Empty?

Empty

“Three times a year shall all your males appear before the Lord your God …they shall not appear empty:…” Deuteronomy 16:16

Recently I read a book called LEADING ON EMPTY by a pastor who finally recognized that he was struggling with burnout and depression. In the last several months I have met so many people, talked with numerous Christian leaders, listened to stories from friends, who have all said the same thing -- "I just feel like my tank has run dry ... I feel so empty."

Well, my brother, it that is you right now, then today's devotional is just for YOU! Consider it a gift from God received from the pen of one of my greatest heroes of the faith, Pastor Bob Alderman. It is from the Keswick Devotional book, "Real Victory for Real Life." If you'd like a copy, I'd love to send it to you. The normal cost is $14.95, but if you respond to today's email with your address, we will send it to you for $6.00.

Perhaps you are like many of us who have experienced an emptiness in life, a futile struggle to at least feel fulfilled and experience some token of fulfillment. The path before you seemed uncertain, the achievements behind you seemed insignificant, and the energy within you seemed so terribly inadequate for the desires you nurtured in your spiritual journey.

You may have raised the question with spiritual counselors concerning such emptiness and your desire to be free from it. You probably have been before our Lord in what seemed to be impotent prayer as you struggled for an understanding of your emptiness, an answer to it, and a deliverance from it.

Do you think the hand of the Lord seems heavy when He orders us concerning a time of accountability – or perhaps “three times a year.” And how about that order that we “shall not appear empty.” Is our Lord being unreasonable or threatening?

Or is He exposing and expressing another aspect of His mercy and provision? The statement seems so demanding, so exacting and potentially so embarrassing.

But is it? Above the human anxiety that such an imperative may produce, can we sense the gracious and loving provision of a heavenly Father whose demands are always an expression of His provision. The Father who expects accountability is the Father who expresses confidence in our ability to faithfully account.

And we go further. He does not expect us to “appear empty.” And being the all-knowing Father that He is, He sees in advance that we need not be empty, and that indeed we are not empty. We are recipients of His loving demands and His abundant provisions.

And so what may appear to be an embarrassing threat is in fact an enriching promise. My Father knows that I need to appear before Him, but not empty. His advance knowledge is now my present encouragement. And that is fullness and victory. --Dr. Robert L. Alderman is Minister-at-Large at Shenandoah Baptist Church in Roanoke, VA. He is a popular conference speaker at America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 31; Judges 11-12; Luke 6:1-26

Great Quote: We have no sufficient strength of our own. All our sufficiency is of God. We should stir up ourselves to resist temptations in a reliance upon God's all-sufficiency and the omnipotence of his might. Matthew Henry

My Redeemer is Faithful and True

My Redeemer is Faithful and True

I apologize that you have not received the email version of Freedom Fighters for the past few days. There is some glitch which we are working on. In the event that you do not receive your daily version, you can get in on the Keswick website (http://www.americaskeswick.org/364426.ihtml#h_2228) and go back and read the past entries.

I can't remember exactly the year that I met Bobby Michaels, but I know it had to be at least 25 years ago and maybe more. Jan and I were attending the Christian Booksellers Convention in Atlanta, GA, and when we walked into the meeting room, there he stood in his khaki outfit!!! He looked like he had just stepped out of the jungle ... And since he spent a great deal of time in South Africa, I guess he was dressed appropriately.

That was the first time we heard the song, MY REDEEMER IS FAITHFUL and TRUE. We fell in love with the singer and the lyrics, and years later, learned that a new artist, Steven Curtis Chapman, had penned the words to the song.

We've had the joy of watching Bobby's life and ministry over these many years. He has been a faithful servant of the Lord, not serving like most musicians. Yes, he does concerts, but his ministry is very unique in that much of his time is spent overseas doing mission trips with a purpose.

In fact, Bobby calls himself a "musicianary." He loves the Lord and loves sharing the gospel on the mission field, whether it be in Africa or the nations in the Near East.

Last week we were in Williamsburg on vacation, and I was walking early in the morning, listening to music on my Ipod. I usually use the mode that takes songs from a variety of projects rather than just listen to one album, so I was quite pleased when I heard the introduction to Bobby's version of MY REDEEMER. As I listened to the song, I remembered that Bobby and Lee were in Thailand and Cambodia, and paused to pray for their trip. I specifically prayed that Bobby and Lee would experience the reality of that song which has been a major part of their music ministry.

Upon return to our condo, I fired up FACEBOOK, and just happened to see that my friend, Scott Wesley Brown, was online. I normally do not pester Scott, but for whatever reason (hmmmm), I decided to click on his picture and saw the announcement that Bobby Michaels had a massive heart attack and was in serious condition in a hospital in Thailand.

For the last week, Bobby has been in critical condition. Apart from a miracle, he is facing major heart surgery on Tuesday, at 6:00 AM our time. I am calling on my Freedom Fighter family to lift up this special servant of the Lord, his wife, Lee, and his kids, Jeff and Rachel. I know that they would appreciate your prayer support.

May these words minister to your heart today:

As I look back on the road I've travelled,

I see so many times He carried me through;

And if there's one thing that I've learned in my life,
My Redeemer is faithful and true. My Redeemer is faithful and true.

CHORUS

My Redeemer is faithful and true.

Everything He has said He will do,

And every morning His mercies are new.

My Redeemer is faithful and true.

My heart rejoices when I read the promise

'There is a place I am preparing for you.'

I know someday I'll see my Lord face to face,

'Cause my Redeemer is faithful and true.

My Redeemer is faithful and true.

(chorus)And in every situation He has proved His love to me;

When I lack the understanding, He gives more grace to me.

(chorus)

God be with you, Bobby and Lee. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 30; Judges 9-10; Luke 15:17-39

Great Quote: The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul (Psa 19:7). Most laws condemn the soul and pronounce sentence. The result of the law of my God is perfect. It condemns but forgives. It restores - more than abundantly - what it takes away. Jim Elliot

This Is Not For Dummies (Part 4)

This is Not for Dummies (Part 4)

Controlling the Anger of Others
When other people use anger on you, the easiest way to react is to use your own anger. This will cause the other person to use his/her anger on you and so forth. Here are the rules that Dr. Izzy Kalman uses in his material on “Turning Bullies into Buddies”:
1. Refuse to give others the power to get you mad.
2. Treat everything people tell you as the words of your best friend (even if they sound angry and hateful).
3. Do not be afraid.
4. Do not defend yourself.
5. Do not attack.
6. If someone hurts you, just show that you are hurt: do not get angry.

Rule #1 is not a natural result of feeling another’s anger. When we become angry we feel like we are victims but act like bullies. If you want your power back do not give that power to another. Choose not to be angry.

Rule #2 is what happens when we experience that anger of another. That is, we feel like they are no longer our friend but rather our enemy. Challenge that feeling by asking, “How can I keep this person as a friend?”

Rule #3 is what causes us to respond in anger. Anger creates more adrenalin which one need to cope with fear. Stifle fear to reduce adrenalin because your friend does not want to destroy you.

Rule #4 is also a natural response to the feeling of just having been attacked. But don’t let your response fire off another round of anger. Each use of anger invites further fighting.

Rule #5 is what we do to enemies and not to friends. To attack gives a feeling of power while defense appears the weaker position. But to choose to not attack is the more noble position.

Rule #6 is the way to win over anger. When we hurt people “want to kiss away the hurt”. When we get angry people respond in kind and thus the fighting continues. To admit hurt or pain may appear weaker but it enlists the offender in becoming a conciliator.
This, of course, will not work with people bent on being an enemy but it will work in most cases of misunderstanding and injury.

Thanks, Dr. Van, for sharing this week's teachings on anger.

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 29, Judges 7-8; Luke 5:1-16

Great Quote: Pride calls me to the window, gluttony to the table, wantonness to the bed, laziness to the chimney-corner; ambition commands me to go up stairs, and covetousness to come down. Vices, I see, are as well contrary to themselves as to virtue. Free me, Lord, from this distracted case; fetch me from being sin's servant to be Thine, whose "service is perfect freedom," for Thou art but one, and ever the same. Thomas Fuller

This Is Not For Dummies (Part 3)

This Is Not For Dummies (Part 3)

Deceptive Anger

Anger is often disguised by other names and feelings. When we say, “I’m tired.” “You give me a headache.” Or “My aching back”, “I’m fed up.” Or many other figures of speech we are masking anger. Sometimes we can be very sweet while the poison of anger is eating away inside. We need to identify it as anger and deal with it. Some people will say, “Oh, I have dealt with that problem” as if they will never have to deal with it again.

If what has been done to us is OK we just need to accept it. BUT if it is not OK the only thing that can remove the sting is the Act of Forgiveness. While ignorance of the law is no excuse, it is a very good reason to forgive. Ignorance can not make something OK but forgiveness can help in healing the hurt.

The reason we can rarely say we have dealt with it is because we need to forgive “once and for all” over and over. Like dieting you must decide once and for all and then, at every temptation, make the decision again. We can forgive once but the next time that “Memory” brings up the incident we must choose to forgive again.

