding to walk in the Spirit is always the best choice. What choice will you make today?
-- John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 20; Ezekiel 14-15; James 2
Think About This: I'm glad God has all the answers, 'cause I barely understand the questions. Barbara Johnson
Think with me again today about life in the Spirit. Anyone who is a genuine follower of Jesus has God's Spirit. He indwells each believer when they are born again. Having the Spirit, and living in the Spirit are two different issues, however. Living in the Spirit is something we learn to experience as we grow in Christ.
Romans 8:1-17 is some of Paul's clearest instruction about life in the Spirit. He contrasts it with the believer who lives life in the flesh-the "carnal" believer. Each of us who reads this FF lives as one or the other-carnal or spiritual. To choose life in the Spirit requires some decisions on our part. I'd like to suggest three decisions we must make to walk in the Spirit.
First, we must decide to surrender. It involves agreeing with God that we cannot live life as God intends it on our own. We decide to surrender our own abilities and desires so the Spirit can have freedom to work in us. Like so many decisions in the Christian life, we'll probably make the "big" decision and then reinforce it with small decisions through the rest of our lives.
We also must make the decision to obey. Disobedience moves us back to the carnal end of the spectrum. Obedience keeps us growing in our walk with the Spirit. Obedience enables God's Spirit to fill us with power, direct us in the ways we should walk and teach us everything our Lord wants us to learn.
I don't know why obedience is so hard for so many of us, but I know it is hard. Perhaps we need to learn how much we give up by choosing to disobey. I've learned I lose far more than I gain when I try to live in opposition to the Spirit's work in my life.
Finally, we must decide to trust. God gave us the Holy Spirit because He knew we needed the power, instruction and presence He brings to us. God's work in us is often so contrary to what we "think" life should look like; we're so sure we know better. To choose life in the Spirit is to decide to trust. Even when it doesn't make sense to us, we trust God's Spirit. Even when we think we know a better way, we trust God's Spirit. Even when we can't see where His direction and work will take us, we trust God's Spirit.For all of life and for each day of life, deciding to walk in the Spirit is always the best choice. What choice will you make today?
-- John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 20; Ezekiel 14-15; James 2
Think About This: I'm glad God has all the answers, 'cause I barely understand the questions. Barbara Johnson
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Four Critical Questions
Four Critical Questions
Life in the Spirit. Walking in the yoke. Abiding in Christ. They are different facets of the same biblical truth: God designed us for relationship with Him. That relationship develops through the indwelling, transforming ministry of the Holy Spirit-the third person of the Trinity.
We aren't complete or satisfied as long as we live outside that God-designed relationship. I wonder why so many of us choose to live apart from or distanced from God and His ministry in our lives. Are we afraid of what God might want to do with us? Do we have things in our lives we don't want to give up that create the distance? Is laziness a factor? Do we just choose not to discipline ourselves in ways that cooperate with the Spirit's work?
Answers aren't always easy to find that explain the lack of surrender and dependence upon God's Spirit. I know I don't have all the answers. What I do know, though, is how desperately we need God's Spirit-driven work. I need that work. I believe you need that work. Our churches needs that work. Individually and corporately we will not be complete or satisfied without the free flow of the Holy Spirit in us and through us.
That leads us to think about four critical questions. The answers to these questions will determine whether or not we live in the Spirit. 1) Will we believe what God says? He says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 3:16) God's Spirit dwells in us! 2) Will we trust what God provides? He says "I will send you a helper." (John 15:26) God's Spirit comes to our lives to help us live as God designed us to live. 3) Will we obey what God commands? He says "Be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18) To live as God designed requires the power that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. 4) Will we avoid what God warns against? He says that we're not to "quench" the Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Nothing in our lives should hinder God's Spirit from doing His work in us.
God designed us for lives marked by power, influence, joy and deep inner peace. That life isn't reserved for "super saints." It's the normal Christian life Jesus offers to every one of His followers, and it's available to you and me today. Will you join me in the pursuit of "Life in the Spirit?" If anyone chooses to pursue life in the Spirit, it should be those who fight for freedom in Christ! -- Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Tom's River
Check out this week's STEWARDSHIP INSIGHT FROM GEORGE. George would love to dialog with you as well, so be sure to leave a blog note: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 19; Ezekiel 11-13; James 1
Think About This: Down through the centuries in times of trouble and trial God has brought courage to the hearts of those who love Him. The Bible is filled with assurances of God's help and comfort in every kind of trouble which might cause fears to arise in the human heart. You can look ahead with promise, hope, and joy. -- Billy Graham
Life in the Spirit. Walking in the yoke. Abiding in Christ. They are different facets of the same biblical truth: God designed us for relationship with Him. That relationship develops through the indwelling, transforming ministry of the Holy Spirit-the third person of the Trinity.
We aren't complete or satisfied as long as we live outside that God-designed relationship. I wonder why so many of us choose to live apart from or distanced from God and His ministry in our lives. Are we afraid of what God might want to do with us? Do we have things in our lives we don't want to give up that create the distance? Is laziness a factor? Do we just choose not to discipline ourselves in ways that cooperate with the Spirit's work?
Answers aren't always easy to find that explain the lack of surrender and dependence upon God's Spirit. I know I don't have all the answers. What I do know, though, is how desperately we need God's Spirit-driven work. I need that work. I believe you need that work. Our churches needs that work. Individually and corporately we will not be complete or satisfied without the free flow of the Holy Spirit in us and through us.
That leads us to think about four critical questions. The answers to these questions will determine whether or not we live in the Spirit. 1) Will we believe what God says? He says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 3:16) God's Spirit dwells in us! 2) Will we trust what God provides? He says "I will send you a helper." (John 15:26) God's Spirit comes to our lives to help us live as God designed us to live. 3) Will we obey what God commands? He says "Be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18) To live as God designed requires the power that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. 4) Will we avoid what God warns against? He says that we're not to "quench" the Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Nothing in our lives should hinder God's Spirit from doing His work in us.
God designed us for lives marked by power, influence, joy and deep inner peace. That life isn't reserved for "super saints." It's the normal Christian life Jesus offers to every one of His followers, and it's available to you and me today. Will you join me in the pursuit of "Life in the Spirit?" If anyone chooses to pursue life in the Spirit, it should be those who fight for freedom in Christ! -- Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Tom's River
Check out this week's STEWARDSHIP INSIGHT FROM GEORGE. George would love to dialog with you as well, so be sure to leave a blog note: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 19; Ezekiel 11-13; James 1
Think About This: Down through the centuries in times of trouble and trial God has brought courage to the hearts of those who love Him. The Bible is filled with assurances of God's help and comfort in every kind of trouble which might cause fears to arise in the human heart. You can look ahead with promise, hope, and joy. -- Billy Graham
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
More Thoughts on Simplicity
More Thoughts on Simplicity (Acts 2:46&47)
We live in a confusing world. The church hasn't escaped that confusion. I don't think I've ever lived in more challenging times for the church and her people. Gimmicks and gurus who have all the answers litter the church landscape. We follow the fads and gimmicks at our peril.
A recurring thought walks regularly through my mind these days. It goes something like this. What if we just used the Bible as our standard? What if love became the preeminent quality in the church? What if we longed for and prayed for the power of the Holy Spirit on all our efforts? What if we just kept things very simple? What if we just loved people with the love of Jesus?
We don't need new programs. I don't think we need new methods. Quick fixes haven't worked throughout the years, and they still won't work. Let me tell you what I think will work.
LOVE will work. People flocked to Jesus because they knew He loved them. When we put Jesus' love to work in our community, looking for ways to share it with those who don't know Him, it will work!
SERVICE will work. If we really believe Jesus is our model, then we must serve. We must step outside the walls of our church buildings and look for new and fresh ways to serve our community. If we choose to quit demanding service and look for ways to serve in Jesus' name, it will work!
PRAYER will work. We pray too much for ourselves and too little for those who need Jesus. We pray too much for our issues and not enough for the issues the keep people from Jesus. We pray too little for most everything. Choosing to make prayer a priority as an expression of our absolute dependence upon God will work.
SPIRIT-FILLED LIVING will work. The early church had incredible influence in their pagan culture. That influence was Spirit-driven. Most of us know little of that kind of life. Again, we too often choose to live subnormal Christian lives. We live with so much clutter in our souls. We tolerate so much that hinders God's work. We live so full of ourselves that God's Spirit has no room. If we choose to pursue His fullness in our lives, we'll experience "church" that works! -- Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor First Baptist of Toms River
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 18; Ezekiel 8-10; Hebrews 13
Think About This: "The Christian is a new creature, born and taught from above...and has renounced the confused, distant, uncomfortable notions he/she once formed of God...He/she sees God in Christ, reconciled, a Father, a Savior and a Friend, who has freely forgiven him/her all his/her sins and given him/her the spirit of adoption; he/she is now no longer a servant, much less a stranger, but a son/daughter; and because a son/daughter, an heir already interested in all the promises, admitted to the throne of grace, and assured expectant of eternal glory." John Newton, Letters of John Newton, 1781
We live in a confusing world. The church hasn't escaped that confusion. I don't think I've ever lived in more challenging times for the church and her people. Gimmicks and gurus who have all the answers litter the church landscape. We follow the fads and gimmicks at our peril.
A recurring thought walks regularly through my mind these days. It goes something like this. What if we just used the Bible as our standard? What if love became the preeminent quality in the church? What if we longed for and prayed for the power of the Holy Spirit on all our efforts? What if we just kept things very simple? What if we just loved people with the love of Jesus?
We don't need new programs. I don't think we need new methods. Quick fixes haven't worked throughout the years, and they still won't work. Let me tell you what I think will work.
LOVE will work. People flocked to Jesus because they knew He loved them. When we put Jesus' love to work in our community, looking for ways to share it with those who don't know Him, it will work!
SERVICE will work. If we really believe Jesus is our model, then we must serve. We must step outside the walls of our church buildings and look for new and fresh ways to serve our community. If we choose to quit demanding service and look for ways to serve in Jesus' name, it will work!
PRAYER will work. We pray too much for ourselves and too little for those who need Jesus. We pray too much for our issues and not enough for the issues the keep people from Jesus. We pray too little for most everything. Choosing to make prayer a priority as an expression of our absolute dependence upon God will work.
SPIRIT-FILLED LIVING will work. The early church had incredible influence in their pagan culture. That influence was Spirit-driven. Most of us know little of that kind of life. Again, we too often choose to live subnormal Christian lives. We live with so much clutter in our souls. We tolerate so much that hinders God's work. We live so full of ourselves that God's Spirit has no room. If we choose to pursue His fullness in our lives, we'll experience "church" that works! -- Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor First Baptist of Toms River
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 18; Ezekiel 8-10; Hebrews 13
Think About This: "The Christian is a new creature, born and taught from above...and has renounced the confused, distant, uncomfortable notions he/she once formed of God...He/she sees God in Christ, reconciled, a Father, a Savior and a Friend, who has freely forgiven him/her all his/her sins and given him/her the spirit of adoption; he/she is now no longer a servant, much less a stranger, but a son/daughter; and because a son/daughter, an heir already interested in all the promises, admitted to the throne of grace, and assured expectant of eternal glory." John Newton, Letters of John Newton, 1781
Monday, November 17, 2008
Pursuing Simplicity
Pursuing Simplicity (Deuteronomy 10:12-22)
Many of us who walk with the Lord allow our lives to become more complicated than they need to be or ought to be. The more I read Scripture, the more I'm convinced that simplicity is a worthwhile goal for the Christian. It isn't something our world urges us to pursue, but it seems to be a mark of those who have walked with the Lord.
