Who Am I?

Who Am I?

Years ago I received this power reading, and thought I would share it with you again for your encouragement:

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The dye has been cast. The decision has been made. I have stepped over the line. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotion, plaudits, and popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. Leaning on his presence, love with patience, live by prayer and labor with power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable and my mission is clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, I won’t shut up, I won’t let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up and spoken up for the cause of Jesus Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He comes, give until I drop, preach until all I know, work until He stops me and when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My banner is clear because I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 31; Psalm 54-56; Romans 3

Great Quote: We humans are a hungry lot. We are driven by a craving to know who we are. Yet who we are is embedded in the heart of a holy God. Unless we seek for ourselves in the epicentre of God's grace, we will be forever condemned to walk the arid edges of self-understanding. Calvin Miller

Peter Put In His Place

PETER PUT IN HIS PLACE

“Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
(Mark 8:33b)

Peter was my favorite of the disciples because I think God made me a lot like him. You know, the sanguine personality who can’t stand quiet so we do the thing at which we are the best, we talk. It has been said of this personality that we talk 15 minutes trying to think of something to say. We are fun to be around, sometimes, for a while, occasionally.

That was Peter; leading with his ready-aim-talk approach to life. It can get you to the head of the class and it can just as easily create embarrassing and awkward moments. This is turn can produce a life of emotional ups and downs.

In the story from Mark 8 we see evidence of those ups and downs. First Peter gallantly answered Jesus’ question about who He is, which resulted in a high five from the Savior. Immediately after that Jesus predicted His looming death only to be rebuked by the same man who just confessed that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Do you see this personality I have described?

Jesus’ response was interesting and thought provoking. He said Peter was thinking like man thinks, not like God thinks. He was accusing Peter of seeing things from a human point of view, not from God’s point of view.

I’m sure it’s not true of you but I have to confess that I make a regular habit of doing the same thing. My first reaction to situations is usually and unfortunately from a human perspective.

The big picture of what Jesus was saying was exactly God’s plan for the ages but Peter saw it from a human point of view. That will always get us in trouble.

We need to work at divorcing ourselves what our culture says, what our society thinks, what they are saying on television and writing in the newspapers and concentrate on seeing things as God sees them.

What is going on right now in your life that you are trying to get a grip on? Are you working at seeing it through the eyes of the one who loved you enough to die for you, cares for you and wants the best for you? -- Walt Wiley is President of Winning with Encouragement and a favorite speaker at America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 30; Psalm 51-53; Romans 2

Great Quote: The Word of God I think of as a straight edge, which shows up our own crookedness. We can't really tell how crooked our thinking is until we line it up with the straight edge of Scripture. Elisabeth Elliot

Ups and Downs

Ups and Downs

Singer-songwriter, Mark Lowry, often shares in his concerts that Christ has come to give us abundant live -- UPS and DOWNS -- Mountains and Valleys ...

Fenelon wrote this about ups and downs:

Let the ups and downs of your spiritual life come and go. If you were always down, you would become hardened and discouraged. God gives you seasons when you can catch your breath.

Let me tell you about myself. When I suffer, I can never see an end to my trials. And when relief comes, I am so suspicious that the suffering is not really over that I hesitate to accept my rest. It seems to me that to accept both "good" and "bad" seasons alike is to be truly fruitful. Accept both comfort and correction from the hand of God.

Of course, this is all very easy for me to say to you, but I want you to know that I cringe at the very thought of the cross coming to work in me. I am not tellign you that experiencing the cross will be easy. Outwardly it will be difficult, but inwardly it can be worse -- a time of agony and dryness.

If I sound a bit pessimistic, it is because I am writing to you in the midst of a spiritual dry spell. I don't know what tomorrow brings. God will do what seems good to Him. Sometimes what He wants is hard to accept. Listen to God -- there is true freedom, peace, and joy in Him.

This was pretty timely and meaningful to me. I needed to hear this. How about you? -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 29; Psalm 49-50; Romans 1

Great Quote: One who commences prayer should imagine that for the delight of his Lord, he is starting to plant a garden in some very unfruitful soil, full of weeds. His Majesty must be asked to pull up the bad plants, and put good ones in their place. But we will suppose this is already done, when a soul has not only determined, but is resolved to make use of mental prayer. And now, by God's help, we must endeavour, like good gardeners, to make these plants grow. We should take care to water them, so they will not wither, but bring forth flowers of such sweet fragrance as may please our Lord. Then He may take pleasure in often coming into this garden, and delighting Himself with our virtues. Teresa of Avila

Where Your Treasure Is

Where Your Treasure Is

"For where YOUR treasure is, there YOUR heart will be also." Luke 12:34

What is it that YOU treasure most in life? I am not looking for you to give me the answer that I want to hear -- but let's get real, brothers ... What is it that has really grabbed your heart? Is it money? Possessions? Career? Sex? Cars? What is the idol of your heart?

Dr. Henry Blackaby really nails it when he writes: What you value MOST is your treasure. Where you spend YOUR time and money is YOUR treasure. Whatever dominates YOUR conversation is what YOU treasure. What others know YOU for is a good indication of what your treasure is.