Thought Control

Anger is not stored! Memories are!
This we have known for a long time. Memories cause pain and pain produces anger.
For many years we taught our youth to “Manage Memory”. We called it memorization. We memorized the words (which are the thoughts) of great men like Lincoln, Franklin and Patrick Henry. We even learned “by heart” the Bible. NOT SO TODAY.

Since we no longer learn how to control memory we are now controlled by those memories. We feel (or believe) that memories are beyond our control. That may be with Alzheimer but not for any healthy person. We (consciously or unconsciously) decide what we want to remember.

If we do not control our memories, our Memories will control us.

Take dieting for instance. It is the memory of what the food seemed to do for us that makes us want to eat. Not the necessity of the body. It is the memory of an addiction that drives the addict. To some, they have never memorized more than a phone number or show tune.

It is probably the best reason for seeing something new every morning such as God’s Grace to us. Looking for these and remembering them will not allow us to dwell on the hurts of the past. We cannot hold two thoughts at one time regardless of what those who “Multitask” tell us. Thinking God’s thoughts after Him will blunt the force of other thoughts even when they come.

We cannot stop our Memories but we can use them so that they do not abuse us.

Here I think of the defensive player in football. He would like to stop the incoming player but is not as strong as he. The player must learn to use the strength of the incoming opponent to steer him away from the quarterback. When those memories are too strong for us we can use the strength of memories to our advantage. Like the computer some memories are so deep that they cannot be totally erased BUT we can write over them. Keep up the memory work.

Choose to
1. Remember the Good and not the Bad.
2. Remember the Right and not the Wrong.
3. Remember Forgiveness and not Fairness.

How does one create a reservoir of good thoughts?
The Bible tells us how. In Philippians 4: 8 & 9 “Finally, brothers,
Whatever is true,
Whatever is noble,
Whatever is right,
Whatever is pure,
Whatever is lovely,
Whatever is Admirable—if anything is Excellent or Praiseworthy
think about such things.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me,
or seen in me—
put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

“Thinking on these things” will bring the past into the present and “over-write” the deep set memories. Thus the latest thoughts will slowly overcome the more comfortable angry thoughts of the past. Try it. It does work. Choosing someone who seems to show control over Anger to emulate will also help you to put into practice the above thoughts that control. -- Dr. George VanSandt is a Christian Counselor and friend of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 28; Judges 4-6; Luke 4:31-44

Great Quote: The more intimate our relationship with Christ, the more we will understand the will of God and the more power we will have to act on it. Anonymous

This Is Not For Dummies (Part 2)

Handling Your Own Anger
Steps for Change

1. The concept that “anger is stored” is not true. There is no place in the body, that we have discovered where anger is stored. Memories are stored. Memories cause feelings and feelings cause anger. It happens so fast that we feel that it is anger that is stored. Believe it or not, we can choose what to remember and how to feel about it. This takes time and practice. Don’t give up. Give it a chance. No one can put you down without your permission. Practice forgiveness--it works. When something can not be made OK then it needs to be forgiven. If it is OK it needs no forgiveness.(We will discuss this thought later).

2. Feelings are not you and you are not your feelings. Do not define yourself by your feelings. Feelings are just feeling. That does not mean that they have no power. It is what drives the champion and the suicide. Choose which way you want your feelings to work for you.

3. Feelings can only last as long as you think about events that cause the feelings. The very moment that you stop remembering the feelings leave. So the next thing is to think those thoughts that give force to the things you want to be or do.

4. Do not deny what you feel but delay what you do. As soon as you feel anger, identify it and choose not to act on it at this time... You can be angry without acting on it. Your actions will reinforce the feelings. Most feelings follow actions rather than cause actions but it is a circle that can become cyclonic.
A. Delay can help you choose the proper response.
B. Delay can help you cool down
C. Delay can save hours of “I’m Sorrys”

5. Stop comparing yourself with other people. The Com in compare is similar to the Com in competition. When you compare yourself with another you loose even when you win. It is a battle that should be left to “The Next American Idol”. You were born as a unique individual so that no one is just like you. No one is better than you or less than you. Just work on being the best you that you can be.

6. Stop listening to that voice in your head. These are words from our childhood that contain “allness” words such as always and never and everybody. Substitute mostly for always, often for never, and some people for everyone. By so doing you can accept the words that build and ignore those that tear down, no matter who says them.



7. Start keeping a journal. In so doing you will see how well you are doing on the road to success.
A. Keep it daily but not as a diary. It will only contain those things that affect your “anger.”
B. Write what you said or did with the “pain.”
C. Include the events that led up to your feeling of anger.
D. Did you delay your response? If not, why not?
E. How did you feel about how you handled your anger.
F. Write what you expect to do the next time the situation presents itself.

Additional Help with Your Own Anger -- Surprised by Anger
Sometimes we are unaware of anger and can not manage it because we do not recognize it. Here are some of the times that confuse our feeling.

1. When we are successful. We become concerned that we are now experiencing a feeling of loss. It is the loss of a goal when we have reached it. That loss becomes like any other loss. It triggers anger sometimes toward others yet often against us. This can be because of the time spent on the “journey to the top” or the cost to ourselves and others.
2. When we suffer loss of any kind.
A. Loosing a job. We will tend to blame any number of people and any situation. As we blame we tend to become angry at the lack of interest that others have in our lives. We may even become angry at ourselves for lack of foresight.
B. Loosing a friend. We can blame our friend for leaving us; we can blame the one that they seem to leave us for and, of course, ourselves for not doing something. The anger accompanies our sense of helplessness.
C. Loosing someone through death. We can experience different angers.
i. Anger at the person who left us by dieing.
ii. Anger at not being able to save someone from death.
iii. Anger at God for not answering our prayers.
iv. Anger at those who say, “We know what you are going through.”
v. Anger at those who say, “You will have another loved one soon.”
vi. Anger at those who say, “Time, Tears, and Talking about it will soon heal the hurt.

Today's Freedom Fighter is written by Dr. George Van Sandt

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 27; Judges 1-3, Luke 4:1-30

Great Quote: The more intimate our relationship with Christ, the more we will understand the will of God and the more power we will have to act on it. Anonymous

This Is Not For Dummies (Part 1)

This Is Not For Dummies (Part 1) --Dr. Van will be sharing some insights on anger the next few days.

This is not for “Dummies” We know who we are and what we do. What we may not know is why and what to do about it.

Naming is the First Step in Controlling
Recognizing Anger Early
Have you ever said to yourself any of the following?
“I can’t control my temper!”
“I can’t control my feelings!”
“I am full of rage!”
“Help me!”

All of the above quotes, for the most part, are untrue. If they were true there would be no need for you to read further. So the first decision that you must make is to question the veracity of your self-talk.

In someway, feelings are not what needs to be controlled, actions are. Temper or anger is caused by certain presuppositions. Such as,

A. No one should ever offend me.
B. Everyone should respect me.
C. People are unfair and even life is unfair.
D. If I do not defend myself people will walk all over me.

So, why do we have anger anyway? Anger is given to us so that we can attempt to get what we think we cannot have. Notice children playing in the sandbox. If the bully takes a toy from a child, when that child becomes angry and the adrenal glands start secreting as the child attacks the bully, if the toy is returned, the child knows that anger works and will be encouraged to use it again.

His face showed the extent of his anger. When told that he was angry he denied it. He said he was HURTING. This could not be true for when people hurt we want to “kiss away the hurt” not inflict further pain. You cannot help people who refuse to call the feeling by its proper name.
-- Dr. Van is a Christian Counselor and Pastor, and a friend of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 26; Joshua 22-24; Luke 3

Great Quote: Grant, Almighty God, that as You have made known Your law, and has also added Your gospel, in which You call us to Your service, and also have invited us with all kindness to partake of Your grace; O grant, that we may not be deaf, either to Your command or to the promises of Your mercy, but render ourselves submissive to You everywhere, and so learn to devote all our faculties to You, that we may in truth avow that the rule of a holy and religious life, has been delivered to us in Your law, and that we may firmly adhere to Your promises, lest through any of the allurements of the world, or through the flatteries and delusions of Satan, You should suffer our minds to be drawn away from that love which You have once for all manifested to us in Your only begotten Son, and in which You daily confirm us by the teaching of the gospel, until we at length shall come to the full enjoyment of this love in that celestial inheritance, which has been purchased for us by the blood of Your only Son. -- John Calvin

Root Removal

Root Removal
Hebrews 12:15 (King James Version) “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled" “

Did you ever thank God for your mind?”shouted a man behind the bars of a window in a mental institution. The two stout gentlemen VISITING from America stopped and looked at each other. The one that was over six feet tall said to the shorter one, “You know, I never have” and right there on the gravel road Ira Sankey and D.L. Moody knelt and thanked God.

The purpose of this Freedom Fighter is to encourage you to use thankfulness to win the Victory over bitterness. In the book of Romans1:21 is written, “because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened."