Life seems increasingly complicated, and the twists and turns keep us from living simply. The complications of everyday life infect all of life. Before we know it, everything is complicated including walking with Jesus. How do we escape all the complicated hurdles that keep us from walking with the Lord? Again, as I read the Scriptures, I come to the conclusion that pursuing simplicity is simpler than we think. Moses gives us a path to simplicity in his recital of God's expectations to the Israelites at their impending entrance to the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 10:12-22).
He sums up God's expectations for His people in four words: fear, love, serve and keep. The expectations that go with the words are simple. They'll help us avoid many of life's complications if we'll choose to live them out.
FEAR the Lord your God, is the first step to simplicity. God asks us to respect Him enough to never bring disrepute on His name. We want to hold Him in high reverence and do nothing to damage His reputation.
LOVE the Lord your God, is the second step in the pursuit of simplicity. God asks us to love Him more than anyone or anything else. To love God with all our hearts and souls is to give Him the place He deserves in our lives. That love for God will protect us from many of the complications our world can throw at us.
SERVE the Lord your God takes us another step toward simple living. When He has first place in our lives, serving is as natural as waking up every morning. It's not complicated. We listen for direction and do what He asks of us. We serve Him because we have great reverence for Him and because we love Him. -- John Strain is Senior Pastor First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for YOU -- Proverbs 17; Ezekiel 5-7; Hebrews 12
Think About This: Grace is something you can never get but can only be given. There's no way to earn it or deserve it or bring it about anymore than you can deserve the taste of raspberries and cream or earn good looks. A good night's sleep is grace and so are good dreams. Most tears are grace. The smell of rain is grace. Somebody loving you is grace. -- Frederick Buechner
Many of us who walk with the Lord allow our lives to become more complicated than they need to be or ought to be. The more I read Scripture, the more I'm convinced that simplicity is a worthwhile goal for the Christian. It isn't something our world urges us to pursue, but it seems to be a mark of those who have walked with the Lord.
Life seems increasingly complicated, and the twists and turns keep us from living simply. The complications of everyday life infect all of life. Before we know it, everything is complicated including walking with Jesus. How do we escape all the complicated hurdles that keep us from walking with the Lord? Again, as I read the Scriptures, I come to the conclusion that pursuing simplicity is simpler than we think. Moses gives us a path to simplicity in his recital of God's expectations to the Israelites at their impending entrance to the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 10:12-22).
He sums up God's expectations for His people in four words: fear, love, serve and keep. The expectations that go with the words are simple. They'll help us avoid many of life's complications if we'll choose to live them out.
FEAR the Lord your God, is the first step to simplicity. God asks us to respect Him enough to never bring disrepute on His name. We want to hold Him in high reverence and do nothing to damage His reputation.
LOVE the Lord your God, is the second step in the pursuit of simplicity. God asks us to love Him more than anyone or anything else. To love God with all our hearts and souls is to give Him the place He deserves in our lives. That love for God will protect us from many of the complications our world can throw at us.
SERVE the Lord your God takes us another step toward simple living. When He has first place in our lives, serving is as natural as waking up every morning. It's not complicated. We listen for direction and do what He asks of us. We serve Him because we have great reverence for Him and because we love Him. -- John Strain is Senior Pastor First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for YOU -- Proverbs 17; Ezekiel 5-7; Hebrews 12
Think About This: Grace is something you can never get but can only be given. There's no way to earn it or deserve it or bring it about anymore than you can deserve the taste of raspberries and cream or earn good looks. A good night's sleep is grace and so are good dreams. Most tears are grace. The smell of rain is grace. Somebody loving you is grace. -- Frederick Buechner
Sunday, November 16, 2008
He is Worthy!
He Is Worthy! (Part 2; Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31)
God is worthy of our complete devotion because He is God! We thought about that in last Sunday's FF. That isn't the only reason that He is worthy, however. The Scriptures teach us that God is also good. As we think about His goodness, we discover another reason to declare Him worthy of our love, labor and lives.
In Psalm 107, one verse is repeated four times. Each time it declares that God is good. "Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men." Let's think about the goodness of God this morning. I pray that His goodness will move us to a deeper love for Him and commitment to Him.
Part of understanding God's goodness is a theological issue. His goodness is part of His character. One writer says that His goodness is the summum bonum-the maximum good. Some words we're familiar with describe His goodness. He is eternally good. He has always been good and always will be good. He is infinitely good. His goodness has no limitations, and He is completely good. No darkness exists in His character. (See 1 John 1:5) He is also uniquely good. No one else can claim goodness without the taint of sin. Only God is completely good.
I've thought of at least three ways we see the goodness of God in our lives. First, we see His goodness in creation. Read Genesis one and see how many times God says what He has done is good. The creation is a reflection of God's goodness. Psalm 107 teaches us that God's works display His goodness. When we take time to reflect on His goodness in our lives, we must agree with the psalmist. He has done wonderful works in our lives that declare His goodness. Finally, we see His goodness in the sending of His Son. Jesus' arrival in our world is the supreme declaration of God's goodness. God is worthy of our best because He's good!
So, how do we respond to God's goodness? Let me suggest two ways. First, we give Him our gratitude. Read Psalm 106:1. "Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." Reflecting on God's goodness will always move us to gratitude. Another response, trust, is also appropriate. Confidence in God's goodness empowers us to trust Him regardless of the circumstances that confront us. "The Lord is good, A strong-hold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him."
(Nahum 1:7) - John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for you: Proverbs 16; Ezekiel 3-4; Hebrews 11:20-40
Think About This: Every day you provide your bodies with good to keep them from failing. In the same way your good works should be the daily nourishment of your hearts. Your bodies are fed with food and your spirits with good works. You aren't to deny your soul, which is going to live forever, what you grant to your body, which is going to die.-- Anonymous
God is worthy of our complete devotion because He is God! We thought about that in last Sunday's FF. That isn't the only reason that He is worthy, however. The Scriptures teach us that God is also good. As we think about His goodness, we discover another reason to declare Him worthy of our love, labor and lives.
In Psalm 107, one verse is repeated four times. Each time it declares that God is good. "Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men." Let's think about the goodness of God this morning. I pray that His goodness will move us to a deeper love for Him and commitment to Him.
Part of understanding God's goodness is a theological issue. His goodness is part of His character. One writer says that His goodness is the summum bonum-the maximum good. Some words we're familiar with describe His goodness. He is eternally good. He has always been good and always will be good. He is infinitely good. His goodness has no limitations, and He is completely good. No darkness exists in His character. (See 1 John 1:5) He is also uniquely good. No one else can claim goodness without the taint of sin. Only God is completely good.
I've thought of at least three ways we see the goodness of God in our lives. First, we see His goodness in creation. Read Genesis one and see how many times God says what He has done is good. The creation is a reflection of God's goodness. Psalm 107 teaches us that God's works display His goodness. When we take time to reflect on His goodness in our lives, we must agree with the psalmist. He has done wonderful works in our lives that declare His goodness. Finally, we see His goodness in the sending of His Son. Jesus' arrival in our world is the supreme declaration of God's goodness. God is worthy of our best because He's good!
So, how do we respond to God's goodness? Let me suggest two ways. First, we give Him our gratitude. Read Psalm 106:1. "Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." Reflecting on God's goodness will always move us to gratitude. Another response, trust, is also appropriate. Confidence in God's goodness empowers us to trust Him regardless of the circumstances that confront us. "The Lord is good, A strong-hold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him."
(Nahum 1:7) - John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for you: Proverbs 16; Ezekiel 3-4; Hebrews 11:20-40
Think About This: Every day you provide your bodies with good to keep them from failing. In the same way your good works should be the daily nourishment of your hearts. Your bodies are fed with food and your spirits with good works. You aren't to deny your soul, which is going to live forever, what you grant to your body, which is going to die.-- Anonymous
Saturday, November 15, 2008
The Life of Faith
The Life of Faith (Habakkuk 2:4)
I am leaving on Saturday morning for an 8-day bus trip to Branson with
44 friends of America's KESWICK. That is why you are getting two Freedom Fighters on Friday!!! Pastor John Strain will be sharing Freedom Fighters all week with you.
Have you read Habakkuk lately? It was part of my regular Bible reading schedule yesterday. Do you join me in amazement at God's ability to schedule particular readings just when we need them? I experienced that amazement while spending time with Habakkuk yesterday. Think with me about what he says: "Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith."
It's easy these days to see darkness rather than light. The economy is in trouble. Our country is in trouble. Our world is in trouble. Most of us know churches that are in trouble. Much of life seems pretty dark. It was that way for Habakkuk, too. God called him to prophesy to the people of Judah during what my Bible (in the introductory notes to this book) call the "death throes" of the nation. He asked God to help him understand what was going on. God answered him, in part, with the words of vs. 4.
The situation Habakkuk faced in Judah was worse than our situation. I don't know anyone who sees our country in "death throes." We see hard times, but not death, on the horizon. How will we handle those difficulties? We do have choices. We can despair. We can doubt. We can complain. Or, we can live by faith. One of the men at First Baptist lost forty per cent of his retirement fund in one week of October. It would be easy to despair, doubt and complain. It's better to live by faith. I believe that's what my brother in Christ is doing, even though it's hard.
God wanted Habakkuk, and us, to know that He will see all of us through whatever circumstances come our way. He doesn't promise us that everything will be easy. He does assure us that we're not alone. He does assure us that He does not forsake His own. God told Habakkuk to write "the just shall live by his faith." Faith is the better option.
Doubt, despair and complaint won't sustain us. Faith will.
How are you weathering the darkness that hovers over our world right now? Are you experiencing personal difficulties that make the world even darker? Hear God's encouraging words to a discouraged prophet: ". . . the just shall live by his faith." It was a good word for Habakkuk. It's a good word for every Freedom Fighter. - John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 15; Ezekiel 1-2; Hebrews 11:1-19
Think About This: "Our nature struggles fiercely against being saved without our works and tries to deceive us with a grand illusion of our own righteousness. So we may find ourselves attracted to a life that merely appears to be righteous. Or because we know we aren't righteous, we may be frightened by death or sin. Therefore, we must learn that we should have nothing to do with any other way of becoming righteous, except through Christ alone." Martin Luther
Coming soon: JESUS LED ME ALL THE WAY - Simple Piano Styles by Bill Welte. 14 Hymns recorded on CD. Cost is $15. If you are interested, respond to this email for information
I am leaving on Saturday morning for an 8-day bus trip to Branson with
44 friends of America's KESWICK. That is why you are getting two Freedom Fighters on Friday!!! Pastor John Strain will be sharing Freedom Fighters all week with you.