Most Christians are quick to claim that God is their first priority. Yet often their actions reveal that their treasure is not God but THINGS OF THE WORLD. Some Christians find it difficult to discuss their relationship with God, but they can chatter easily about their family, friends, or hobbies.

Some find it impossible to rise early in order to spend time with God, but they are willing to get up at dawn to pursue a hobby. Some find it difficult to give an offering to God but readily spend lavishly on recreation. Some boldly approach strangers to sell a product, yet they are painfully timid in telling others about their Savior. Some give hundreds of hours to serve in a volunteer organization but feel they have no time available to serve God.

If you are unsure of where YOUR treasure is, examine where YOU spend YOUR available time and money. Reflect on what it is that you most enjoy thinking about and discussing. Ask your friends to tell you what they think is most important to YOU. Ask your children to list the things most valuable to YOU. It may surprise you to know what OTHERS consider to be YOUR treasure.

Something good to think about as you go about today. Think about it! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

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

Great Quote: “The true Christian cannot be hid, he cannot escape notice. A man truly living and functioning as a Christian will stand out. He will be like salt; he will be like a city set on a hill, a candle set upon a candlestick. But we can also add this further word. The true Christian does not even desire to hide his light. He sees how ridiculous it is to claim to be a Christian and yet deliberately to try to hide the fact. A man who truly realizes what it means to be a Christian, who realizes all that the grace of God has meant to him and done for him, and understands that, ultimately, God has done this in order that he may influence others, is a man who cannot conceal it. Not only that; he does not desire to conceal it, because he argues thus, ‘Ultimately the object and purpose of it all is that I might be functioning in this way’.” Martin Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount.

All Came with Itching Ears

“All Came with Itching Ears”

“And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. ” Nehemiah 8: 1-3 (ESV)

I like hearing God’s word preached. I’ve listened to Pastors who are monotone to the ones that do a stand-up routine. If they are preaching Christ crucified and resurrected they’ll have my ear. At America’s Keswick I’ve heard some Pastors who are famous and some not so famous. I’ve had been to churches to listen to a different Pastor because of a friend’s recommendation. On television there are quite a variety of them to choose from and I like to listen and watch them all and use this as an exercise in apologetics.

I have been listening to John Bevere’s “The Fear of the Lord” series. One of the issue’s he covered was the wanting and hunger of God’s people to hear God’s word. “If you’re hungry you’ll never get tired of chicken!!” was one of his points. He went on to say that those Christians who hunger for God’s word will be in church Sunday night, a Bible study once or twice a week, Wednesday night prayer meetings and Saturday morning men’s/ladies breakfast. I , myself, am guilty of not doing this list in a vigorous way but I will take the time to go in depth in my walk.

Ezra had been in Jerusalem sometime before Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of the city. And although it’s not very clear to me on how long that might have been it is clear to me that Ezra rebuilt the Temple and began to instructed and teach the people who were coming back from exile. By the time Nehemiah finishes the work on the wall the appointed time has come. Ezra is called to the square and he, along with the Levites, open the Book and they begin to read from it. All the people rose up from their sit down position to listen to the Law of Moses and after this had happened there was a great revival. For days they held solemn assemblies with people confessing their sin and offering up sacrifices. The feast of Tabernacles was kept with a great solemnity and enthusiasm, the nation of Israel renewed their national covenant and the walls were dedicated. But I think, and if any of my apologetic brothers would agree, the fear of the Lord came back to the people of Israel.

I have spent almost a solid month listening to Bevere’s “The Fear of the Lord” CD series. I do have several of his CD’s and I have read his book “The Bait of Satan”. There are a few things he goes into that I have raised an eyebrow or two over but when I finish listening to him I begin to wonder about my own “Fear of the Lord.” Am I saying that I am being convicted? I believe that God will use whoever and whatever to convict my heart when something about my heart condition needs to be addressed that’s what I am saying.

So what convicted the people of Nehemiah and Ezra’s time? I think it was a very real separation from God. Do you think being in exile made a nation realize that a healthy fear of the Lord had to be a way of life? I have spent the past few months working long hours and not spending the kind of time I am used to in God’s Word. I think my time in exile has to come to end and I need to get back on that narrow path that keeps me right.

What about you brother/sister? Do you feel like you are in exile? It would be a great thing if you allowed the wide open arms of the Savior to steer you back on the path. As for me and mine we are getting some “rest”!!! -- Chris Hughes is a Colony Grad and a frequent Freedom Fighter Contributor

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

Great Quote -- “Christ leaves no emptiness within you. You will be led to do things which you will find enjoyable, and you will like them better than doing all the things which have led you astray. How happy you will be when you do not possess anything of your own but give yourself completely to your Lord. Bride of Jesus, how beautiful you are when you no longer have anything of your own, but seek only His beauty. You will then be the delight of your Bridegroom, and he will be all your beauty! He will love you without measure. He will put His own life in you.
The Seeking Heart by Fenelon

God is Always at Work Around You (Part 8)

God is Always At Work Around You (Part 7)

"He comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction through the comfort we ourselves have received from God ..." 2 Corinthians 1:4

I love to watch God work. Get you head out of the sand, brothers, and see Him work. Let me share a neat story with you.