When we fail to be thankful we soon become ungrateful and resentful. Throughout the Bible people often found themselves unthankful. Eve, with the whole garden to eat from, found that the one tree that God had denied them was the only one that she wanted. She knew God but was not thankful. (Genesis 3) King Ahab was not satisfied with all that came with being King. He wanted his neighbor’s vineyard.

When Naboth the Jezreelite refused to sell the vineyard to the king, Ahab(D) went into his house vexed and sullen and lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food. Jezebel ordered Naboth murdered such is the forces of ingratitude. (1Kings 21) After David’s great sin Nathan, the prophet, accused David of ingratitude by the story he told. A rich man had many sheep and guests came but he would not take from his own flock but took his neighbor’s only ewe and slew it for supper.

How clearly David saw his own sin and repented. (2 Samuel 12:1-10) Jesus warns us about being unthankful in the book of Mathew 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

I used to believe that the verse meant that the rich get rich and the poor get poorer. NOT SO! It means that when people are thankful for what they are given, some may want to give more. And to those who are poor shall be taken away what he does have. He is not so poor that there is nothing he can lose yet Jesus said unthankful people may even loose the little that they have If you think things are bad now wait awhile for it can get worse

My sister, Barbara likes to tell a story about our supper table. It seems our mother was cutting a freshly baked pie and I looked at the piece and said, “Who is that big piece of pie for, grandmother?” “No, son, it is for you!” “What that little piece!” she says was my response. I don’t believe it but it does illustrate how we look at things with an unthankful spirit.

Little victories with thankfulness creates Greater Victories. Should you begin to worry about what you will eat or wear or even your housing, are expressions of ingratitude. Jesus said that we are much better than the lily’s of the field and the forgotten sparrow! (Matthew 10:29-31)

So, take the check-up from the neck-up. What new thing have you thanked God for today. As you look for God’s mercies you will find them new each morning. Now aren’t you thankful! Look for things to be thankful for and list them. The song writer said, “Count your many blessing. Name them one by one. I think we would do better to name them ton by ton for they are inexhaustible! -- Dr. George VanSandt is a Christian Counselor and Pastor

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 25; Joshua 19-21; Luke 2:25-52

Great Quote: It is not you who shape God; it is God that shapes you. If then you are the work of God, await the hand of the Artist who does all things in due season. Offer the Potter your heart, soft and tractable, and keep the form in which the Artist has fashioned you. Let your clay be moist, lest you grow hard and lose the imprint of the Potter's fingers. Irenaues (200 AD)

Meekness, Gentleness and the Storage Pit, NT!

I am writing to you from beautiful Williamsburg, VA. I am most grateful that Chris Hughes and Pastor Van have been writing this week so that I could take a break. Thanks, guys!

I would like to ask the Freedom Fighter family to be in prayer for singer/missionary, Bobby Michaels. Bobby has been a faithful friend for well over 20+ years. Bobby and Lee have been in Cambodia on a short-term missions trip, and Bobby had a massive heart attack and had to be resuscitated several times. He is in critical condition. Would you please life Bobby and Lee up to the throne of grace.

If you'd like to send them a note, reply to the Freedom Fighter and I will forward it to them. Thanks.

Meekness, Gentleness and the Storage Pit, NT!

“Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ,- I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent! I ask that when I am present I may not be bold with the confidence with which I propose to be courageous against some, who regard us as if we walked according to the flesh.”
2 Corinthians 10:1-2(NASB)

Yesterday I told you about the notes I found in, what I call, the Storage Pit. Our family has a spot on our property where we store what we would like to keep and probably what we should say a fond farewell to. I shared with you some of what was on the notes that I had taken on gentleness and meekness from the Old Testament. Today it is the New Testament’s turn.

As I read through the rest of these notes on gentleness and meekness I found myself writing down different versions to the first part of the aforementioned verse’s. The CEV puts the first verse like this, “Do you think I am a coward when I am with you and brave when I am far away? Well I ask you to listen because Christ Himself was humble and gentle.” The NRSV put it this way, “I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ-I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away.”

Now stop the presses for a moment here. Now I know why I had to go over this subject while in the colony. And why I struggle with it today. The old man in me is completely vexed by the notion of being bold or brave while off in the distance and humble and meek when face to face. I was an “in-your –face”, ready to go toe-to-toe with anyone and a “you better pack a lunch” kind of man B.C. (before Christ). Now the man A.C. (after Christ) has to…I say it again…has to own up to his weakness so that Jesus Christ can show His strength. As I wrote in my colony notes, “And I have found throughout the New Testament the words gentle, meek and humble is a man named Jesus and He was a rebel to the everyday of His time. But I did not find the word “weak” when it came to Christ Himself.” Jesus was a rebel? That I can respect and that’s what caught my attention to the work that was done on the Cross.

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 (KJV)
The famous “Sermon on the Mount” was directed to His disciples and not to the multitudes. Not that they could not have a seat and listen but Jesus meant this to be for the regenerated believer. Someone who’s faith would be based on the Word of God and His work of redemption.

Right now I am studying the church at Corinth. This city was known for its vices and wicked ways throughout the Roman Empire. After all it was a port city and I am finding that Paul had to defend his ministry all the time. After all, he was a “in-your-face” zealot who, at one time, wanted Christians dead. It must have vexed the many who listened to him preach Christ crucified and Christ-likeness to their faces and then expressing his anger towards the false apostle’s and the heresy of their teachings by letters sent from abroad.

But want to know something? It sounds like they waited for him to leave before they disagreed with him. After leaving Galatia, Jewish Christians began to undermine Paul’s teaching by merging Jewish law and Jewish customs into it and calling it the true way. Maybe this is why he wrote this to the Galatians from abroad. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law” Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

I finished the page by saying, “No matter how I cut it, God wants us to be gentle, humble, meek-KITTY KAT (with retracted claws)- for there is no wrong in it or any law against it. It is a lifelong way of being for a true believer. Those words have rung true for a long time before me or before anything I could trace on a family tree. But for today I praise God that He is using me to put some fruit on that tree now. Thank you Jesus!! -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy.

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 24; Joshua 16-18; Luke 2:1-24

Great Quote: Obedience to God's Will is the secret of spiritual knowledge and insight. It is not willingness to know, but willingness to do God's Will that brings certainty. Eric Liddell

Meekness, Gentleness and the Storage Pit

Meekness, Gentleness and the Storage Pit, OT!

“In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome Psalm 45:4

This is a bit ironic but just the other day my wife, Kathy, had been telling me that while looking for something in our storage pit she came across a box titled, “The History of Christianity.” Initially, she thought it was a set of DVDs on the subject but something told me they weren’t. So into the pit I went and found them to be VHS tapes on the subject. I had received these from a Pastor friend of mine sometime ago and I guess I had forgotten about them. And even though I still have a VCR to watch these tapes, that is not why I am writing this; it is something else I found that caught my attention.

The last Freedom Fighter I wrote was based on someone else’s notes that fell into my lap while studying from a Matthew Henry commentary I had bought from the Keswick bookstore. Well, this one is based on my own notes on the subject of “gentleness and meekness.” Yikes!! When did I write these? Answer: during my time at the Colony. I found these notes on a day when I had to do just what was written. Since this was another one of those “Divine Moments,” I would like to share with you what I found out; that in my weakness, the strength of Jesus shines through. I began in the Old Testament and I started my notes off with a question.

So what’s a bull doing in a china shop? Browsing for gentleness and meekness in a Cruden’s Concordance, that’s what. Where do you find this in the good book? In 2 Samuel, I came upon a song spoken to God by David. The Lord had just delivered David from his enemies and from the hands of Saul. “You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your gentleness made me great.” 2 Samuel 22:36 (ESV) Here the word gentleness is to refer to God’s strength. You can take a look at Psalm 18:35 (ESV) where David writes, “You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.”

Then as I read on I had something from Proverbs. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1. This is what God must have wanted me to see on the day I found these notes. I have to be as careful with my tone of voice as I have to be with the words I use in a sentence. It had been one of those days where, at a moment’s notice, someone could have been offended. And I was in the hot seat for a good part of the work day.

As I continued reading, I had a few verses and comments on meekness.
Divine intervention shall come for those of “an- a-wah” (this must be in the Hebrew). For out of long-suffering comes meekness. The glories of the Messiah and His bride come for the causes of truth, meekness and righteousness. “Seek you the Lord, all you meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be you shall be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zephaniah 2:3 (KJV)

“Yahweh” is the Lord of all the earth. We all are accountable to Him. Before the Old Testament finishes, it tells its readers that the Lord, our God, demands gentleness and meekness of His people. And from Adam to David, it seems that man cannot practice these two simple principles. He creates in love (agape) with gentleness and supplies us with a strength that should make all of us meek among each other. It is not until we get into the New Testament that God provides a Man that gives us an example of these two qualities.