Have you read Habakkuk lately? It was part of my regular Bible reading schedule yesterday. Do you join me in amazement at God's ability to schedule particular readings just when we need them? I experienced that amazement while spending time with Habakkuk yesterday. Think with me about what he says: "Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith."
It's easy these days to see darkness rather than light. The economy is in trouble. Our country is in trouble. Our world is in trouble. Most of us know churches that are in trouble. Much of life seems pretty dark. It was that way for Habakkuk, too. God called him to prophesy to the people of Judah during what my Bible (in the introductory notes to this book) call the "death throes" of the nation. He asked God to help him understand what was going on. God answered him, in part, with the words of vs. 4.
The situation Habakkuk faced in Judah was worse than our situation. I don't know anyone who sees our country in "death throes." We see hard times, but not death, on the horizon. How will we handle those difficulties? We do have choices. We can despair. We can doubt. We can complain. Or, we can live by faith. One of the men at First Baptist lost forty per cent of his retirement fund in one week of October. It would be easy to despair, doubt and complain. It's better to live by faith. I believe that's what my brother in Christ is doing, even though it's hard.
God wanted Habakkuk, and us, to know that He will see all of us through whatever circumstances come our way. He doesn't promise us that everything will be easy. He does assure us that we're not alone. He does assure us that He does not forsake His own. God told Habakkuk to write "the just shall live by his faith." Faith is the better option.
Doubt, despair and complaint won't sustain us. Faith will.
How are you weathering the darkness that hovers over our world right now? Are you experiencing personal difficulties that make the world even darker? Hear God's encouraging words to a discouraged prophet: ". . . the just shall live by his faith." It was a good word for Habakkuk. It's a good word for every Freedom Fighter. - John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 15; Ezekiel 1-2; Hebrews 11:1-19
Think About This: "Our nature struggles fiercely against being saved without our works and tries to deceive us with a grand illusion of our own righteousness. So we may find ourselves attracted to a life that merely appears to be righteous. Or because we know we aren't righteous, we may be frightened by death or sin. Therefore, we must learn that we should have nothing to do with any other way of becoming righteous, except through Christ alone." Martin Luther
Coming soon: JESUS LED ME ALL THE WAY - Simple Piano Styles by Bill Welte. 14 Hymns recorded on CD. Cost is $15. If you are interested, respond to this email for information
Friday, November 14, 2008
Contented Living
CONTENTED LIVING
"Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." (Philippians 4:11)
Another one of my heroes of the faith is Dr. Gil Peterson, Chancellor of Lancaster Bible College. For the past 20+ years, Gil's wife Delores has battled MS courageously and has demonstrated gratitude despite the challenges they have faced together. With the economic crisis looming over our heads, maybe contentment is an area that God is going to grow us in the days ahead. Here is Dr. Peterson's perspective on contentment from our daily devotional, "REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE":
"Contentment does not come automatically with conversion. There is no magic formula for it. We are instructed to be anxious for nothing, prayerful in everything, and thankful for anything (Philippians 4:6). Paul wrote with authority, for he had experienced flogging, being forsaken and even fiercely attacked by friends. He was confined in a prison and still wrote about joy, peace and contentment.
The late Dr. Lloyd Perry once said, "Paul had learned in experience that you travel third class with Christ present...Second class with Christ prominent...First class only when you have Christ preeminent." Contented living is only possible through Christ Jesus. Even among Bible-believing Christians there are times of contention and strife. Paul was burdened for two women in the church at Philippi who were causing discord. Euodia (whose name means "sweet fragrance") and Syntyche (whose name means "affable") were not living up to their potential. They were instructed to rejoice in the Lord and live in harmony. In other words, to live contented lives!
Contentment comes not just from human resources, for Paul reminds the whole church that they can do these things only through Christ. He wrote a powerful instruction and example: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (4:13). In one of the New Testament passages I love the most he stresses joy, grace, peace, clear thinking, and fervent positive action (4:4-9). This is a great checklist for us to evaluate our lives on a daily basis. Prepare a 3x5 card with these words on them, and carry it with you as a reminder of the standard that brings honor to God and blessing to others.
I love the poem by Ester Rusthoi that has become a favorite hymn. She
wrote:
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
How about it, brothers? Are you content this morning? Something to think about on this rainy Friday morning. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs Numbers 35-36; Mark 10:1-31
Think About This: Those alone labour effectively among men who impetuously fling themselves upward toward God. -- Charles H. Brent
"Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." (Philippians 4:11)
Another one of my heroes of the faith is Dr. Gil Peterson, Chancellor of Lancaster Bible College. For the past 20+ years, Gil's wife Delores has battled MS courageously and has demonstrated gratitude despite the challenges they have faced together. With the economic crisis looming over our heads, maybe contentment is an area that God is going to grow us in the days ahead. Here is Dr. Peterson's perspective on contentment from our daily devotional, "REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE":
"Contentment does not come automatically with conversion. There is no magic formula for it. We are instructed to be anxious for nothing, prayerful in everything, and thankful for anything (Philippians 4:6). Paul wrote with authority, for he had experienced flogging, being forsaken and even fiercely attacked by friends. He was confined in a prison and still wrote about joy, peace and contentment.
The late Dr. Lloyd Perry once said, "Paul had learned in experience that you travel third class with Christ present...Second class with Christ prominent...First class only when you have Christ preeminent." Contented living is only possible through Christ Jesus. Even among Bible-believing Christians there are times of contention and strife. Paul was burdened for two women in the church at Philippi who were causing discord. Euodia (whose name means "sweet fragrance") and Syntyche (whose name means "affable") were not living up to their potential. They were instructed to rejoice in the Lord and live in harmony. In other words, to live contented lives!
Contentment comes not just from human resources, for Paul reminds the whole church that they can do these things only through Christ. He wrote a powerful instruction and example: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (4:13). In one of the New Testament passages I love the most he stresses joy, grace, peace, clear thinking, and fervent positive action (4:4-9). This is a great checklist for us to evaluate our lives on a daily basis. Prepare a 3x5 card with these words on them, and carry it with you as a reminder of the standard that brings honor to God and blessing to others.
I love the poem by Ester Rusthoi that has become a favorite hymn. She
wrote:
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
How about it, brothers? Are you content this morning? Something to think about on this rainy Friday morning. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs Numbers 35-36; Mark 10:1-31
Think About This: Those alone labour effectively among men who impetuously fling themselves upward toward God. -- Charles H. Brent
Thursday, November 13, 2008
God is Faithful
GOD IS FAITHFUL
"He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Sometimes we need reminders like this especially when things are going crazy. I shared this devotional in a Freedom Fighter in 2004 - almost hard to believe that we have been on this journey together for over 4 years!!!
"God never calls us to do anything without faithfully keeping HIS Word and enabling us to do it. We are not always faithful to do what God tells US, but HE remains faithful and stands by HIS Word to fulfill what HE has promised (Isaiah 46:11).
When the children of Israel reached the Red Sea, they might have concluded that God had abandoned His promise to them. The sea was barring their advance, and the murderous Egyptian army was racing to overtake them! Yet God proved then, as He has ever since, that HE IS ABSOLUTELY FAITHFUL to EVERY word He speaks to His children.
God may have spoken to you about something in particular - a ministry in your church, the way to raise your children, or what you should do in your job. You have obeyed Him, but now you face a RED SEA experience. It seems that what you thought GOD wanted to accomplish is not happening. Perhaps your ministry has not been well received, or your children are rebelling, or those at your workplace are criticizing your actions.
Trust in the character of God. It is His nature to be faithful. The testimony of His people through the ages is expressed by the Psalmist, who declared: 'I have been young, and now I am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.' (Psalm 37:25)
Regardless of how bleak your circumstances are, DO NOT LOSE HOPE. No one has ever experienced unfaithfulness on God's part! Allow time for God to reveal HIS faithfulness to you. Someday you will reflect on what GOD has done and praise HIM for HIS absolute faithfulness to YOU!" - Dr. Henry Blackaby - Experiencing God - The Devotional
Good stuff? I needed to hear this today. I trust it will be an encouragement to you. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 13; Lamentation 1-2; Hebrews 10:1-18
Think About This: Happy are they...who shall learn...not to despair, but shall remember, that though the day is past, and their strength is wasted, there yet remains one effort to be made; that reformation is never hopeless, nor sincere endeavours ever unassisted; that the wanderer may at length return after all his errors, and that he who implores strength and courage from above shall find danger and difficulty give way before him. -- Samuel Johnson
Just one last reminder that tonight is our Men's Fellowship Nite with Pastor John Helm. Dinner starts at 6:15 PM. Join us for a great evening. Please call for reservations: 732-350-1187
"He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Sometimes we need reminders like this especially when things are going crazy. I shared this devotional in a Freedom Fighter in 2004 - almost hard to believe that we have been on this journey together for over 4 years!!!
"God never calls us to do anything without faithfully keeping HIS Word and enabling us to do it. We are not always faithful to do what God tells US, but HE remains faithful and stands by HIS Word to fulfill what HE has promised (Isaiah 46:11).
When the children of Israel reached the Red Sea, they might have concluded that God had abandoned His promise to them. The sea was barring their advance, and the murderous Egyptian army was racing to overtake them! Yet God proved then, as He has ever since, that HE IS ABSOLUTELY FAITHFUL to EVERY word He speaks to His children.
God may have spoken to you about something in particular - a ministry in your church, the way to raise your children, or what you should do in your job. You have obeyed Him, but now you face a RED SEA experience. It seems that what you thought GOD wanted to accomplish is not happening. Perhaps your ministry has not been well received, or your children are rebelling, or those at your workplace are criticizing your actions.
Trust in the character of God. It is His nature to be faithful. The testimony of His people through the ages is expressed by the Psalmist, who declared: 'I have been young, and now I am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.' (Psalm 37:25)
Regardless of how bleak your circumstances are, DO NOT LOSE HOPE. No one has ever experienced unfaithfulness on God's part! Allow time for God to reveal HIS faithfulness to you. Someday you will reflect on what GOD has done and praise HIM for HIS absolute faithfulness to YOU!" - Dr. Henry Blackaby - Experiencing God - The Devotional
Good stuff? I needed to hear this today. I trust it will be an encouragement to you. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 13; Lamentation 1-2; Hebrews 10:1-18
Think About This: Happy are they...who shall learn...not to despair, but shall remember, that though the day is past, and their strength is wasted, there yet remains one effort to be made; that reformation is never hopeless, nor sincere endeavours ever unassisted; that the wanderer may at length return after all his errors, and that he who implores strength and courage from above shall find danger and difficulty give way before him. -- Samuel Johnson
Just one last reminder that tonight is our Men's Fellowship Nite with Pastor John Helm. Dinner starts at 6:15 PM. Join us for a great evening. Please call for reservations: 732-350-1187
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Jesus, I Heard You Had A Big House
JESUS, I HEARD YOU HAD A BIG HOUSE
"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would not have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you." John 14:2 (New International Version)
Yesterday I shared my thoughts of what it must have been like for the Obama's to finally have the "official" tour of their new home for the next four years. President-elect Barak was awe struck as he went into the Oval office for first time.