On our recent Alaska trip we connected with some friends traveling with us and learned that they had a tragedy in their family several years ago. Their daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren were killed in a tragic accident. I learned that their kids attended a church in Pennsylvania. That church started in the basement of our Board Chairman. His kids and their kids were good friends. Coincidence?

On the way home the man asked where I attended church growing up. When he heard the name of our church, he asked me if I knew a friend of us -- friends who worked together and attended a Bible study at work -- co-workers for over 25 years!

Well his friend is one of our "adopted" Uncles! This week, Uncle Ted and Aunt Marge were at America's KESWICK. In fact Marge and Ted were at our first Sunday afternoon concert, and sitting 25 yards from them in the room was this other couple. They never saw each other.

I invited our friends to join Marge and Ted for lunch on Wednesday and discovered that the husband was celebrating his 79th birthday, but they had stopped celebrating birthdays because his birthday was the day that his kids were killed in the accident. For the past several days they were contemplating what they would do on this anniversary day. How thrilled they were that they were now coming to America's KESWICK.

Both couples had a delightful time together. And then it hit me how God was really at work. Yes, our friends lost four family members in a tragedy. But Marge and Ted encountered a horrible tragedy when their grandson was killed in a tragic automobile accident, and then a week later, their daughter (their grandson's Mom) died from pancreatic cancer.

My friend, what are the odds that two old friends who worked together for 25 years, would reconnect, and both lost children. If you read 2 Corinthians 1:1-7, you see that Paul teaches that when we suffer, God uses that suffering in our lives so that we can come alongside and comfort others. If you are willing to open your eyes, you too can find those God encounter moments where He is at work -- right under your nose. Are you willing to experience Him? -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 25; Psalm 37-39; Acts 26

Great Quote: People who are lazy, careless, doubtful-minded or arrogant need not expect God to reveal His secret or covenant to them.Watchman Nee

I Never Quite Realized

I've Never Quite Realized

I have a good friend who has a ministry called Gospel Friendships. He is a great mentor to many disciples. Here is something he wrote in a recent newsletter:

I never quite realized,

that what I've been looking for all my life, is unconditional love. What I thought I was looking for, was happiness, and what I thought would bring me happiness, was success, in the eyes of others, but also in my own eyes. How much success does a success-addict need to be happy? Just a little bit more. A success-addict becomes a highly-competitive person, always wanting more, always comparing himself to others, wanting "competitors" to fail, so he can succeed. But sadly, always noticing others who are yet more successful, and tasting the bitterness of failure, by comparison.

And moving vocationally from the business world into ministry, enables a success-addict to have sanctified ambition, be considered worthy, successful in the eyes of other Christian leaders, and followers. But even in ministry, success does not lead to happiness. Like Ecclesiastes says, nothing leads to happiness. Not in a world that has been Cursed by the Creator.

I have concluded that I have an insatiable appetite for unconditional love, and that the only place I can find that kind of love, is in a relationship with the Lover of my soul, the God of the Universe who created everything. Others fail me, over and over, and I fail myself, over and over. Jesus, the Lover of my soul has never ever failed me. Not once. He does for me, what no one else can do, what I cannot do for myself. He loves me with a patient, forgiving, forbearing, limitless love. I am precious to Him, no matter how much I embarrass Him, ignore Him, fail Him. He cherishes me, enjoys me, just as I am, warts and all. Unbelievable. Inconceivable. Nothing in this life, compares to the preciousness of His unconditional love. My limitless need is met, by His unlimited capacity to love, even the likes of me.

He who has a sense of having been forgiven much, has a sense of having been loved much. It has been God's grace to me, His favor, His blessing to me, that He has so loved me over and over and over, through the years, that I have been increasingly secure enough in His love, for Him to enable me to look honestly inside, and see how much worse I am, than I ever imagined. I have needed a growing self-awareness, to appreciate the unconditionality, the immenseness, of His love. When I was more clueless, I barely grasped the immenseness of His love. I suspect I am still woefully deficient, but what I know today, is that I am overwhelmed by His love far more than I used to be, and recognize, far more than I used to, my need for a kind of love that only He can give. No one else does for me, what He does for me. He is the Pearl of Great Price, worth selling all to get, because happiness is found nowhere else. Except when I'm living in denial of how bad I am, and how bad it is in the world around me. -- Dave McCarty, Gospel Friendships

God's Word for YOU: Proverbs 24; Psalm 35-36; Acts 25

Great Quote: Many of us place top priority not on becoming Christ like in the middle of our problems but on finding happiness.... I must firmly and consciously by an act of my will reject the goal of becoming happy and adopt the goal of becoming more like the Lord. The result will be happiness for me as I learn to dwell at God's right hand in fellowship with Christ. --Larry Crabb

Yesterday I shared a devotional with you written by our good friend, Jorge Zambrano. Yesterday morning, Jorge went home to be with Jesus after a long battle with cancer. Please keep Jorge's family in your prayers.