Just a few thoughts from the Old Testament for your kind review today. Did I hit the mark today for you? Please Brothers let me know and praise Him for it. -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 23; Joshua 13-15; Luke 1:57-80

Great Quote: People cannot become perfect by dint of hearing or reading about perfection. The chief thing is not to listen to yourself, but silently to listen to God. Talk little and do much, without caring to be seen.God will teach you more than all the most experienced persons or the most spiritual books can do. You already know a great deal more than you practise. You do not need the acquirement of fresh knowledge half so much as to put in practice that which you already possess. Francois Fenelon

Obedience a Lesson to Be Learned

Obedience a Lesson to be learned

What is obedience and why must it be learned? Why did Jesus have to learn that lesson (Hebrews 5:8 “

Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered”)? Why do we have to learn it again and again?

First of all, it is not just doing what someone else wants. Jesus from Eternity past had always done the Father’s will yet he never obeyed. Doing what we want to do that agrees with another person’s desire is not obedience. True obedience involves a conflict of wills and it can only be learned by suffering.

In Jesus’ case His conflict with His Father came into conflict with His human nature. You find this coming at the point of death. Human nature does not welcome death. The Bible shares Christ’s most intimate moment with His eternal Father.

Jesus begged His Father to find another way, any way but the cross. When people speak of a salvation without the cross, I wonder what they must think of God the Father. He loved His Son. He said so at the Jordan river and again in Matthew 17:5

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"

How can the God of Love not love His own Son enough to spare Him the cross? He could Not! If there were another way, say Good Works, He would have told His own Son about it. He would have allowed His Only Begotten Son to strike a “Plea Bargain!” that included no cross.

Thus Jesus learned to obey after His first Gethsemane experience. But he had two more conflicts with His Father’s will. He prayed again to be spared (not death this time) but pain. The human experience tries to avoid pain. Jesus was given no anesthetic. His beard was torn, His back was ripped, His crown was thorny and the nail split his hand and his feet.

Again, He reasons with his Father, “Some other way!” But NO, he must endure shame. He had his heart torn by the taunting of the crowd, the taunting of the thieves and the desertion of His friends.

Three very painful lessons learned as He learned to obey.

Obedience is not just submission. Not just changing your mind. Not the bipartisanship of the Politician for He never gave up his will. Too many parents try to break the will of the child not so with this heavenly Father.

Jesus did not give up his will. He said, “Not my will but thine be done” Submitting His own will to that of the Father.

Even if you can not happily say to your Lord, “I want your will” but to do His will (without complaining) that is obedience. -- Dr. George ("Van") Van Sandt is a contributor for Freedom Fighters and is a dear friend of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 22; Joshua 10-12; Luke 1:39-56

Great Quote: Joy is distinctly a Christian word and a Christian thing. It is the reverse of happiness. Happiness is the result of what happens of an agreeable sort. Joy has its springs deep down inside. And that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens. Only Jesus gives that joy. He had joy, singing its music within, even under the shadow of the cross. S.D. Gordon

Choose to Be Happy

Choose to be Happy

Ephesians 5:18-19 18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord…

Many know the first part, so we will not spend time on the negative but on the positive, “be filled with the Spirit."

One of the accomplishments of Calvary is the ability for our Lord to baptize with the Holy Spirit. Some think that this is a one time event but this admonition speaks of being continually filled with the Spirit. So the first step is to go to the Lord in prayer and asking Him to fill you. Will He do it? Of course! How does He do it?

First by helping you to love, read, understand and inwardly digest the word of God. Since the Holy Spirit was the author of the scriptures He is best able to enlighten your understanding. Feel free to ask the Holy Spirit to aid your intellect. (There is no jealousy in the Trinity. We can pray to the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit.)

Second involves your self-talk. Ask the Holy Spirit’s help as you talk to yourselves before talking to others. Often we speak to ourselves negatively as we judge our actions, motives and goals. When you speak to yourself, do not ways put yourself down. We do not get better by dwelling on past failures. Remember that even God, took 6 days to change nothing into His finished creation. Each day He looked at what he had done and said, “it is good” (enough). Give yourself encouragement while avoiding pride.

Third is the Holy Spirit as He encourages us to sing.

He starts us off by telling us to speak. After we have spoken to ourselves we need to speak to others. Singing is melodious speaking. But how do we sing when our hearts are so heavy? Don’t. Just begin by reading the Psalms until you can feel like singing.

In Psalm 103 we find an example of this. In the first verse he speaks to his soul but finds no song. In the second verse he tells us why there is no song. He is trying to remember all of his benefits. Then he explains that we are tempted to forget all of God’s mercies. Then he tells us how to find a song. Start with what God has done: He forgives, and he has healed. Then he finds much more to be thankful for.

Find a song that you have heard that expresses your gratitude. That may begin with the great Hymns of the Church and then spiritual songs or even make up a song from your experience.

I often find myself singing when there is no one nearby only to hear someone say, “There goes a happy man,” I say, ”No, but I am working at it.” We cannot always stay happy but we can become happy by using “Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs making melody in our hearts”. The tempter avoids a singing soul. Make this day different by changing it from just a day to a blessed day by the melody on your heart.

Singing I go along life’s road,
Praising the Lord, praising the Lord,
Singing I go along life’s road,
For Jesus has lifted my load.

Pastor George Van Sandt has his doctorate counseling and was Bill Welte's pastor growing up.

God's WORD for YOU:Proverbs 21; Joshua 7-9; Luke 1:21-28

Great Quote: God has called us to shine, just as much as Daniel was sent into Babylon to shine. Let no one say that he cannot shine because he has not so much influence as some others may have. What God wants you to do is to use the influence you have. Daniel probably did not have much influence down in Babylon at first, but God soon gave him more because he was faithful and used what he had.Dwight L. Moody

Don't Ask for the Obvious

Don't Ask for the Obvious

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places ..." Ephesians 1:3

Before I share today's Freedom Fighter, I just want to make sure that I clarify something from yesterday's devotional. Nobody wrote this to me, but just in case someone was thinking it ... I am very proud of my son-in-law, Garrett. He is a great Dad and husband. I wasn't trying to point out in my illustration regarding Emma that he was a bad Dad by doing the little ditty he did with her. I asked his permission to relate the story, but just in case one of the saints took it wrong -- he's a super Dad!

I have been thinking about this verse for years. My walking buddy asked me the other day what book of the Bible was my favorite. Without hesitation, the answer -- the book of Ephesians! Dr. Douglas B. MacCorkle, former president of Philadelphia Biblical University taught a class on the Pauline epistles, and his love for this book set me on fire.

I find that sometimes in my prayer life, I ask God for the obvious. How many times I have asked God to bless this or that, whether it be a service, a project, a dream. And yet I haven't taken the time to fully comprehend or grasp the things that He has already provided in blessing me!

Dr. Steve McVey, President of Grace Walk, and a speaker this summer at America's KESWICK wrote this in his March 2009 newsletter:

The need is not that God should give us something that we don’t have. The need is that we should know what we do have. Paul didn’t pray for the church to receive more. He prayed that they would understand what they already had. In Ephesians 1:17-19 Paul prays, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.”

I am purposing to think through the blessings that I already have received because I am IN CHRIST, and asking God this year to help me understand the depth of the blessing He has already bestowed on me. How about you? Will you join me in the process? Take some time today to read through the first chapter of the book of Ephesians. You might be shocked to find out how He has already blessed you. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU -- Proverbs 20; Joshua 4-6; Luke 1:1-20

Great Quote: We are supernatural people, born again by a supernatural birth, kept by a supernatural power, sustained on supernatural food, taught by a supernatural Teacher from a supernatural Book. We are led by a supernatural Captain in right paths to assured victories. The risen Saviour, ere He ascended on high, said: 'All power is given unto Me. Go ye therefore."James Hudson Taylor

I Am a Child of the King!!!

I Am a Child of the King!

He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ Himself, according to the kind intention of His will. Ephesians 1:5 NASB

My son-in-law Garrett and his daughter Emma, started playing this little word game. By the way, Emma is 2 going on 20!

Garrett likes to remind her that he's the boss. And Emma responds, "And I'm the loser." I didn't think much about that until this weekend when we were babysitting for Julie and Garrett overnight. Garrett told Emma when he dropped her off that Pop-pop was the boss for the weekend.

When I arrived home, I jokingly said to her, "Emma, Pop-pops the boss this weekend." And she quickly responded, "And I'm the loser." At first it was funny, but then after playing this two or three times, it hit me that maybe this wasn't quite the right idea.

I tried to get her to say, "I'm the princess." Well it didn't work. She declared very adamantly, "Pop, I am a LOSER. I am a BIG loser." Ouch!

We persevered and finally was able to get her to say, "I am a princess!"

I have been thinking about that. For some of us, we have been called all kinds of names. In fact, there might be some guys who heard in the early days, "You are a loser!" I can remember when I first started dating Jan, and I was not the apple of her mother's eye. She sat me down one night with Jan and said, "You are an irresponsible young man!" I can't tell you how that hurt, and it took many years to get over the pain from that remark.