Can you imagine what it is going to be like his two girls the very first time the get to actually get inside their new home? For weeks they have talked about what it will be like. Most likely they have seen pictures. But what will it be like for them when they get to experience the REAL deal?
I think that is what heaven is going to be like. While we have little information about this place that has been prepared for us by Jesus, but imagine experiencing the real deal? Paul wrote: "No eye has seen, nor has ear heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him ..." (1 Corinthians 2:6 - New International Version)
Bill and Gloria Gaither depicted what heaven might look like through the eyes of a child in their kid's song, JESUS, I HEARD YOU HAD A BIG HOUSE:
Jesus, I heard you had a big house
Where I'd have a room of my own;
And, Jesus, I heard you had a big yard,
Big enough to let a kid roam.
I heard You had clothes in your closet
Just the right size that I wear;
And Jesus, I heard if I'd give You
My heart, you'd let me go there.
Jesus, I heard about mealtimes
When all of Your children come to eat;
I heard You've got a great big table
Where every kid can have a seat.
Jesus, I heard there'd be plenty
Of good things for children to share;
And Jesus, I just want to tell You
I sure would like to go there.
Jesus, I heard that in Your big house
There's plenty of love to go 'round;
I heard there's always singing and laughter To fill the place with happy sounds.
And I've been thinking that a friend who's Plan to give me all that He's got Before I even had met Him - Well, He sure must love me a lot!
Yes, He sure must love me a lot!
(Copyright 1975 by William J. Gaither. International copyright secured. All rights reserved)
I think that is so cool. But the big question is - have YOU given HIM your heart? You need not only an invitation to get into the White House, you need to accept the invitation! Jesus invites you to His House - but it is by invitation only! Have you accepted the invitation by asking Him to be YOUR Savior and Lord? If so, you can only imagine what He has in store for you when you get to HIS HOUSE! - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
If you would like more information about having a personal relationship with God, please respond to this email and ask to receive our free booklet, "Steps to Peace With God."
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 12; Jeremiah 51-52; Hebrews 9
Think about this: No indulgence of passion destroys the spiritual nature so much as respectable selfishness. -- George Macdonald
Check out this week's Stewardship Insight from George. It's a good one: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/
Have you registered for Men's Fellowship Night? Thursday, November 13, 2008 with Pastor John Helm. Come and enjoy a great evening of plentiful man food, fellowship, inspiring testimonies and a practical challenge from God's WORD. Call today for your reservation and bring a friend: 732-350-1187.
"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would not have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you." John 14:2 (New International Version)
Yesterday I shared my thoughts of what it must have been like for the Obama's to finally have the "official" tour of their new home for the next four years. President-elect Barak was awe struck as he went into the Oval office for first time.
Can you imagine what it is going to be like his two girls the very first time the get to actually get inside their new home? For weeks they have talked about what it will be like. Most likely they have seen pictures. But what will it be like for them when they get to experience the REAL deal?
I think that is what heaven is going to be like. While we have little information about this place that has been prepared for us by Jesus, but imagine experiencing the real deal? Paul wrote: "No eye has seen, nor has ear heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him ..." (1 Corinthians 2:6 - New International Version)
Bill and Gloria Gaither depicted what heaven might look like through the eyes of a child in their kid's song, JESUS, I HEARD YOU HAD A BIG HOUSE:
Jesus, I heard you had a big house
Where I'd have a room of my own;
And, Jesus, I heard you had a big yard,
Big enough to let a kid roam.
I heard You had clothes in your closet
Just the right size that I wear;
And Jesus, I heard if I'd give You
My heart, you'd let me go there.
Jesus, I heard about mealtimes
When all of Your children come to eat;
I heard You've got a great big table
Where every kid can have a seat.
Jesus, I heard there'd be plenty
Of good things for children to share;
And Jesus, I just want to tell You
I sure would like to go there.
Jesus, I heard that in Your big house
There's plenty of love to go 'round;
I heard there's always singing and laughter To fill the place with happy sounds.
And I've been thinking that a friend who's Plan to give me all that He's got Before I even had met Him - Well, He sure must love me a lot!
Yes, He sure must love me a lot!
(Copyright 1975 by William J. Gaither. International copyright secured. All rights reserved)
I think that is so cool. But the big question is - have YOU given HIM your heart? You need not only an invitation to get into the White House, you need to accept the invitation! Jesus invites you to His House - but it is by invitation only! Have you accepted the invitation by asking Him to be YOUR Savior and Lord? If so, you can only imagine what He has in store for you when you get to HIS HOUSE! - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
If you would like more information about having a personal relationship with God, please respond to this email and ask to receive our free booklet, "Steps to Peace With God."
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 12; Jeremiah 51-52; Hebrews 9
Think about this: No indulgence of passion destroys the spiritual nature so much as respectable selfishness. -- George Macdonald
Check out this week's Stewardship Insight from George. It's a good one: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/
Have you registered for Men's Fellowship Night? Thursday, November 13, 2008 with Pastor John Helm. Come and enjoy a great evening of plentiful man food, fellowship, inspiring testimonies and a practical challenge from God's WORD. Call today for your reservation and bring a friend: 732-350-1187.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
What Would You Do If Jesus Came to YOUR House
What Would You Do If Jesus Came to Your House?
"When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must come to your house today." Luke 19:5
Maybe it is my over active imagination that kicks in at times, but several thoughts have come to mind the past few days as I have contemplated what President and Mrs. Bush and President-elect and Mrs. Obama are thinking as the Obama's are touring their new home. While from the outside the White House seems small, there is a total of 132 rooms in the White House. Of these, thirty-five are bathrooms; eleven are bedrooms; three kitchens; three dining rooms; one library; one bowling alley; and one movie theater. Twenty-eight rooms have fireplaces. Little house?
Just suppose that you received word today that you were going to have a guest come to your house. Suppose the guest was going to be President Bush. How would you react? What would you do to prepare your house for his arrival?I wonder what went through Zacchaeus mind when Jesus called him down from the tree and told him that he was coming to HIS house "today." I wonder if he said, "Oh, no - my house isn't clean!" Or, "I sure hope I can get home quick enough to hide ..."
It's one thing to have enough advanced warning to know a guest is coming - but what if the guest showed up unannounced?What if Jesus were to show up to YOUR house today? What would he find? Would we welcome him in to every room of our "heart house" with open arms? Would he have full access or would we be stuffing things in closets and drawers hoping He'd not see this or that?
Well guess what - He could show up at any time! The Bible tells us that His coming could happen at any time. Would you be ready for Him to appear if He came today?
In searching for some song lyrics that I will write about tomorrow, I came across these words:
"What would you do what would you do if Jesus came to spend some time with you?
If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two
If he came unexpectedly I wonder what you'd do
When you saw him comin' would you meet him at the door
With arms outstretched and welcome to your heavenly visitor
Or would you need to change some things before you let him in
Like burn some magazines and put the Bible where they'd been
Oh I know that you'd give your nicest room to such an honored guest
And all the food you would serve to him would be the very best
And you'd keep assuring him that you were glad to have him thereT
hat serving him in your home was a joy beyond compare
But what about your family conversation would it keep up its normal pace
And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace
Would you be glad to have him stay forever on and on
Or would you sigh of great relief when finally he had gone
You know it might be interesting to know the things you'd do
If Jesus came in person to spend some time with you
What would you do what would you do if Jesus came to spend some time with you?"
So what would YOU do if Jesus came to YOUR house today? - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK.
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 11; Jeremiah 50; Hebrews 8
Think About This: Come all crosses, welcome, welcome! so I may get my heart full of my Lord Jesus. -- Samuel Rutherford
Come join us Thursday evening for our November Men's Fellowship with Pastor John Helm. It's going to be a great night. Call today for information: 732-350-1187.
"When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must come to your house today." Luke 19:5
Maybe it is my over active imagination that kicks in at times, but several thoughts have come to mind the past few days as I have contemplated what President and Mrs. Bush and President-elect and Mrs. Obama are thinking as the Obama's are touring their new home. While from the outside the White House seems small, there is a total of 132 rooms in the White House. Of these, thirty-five are bathrooms; eleven are bedrooms; three kitchens; three dining rooms; one library; one bowling alley; and one movie theater. Twenty-eight rooms have fireplaces. Little house?
Just suppose that you received word today that you were going to have a guest come to your house. Suppose the guest was going to be President Bush. How would you react? What would you do to prepare your house for his arrival?I wonder what went through Zacchaeus mind when Jesus called him down from the tree and told him that he was coming to HIS house "today." I wonder if he said, "Oh, no - my house isn't clean!" Or, "I sure hope I can get home quick enough to hide ..."
It's one thing to have enough advanced warning to know a guest is coming - but what if the guest showed up unannounced?What if Jesus were to show up to YOUR house today? What would he find? Would we welcome him in to every room of our "heart house" with open arms? Would he have full access or would we be stuffing things in closets and drawers hoping He'd not see this or that?
Well guess what - He could show up at any time! The Bible tells us that His coming could happen at any time. Would you be ready for Him to appear if He came today?
In searching for some song lyrics that I will write about tomorrow, I came across these words:
"What would you do what would you do if Jesus came to spend some time with you?
If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two
If he came unexpectedly I wonder what you'd do
When you saw him comin' would you meet him at the door
With arms outstretched and welcome to your heavenly visitor
Or would you need to change some things before you let him in
Like burn some magazines and put the Bible where they'd been
Oh I know that you'd give your nicest room to such an honored guest
And all the food you would serve to him would be the very best
And you'd keep assuring him that you were glad to have him thereT
hat serving him in your home was a joy beyond compare
But what about your family conversation would it keep up its normal pace
And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace
Would you be glad to have him stay forever on and on
Or would you sigh of great relief when finally he had gone
You know it might be interesting to know the things you'd do
If Jesus came in person to spend some time with you
What would you do what would you do if Jesus came to spend some time with you?"
So what would YOU do if Jesus came to YOUR house today? - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK.
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 11; Jeremiah 50; Hebrews 8
Think About This: Come all crosses, welcome, welcome! so I may get my heart full of my Lord Jesus. -- Samuel Rutherford
Come join us Thursday evening for our November Men's Fellowship with Pastor John Helm. It's going to be a great night. Call today for information: 732-350-1187.
Monday, November 10, 2008
New Strength
NEW STRENGTH
"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
I don't know about you, brother, but lately I have felt like I have been on a roller coaster or a merry-go-round that just never seems to stop. At times I find myself overwhelmed, worn down, and even stretched beyond measure. I guess that is why today's writing from Dr. Henry Blackaby resonated in my soul today. Maybe you need this today too?
"At times you may feel worn out and stressed not sure you can take another step. You may seem to spend all your time running from crisis to crisis and to constantly giving your time and energy to others. Your Lord wants to renew your strength and enable you to enjoy the abundant life He intends for you. The key is to WAIT up Him to do so.