Obstacles on the Road

OBSTACLES ON THE ROAD

“But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews. 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 4:1-2)

I have traveled through many countries and many different types of roads. Most places try to provide good roads or at least good signals that make one aware that there are obstacles coming up. This is not the case between the towns of Ambato (Ecuador) and Baños in the Tungurahua province. There are so many speed bumps on the road that are not technically designed that, they make you not only slow down and stop but also hurt the bottom parts of one's vehicle. The worst part of it is that there are no signs telling you that there are obstacles coming up on the road.

That was the experience of Nehemiah when he returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. He ran into some big obstacles. People began to make fun of him. They did not want the walls or the altar to be fixed, because that would have meant a return to the nation-wide worship and intercessional sacrifice through the high priest. Through their spiritual ignorance, those who opposed Nehemiah were confronting God trying to impose their timeline (can they do it in a day?) for the reconstruction. They were sure God could not use burned stones for the reconstruction of the walls.

One of the unfortunate realities in our Christian lives today is that we have allowed the secular world to influence us to the extent that God’s plans for us are almost unnoticeable. Besides the administration of time when we work (those of us who do it willfully) and sleep (most of us should dedicate more time to this activity), we have virtually abdicated our time to unwholesome entertainment and worthless pursuits that do not bring glory to our heavenly Father. Let us be aware and trust God to help us at the times when people make fun of us because God is the first priority in our lives. Let us define clearly our times of personal and family praise and worship. Let us not disregard the meetings with our congregation.

Most of all, let us trust God to forgive us so that being new creations in Christ we can use our past experiences (burned stones) and rebuild our walls. As we continue to make progress in this wonderful pilgrimage that God has shown us, we must remember that we will encounter obstacles in our path. Let us not allow them to stop us. -- Jorge Zambrano. Jorge and Denise have served for many years with HCJB. Pray for Jorge as he is now in hospice care due to a long battle with cancer.

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 23; Psalms 33-34; Acts 24

Great Quote: It is not the bee's [mere] touching of the flower that gathers honey, but her abiding for a time upon the flower that draws out the sweet. It is not he that reads most, but he that meditates most, that will prove the choicest, sweetest, wisest and strongest Christian.Thomas Brooks

What Are You Willing to Sacrifice for HIM?

What are You Willing to Sacrifice for HIM?

Romans 12:1 -2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

This week at America's KESWICK, Pastor Ron Schmidt, Senior Pastor of Davisville Church in Southampton, PA is our morning Bible teacher. This morning he shared something very fascinating about the soldiers who stand guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Listen to what a soldier is willing to give up to serve in this capacity:

The Highest Honor -- The Path He Takes

1. The guard takes 21 steps which refers directly to the 21 gun salute, the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. The guard hesitates after his about face for 21 seconds for the same reason.
3. His gloves are moistened so as not to lose grip on his rifle.
4. He carries his rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, doing an about face, he places the gun on the opposite shoulder for the return walk.
5. Guards are changed every 30 minutes 24/7 365 days a year, since 1930.

Qualifications

To apply for the job, he must be between 5'10 and 6'2 and his waist cannot exceed 30 inches. He must commit 2 years of his life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, take no alcohol or swear on or off duty for the rest of his life, nor can he disgrace the fighting uniform or tomb in any way.

The first 6 months a guard can talk to no one nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in the Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred.

After 2 years, he is given a wreath pin to wear on the lapel, signifying that he has served as a guard at the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn at this time. He must obey all these rules for the rest of his life or give up the pin.

Clothing Regulations

The shoes are made with very thick soles to protect from heat and cold. There are metal plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
Guards spend 5 hours a day getting their uniforms ready for guard duty and dress for duty in front of a full length mirror to be sure there are no folds, wrinkles or lint.

Standing Firm

In 2003, as Hurricane Isabelle approached Washington, DC, military members were given permission to suspend the assignment but they respectfully declined. Soaked to the skin in the pelting rain of the tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, but the highest honor afforded to any serviceperson.

My question for you ... what are you willing to sacrifice for our great God? If an American soldier is willing to make this kind of sacrifice for his country, should we not be willing to sacrifice everything for HIM? Think about it. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 22; Psalm 31-32; Acts 23:16-35

Great Quote: When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now...When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased. (Clive Staples) C. S. Lewis

How To Be Content

"HOW TO BE CONTENT"

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such
things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, or forsake
thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not
fear what man shall do to me" (Hebrews 13:5-6).

It is difficult to recognize that our character (conversation) or manner
of life is an area of ethics that deals with our responsibility to
ourselves. Our society wrongly insists that success is determined by the
amount we can accumulate. The love of money is a common form of
covetousness (1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is the root of all
evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith . .
). The love of money is a common form of covetousness because it can be
used to secure many other things that we want which displeases God. Jesus
emphatically warns Man's life consisteth not in the abundance of things
which he possesseth (Luke 12:15).