Praise God that while we deserve hell, we've been given heaven. If we have trusted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we are no longer orphans. We have been adopted into the family of God, and we have been declared righteous (not our own, but clothed in the righteousness of Christ) and have been declared his sons (and daughters ...)! Instead of being a loser, we've gained EVERYTHING! You can declare, I AM A CHILD OF THE KING!

I don't know about you, but I like that. It's good! Don't wallow in the enemy's pool of destructive labels. Remember WHOSE you are and WHO you are IN CHRIST! You are a prince or a princess of THE KING! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 19; Joshua 1-3; Mark 16

Great Quote: To doubt the good will of God is an inborn suspicion of God with all of us. Besides, the devil...goes about seeking to devour us by roaring: 'God is angry at you and is going to destroy you forever.' In all these difficulties we have only one support, the Gospel of Christ. To hold on to it, that is the trick. Christ cannot be perceived with the senses... The heart does not feel His helpful presence. Especially in times of trials a Christian feels the power of sin, the infirmity of his flesh, the goading darts of the devil...the scowl and judgment of God. All these things cry out against us, death thunders at us, the devil roars at us. In the midst of the clamor the Spirit of Christ cries in our hearts, 'Abba, Father.' And this little cry of the Spirit transcends the hullabaloo of the Law, sin, death, and the devil, and finds a hearing with God. The Spirit cries because of our weakness...(and) is sent forth into our hearts...to assure us of the grace of God." Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians

How Do I Spend Time With the Lord

How Do I Spend Time with the Lord?

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18 (NIV)

I am often asked what I do when I spend time with the Lord. I thought I would share just a few practical insights with you. By the way, I would also enjoy hearing what you do too!

1. For me, the best time to spend time with the Lord is first thing in the morning. I am a morning person (mostly) and my mind is the clearest right after I get up. I have my time with the Lord most days before I even shower or eat breakfast.

2. I have my quiet time in my third floor office. I think it is important for you to find that special place where you can meet with God away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house.

3. Over the years I have used many wonderful resources to aid in my time with the Lord. This year I have tried a new/old approach. The approach is not really new, but for me it has been a breath of fresh air.

a. I read the morning and evening Scriptures from The Daily Light on the Daily Path. You can do this by purchasing the actual book, but you can also read in online (http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/daily.light/?date=2009-03-18). I like using the hard copy because I write notes to myself in the margins. I first started using this tool in 1999. I highlight and underline key words that speak to my heart. The Daily Light is JUST Scripture, no commentary.

b. In addition to the Daily Light on the Daily Path, this year I am reading through the Bible using the One Year Bible -- ESV Version. I recently discovered that there are several reading plans from the ESV online:

This one takes you through the Old and New Testaments, Proverbs and Psalms http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/one.year.tract/

Check out this site for other plans that you can read online or have sent as an RSS feed: http://www.esv.org/biblereadingplans

c. I have a journal that I use which is simply the old fashioned Composition book. In my journal I record things that have happened during the previous day, special events, funny stories, things about the kids, and answers to prayer. This is YOUR journal for YOUR eyes only. So be flexible and let the words flow. Some people like to use their computer, I prefer to write it out.

d. This year I am not using any additional devotionals. There are hundreds of excellent ones. What I am doing is using an approach that many have used called SOAP -- Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Look for a Scripture passage as you are reading through your "plan" and allow the Holy Spirit to bring a particular passage to your attention. I am putting a title to that Scripture, then I write the verses out. Some days it is just one verse, or may even be a phrase. Other days it is several verses.

Next I write observations about that text. Let the text speak to your heart. Go on a mining expedition and see what the Lord will show you from the text, and the text alone. I will often ask the Holy Spirit to guide me as I study.

Then I take that passage and write an application to my personal life. How did this passage speak to my heart and how can I apply that to my life.

I conclude by writing out a prayer that summarizes what I believe God wants me to do with that passage.

It has been quite refreshing for me to use this approach. It has given me some Freedom Fighter material as well as fodder for messages.

The bottom line is: the more you do it, the more hungrier you become. He wants to speak to your heart. Make an appointment each day with Him. Now what do you do? I'd love to hear from you. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 18; Deuteronomy 32-32; Mark 15:26-47 (You can follow this plan as well. By reading these passages each day, you will have read through the Bible in a year.)

Great Quote: To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God. William Temple

God Uses Burned Up Stones

Just a quick word from Bill ... When I started the ministry of Freedom Fighters several years ago, my goal was to encourage you to walk in victory, and to share with you from my heart what God was/is teaching me from His Word. My intention for this tool was not to have it be a platform for political or divisive issues. In yesterday's Freedom Fighter I used an illustration concerning a matter that our Board has been wrestling with, particularly, the Executive and Finance Committee. It was inappropriate for me to use this illustration in the context of a Freedom Fighter without first asking for approval to share that situation. I apologize for any confusion that the illustration might have caused. Thank you for your daily partnership in spreading the message of victory to other men around the globe.

GOD USES BURNED UP STONES

“And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish--stones that are burned?”
(Nehemiah 4:2)

A practical lesson that we learn from Nehemiah is that God used burned stones to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem. Even though Sanballat tried to discourage him, Nehemiah was faithful and obedient, allowing God to clean up the stones and build with them a beautiful and safe wall. From this example we should learn that when we do God's work, with God's strength and God's
materials, we are bound to succeed.

Something similar happens in our lives when we come to Christ, accept His sacrifice and make Him our personal Savior and Lord. In my case, the first few weeks of my new life in Christ were very difficult. I came to Christ through the wonderful testimony and spiritual concern of two beautiful ladies who attended the Hawthorne Gospel Church (NJ).

Even though I began to grow spiritually very quickly (attending Monday Evening Bible School, Wednesday's prayer service, Friday's young people's group and choir, Saturday's ministries with the Pastor, Sunday services, etc.) I still had some contracts (singing with my guitar) to fulfill at some night clubs in Paterson (NJ), a television presentation in Newark and a theater in New York. It was very clear that I had to decide to seriously welcome the blessings of my new relationship with Christ. I did. And when that happened, every one of my friends in Paterson expressed concern about my sanity, about losing their friendship due to the incompatibility of goals, about the death of my social life, etc. I know now that these were the burned stones that God had to clean and use to reconstruct my new life in Christ.

My pilgrimage in Christ began in May, 1965. I do not know the date when you are reading this testimony but I can assure you that when we do God's work, with God's strength and God's materials, we are bound to succeed. --Jorge and Denise Zambrano serve with HCJB. Jorge is battling cancer and chemo treatments. Please add this special couple to your prayer list.

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 17; Deuteronomy 30-31; Mark 15:1-25

Great Quote: Living in the present means squarely accepting and responding to it as God's moment for you now while it is called "today" rather than wishing it were yesterday or tomorrow. Evelyn Underhill

Sometimes I Miss the Obvious

Sometimes I Miss the Obvious

"And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, 'If the men have come to call you, rise, go with them; but only do what I tell you." Numbers 22:20

I am reading through the book of Numbers! Wow! Most of the book -- well let's just put it this way -- I am really trying to plow through. I must confess that in year's past, I have not plowed through -- but skimmed through -- and obviously missed some pretty amazing insights that I needed to hear.

Saturday and Sunday's readings were about Balaam and the donkey! If you remember the story, Balak want Balaam to curse the people who appeared to be more mighty than him and his people. Every time Balaam went to curse the people, God instructed him not to, and gave him the reasons why.

God made it very clear to Balaam not to cave into what Balak wanted him to do and instructed him to ONLY do what HE (the Lord) told him to do. Like most of us, Balaam decides to do things his way, and starts out on a journey riding his favorite donkey!

God stepped in and sent the angel of the Lord to stand in the way. Good old Balaam was so set on doing his thing that he missed the obvious. Not so for the dumb donkey! Actually the donkey had more smarts than Balaam because her vision was so clear that she saw the angel of the Lord and refused to move!!! (Now I could really get myself in trouble here -- Did you ever notice that our wives are sometimes like the donkey? They have this God-wired discernment to be able to see things that we men just miss! Not that I am calling Jan a donkey -- don't get me into trouble!!!)

The first time the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she moved and walked away. The second time, she pushed old Balaam up against the wall to hurt his foot to get his attention. The old boy still didn't get it. The third time, the old girl just laid down!!!

I bet the old boy was frustrated. Then all of a sudden the Lord opened old Balaam's eyes! He immediately got down on his hands and knees. I bet he was muttering, "That stupid old mule had more sense than me. How could I have missed the obvious?

The angel of the Lord said to him, "Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me. Wow!!!

Can I ask you a question? Have you ever thought about how many times the Lord has brought something into your life to protect you from making a wrong choice, walking in the wrong direction, or providing that unique way of escape when faced with temptation. The answer is right in front on your face -- except that we are so bent on doing it our way, or doing our own thing, that we miss the obvious!!!

Recently we have been faced with a very difficult decision as Board. From all appearances the desired outcome could have been phenomenal. But every way has been blocked with questions and confusion that I believe came from the Lord to keep us from making a wrong decision that could have had monumental implications. Many of us where praying, "Lord, show us the way. Make the path clear! Open our eyes so that we walk in the right way."