Our generation does not enjoy waiting. We are harried by all the commitments we have made and the many responsibilities we hold. We rush through our lives without stopping to evaluate our activities. Sometimes in our haste to get on with our work, we race ahead of God. Part of God's restorative process is to slow us down and make us listen to Him.
As we wait on Him, God will remind us of our utter dependence upon His strength. When we slow down and seek His will, He will reveal HIS plans.
Biblically , waiting on the Lord is never passive; it is always active. Waiting requires us to cease our own pursuits and give God our complete attention. We may have to give up some of the activities we have allowed to inundate our lives. We may need to take an entire day to sit quietly before the Lord. If we ask Him, God will show us the resources He has provided to help us with the Lord we have been attempting to do on our own. God may address feelings of guilt that have motivated us to do things that He has not asked us to do.
Jesus carried more responsibility than YOU do. More people needed HIM than will ever need you. Yet He was never overwhelmed or inadequate for the task. Now Christ offers to guide you so that you will fulfill your heavenly Father's will and gain the strength necessary for each day . (Matthew 11:28) - Dr. Henry Blackaby - Experiencing God - The Devotional (Broadman/Holman)
Timely? Maybe not for you - but it sure was for me, brother. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK.
Join us this Thursday evening for our November Men's Fellowship Night. Pastor John Helm will be our speaker. Dinner starts at 6:15 PM followed by a time of worship, testimony, and a challenge from the Word. Call today for your reservations. (732-350-1187)
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 10; Jeremiah 48-49; Hebrews 7
Think About This: God has given us two ears, but one tongue, to show that we should be swift to hear, but slow to speak. God has set a double fence before the tongue, the teeth and the lips, to teach us to be wary that we offend not with our tongue. -- Thomas Watson
"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
I don't know about you, brother, but lately I have felt like I have been on a roller coaster or a merry-go-round that just never seems to stop. At times I find myself overwhelmed, worn down, and even stretched beyond measure. I guess that is why today's writing from Dr. Henry Blackaby resonated in my soul today. Maybe you need this today too?
"At times you may feel worn out and stressed not sure you can take another step. You may seem to spend all your time running from crisis to crisis and to constantly giving your time and energy to others. Your Lord wants to renew your strength and enable you to enjoy the abundant life He intends for you. The key is to WAIT up Him to do so.
Our generation does not enjoy waiting. We are harried by all the commitments we have made and the many responsibilities we hold. We rush through our lives without stopping to evaluate our activities. Sometimes in our haste to get on with our work, we race ahead of God. Part of God's restorative process is to slow us down and make us listen to Him.
As we wait on Him, God will remind us of our utter dependence upon His strength. When we slow down and seek His will, He will reveal HIS plans.
Biblically , waiting on the Lord is never passive; it is always active. Waiting requires us to cease our own pursuits and give God our complete attention. We may have to give up some of the activities we have allowed to inundate our lives. We may need to take an entire day to sit quietly before the Lord. If we ask Him, God will show us the resources He has provided to help us with the Lord we have been attempting to do on our own. God may address feelings of guilt that have motivated us to do things that He has not asked us to do.
Jesus carried more responsibility than YOU do. More people needed HIM than will ever need you. Yet He was never overwhelmed or inadequate for the task. Now Christ offers to guide you so that you will fulfill your heavenly Father's will and gain the strength necessary for each day . (Matthew 11:28) - Dr. Henry Blackaby - Experiencing God - The Devotional (Broadman/Holman)
Timely? Maybe not for you - but it sure was for me, brother. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK.
Join us this Thursday evening for our November Men's Fellowship Night. Pastor John Helm will be our speaker. Dinner starts at 6:15 PM followed by a time of worship, testimony, and a challenge from the Word. Call today for your reservations. (732-350-1187)
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 10; Jeremiah 48-49; Hebrews 7
Think About This: God has given us two ears, but one tongue, to show that we should be swift to hear, but slow to speak. God has set a double fence before the tongue, the teeth and the lips, to teach us to be wary that we offend not with our tongue. -- Thomas Watson
Sunday, November 09, 2008
He is Worthy
He Is Worthy! (Deuteronomy 4:39)
Think with me about the greatness of our God this morning. J. B. Phillips wrote a book several years ago that he titled "Your God Is Too Small." His premise was simple: humans try to "manage" God by bringing Him down to their level. It's a mistake many of us will make if we don't think carefully and regularly about our God's greatness.
One way to reflect on God's greatness and His worthiness is to think about His attributes. We do Him and ourselves a disservice if we forget those attributes. He is eternal. He is all-knowing. He is holy. He is wise. He is righteous. He is unlimited in power. He is unchanging. He is faithful. He is loving. He is everywhere present at the same time. Reflecting on His attributes will remind us that He is beyond our ability to manage. We don't manage Him; we declare His glory!
We can also think about God's names in Scripture. They reveal aspects of His character and His interaction with us. God is known in Scripture as "God Most High." He is "God, My Peace." He is "God, My Provider." He is "God, My Banner (the One who goes before me). He is "God, My Healer." He is "God, My Peace." He is "God Who Sees." He is "The Holy One of Israel." He is "The Father of the Fatherless." And that's just a small list of names that identify Him as the majestic, good and wise God that He truly is. They tell us that our God is worthy of our devotion, praise and service.
We get another glimpse of God's worthiness when we think about His works. Never forget the very first words of Scripture. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1) He spoke simple words and our world came into existence. He is mighty, powerful and incredibly creative. He is also the sustainer of that creation. (See Acts 17:28) Not one second of time occurs without God's powerful work in that second. Our world continues to exist because our worthy God sustains it. All of that should move us to declare Him worthy!
Finally, consider Moses' words in Deuteronomy 4:39. "Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other." God is uniquely God. There is no other god. Anything else that presents itself as god is nothing more than an idol. Let that last line of Moses' instruction resonate in our hearts this morning: "there is no other!"
The God of Scripture, He is God! There is no other! He alone is worthy of our praise, honor and love. He alone is worthy of our devotion and service. He alone is worthy of our trust and commitment. - John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River
God' WORD for YOU: Proverbs 9; Jeremiah 46-47; Hebrews 6
Think About This: The next time you find yourself alone in a dark alley facing the undeniables of life, don't cover them with a blanket, or ignore them with a nervous grin. Don't turn up the TV and pretend they aren't there. Instead, stand still, whisper his name, and listen. He is nearer than you think. Max Lucado
Think with me about the greatness of our God this morning. J. B. Phillips wrote a book several years ago that he titled "Your God Is Too Small." His premise was simple: humans try to "manage" God by bringing Him down to their level. It's a mistake many of us will make if we don't think carefully and regularly about our God's greatness.
One way to reflect on God's greatness and His worthiness is to think about His attributes. We do Him and ourselves a disservice if we forget those attributes. He is eternal. He is all-knowing. He is holy. He is wise. He is righteous. He is unlimited in power. He is unchanging. He is faithful. He is loving. He is everywhere present at the same time. Reflecting on His attributes will remind us that He is beyond our ability to manage. We don't manage Him; we declare His glory!
We can also think about God's names in Scripture. They reveal aspects of His character and His interaction with us. God is known in Scripture as "God Most High." He is "God, My Peace." He is "God, My Provider." He is "God, My Banner (the One who goes before me). He is "God, My Healer." He is "God, My Peace." He is "God Who Sees." He is "The Holy One of Israel." He is "The Father of the Fatherless." And that's just a small list of names that identify Him as the majestic, good and wise God that He truly is. They tell us that our God is worthy of our devotion, praise and service.
We get another glimpse of God's worthiness when we think about His works. Never forget the very first words of Scripture. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1) He spoke simple words and our world came into existence. He is mighty, powerful and incredibly creative. He is also the sustainer of that creation. (See Acts 17:28) Not one second of time occurs without God's powerful work in that second. Our world continues to exist because our worthy God sustains it. All of that should move us to declare Him worthy!
Finally, consider Moses' words in Deuteronomy 4:39. "Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other." God is uniquely God. There is no other god. Anything else that presents itself as god is nothing more than an idol. Let that last line of Moses' instruction resonate in our hearts this morning: "there is no other!"
The God of Scripture, He is God! There is no other! He alone is worthy of our praise, honor and love. He alone is worthy of our devotion and service. He alone is worthy of our trust and commitment. - John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River
God' WORD for YOU: Proverbs 9; Jeremiah 46-47; Hebrews 6
Think About This: The next time you find yourself alone in a dark alley facing the undeniables of life, don't cover them with a blanket, or ignore them with a nervous grin. Don't turn up the TV and pretend they aren't there. Instead, stand still, whisper his name, and listen. He is nearer than you think. Max Lucado
Saturday, November 08, 2008
The Christian Citizen and His Responsibility
The Christian Citizen and His Responsibility (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
We have lived through a historic week in America. We now have a President-elect who will lead the country for the next four years. As of last Wednesday, it really doesn't matter whether Senator Obama was your choice or mine. He became the President-elect. The position he will fill beginning January 20 demands that we give him our respect.
We still have freedom to disagree with his policies. It's still our privilege and responsibility to communicate with him, our senators and representatives to let them know what we think about those policies. It's also our responsibility and privilege to pray for him and his family and those who will serve around him. Whether we agree his election or understand why our country elected him is irrelevant. What we know about God trumps all that we don't understand.
We know that God is sovereign. We trust Him even if we don't trust most politicians. We have confidence in God's power to preserve and protect us regardless of election outcomes. We obey the instruction of Scripture even when we have little confidence in most of those who run for office. Most of them do not serve well and don't deserve our trust. Because we know God is all-wise and all-powerful, we're protected from cynicism even when we don't trust those who represent us.
Scripture tells us our responsibility as citizens. We're to pray for those who are in authority. So, we'll pray for Senator Obama. We'll pray for his safety and the safety of his family. You and I should pray that God will give him wisdom beyond his own. We should pray that someone near him will influence him with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I'm going to choose not to believe everything the liberal media says about him. I'm also not going to believe everything conservative hate mongers tell me. No one else is going to do my thinking for me; I'll do my own and hope I'm somewhere near accurate in that thinking. None of us should allow someone else to do our thinking for us.
I love my country, but I know it's far from perfect. By God's grace, we live in a place where our freedom to hold our own opinions and voice those opinions is the law of the land. Also by God's grace, we're citizens of another kingdom that is eternal, equitable and engaged in work that is far more important than who lives in the White House.
All of us still have the same responsibilities today that we had last Tuesday. We still have work to do as Christians and as citizens, and we'll need to do all that work well. I believe that's all God asks of us. -- John Strain is our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor and Senior Pastor First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 8; Jeremiah 43-45; Hebrews 5
Think About This: Waiting for God means...readiness for any command; that sense of perpetual suspense which listens for the word in order that it may be immediately obeyed. Those who wait for God are pilgrim souls that have no tie that will hold them when the definite command is issued; no prejudices that will paralyze their effort when in some strange coming of the light they are commanded to take a pathway entirely different to that which was theirs before; having no interests either temporal or eternal, either material or mental or spiritual, that will conflict with the will of God when that will is made known.-- G. Campbell Morgan
We have lived through a historic week in America. We now have a President-elect who will lead the country for the next four years. As of last Wednesday, it really doesn't matter whether Senator Obama was your choice or mine. He became the President-elect. The position he will fill beginning January 20 demands that we give him our respect.