Contentment cannot come from material things, for they can never satisfy
the heart. The desire to have more, and more and still more (GREED)
interferes with contentment and like oil and water they are just not
compatible. A source of great peace comes to those who love the Lord with
all their heart and have trusted in His Word enough to know that He will
never forsake or leave the true believer (v. 5). Wow! What contentment
this produces and what confidence it gives in order that we need not fear
any man.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6).

THOT: SEEK GODLINESS,NOT THINGS -- Dr. Henry Lutz is a retired pastor and a new Freedom Fighter contributor.

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 21; Psalm 29-30; Acts 23:1-15

Great Quote: “I was the enemy of God. I was stamping through God’s universe, shaking my fist in His face. And in the very moment when I was shaking my fist in God’s face and tramping through the Creator’s universe, muddying all His streams, that’s when Jesus died for me. And if this is when Jesus died for me, what hope it gives me now! Now, even when I fall, the blood of Jesus is enough. He didn’t save me because I was strong; He saved me when I was weak. He didn’t save me when I was a pretty thing; He saved me when I was a mess. On the basis of this reality, I can have comfort.” Francis Schaeffer, The Finished Work of Christ.

Our Incomparable God

Today marks the first year anniversary of Pastor Bill Raws going home to be with Jesus. I am so thankful to the Lord for the 12 years that God allowed me to have him as a integral part of my life. Besides all of the normal activities we were together, I had the joy each Tuesday to meet with him one-on-one. We prayed, laughed, cried, shared vision, and discussed God's Word. I still find myself waiting for him to walk down the hall, lay down his brief case, and walk into my office and say, "Is this a good time to meet."

Please pray for Mrs. Raws, and my sisters, Jan, Judee, Karen and Cherri, as I know today will be a difficult day for them as well. Today's devotional was written by Pastor Bill

Our Incomparable God

“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy before you, and will say, ‘Destroy!’.” (Deuteronomy 33:26, 27)

In Moses’ valedictory address to the children of Israel, he focuses attention on their God – His incomparable person, His exalted position, and His effective promise. He describes God as the no-one-like God. No comparative description can be made – words fail. However, He is identified with His people, referring to them as Jeshurun. This is a name of endearment – “the child of the upright.” As His child, we can claim this title, since He is the Upright One, not we.

His exalted position is strategic for our care – “He rides the heavens to help” us. He is above us and can observe our need. No earthly circumstance can block His access to us. Not only is He above us but He surrounds us, giving us a secure refuge or dwelling place. The ultimate security is to be found in His being beneath us – “underneath are the everlasting arms.”

His effective promise includes His part and ours. His role is based on His being the incomparable person and in an exalted position. “He will thrust out the enemy from before you.” Israel was aware of the giants who occupied the land to which they were headed, but God’s promise was not based on what they could do for themselves but what He would do. Their job was to trust; His job was to thrust. It is dangerous when we attempt to exchange job descriptions with God.

Our role is seen in God’s word to Israel – “Destroy!” This is a form of mopping up operation which is to follow immediately upon His thrusting out the enemy. No compromise with the enemy is to be tolerated, nor any permissiveness allowed. God’s plan is for unconditional surrender and unlimited victory. William A. Raws

Thanks, Lord, for this remarkable man who loved You and Your Word! Pastor Bill -- we miss you. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 20; Psalms 40-42; Acts 27:1-26

Great Quote: Jesus wills of His own accord to come into us and, in His own power, to deal with our needs. It is not necessary for us to constrain Him by our prayers to take an interest in us. Ole Kristian O. Hallesby

Check out this week's Stewardship Insight from George: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/

The Valley of Vision

The Valley of Vision

This is one of those amazing prayers of the Puritans from a powerfully convicting book, THE VALLEY OF VISION (Banner of Truth):

Lord, High and Holy, Meek and Lowly,

Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision,
Where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights;
Hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory.

Let me learn by paradox
That the way down is the way up,
That to be low is to be high,
That that broken heart is the healed heart,
That the contrite heart is the rejoicing heart,
That the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
That to have nothing is to possess all,
That to bear the cross is to wear the crown;
That to give is to receive,
That the valley is the place of vision.
Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from the deepest wells,
and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine;
Let me find thy light in my darkness,
thy life in my death,
thy joy in my sorrow,
thy grace in my sin,
thy riches in my poverty,
thy glory in my valley.

Amen

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 19; Psalm 23-25; Acts 21:18-40

Great quote: Persistent people begin their success where others end in failure. Edward Eggleston

Tomorrow starts our summer season. Join us for a wonderful afternoon of praise and worship with our staff as they share in concert at 3:00 PM. Tomorrow night session starts at 7:00 PM with Dr. Charles Zimmerman. All sessions will be live webcast: www.americaskeswick.org


http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/

The Blessing of a Name

The Blessing of a name ...