As hard as it was to walk away from what could have been an amazing opportunity, there is peace because God showed up in very special way and made the way clear. We could have forged ahead and missed the signposts that the Lord was giving us.

Thankfully, Balaam was willing to say, "I blew it! I sinned. I did what was evil in Your sight, Lord." And he turned back! I wrote in my journal today, that I want to be that sensitive to the Lord. When He shows me the way to walk -- I want to be obedient to move forward, or turn around and walk in a different direction. How about you? Is there something in your life where you are missing the obvious? If so, repent! Preach the gospel to yourself, and turn around and walk HIS way! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 16; Deuteronomy 28-29; Mark 14:54-72

Great Quote: Character is made up of small duties faithfully performed--of self-denials, of self-sacrifices, of kindly acts of love and duty. Anonymous

Worship -- It's Not Just for Sunday

WORSHIP – IT’S NOT JUST FOR SUNDAY

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15)

Who should worship? Anyone who has placed their trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior has the privilege of worshipping the one true God. I Peter 2:9 says “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

Why should we worship? Because God desires to have a personal relationship with us, He created us for His glory that we might worship Him. Romans 12:1-2 says “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.

When should we worship? Hebrews 13:15 says “Through Jesus, therefore let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess His name.” A.W. Tozer said “It does not seem to be very well recognized that God’s highest desire is that every one of His believing children should so love and so adore Him that we are constantly in His presence, in Spirit and in Truth.” “True worship of God must be a constant and consistent attitude or state of mind within the believer.” I Thessalonians 5:17 says “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

How should we worship? Deuteronomy 6:5 says “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Colossians 3:16-17 says “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” I Chronicles 28:9 says “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” Robert Hayes is Director of Program Ministries at America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 15; Deuteronomy 25-27; Mark 14:27-53

Great Quote: It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to. C. S. Lewis

Reverse Phariseeism (Part 3)

Reverse Phariseeism (Part 3)

Here are the last of Dr. Harold Vaughn's observations on determining if you are struggling with "reverse Phariseeism."

21. You believe that all the other attributes of God are eclipsed by His love.

22. You esteem feminism virtues, but become uneasy when masculine traits are exalted.

23. You would be offended if someone said you were just as prejudiced as the Pharisee!

Here is Harold's concluding statement: "Overreaction is never corrective. In fact, overreaction is always destructive because it always creates its own set of problems.

Jesus was full of grace and truth and He warned us to be wary of the leaven of both the Pharisees and the Sadducee's.

Someone said, 'Compassion without conviction equals compromise. Conviction without compassion causes contention. But compassion plus conviction equals communication.' Only through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT can we find godly balance and overflow with GRACE and TRUTH." -- Thanks, Harold for your insights into this timely subject. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 13; Deuteronomy 19-21; Mark 13:21-37

Great Quote: “The mercy of God is that attribute which we, the fallen, sinful race of Adam, stand in greatest need of, and God has been pleased, according to our needs, more gloriously to manifest this attribute than any other. The wonders of divine grace are the greatest of all wonders. The wonders of divine power and wisdom in the making of this great world are marvelous; many wonderful things have happened since the creation of the world, but none like the wonders of grace. "Grace, grace!" is the sound that the gospel rings with, "Grace, grace!" will be that shout which will ring in heaven forever; and perhaps what the angels sung at the birth of Christ, of God's good will towards men, is the highest theme that ever they entered upon.” Jonathan Edwards, Sermon “Glorious Grace”.

Reverse Phariseeism (Part 2)

Reverse Phariseeism (Part 2)

Here is the next set of statements to help determine in you are struggling with "Reverse Phariseeism"

11. You believe there are many roads which lead to eternal life.

12. You view "grace" as a license to sin instead of the power to overcome it.

13. You believe God's command to separate from error must be repudiated if we are to be effective in the modern world.

14. You have the identical disgust for the Pharisee that he has for you!

15. You think those who hold non-negotiable principles are the main problem.

16. You think the way to reach the world for Christ is to imitate it.

17. You see no significant doctrinal difference between the Apostle Paul and the Pope.

18. You can wink at all manner of compromise as long as it is slanting to the left.

19. You have zero tolerance for "excess" toward the right side of the religious spectrum.

20. You have an extremely generous conscience and great sympathy when it comes to "extravagance" among the left-leaning brethren. -- Harold Vaughn -- Christ Life Ministries

Well how are you doing? I will share the last five tomorrow and a powerful statement about "reverse Phariseeism" from Harold Vaughn -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 12; Deuteronomy 16-18; Mark 12:1-20

Great Quote: God sees with utter clarity who we are. He is undeceived as to our warts and wickedness. But when God looks at us that is not all He sees. He also sees who we are intended to be, who we will one day become. John Ortberg

Reverse Phariseeism Part 1

Reverse Phariseeism Part 1


Now maybe you were pleased with yourself after reading through the lists provided the past several days to help determine if you might BE a Pharisee. But those of us who overreact to "Phariseeism" also need to take a look. Harold Vaughn gives some insight into this area:

You may be guilty of REVERSE PHARISEEISM if ...

1. You think anyone with higher standards than you is a "legalist."

2. You have stretched the "narrow gate" that leads to salvation to the point it is no longer "narrow."

3. You believe those who hold non-negotiable convictions are all Pharisees.

4. You have more question marks than exclamation points when it comes to the authority of God's Word.

5. You believe what's "right for you" is true for you and ... What's "right for me" is true for me.

6. There is hardly anything so theologically or ethically bizarre that it would offend your sensibilities.

7. Foundational truths are debatable.

8. You understand how people could feel that referring to God as "Father" expresses a bent toward sexism.

9. You discount the Genesis account of creation because it is inconsistent with science.

10. You believe the criterion of "truth" is sincerity instead of the revealed Word of God.


Hmmmm -- something to think about? -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

Check out this weeks STEWARDSHIP INSIGHT BY GEORGE http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/


Thanks for your input yesterday regarding Freedom Fighters. We have a new tool available -- a business card size full color invitation to join the Freedom Fighter family. It's a great way to introduce your friends to this ministry. If you like some, please respond to this email.

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 11; Deuteronomy 13-15; Mark 12:28-44

Great Quote: People talk about the curse of sin, but they do not understand that the whole nature has been infected by sin, and that the curse is one verything. My intellect, has that been defiled by sin? Terribly, and the curse of sin is on it, and therefore my intellect must go down into the death. Ah, I believe that the Church of Christ suffers more today from trusting in intellect, in sagacity, in culture, and in mental refinement, than from almost anything else. The Spirit of the world comes in, and men seek by their wisdom, and by their knowledge, to help the Gospel, and they rob it of its crucifixion mark. Christ directed Paul to go and preach the Gospel of the cross, but to do it not with wisdom of words. The curse of sin is on all that is of nature. Andrew Murray

You Might Be A Pharisee If -- Part 3

You Might Be a Pharisee If ...

"The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector." Luke 18:11 (New International Version)

Here are the last set of questions from Dr. Harold Vaughn, President of CHRIST LIFE MINISTRIES, in how you can determine if you are a Pharisee. Here some additional indicators:

27. Your sense of self-importance blinds you to the fact of how repulsive you are to others.

28. You always come out in a favorable light when you compare yourself with other men.

29. You feel anger is justified because you are right and those you are angry with are wrong.

30. You cling to "emotional infallibility" -- the belief that whatever you feel in your heart must be correct.

31. You believe a person really pleases God by keeping all the rules.

32. Your theological "rigidity" is more important than all other factors.

33. You feel the trail of broken relationships in your past is due to some fault in the other person.

34. You visually and intellectually comply in order to gain acceptance and approval.

35. You are dominated by the fear of man.

36. You are insulted by the notion that you may very well be a Pharisee!!!!

So how are you doing? Are you a Pharisee? If so -- repent! Go to the Cross, preach the Gospel to yourself and become a recovering Pharisee!!!! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK, and by God's grace, a recovering Pharisee

I certainly want the ministry of Freedom Fighter to be a ministry of encouragement to you. I have not had ANY comments in over two weeks from anyone receiving the email or website blog. I am getting many comments from our Facebook friends. I'd love to hear from you. Are we hitting the target areas or am I missing the mark? Let me hear from you today.

God's Word for YOU: Proverbs 10; Deuteronomy 10-12; Mark 12:1-27

Great Quote: We need not all pray the same way. The important thing is to pray, to talk to God, and to be honest in our communication. We differ from each other in many ways. What is important is a relationship with God that allows us to be true to ourselves and our present circumstance, and to be free to share that with God. Anonymous

You Might Be a Pharisee If ... (Part 2)

You Might Be a Pharisee If ...