We still have freedom to disagree with his policies. It's still our privilege and responsibility to communicate with him, our senators and representatives to let them know what we think about those policies. It's also our responsibility and privilege to pray for him and his family and those who will serve around him. Whether we agree his election or understand why our country elected him is irrelevant. What we know about God trumps all that we don't understand.
We know that God is sovereign. We trust Him even if we don't trust most politicians. We have confidence in God's power to preserve and protect us regardless of election outcomes. We obey the instruction of Scripture even when we have little confidence in most of those who run for office. Most of them do not serve well and don't deserve our trust. Because we know God is all-wise and all-powerful, we're protected from cynicism even when we don't trust those who represent us.
Scripture tells us our responsibility as citizens. We're to pray for those who are in authority. So, we'll pray for Senator Obama. We'll pray for his safety and the safety of his family. You and I should pray that God will give him wisdom beyond his own. We should pray that someone near him will influence him with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I'm going to choose not to believe everything the liberal media says about him. I'm also not going to believe everything conservative hate mongers tell me. No one else is going to do my thinking for me; I'll do my own and hope I'm somewhere near accurate in that thinking. None of us should allow someone else to do our thinking for us.
I love my country, but I know it's far from perfect. By God's grace, we live in a place where our freedom to hold our own opinions and voice those opinions is the law of the land. Also by God's grace, we're citizens of another kingdom that is eternal, equitable and engaged in work that is far more important than who lives in the White House.
All of us still have the same responsibilities today that we had last Tuesday. We still have work to do as Christians and as citizens, and we'll need to do all that work well. I believe that's all God asks of us. -- John Strain is our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor and Senior Pastor First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 8; Jeremiah 43-45; Hebrews 5
Think About This: Waiting for God means...readiness for any command; that sense of perpetual suspense which listens for the word in order that it may be immediately obeyed. Those who wait for God are pilgrim souls that have no tie that will hold them when the definite command is issued; no prejudices that will paralyze their effort when in some strange coming of the light they are commanded to take a pathway entirely different to that which was theirs before; having no interests either temporal or eternal, either material or mental or spiritual, that will conflict with the will of God when that will is made known.-- G. Campbell Morgan
Friday, November 07, 2008
Clarification
Clarification
I want to thank all of you who have commented on the Freedom Fighter's regarding the election. Some of the feedback that I have received implied that I might have been slanting my writing against a particular party, so I thought it would be good to clarify my position.
America's KESWICK has chosen not to endorse political candidates. It has been my desire in this week's Freedom Fighters to challenge you to not be so caught up in which party are the winner or losers, but to remind you that God is ultimately in control and still on the throne.
Some of the Colony men were praying for their candidate and were questioning why God didn't answer their prayers. The answer I gave them was simple: God DID indeed answer their prayers. If we prayed for the man that God would have in the White House, then I must trust in the fact that the one who "puts up" and "puts down" was working behind the scenes to accomplish HIS purposes.
Like any sports competition, we all have a team we are rooting for, and we hope our particular team wins. Good sportsmanship is recognizing that there is a winner and loser. The team that loses are not losers - they are good people who just didn't win the game. If the Rays had won the World Series, I would have cheered them on even though I love the Phillies.
As American's we have the freedom to voice our opinions about the issues that are near and dear to our hearts. That is the privilege of being an American. As Christian American's we have the responsibility to voice our opinion when there are clear violations of biblical principles by either party.
Scripture makes it very clear that we are to pray for our leaders. There doesn't appear to be wiggle room taking us off the hook if we don't "like" the person. I am committing to prayer for President -Elect Barak Obama and his family. The weight and responsibility of the office of the President is more than many realize. I was very pleased to read blogs and emails from many of the organizations that campaigned against Senator Obama that have now encouraged their constituency to pray for him. I have not seen that in the past.
I would also like to encourage you to be very discerning about forwarding emails that have not been verified by Truth or Fiction.com. There are some very hateful emails being forwarded that are not truthful and very malicious. We hurt our testimony by spreading rumors and hateful things that are not true. When I get a forward, I immediately check it out, and if it is false, I "reply to all" with the admonition to retract the erroneous forward.
Please hear my heart, brothers (and sisters) who are a part of the Freedom Fighter family - now is the time for us to pray. Now is the time for us to encourage. Join the Presidential Prayer team and be praying for President-Elect, Obama, and the transition team. Write me if you want information on the Presidential Prayer team.
May God bless America. May we see revival break out in our land, and may it start with me. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK.
God's WORD for YOU: -- Proverbs 7; Jeremiah 40-42; Hebrews 4
Think About This: Your part in intercessory prayer is not to agonize over HOW to intercede, but to use the everyday circumstances and people God puts around you by HIS providence to bring them before His throne, and to allow His Spirit in you the opportunity to intercede for them. - Oswald Chambers
I want to thank all of you who have commented on the Freedom Fighter's regarding the election. Some of the feedback that I have received implied that I might have been slanting my writing against a particular party, so I thought it would be good to clarify my position.
America's KESWICK has chosen not to endorse political candidates. It has been my desire in this week's Freedom Fighters to challenge you to not be so caught up in which party are the winner or losers, but to remind you that God is ultimately in control and still on the throne.
Some of the Colony men were praying for their candidate and were questioning why God didn't answer their prayers. The answer I gave them was simple: God DID indeed answer their prayers. If we prayed for the man that God would have in the White House, then I must trust in the fact that the one who "puts up" and "puts down" was working behind the scenes to accomplish HIS purposes.
Like any sports competition, we all have a team we are rooting for, and we hope our particular team wins. Good sportsmanship is recognizing that there is a winner and loser. The team that loses are not losers - they are good people who just didn't win the game. If the Rays had won the World Series, I would have cheered them on even though I love the Phillies.
As American's we have the freedom to voice our opinions about the issues that are near and dear to our hearts. That is the privilege of being an American. As Christian American's we have the responsibility to voice our opinion when there are clear violations of biblical principles by either party.
Scripture makes it very clear that we are to pray for our leaders. There doesn't appear to be wiggle room taking us off the hook if we don't "like" the person. I am committing to prayer for President -Elect Barak Obama and his family. The weight and responsibility of the office of the President is more than many realize. I was very pleased to read blogs and emails from many of the organizations that campaigned against Senator Obama that have now encouraged their constituency to pray for him. I have not seen that in the past.
I would also like to encourage you to be very discerning about forwarding emails that have not been verified by Truth or Fiction.com. There are some very hateful emails being forwarded that are not truthful and very malicious. We hurt our testimony by spreading rumors and hateful things that are not true. When I get a forward, I immediately check it out, and if it is false, I "reply to all" with the admonition to retract the erroneous forward.
Please hear my heart, brothers (and sisters) who are a part of the Freedom Fighter family - now is the time for us to pray. Now is the time for us to encourage. Join the Presidential Prayer team and be praying for President-Elect, Obama, and the transition team. Write me if you want information on the Presidential Prayer team.
May God bless America. May we see revival break out in our land, and may it start with me. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK.
God's WORD for YOU: -- Proverbs 7; Jeremiah 40-42; Hebrews 4
Think About This: Your part in intercessory prayer is not to agonize over HOW to intercede, but to use the everyday circumstances and people God puts around you by HIS providence to bring them before His throne, and to allow His Spirit in you the opportunity to intercede for them. - Oswald Chambers
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Just Do the Dishes
Just Do the Dishes
"A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long." Proverbs 31: 10-12 (The Message)
Things for my family have gotten a little tight in the checkbook. My wife, Kathy, has been out of work for some time and like most households these days we do need the extra paycheck. She had worked for a good long time for the same lawyer and didn't miss a beat. She was able to manage our family while I spent 120 days in The Colony of Mercy. When I returned home she stayed on the path of recovery that God laid out and never once did I ever hear her say "This is what I want...what about how I feel?"
So now she is an at home person and sometimes it bugs her. In the beginning it was kind of cool to have her home. She sends IM's to me over the computer and she is able to participate in school activities with our children more than before. But lately Kathy has not sitting well with just "sittin' around". Yes she has her Bible studies and has expanded her fellowship with many ladies in other churches but sometimes I hear the "Humph".
Now in the old days this sound meant I was in trouble but these days it seems to have a different tone. And it saddens my heart. So whats a boy to do? The dishes that's what. Tonight I had been occupying myself with a common household chore, while Kathy took our kids to Awana and Youth Group, just thinking of some great words of wisdom to share with the Freedom Fighter Brethren when this thought popped in my head." Just load the dishwasher for your wife."
So there you go guys. On this day of great change in our nation we as men of integrity can do something extraordinary....Load the dishwasher for your wife.
Since my family came to Christ it has been a family goal to honor the protection and provision that God has bestowed on us. I have recently heard about a friend of my wife who does not have it so good. Her ex-husband has fallen so far into the bottle, his own children want nothing to do with him. They have gone so far as to have a judge make it so he stays away from them. That woulda...coulda....shoulda....been me, but for the grace of God and the shed blood of Christ.
Yep...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 6; Jeremiah 37-39; Hebrews 3
Think About This: We must put our confidence in the armor of God, but in the God of this armor, because all our weapons are only mighty through God. -- William Gurnall
"A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long." Proverbs 31: 10-12 (The Message)
Things for my family have gotten a little tight in the checkbook. My wife, Kathy, has been out of work for some time and like most households these days we do need the extra paycheck. She had worked for a good long time for the same lawyer and didn't miss a beat. She was able to manage our family while I spent 120 days in The Colony of Mercy. When I returned home she stayed on the path of recovery that God laid out and never once did I ever hear her say "This is what I want...what about how I feel?"
So now she is an at home person and sometimes it bugs her. In the beginning it was kind of cool to have her home. She sends IM's to me over the computer and she is able to participate in school activities with our children more than before. But lately Kathy has not sitting well with just "sittin' around". Yes she has her Bible studies and has expanded her fellowship with many ladies in other churches but sometimes I hear the "Humph".
Now in the old days this sound meant I was in trouble but these days it seems to have a different tone. And it saddens my heart. So whats a boy to do? The dishes that's what. Tonight I had been occupying myself with a common household chore, while Kathy took our kids to Awana and Youth Group, just thinking of some great words of wisdom to share with the Freedom Fighter Brethren when this thought popped in my head." Just load the dishwasher for your wife."
So there you go guys. On this day of great change in our nation we as men of integrity can do something extraordinary....Load the dishwasher for your wife.