"And you shall call his name ..." Luke 1:60

From almost the very beginning names have had significance:

Abraham -- Father of the great multitude

Barnabas -- son of consolataion

Cephas -- a rock or stone

Daniel -- God my Judge

Gabriel -- God is my strength

Nabal -- fool

Nathaniel -- the gift of God

Jabez -- Pain

When our kids were born we were fascinated with the meaning of their names:

Laura means "crowned one"

Joshua means "Jehovah saves"

Julie means "youthful"

Zach means "the Lord has remembered"

Some of you know that last year our kids from New Hampshire lost their little girl, Lindsay on May 16th. (I hate that word "lost" -- we know exactly where she is -- she is sitting at the feet of Jesus!).

The Lord blessed our kids with a brand new little boy in June. They named him after Jonathan's Uncle who recently went hom to be with Jesus several weeks prior to the baby's birth. They name our grandson, "Case."

My wife has all the kids names with their meanings on the wall outside our bedroom. Case is certainly not a common name, so she looked up the meaning. His name means: "Bringer of peace!" His name couldn't be more appropriate. For Laura, Jon and Tanner, this past year was so painful, but God saw fit to bless them with a healthy new son.

For fun, Jan decided to look at STREAMS in the DESERT for June 15th to see what the Scripture for the day was ... Coincidence? "My peace I give you!" John 14:27

Thank You, Lord, for the way you give meaning even to our names. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 18; Psalm 20-22; Acts 21:1-17

Great Quote: Praise is more than singing, it’s the saint reflecting the life of Christ. Anonymous

No One ... But God

NO ONE...BUT GOD

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
(Psalm 37:5 KJV).

“...and (thou) shalt remain by the stone Ezel” (1 Samuel 20:19), but not for long! Ezel's not the kind of place where David would build a house, or even pitch his tent. For linguists there is some confusion about the exact meaning of the word “Ezel.” Not for David. The practical meaning impacted him as a hard place, a place of decision and separation. No pastoral stroll through the countryside occasioned this encounter with Jonathon.

The immediate context points to some serious depression with David's words “...there is but a step between me and death” (1 Samuel 20:3). Fear crowds faith, forcing a fuzzy perspective of even the surest of things, God's promises. At this juncture Jonathan demonstrated more confidence in the divine plan; “...thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house forever, no not when the Lord hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth” (1 Samuel 20:15).

Humanly speaking there is some serious cause for that depression; the savagery of Saul, unstable, fleshly, jealous, disobedient, rejected and, need we mention, javelin-throwing Saul? Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him and was departed from Saul” (1 Samuel 18:12). And that new moon feast does not seem to have tempered the monarch! David was absent, Saul angry, and Jonathan became the next target for Saul’s javelin. The prince left to warn David to flee.

Three days of waiting at Ezel, the kind of situation that evokes, “Why?” “What did I do to deserve this?” “It's too hard.” “Lord, I thought surely...” The agreed upon signal was lost on the lad sent to retrieve the arrow. He might even have thought his royal master to be merely playing games. Dead serious business for Jonathan and the unseen David, and a super serious indication of God's will for two men. Obvious now that despite the noble Jonathon, God's plan did not include David's learning his “kingmanship” from the likes of Saul and his court. Already chosen and anointed, this man after God's own heart would indeed sit on the throne. “Trust Him, His plan and His promises, David, just as the Holy Spirit guided you to write Psalm 37:5.”

Dr. Albert T. Platt is President Emeritus of CAM International and a dear friend of America's KESWICK. For many years, Al, and his beloved wife, Gladie, and daughter, Brendae, served as conference hosts for our Hispanic Weekend

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 17; Psalms 18-19; Acts 20:17-38

Great Quote: The Gospel is good news of mercy to the undeserving. The symbol of the religion of Jesus is the cross, not the scales. John R. W. Stott

DON'T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME -- ENJOY AT WEEK LONG GETAWAY AT AMERICA'S KESWICK for 50% off! Call today (732-350-1187) or visit our website: www.americaskeswick.org.

Has God's Views Changed?

Has God's Views Changed?

"Has not the Lord made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because He was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. "I hate divorce," says the Lord, God of Israel ..." Malachi 2:15-16

On Tuesday I witnessed the real deal. It broke my heart to see what was going on in the hallway were I was sitting with a friend whose marriage was about to end in divorce.

Today's blog is not meant to make someone reading this who has been divorced feel condemnation or judgment. I don't know your story.

My wife's parents went through a painful divorce shortly before we were married. Painful really doesn't describe how it impacted my wife and her siblings, nor my in-laws, and it even had a negative impact on our church. It had ugly tentacles that reached far beyond the impact it had on my in-laws.

On Tuesday, I watched one gal who was absolutely jubilant that her marriage was over. I watched the drama unfold as a husband and wife fought over the custody of their two little girls. How painful it was to see the kids torn apart in having to choose between Mom and Dad.

I watched how a picture-perfect couple -- a very beautiful young lady, and a very handsome young man, ended a four year marriage that obviously was going to hurt their little boy. It took less than ten minutes to end a marriage of four years. And I really don't think either party realized that the adventure of divorce was only just beginning.

For our friends, a seven year marriage was ending. Nothing about the situation makes any sense. Lots of hurt. Unanswered questions. The potential for bitterness to set in and or rear its ugly head. The paperwork -- a mere formality -- but in the process -- much hurt and pain lies ahead.