"The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector." Luke 18:11 (New International Version)

If you missed Sunday's FF, go back and read it. Dr. Harold Vaughn, President of CHRIST LIFE MINISTRIES, shares some insight in how you can determine if you are a Pharisee. Here some additional indicators:

16. You find it difficult to fellowship with those different from yourself.

17. You believe you are superior to others.

18. You keep a list of religious activities on the tip of your tongue.

19. You justify yourself by condemning others.

20. You build up yourself and your group by tearing others down.

21. You despise people who do not hold your convictions.

22. Your conscience is silent when you accuse and verbally abuse God's people.

23. You excuse your arrogant behavior because you hold to the "correct position."

24. You call your uncanny ability to catalog the faults of others "discernment."

25. You thank God you are not as other men.

26. You really like to hear yourself pray.

Well ... how are you doing? Are you a sinner saved by the grace of God or are you a Pharisee. Good time to do a heart check. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK and a recovering Pharisee

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 9; Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 11:19-33

Great Quote: I believe God, through His Spirit, grants us love, joy, and peace no matter what is happening in our lives. As Christians, we shouldn't expect our joy to always feel like happiness, but instead recognize joy as inner security -- a safeness in our life with Christ. Jill Briscoe

This Thursday night is Men's Fellowship Night. Pastor Larry Green from Tabernacle, NJ, will be our guest speaker. Dinner starts at 6:15 PM followed by the program and activities. Call for reservations. Come bring a friend! 732-350-1187

You Might Be A Pharisee If ...

You Might Be a Pharisee If ...


"The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector." Luke 18:11 (New International Version)

If you are on the journey of preaching the GOSPEL to yourself, one of the things you will find yourself wanting to be is a "recovering Pharisee!"

It is amazing how easy it is for me to fit into that mold and not even be aware of it. In 2010 we will be having Dr. Harold Vaughn, President of Christ Life Ministries as one of our speakers for the summer THINK VICTORY weeks. He has a great list of characteristics to determine if ...

YOU MIGHT BE A PHARISEE IF:

1. You are glad you are better than others.

2. Your prayers are more like "self-talk" than speaking to God.

3. Your sins seem so small when placed beside the really BIG sins of others.

4. You rationalize that Christians who don't agree with you are all "compromisers."

5. You routinely dismiss anyone who would dare to point out a "blind spot."

6. You verbally rip apart the people who you disagree with.

7. You rehearse your virtues when you should be confessing your sin.

8. You take delight in checking off your religious "to do" list.

9. The standard you use to judge others is "you!"

10. Prayer is more about you and your perception than about God and His praise.

11. You assume your discipline and "preciseness" indicates true spirituality.

12. Your memory is excellent when it comes to remembering your good works.

13. You glory more in appearance than heart.

14. You are obsessed with externals, but blind to the internal reality of your own soul.

15. Outward righteousness is more important that heart holiness.

Well ... how are you doing? I will share more tomorrow. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK and a recovering Pharisee.

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 8; Deuteronomy 4-6; Mark 11: 1-8

Great Quote: Do deeds of love for Him, to Him, following His steps. Believest thou in Christ? Do the works of Christ, that thy faith may live. Thou who sayest thou abidest in Christ, oughtest so to walk as He walked. If thou seekest thine own glory, enviest the prosperous, speakest ill of the absent, renderest evil to him who injureth thee, this did not Christ. Edward B. Pusey

Delighting in God's Will

DELIGHTING IN GOD’S WILL

“…I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10b RSV)
“I delight to do thy will, O my God;” (Psalm 40:8 RSV)

We all live—most of us do not wish to die—and yet, there is no driving desire to go on living either! We rise in the morning, accepting of the new day. We do not dread the day, but neither do we relish it with a sense of anticipation. The new day is part duty, part chore, and mostly routine—there is no joyous bounding into the day. The day, and any opportunity it may hold, is not a delight to us— we embark on the new day with resignation. Something is wrong. Many go on in this way for years, having settled for a quality of “life” that is far below that which is possible for the believer.

We do not doubt that God is there, or that He loves us. It isn’t a crisis of faith (theologically), and yet it is a crisis… a quiet and prolonged crisis. In our best moments we are very aware that this “wilderness experience” is hardly the “life more abundant” that Jesus came to give! In our heart we know we must enter more fully into this gift of life, and that something is dreadfully wrong. For me, a deep breath of spring air is enough to remind me of what has been lost from my childhood— there was joy and anticipation in those days. What is the answer? How do we get this quality of life that Jesus speaks of?

For the child of God, abundant life comes only when we are obedient to the will of God— David said “I delight to do thy will O my God.” And delight is just the missing ingredient for many of us. There is a delight that comes when we are obedient to the light that we have. Simple obedience can turn a life of plodding resignation into a life that is a daily delight! Begin to read God’s Word again with a single eye towards obedience. Then, go into the day with an obedient child-like heart, and let’s see what God does! -- Peter Cardillo is Director of Food Services at America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 7; Deuteronomy 1-3; Mark 10:32-52

Great Quote: Faith is like radar that sees through the fog - the reality of things at a distance that the human eye cannot see. Corrie Ten Boom

Our God is Semper Fidelis, Always Faithful

Our God is Semper Fidelis, Always Faithful

One of the first things I learned as a Marine recruit was the Marine Corps motto, “Semper Fidelis” and its meaning “Always Faithful “. Specifically we were instructed that Marines are always to be faithful to their country , to their Corps, their fellow Marines, and to those in authority. For Marines who are leaders and in authority, they are to be faithful to the Marines under their command. All Marines are to be loyal, devoted and trustworthy. Lives often depend on these values especially in combat situations.

Have you ever stopped to consider the importance of faithfulness in Scripture and in our spiritual life? First, Christians have a God who is faithful in all he does (Psalm 33:4) and who will never leave us or forsake us (Deut 31:6). In other words he will not dessert us at the first sign of trouble!!. We have a God , our Commanding Officer , who is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made(Psalm 145:13). Our God is the ultimate role model of what it means to be “Semper Fi”!

Second, Christ’s faithfulness to us means that we will never be tempted beyond what we can bear (1Cor 10:13). One of the ways that our Lord accomplishes this is through directing us to prepare and train ourselves for battle. This battle is not against insurgents and IEDs but against Satan, the evil one, the lion that prowls around waiting for someone to devour. The Lord provides us with both offensive and defensive weapons so that we can take our stand ,and “dig in “ against the devil’s schemes. This includes the belt of truth , the breastplate of righteousness, special footgear for readiness, the shield of faith , the helmet of salvation and finally our ultimate weapon, the sword of the Spirit , which is the Word of God(Bible). It is our responsibility to use everything he has given us and train ourselves to be Godly (1 Tim 4:7).

Just as God is faithful to us , we have an obligation , out of love, gratitude , devotion , and respect to be faithful to Him and to our fellow warriors in Christ . The only acceptable standard is for us to “love Him with all our heart, mind , and soul and to love our neighbor as ourselves”(Matt 22:37-39).

What a mighty God we serve .He is Semper Fidelis! -- Tom Day is a Marine (Paris Island 1963) , a minister in Memphis , Tn and a friend and supporter of the Colony of Mercy.

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 6; Numbers 35-36; Mark 10:1-31

Great Quote: Repentance is a change of willing, of feeling and of living, in respect to God. Charles G. Finney

Watch Where You Walk

Watch Where You Walk

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or the left; turn your face away from evil. -- Proverbs 4:25 ESV

Last night I had a flashback. I was walking to my car around 8:45 PM. I needed to go pick up our son Zach from youth group. I wasn't watching where I was walking, and I almost went flying through the air when I stepped onto a patch of ice.

It took me back to one of the ice storms we had at Sandy Cove many years ago. The ice was so thick that the kids could skate of the parking lot with just their shoes! The fields and roads were thick with ice.

I needed to take one of the kid's friends home, and Jan asked me to deliver a pie to the family. I walked out in the dark to the car, not watching were I was walking -- hit a patch of ice -- and went flying through the air landing in a heap! The pie was totaled and I was toast.

Several years ago, I broke my leg in Bermuda. That's another story for another time -- but needless to say, ever since then, I have found myself being way more cautious watching WHERE I walk. I find myself looking at the steps before I climb down them. I find myself checking the lay of the land before venturing out on an unknown path. Maybe it is my age -- but I don't want to fall and break my again.

Proverbs makes it clear that we need to PONDER the path of our feet. The word ponder means to "think with your head." I like that -- It is something that we do INTENTIONALLY rather than haphazardly. Maybe the reason that so many of us find ourselves walking in the wrong places is that we haven't given much thought about walking in the right places. Maybe it is time to THINK about where and how you are walking. Are you looking ahead? Marking out the path? Or are you distracted and looking all around. If you aren't paying attention, you could walk on a land mine that could be disastrous for you and your family. It's certainly something to think about. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 5; Numbers 32-34; Mark 9:30-50

Great Quote: Be ye angry, and sin not; therefore all anger is not sinful, because some degree of it, and on some occasions, is inevitable. But it becomes sinful and contradicts the rule of Scripture when it is conceived upon slight and inadequate provocation, and when it continues long. William Paley

Am I Willing to Die? Part 2

Am I Willing to Die? (Part 2)

"And He was saying to them all, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take us his cross daily and follow Me." Luke 9:23

Are you familiar with one of the greatest study Bibles on the market, the English Standard Version? Right now the publisher, Crossway, is making it available on-line for a 30-day free trial. I would encourage you to check it out. For full access and free trial use of these features for one month, visit www.esvstudybible.org/online. Simply create a login and password. Email information will not be shared, nor will there be any obligation to purchase. Free trial offer expires March 31, 2009.