Since my family came to Christ it has been a family goal to honor the protection and provision that God has bestowed on us. I have recently heard about a friend of my wife who does not have it so good. Her ex-husband has fallen so far into the bottle, his own children want nothing to do with him. They have gone so far as to have a judge make it so he stays away from them. That woulda...coulda....shoulda....been me, but for the grace of God and the shed blood of Christ.
Yep...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 6; Jeremiah 37-39; Hebrews 3
Think About This: We must put our confidence in the armor of God, but in the God of this armor, because all our weapons are only mighty through God. -- William Gurnall
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
It's November 5th
IT'S NOVEMBER 5th
The election is over. The nation has elected the first African American President, Barak Obama. This morning we have several choices to make as
men:
1. We can give up in despair.
2. We can rejoice that God is in control.
3. We can rest in His plan which we don't understand, but by faith, graciously accept.
4. We can commit to praying for our new President. Someone one said, "I don't have to like you - but I have to love you and pray for you!"
This is not the time to give up. This is not the time to be critical.
This is the time to dig in our heels and pray for the man who will serve as the next president of the greatest nation on earth.
This is a time for self-examination. This is time for you to look at YOUR heart. This is a time to stand up and be counted for the gospel.
I read this prayer this morning written by one of the Puritans:
The thought of Your infinite serenity cheers me, O God Most High, Most Glorious, For I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, But YOU are forever at perfect peace.
Your designs cause You no fear or care of unfulfilment, They stand fast as the eternal hills.
Your power knows no bond,
Your goodness no stint.
You bring order out of confusion,
And my defeats are Your victories.
The Lord God omnipotent reigns.
I come to You as a sinner with cares and sorrows, To leave EVERY concern entirely to YOU, Every sin calling for Christ' precious blood; Revive deep spirituality in my heart; Let me live near to the Great Shepherd, Hear HIS voice, know its tones, follow its calls.
Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in the truth, From harm by helping me to walk in the power of the Spirit.
Give me intense faith in eternal verities, Burning into ME by experience the things I know; Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel, That I may bear its reproach, Vindicate it, See Jesus as its essence, Know in it the power of the Spirit, Lord, help ME, for I am often lukewarm and chill; Unbelief mars my confidence, Sin makes me forget You.
Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots; Grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to YOU, That all else is trifling.
Your presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong and happy.
Abide in me, gracious God. - from THE VALLEY OF VISION - Christian Publications
Are you resting today, November 5th , the day after the election? He is our MOST HIGH GOD, MOST GLORIOUS. The election is over, but there is so much more He wants to do in our lives if we will trust HIM. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 5; Jeremiah 34-36; Hebrews 2
Think About This: Prayer is like riding a bicycle or swimming. You learn by doing. Luis Palau
The election is over. The nation has elected the first African American President, Barak Obama. This morning we have several choices to make as
men:
1. We can give up in despair.
2. We can rejoice that God is in control.
3. We can rest in His plan which we don't understand, but by faith, graciously accept.
4. We can commit to praying for our new President. Someone one said, "I don't have to like you - but I have to love you and pray for you!"
This is not the time to give up. This is not the time to be critical.
This is the time to dig in our heels and pray for the man who will serve as the next president of the greatest nation on earth.
This is a time for self-examination. This is time for you to look at YOUR heart. This is a time to stand up and be counted for the gospel.
I read this prayer this morning written by one of the Puritans:
The thought of Your infinite serenity cheers me, O God Most High, Most Glorious, For I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, But YOU are forever at perfect peace.
Your designs cause You no fear or care of unfulfilment, They stand fast as the eternal hills.
Your power knows no bond,
Your goodness no stint.
You bring order out of confusion,
And my defeats are Your victories.
The Lord God omnipotent reigns.
I come to You as a sinner with cares and sorrows, To leave EVERY concern entirely to YOU, Every sin calling for Christ' precious blood; Revive deep spirituality in my heart; Let me live near to the Great Shepherd, Hear HIS voice, know its tones, follow its calls.
Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in the truth, From harm by helping me to walk in the power of the Spirit.
Give me intense faith in eternal verities, Burning into ME by experience the things I know; Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel, That I may bear its reproach, Vindicate it, See Jesus as its essence, Know in it the power of the Spirit, Lord, help ME, for I am often lukewarm and chill; Unbelief mars my confidence, Sin makes me forget You.
Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots; Grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to YOU, That all else is trifling.
Your presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong and happy.
Abide in me, gracious God. - from THE VALLEY OF VISION - Christian Publications
Are you resting today, November 5th , the day after the election? He is our MOST HIGH GOD, MOST GLORIOUS. The election is over, but there is so much more He wants to do in our lives if we will trust HIM. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 5; Jeremiah 34-36; Hebrews 2
Think About This: Prayer is like riding a bicycle or swimming. You learn by doing. Luis Palau
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
In Times Like These
IN TIMES LIKE THESE
"God IS our refuge and strength, an ever present help in time of trouble." Psalm 46:1
Today is a very critical day in the life of our nation. As the events of the day unfold, I know that many of us are concerned about what life may look like following this election. There are many concerns about the future of our economy, the potential of a congress and senate that will be controlled by one party and the implications of how that will turn the tide of history in terms of abortion issues, and many other issues that we as Christians hold dear.
I do know this -- God is still on the throne! He will still be on the throne on November 5th. He will still be on the throne on Inauguration Day in January.
I do know this -- that He is totally aware of what is going on and NONE of this is taking Him by surprise.
I do know this -- that many of His children have been in difficult places before and He has ALWAYS been faithful. Remember how Joseph, Moses and the children of Israel, Daniel and his friends -- and the list goes on.
I do know this -- that when it all shakes out, He will never leave us or forsake us. When all is said and done, the only thing that matters is JESUS! He is our Rock! He is our Refuge! He is our Stronghold! He is our Deliverer!
The words to this old hymn kept running through my mind last night. May the words bring comfort to your heart.
In times like these you need a Savior
In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
Chorus
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One;
This Rock is Jesus, the only One!
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
In times like these you need the Bible,
In times like these O be not idle;
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
Chorus
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One;
This Rock is Jesus, the only One!
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
In times like these I have a Savior,
In times like these I have an anchor;
I'm very sure, I'm very sure
My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
Chorus
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One;
This Rock is Jesus, the only One!
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
May God bless America today. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 4; Jeremiah 32-33; Hebrews 1
Think About This: "(Why does God) bother to speak to us? The truly staggering answer that the Bible gives to this question is that God's purpose in revelation is to make friends with us. It was to this end that he created us rational beings, bearing his image, able to think and hear and speak and love; he wanted there to be genuine personal affection and friendship, two-sided, between himself and us-a relation, not like that between a man and his dog, but like that of a father to his child, or a husband to his wife. Loving friendship between two persons has no ulterior motive; it is an end in itself. And this is God's end in revelation. He speaks to us simply to fulfill the purpose for which we were made; that is, to bring into being a relationship in which he is a friend to us, and we to him, he finding his joy in giving us gifts and we finding ours in giving him thanks". J I Packer, God Has Spoken
"God IS our refuge and strength, an ever present help in time of trouble." Psalm 46:1
Today is a very critical day in the life of our nation. As the events of the day unfold, I know that many of us are concerned about what life may look like following this election. There are many concerns about the future of our economy, the potential of a congress and senate that will be controlled by one party and the implications of how that will turn the tide of history in terms of abortion issues, and many other issues that we as Christians hold dear.
I do know this -- God is still on the throne! He will still be on the throne on November 5th. He will still be on the throne on Inauguration Day in January.
I do know this -- that He is totally aware of what is going on and NONE of this is taking Him by surprise.
I do know this -- that many of His children have been in difficult places before and He has ALWAYS been faithful. Remember how Joseph, Moses and the children of Israel, Daniel and his friends -- and the list goes on.
I do know this -- that when it all shakes out, He will never leave us or forsake us. When all is said and done, the only thing that matters is JESUS! He is our Rock! He is our Refuge! He is our Stronghold! He is our Deliverer!
The words to this old hymn kept running through my mind last night. May the words bring comfort to your heart.
In times like these you need a Savior
In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
Chorus
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One;
This Rock is Jesus, the only One!
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
In times like these you need the Bible,
In times like these O be not idle;
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
Chorus
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One;
This Rock is Jesus, the only One!
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
In times like these I have a Savior,
In times like these I have an anchor;
I'm very sure, I'm very sure
My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
Chorus
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One;
This Rock is Jesus, the only One!
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
May God bless America today. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 4; Jeremiah 32-33; Hebrews 1
Think About This: "(Why does God) bother to speak to us? The truly staggering answer that the Bible gives to this question is that God's purpose in revelation is to make friends with us. It was to this end that he created us rational beings, bearing his image, able to think and hear and speak and love; he wanted there to be genuine personal affection and friendship, two-sided, between himself and us-a relation, not like that between a man and his dog, but like that of a father to his child, or a husband to his wife. Loving friendship between two persons has no ulterior motive; it is an end in itself. And this is God's end in revelation. He speaks to us simply to fulfill the purpose for which we were made; that is, to bring into being a relationship in which he is a friend to us, and we to him, he finding his joy in giving us gifts and we finding ours in giving him thanks". J I Packer, God Has Spoken
Monday, November 03, 2008
Election Day 2008 Prayer
ELECTION DAY 2008 PRAYER
I received this prayer in the mail from my good friend and Keswick speaker, John Nieder. He gave me permission to share it with you this morning:
Prayer for Election Day November 4, 2008
1. Lord, we acknowledge that You are sovereign over all You have made. You are all-powerful. Your name reigns above all other names. Your Word, oh Lord, is right and true; You are faithful in all You do. You love righteousness and justice ... by Your word were the heavens made ... let all the earth fear You and all the people of the world revere You. (Psalm 33:4-8)
2. Lord, there are many issues we could pray about regarding the sins of our land. We have taken our eyes off You our Creator and instead, worshipped the creation. At the same time we have failed to protect "the least of these" -- unborn babies being led away to slaughter ... (Proverbs 24:11) We realize this is a spiritual battle; we pray that You would shine your light on hearts that are blinded, so that this travesty might cease. We know that You are compassionate and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against You. (Daniel 9:9,10)
3. We pray that You would bring revival to the hearts of those that know You. We know that You hear us when we repent and humble ourselves before You, for You have promised: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and will turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)" And we pray that you would also renew our minds, help us to not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Then we will be able to see Your good and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
4. Lord, we pray that You would give sight to those who are spiritually blind. We know that the god of this age has clouded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4,5)
5. Help us to be a light to anyone You bring across our path today, that we might direct them toward You. You have said to us, "Let light shine out of darkness ... "
(2 Corinthians 4:6) Remind us that we do not preach ourselves or a particular political party. Remind us to be more concerned about the condition of our friends' hearts than how they might cast their vote.