Marriage takes work. Talk to anyone who has been married longer than 50 years, and they will tell you that they haven't arrived. Our world has a view of marriage that is not God's view. In this week's TIME magazine, there is an article entitled WHY MARRIAGE MATTERS.

Listen to this quote: In the past 40 years, the face of the American family has changed profoundly. As sociologist Andrew Cherlin observes, what is significant about American families, compared with those of other nations, is their combination of "frequent marriage, frequent divorce" and the high number of "short-term co-habiting relationships." Taken together, these forces "create a great turbulence in American family life, a family flux, a coming and going of partners on a scale seen nowhere else. There are more partners in the personal lives of Americans than in the lives of people of any other Western country ... There is no single force causing as much measurable hardship and human misery in this country as the collapse of marriage. It hurts children, it reduces mother's financial security ...

What a sad commentary on the state of the family in America. Divorce among Christians now is higher than non-Christians.

As I listen to the stories of people who are throwing in the towel, I shudder to hear the reasons. If these were truly legitimate reasons to end a marriage, Jan would have left me years ago. She deserves a gold medal for being married to me.

Maybe we need to think about why God makes the statement that He hates divorce. Watching the drama unfolding before me in the courtroom, gave me a little glimpse into why it grieves His heart.

Maybe the church needs to get back to basics. Get back to honoring the vows we made at the altar -- "what God has joined together -- let no man put asunder." -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 16; Psalm 16-17; Acts 20:1-16

Great Quote: He gave me a great fortune, placed thousands and millions at credit, but He gave a cheque-book with this one condition, "You never can draw more than you need at the time." Every time a cheque was wanted, however, there was the name of Jesus upon it, and so it brought more glory to Him, kept His name before the heavenly world and God was glorified in His Son. A. B. Simpson

Don't let fiances hold you back from attending our summer conferences. Check out our special 50% off rates on select room types. Come join us! -- www.americaskeswick.org

God is Always at Work Around You (Part 6)

God is Always At Work Around You (Part 5)

"The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever He will." Proverbs 21:1 ESV

My kids often get annoyed when we go out to eat, or go shopping, or it even happened in Florida, at Walt Disney World. Invariably, I run into people I know and they want to chit chat.

After our local Wendy's opened, we made the mistake of going there on my day off when our kids from New Hampshire were in. One of our dear saints, came over to the table and stood there the entire time talking nonsense.

Part of the challenges of being in ministry like ours is being high profile. Don't say that boastfully, but it comes with the territory.

So I can relate to a recent article in the July 13th issue of Time magazine where the correspondent is talking about the fact that President and Mrs. Obama have not been able to settle into a church in D.C.

In January the Obama's attended services at 19th Street Baptist Church. Word leaked they were attending and lines started forming three hours before they arrived. Many of the Conservative newscasters have focused in on their not attending church and making a big deal about it ...

What I haven't heard is what Time reported, which to me is another illustration of God at work around us. Former Presidents Bush (G.H. and G.W.) worshiped at a little place call Evergreen at Camp David. The church serves 400 of the military personnel that reside there, and the White House does not get to CHOOSE the pastor.

So guess what -- "Camp David's current chaplain, Lieutenant Carey Cash, leads the services at Evergreen. If the White House had custom-ordered a pastor to be the polar opposite of Jeremiah Wright, it could not have done better than Cash." (The Navy chooses the chaplain for a three year tour!)

Carey is the great-nephew of Johnny Cash, and and graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. And to quote time, "And yes, that mean's Obama's most frequent preacher is a Southern Baptist!"

Is that not cool? It is a great illustration of how God works in ways that we cannot see. Thank You, Lord, that you have hand-picked the pastor for our President and his family. Even though we may not agree with our President's positions, YOU have His ear. In fact, Time says, "Obama has told aides he enjoys the little chapel in the woods, the better to hear what Elijah called, 'the still, small voice of God!'" -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

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

Great Quote: When a man is not deeply convicted of sin, it is a pretty sure sign that he has not truly repented. Experience has taught me that men who have very slight conviction of sin sooner or later lapse back into their old life. --Dwight L Moody

Don't close this email! Special announcement -- we have some really cool news. If you haven't made your plans to join us this summer, we have some exciting rates for you. Please pick up the phone and call today. Your week at Keswick is more affordable than ever. Don't miss this summer. It could turn your world upside down. 800-453-7942. We have some rooms open next week with Drs. Charles Zimmerman and Ron Schmidt. Check out the website for more details: www.americaskeswick.org.

The Benefit of Trials

The Benefit of Trials

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal weight of glory that far outweighs them all." 2 Corinthians 4: 17

It seems like so many of you, as well as our KESWICK family are going through tough stuff. One of our guys was hospitalized tonight with bronchitis, viral meningitis and Lyme. Talk about three tough ones. Wow.

These words from Fenelon, coupled with this passage from 2 Corinthians 4 were really needed by me ...