Now for today's challenge ...

Recently I listened to a friend share his heart about his marriage that is moving quickly to divorce. I love this brother and am really trying to encourage him. As I listened to his story, I realized how quickly I can fall into the trap of being unwilling to die to my rights and agendas.

I am much more set in my ways that I have ever imagined. Is it as easy as the verse above states to "deny oneself and take up HIS cross and follow Him? If you think it is, let challenge you with some ways that He wants you to die. These are from, THE GOSPEL PRIMER by Milton Vincent:

When my flesh yearns for some prohibited thing ... I must die!

When called to do something I don't want to do ... I must die!

When I wish to be selfish and serve no one ... I must die!

When shattered by hardships that I despise ... I must die!

When wanting to cling to wrongs done against me ... I must die!

When enticed by human allurements of the world ... I must die!

When wishing to keep besetting sins secret ... I must die!

When wants that are borderline needs are left unmet ... I must die!

When dreams that are good seem shoved aside ... I must die!

Well brothers -- you are asked to take up His cross and follow Him. Are you and I willing to die to self -- to do it daily? Are you willing to allow die to yourself so that HE can have first place? Are you willing to die so that your spouse can be esteemed? Think about it! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 4; Numbers 29-31; Mark 9:1-29

Great Quote: The least sin should humble the soul, but certainly the greatest sin should never discourage the soul, much less should it work the soul to despair. Despairing Judas perished, whereas the murderers of Christ, believing on Him, were saved. Thomas Brooks

Am I Willing to Die?

Can I Let It Die?

My technologically-challenged brain did not allow me to send out yesterday's FF with the correct date. Check out yesterday's edition by visiting: http://keswickfreedomfighters.blogspot.com/

And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me." Luke 9:23

Much of what Jesus asks of us runs against the grain of what the world says or expects. You've got to be kidding that in this day and age when everything is about me, my felt-needs, my wants and desires, that He would expect me to deny myself?

Does He not get it? I have to take care of me. If I don't take care of me, nobody else will. After all, that's the name of the game, right? Is it?

Well think about this -- YOU were crucified with Christ on the cross! In case you forgot that, remember Galatians 2:20? His story is your story. He was crucified on the cross and so were YOU! My flesh, my old self -- the old man -- is was nailed to the cross with Jesus.

Listen to these powerful words from Pastor Milton Vincent as he writes in "A GOSPEL PRIMER FOR CHRISTIANS -- LEARNING TO SEE THE GLORIES OF GOD'S LOVE" ... God is committed to my dying every day, and He calls me to that same commitment. He insists that every hour be my dying hour, and He wants my death on the cross to be as central to my own life story as is Christ's death to the gospel story ... Crucifixion hurts. In fact, its heart-wrenching brutality can numb the senses. It is a gasping and bloody affair, and there is nothing nice, pretty or easy about it. It is not merely death, but excruciating death.

Nevertheless, I must set my face like flint toward the cross and embrace this crucifixion in everything I do. I should expect every day to encounter circumstantial evidence of God's commitment to my dying; and I must seize upon every God-given opportunity to be conformed more and more fully to Christ's death no matter the pain involved!"

I'll share a powerful insight on Wednesday that you won't want to miss. It will not be for the faint of heart! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

Don't miss this weeks STEWARDSHIP INSIGHT FROM GEORGE: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/2009/02/few-thoughts-on-president-obamas-225.html

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 3; Numbers 26-28; Mark 8

Great Quote: “We came into this world wretched, miserable, and undone creatures, in cruel bondage to sin and Satan, under guilt and under wrath, hostile toward God—the fountain of blessedness—and in a state of condemnation leading to everlasting destruction. But when a man is converted, he is brought out of that state of woe and misery into a sure title to glory, honor, and peace forever. When once a man is converted, all this blessedness that we have heard of is his; he has an absolute right to it. God’s work is accomplished for it; His faithful promise is given.” Jonathan Edwards

My Times Are In Your Hands

My Times Are In Your Hands

“Your hands have made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:73)

We live in a time of unsettledness in our world. Day to day life is on the edge. One day our economy looks like it will survive and grow and then the next minute the market tumbles. Just when we think we are making progress on the international scene, a group of terrorists rise up and leave their mark of death and destruction.

And then there are those days when out of nowhere, tragedy strikes. It may be the death of a loved one. Someone receives bad news from their doctor. Your financial portfolio takes a dramatic spiral downwards. A child that you have loved and raised walks out the door and wants to sever ties with all the family. You discover a family member is in bondage to an addiction.

Life seems out of control with no purpose, order or design. Depression and despair push their way into our life and hopelessness prevails. You may even have that "maybe-I-should-crawl-back-in-bed-and-pull-the-covers-over-my-head" kind of day.

My friend, you need to remember the promise that the Psalmist David wrote in Psalm 31:15 -- "MY TIMES ARE IN HIS HANDS."

We need to be reminded that:
1. He creates with His hands. You have been fearfully and wonderfully made by God. You were His design and not only has He created this universe and the beauty of creation -- HE CREATED YOU.
2. His hand is mighty and powerful. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in His way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, FOR THE LORD UPHOLDS HIM WITH HIS HAND! (Psalm 37:23-24)
3. He leads with His right hand. "Even there YOUR hand shall lead me and your right hand will hold me." (Psalm 139:10) Life may seem out of control, but HE is right there beside you. He has promised to NEVER leave you or forsake you. (Deut. 31:8)
4. He holds you with His hands. "I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand." (Isaiah 42:6) "Nevertheless I am continually with You, You hold my right hand. (Psalm 73:23) "In the shadow of His hand He has hidden me. (Isaiah 49:2)
5. His hands are a demonstration of ownership. I love this verse -- "See, I have inscribed you on the palms of MY hands." (Isaiah 49:16) YOU ARE WRITTEN ON THE PALM OF HIS HANDS! YOU ARE SIGNIFICANT! And nothing can take you out of His hands -- "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." (John 10:27-28) YOU ARE SECURE!
Friend, is your world out of control? Is your life crashing in all around you? Are you filled with despair and discouragement? If so, take a step back and remind yourself that YOUR TIMES ARE IN HIS HANDS! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 3: Numbers 23-25; Mark 7:14-37

Great Quote: The salvation of the lost is not best accomplished by great popular campaigns, conducted by a small minority of specialists in public evangelism, but by the godly, honest witness of believers individually. It is pure irresponsibility to leave the evangelization of the lost to the 'experts,' as many are doing today. God would have every believer do his part to win the lost to Christ by prayer, personal witness and sincere godliness. Cornelius Stam

The Next Step

The Next Step

"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain”Exodus 20:7b

This verse took on a whole new meaning for me a few years ago. I used to think that this only meant that I can’t say a curse word with Jesus’ name in it. The phrase “in vain” can also mean to use the Lord’s name for an empty or of no use (not good ) purpose.

During my walk with the Lord, as I travel through this sanctification process and having the victorious Christian life message being lived out and taught here at Americas Keswick, I’ve discovered a major stumbling block that I can easily miss. You see, when I was in my addiction I wanted out, and Jesus came along and I thought, great, I’ll receive Christ as my Savior and all my problems will be gone. We call that the “magic pixie dust” at the Colony.

One truth that this verse has brought to my attention is, if Jesus is only my Savior than the next step is to make him Lord. A lot of us have a Savior, but have you made Him Lord of your life? It was during a phone conversation with a grad of the colony, who decided to start drinking again that I made a statement that really offended him. He was telling me that “the Lord” was still blessing him through this time of rebellion. In the middle of the conversation I realized that it bothered me that he was calling Jesus his Lord. I remember stating with a stern voice, “Jesus might be your Savior but don’t call Him your Lord”. Men, at that moment I realized the difference, and it opened my eyes to what “taking the Lords name in vain” could mean.

Please don’t get me wrong, Jesus is our Savior, and that’s huge but until we make Him Lord we can not experience the victorious Christian life. Jesus said "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say? (Luke 6:46). Eternity with Jesus starts the day we accept Him as Savior and Lord.

Here’s some advice I received when I was in the Colony after asking how to make Him Lord of my Life. “Son, you must fall in love with Jesus”, and then Chaplain John Caruthers said than you must “YIELD”! -- Rob Russomano is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy, and serves on the Maintenance team at America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 1; Number 20-222; Mark 7:1-13

Great Quote: How diligently the cavalry officer keeps his sabre clean and sharp;every stain he rubs off with the greatest care. Remember you are God's word, His instrument-I trust, a chosen vessel unto Him to bear His name. In great measure, according to the purity and perfection of the instrument, will be the success. Robert Murray M'Cheyne