6. Protect the integrity of our democracy by revealing any attempted fraud in this election. May any evil efforts to corrupt the ballot box be exposed and expelled. (Proverbs 24:8)
7. Give us discernment and wisdom to see through to the hearts of the candidates running for office. You know the heart of each and every man on earth. (1 Samuel 16:7) We pray that our country would be guided by trustworthy leaders who fear You and do not seek dishonest gain. (Exodus 18:21) Lord, help us recall the principles and precepts upon which our forefathers founded this great land and return to You, as You have so richly blessed America. - Used with permission from Dr. John Nieder - www.johnonline.org
The prayer is also available as a download: http://www.americaskeswick.org/conf/documents/ElectionDay2008Prayer.pdf
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 3; Jeremiah 30:31; Philemon
I received this prayer in the mail from my good friend and Keswick speaker, John Nieder. He gave me permission to share it with you this morning:
Prayer for Election Day November 4, 2008
1. Lord, we acknowledge that You are sovereign over all You have made. You are all-powerful. Your name reigns above all other names. Your Word, oh Lord, is right and true; You are faithful in all You do. You love righteousness and justice ... by Your word were the heavens made ... let all the earth fear You and all the people of the world revere You. (Psalm 33:4-8)
2. Lord, there are many issues we could pray about regarding the sins of our land. We have taken our eyes off You our Creator and instead, worshipped the creation. At the same time we have failed to protect "the least of these" -- unborn babies being led away to slaughter ... (Proverbs 24:11) We realize this is a spiritual battle; we pray that You would shine your light on hearts that are blinded, so that this travesty might cease. We know that You are compassionate and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against You. (Daniel 9:9,10)
3. We pray that You would bring revival to the hearts of those that know You. We know that You hear us when we repent and humble ourselves before You, for You have promised: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and will turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)" And we pray that you would also renew our minds, help us to not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Then we will be able to see Your good and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
4. Lord, we pray that You would give sight to those who are spiritually blind. We know that the god of this age has clouded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4,5)
5. Help us to be a light to anyone You bring across our path today, that we might direct them toward You. You have said to us, "Let light shine out of darkness ... "
(2 Corinthians 4:6) Remind us that we do not preach ourselves or a particular political party. Remind us to be more concerned about the condition of our friends' hearts than how they might cast their vote.
6. Protect the integrity of our democracy by revealing any attempted fraud in this election. May any evil efforts to corrupt the ballot box be exposed and expelled. (Proverbs 24:8)
7. Give us discernment and wisdom to see through to the hearts of the candidates running for office. You know the heart of each and every man on earth. (1 Samuel 16:7) We pray that our country would be guided by trustworthy leaders who fear You and do not seek dishonest gain. (Exodus 18:21) Lord, help us recall the principles and precepts upon which our forefathers founded this great land and return to You, as You have so richly blessed America. - Used with permission from Dr. John Nieder - www.johnonline.org
The prayer is also available as a download: http://www.americaskeswick.org/conf/documents/ElectionDay2008Prayer.pdf
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 3; Jeremiah 30:31; Philemon
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Sufficient Grace
"Sufficient Grace" (2 Corinthians 12:9&10)
The Apostle Paul asked the Lord to remove a "thorn in the flesh" (vs. 7) three times. Three times God refused to remove the thorn-whatever it was. Most Bible teachers believe is was some kind of physical malady. Regardless, God wasn't going to let Paul get rid of it.
Instead, that thorn in Paul's flesh became a learning opportunity for him. He discovered what many Jesus-followers haven't yet learned. God's grace is sufficient for whatever comes our way. We say we believe that, but our lives and our words often don't match up.
As I mentioned yesterday, these aren't easy days for a lot of us. The pressure of living day to day can wear us down. Our children and grandchildren often bring concern our way. Perhaps one of them isn't well. One for whom we have great love chooses to walk away from faith. Our hearts get heavy. We feel the weight of trying to live a godly life in an ungodly world, and we just get tired.
It is for people like us that Paul wrote these words!
"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
I need those words, and I am reasonably certain that many who read this will need them-maybe even this week. I offer you no guilt today. I don't exhort you to do more than you're doing for Jesus. You'll find no pressure to perform or do better in this FF. What I offer you is the promise of hope and strength. Whatever comes your way this week that seems more than you can handle, remember that Jesus' strength in us is made more evident when we are weak.
Weakness doesn't demand failure. Discouragement doesn't require defeat. Thorns in the flesh don't define our health in any way! The Apostle, who knew the pressure of weakness, discouragement and thorns in the flesh, discovered that each struggle is an opportunity for infused strength from Jesus! You and I can discover that, too.
Those who know Jesus have an unlimited reserve of "sufficient grace." Let's choose to live in that sufficiency this week! Blessings on each one who reads this as you discover God's sufficiency in YOUR life! -- John Strain is Senior Pastor First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for YOU -- Proverbs 2; Jeremiah 27-29; Titus 3
Think About This: It could be a sign of pride in your life if a word of reproof or
admonition is not able to be received with the same grace, whether it be given by the poorest of saints or the most educated person. -- John Bunyan
The Apostle Paul asked the Lord to remove a "thorn in the flesh" (vs. 7) three times. Three times God refused to remove the thorn-whatever it was. Most Bible teachers believe is was some kind of physical malady. Regardless, God wasn't going to let Paul get rid of it.
Instead, that thorn in Paul's flesh became a learning opportunity for him. He discovered what many Jesus-followers haven't yet learned. God's grace is sufficient for whatever comes our way. We say we believe that, but our lives and our words often don't match up.
As I mentioned yesterday, these aren't easy days for a lot of us. The pressure of living day to day can wear us down. Our children and grandchildren often bring concern our way. Perhaps one of them isn't well. One for whom we have great love chooses to walk away from faith. Our hearts get heavy. We feel the weight of trying to live a godly life in an ungodly world, and we just get tired.
It is for people like us that Paul wrote these words!
"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
I need those words, and I am reasonably certain that many who read this will need them-maybe even this week. I offer you no guilt today. I don't exhort you to do more than you're doing for Jesus. You'll find no pressure to perform or do better in this FF. What I offer you is the promise of hope and strength. Whatever comes your way this week that seems more than you can handle, remember that Jesus' strength in us is made more evident when we are weak.
Weakness doesn't demand failure. Discouragement doesn't require defeat. Thorns in the flesh don't define our health in any way! The Apostle, who knew the pressure of weakness, discouragement and thorns in the flesh, discovered that each struggle is an opportunity for infused strength from Jesus! You and I can discover that, too.
Those who know Jesus have an unlimited reserve of "sufficient grace." Let's choose to live in that sufficiency this week! Blessings on each one who reads this as you discover God's sufficiency in YOUR life! -- John Strain is Senior Pastor First Baptist Toms River
God's WORD for YOU -- Proverbs 2; Jeremiah 27-29; Titus 3
Think About This: It could be a sign of pride in your life if a word of reproof or
admonition is not able to be received with the same grace, whether it be given by the poorest of saints or the most educated person. -- John Bunyan
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Staying the Course in Hard Times
"Staying the Course in Hard Times" (James 4:7-10)
Everyone knows these are hard days. Bill Welte tells me that more than a thousand people receive the Freedom Fighter emails. He knows one person who forwards each edition to at least a thousand more people.Some who read FF have already lost their jobs or will soon. Others may have lost their home. Some have seen salaries decrease and may hold on by a thread. It's the most difficult time I've seen our country endure in my lifetime.
Let's learn something. Christ-followers aren't immune to tough times.
The tough times may actually be good for us; they strengthen our resolve to walk with Jesus and trust Him during those hard days. Many of us pray that God will use the current situation in our county to draw many to Him. It's amazing how important God becomes when life is hard!
How will you stay the course during the hard times? I've referred to this passage from James 4 in other Freedom Fighters, but I've distinctly sensed the Lord leading me to it for this Saturday. The hard times we're in warrant James' instruction to his readers. Hard times prove who we really are. They force us to make choices that we might not otherwise have to consider. Those choices can make all the difference.
The Apostle James writes to believers who are suffering. Some have allowed the suffering to hinder their walk with Jesus. They need the exhortation James provides. Some of us need it, too. He challenges them to action-action that requires choices. As with His original readers, those choices determine the course of our lives.
Let me list the four basic instructions in these verses.
1) Submit to God, vs. 7.
2) Resist the devil, vs. 7.
3) Draw near to God, vs. 8.
4) Humble yourselves in the sight of God, vs. 10. Notice that each instruction is simple and easy to understand. Notice, too, that each instruction is targeted to single individuals. Finally, notice that each instruction requires a choice-to do or not do what God instructs through His apostle.
Three of the four instructions also have promises attached to them. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Humble yourself, and He will lift you up. The results all come as a result of a choice. If every person who reads this FF will choose to hear the instruction and respond as God intends, we'll have everything we need to "stay the course in hard times. This isn't rocket science. It's one simple choice-the choice to obey God's instructions because He is completely trustworthy.
I don't know almost all of you who'll read this, and you don't know me.
We can still pray for each other, asking God to help each of us "stay the course in hard times." -- John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River
Think about this: You cannot stop people's tongues, and therefore the best thing to do is to stop your own ears and never mind what is spoken.
-- Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Everyone knows these are hard days. Bill Welte tells me that more than a thousand people receive the Freedom Fighter emails. He knows one person who forwards each edition to at least a thousand more people.Some who read FF have already lost their jobs or will soon. Others may have lost their home. Some have seen salaries decrease and may hold on by a thread. It's the most difficult time I've seen our country endure in my lifetime.
Let's learn something. Christ-followers aren't immune to tough times.
The tough times may actually be good for us; they strengthen our resolve to walk with Jesus and trust Him during those hard days. Many of us pray that God will use the current situation in our county to draw many to Him. It's amazing how important God becomes when life is hard!
How will you stay the course during the hard times? I've referred to this passage from James 4 in other Freedom Fighters, but I've distinctly sensed the Lord leading me to it for this Saturday. The hard times we're in warrant James' instruction to his readers. Hard times prove who we really are. They force us to make choices that we might not otherwise have to consider. Those choices can make all the difference.
The Apostle James writes to believers who are suffering. Some have allowed the suffering to hinder their walk with Jesus. They need the exhortation James provides. Some of us need it, too. He challenges them to action-action that requires choices. As with His original readers, those choices determine the course of our lives.
Let me list the four basic instructions in these verses.
1) Submit to God, vs. 7.
2) Resist the devil, vs. 7.
3) Draw near to God, vs. 8.
4) Humble yourselves in the sight of God, vs. 10. Notice that each instruction is simple and easy to understand. Notice, too, that each instruction is targeted to single individuals. Finally, notice that each instruction requires a choice-to do or not do what God instructs through His apostle.
Three of the four instructions also have promises attached to them. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Humble yourself, and He will lift you up. The results all come as a result of a choice. If every person who reads this FF will choose to hear the instruction and respond as God intends, we'll have everything we need to "stay the course in hard times. This isn't rocket science. It's one simple choice-the choice to obey God's instructions because He is completely trustworthy.
I don't know almost all of you who'll read this, and you don't know me.
We can still pray for each other, asking God to help each of us "stay the course in hard times." -- John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River
Think about this: You cannot stop people's tongues, and therefore the best thing to do is to stop your own ears and never mind what is spoken.
-- Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