You have some difficult trial to bear but you need them since God has allowed these events to happen. He knows how to select them. You could not have picked for yourself what God brings into your life through the cross. The cross that you would pick out would build your self-will instead of breaking it down.

There are times when everything in life seems to be a trial. Sometimes there is only suffering. Still, the heaviest cross must be carried in peace. Sometimes the cross can neither be carried or dragged. Then you can only fall down beneath it, overwhelmed and exhausted. I pray that God may spare you from suffering as much as possible.

Remember that God is not unaware of your suffering. He allows your suffering. See that he alone knows what is best for you. Live by faith as you embrace your trials. Confidently trust in God, even when you do not see what He is doing. Trust that God, with great compassion, gives you trials in proportion to the help that He wants to bring to you. There is no doubt that the life of faith is the most penetrating of all deaths.

You complain about your inward darkness and poverty of spirit. Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit." It is good for you to see your weakness, but don't excuse it. Remain simple and low before God, and He will bring you peace, gentleness, long suffering, and contentment even in your trouble.

I needed to hear those words. How about you? I'd love to hear from you -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 14; Psalm 10-12; Acts 19:1-20

Great Quote: “When we as Christians sin, we can react in one of three ways: 1) We can become hardened to our sin. 2) We can sink into utter despair and say, ‘Its all over.’ I’ve known Christians who have spent twenty years despairing over one sin….the only right course of action for us as Christians is to 3) become increasingly sensitive to our sin, but also increasingly to know the forgiveness that is ours on the basis of the blood of Christ—to have the assurance that, if Jesus died for me was I was before my salvation, how much more He must love me now!” Francis Schaeffer, The Finished Work of Christ.

A Moment with the Master

"A MOMENT WITH THE MASTER"

"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."
- Luke 12:6,7

GOD KNOWS YOU

We mutter, we sputter
We fume, and we spurt;
We mumble and grumble,
Our feelings get hurt;
We can't understand things,
Our vision grows dim;
When all that we need is
A moment with Him.

Oh yes, just a moment with the Master! Isn't it amazing that our God counts sparrows, numbers hairs on our head and calls us by name? It is reassuring to know that no one is anonymous in the eyes of God.

When we hurt, are afraid, become discouraged or feel alone, we go to God, trusting He will take us in. He meets each at the door of faith, looks at us with loving recognition, calls our name and bids us come in.

God listens to you. He makes no move to hurry away. He doesn't look past you; He looks directly at you for He knows who you are and what you need.

You were not mass-produced, but handcrafted. God didn't crank you out from assembly line where all the models look alike; you are unique. When He made you He stamped "one of a kind" on His creation. When you hurt God doesn't say, "someone is hurting," He says, Harry hurts" (or Sue or Bob or . . .). God knows where you are. When He visits you, He has already made the diagnosis. You've been on his mind, in his heart; He's been making plans how best to help you. It is YOU God cares for. It is YOU God loves. It is YOU God helps. There is no need to mutter or sputter when all we really need is a moment with the Master.

Our true value is God's estimate of our worth, not our peers. Other people evaluate and categorize us according to how we perform, what we achieve and how we look. But God cares for us, as he does for all his creatures, because we belong to Him. We can face life without fear because a moment with the Master cancels fear.

THOT: PRAYER ISN'T A MONOLOGUE -- Dr. Henry Lutz is a retired Pastor and friend of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 13; Psalm 7-9; Acts 18

Great Quote: If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary love. Amy Carmichael

God's Faith and Ours

"GOD'S FAITH AND OURS"

"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall be removed; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." Matthew 17:20

Have you ever given much thought of what it means to be faithful? To be faithful means to be true, devoted, constant and loyal. It means steadfast fidelity to whatever one is bound by duty. In the Christian life it is what is biblically mandated. To be faithful one must first of all have faith.

Where does the Church fit into the world today in regards to faith?
Matthew 17:14-21 is a picture of the powerless Church today. We have gone crazy! We have psychology, sociology, bingo, dances, weight loss programs, not to mention stay overs, lock-ins, carnivals and the such.

The disciples had been given the authority to do the healing here recorded, but they had not yet learned to appropriate the power of God. Jesus' frustration is with the unbelieving and unresponsive generation. Jesus' purpose was not to criticize the disciples, but to encourage them to greater faith. "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall be removed; and nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matt.
17:20).
Now let us allow Jesus to teach us something about faith. The boy in this account was very ill and afflicted, not with simply some physiological or mental disorder, but he was demonic. It was a difficult task that the disciples had performed before. But, this time it was not be so. What had gone wrong or changed? They fail to appropriate the power available to them. Throughout the Church the faithlessness, weakness and indifference of Christians have caused many seeking believers to despair of help from God's people.

Plain and simple the disciples failed because of the littleness of their faith. Having littleness of faith is the kind of faith that believes God when you have something in your hand, when God's provision is already made. Great faith trusts God when there is nothing in the cupboard to eat and no money to buy food. Great faith trusts God when all else is gone.

If you are facing a problem that seems like an immovable mountain, turn your eyes from that mountain and look to Christ for more faith. Nothing shall be impossible to you when you prayerfully and persistently trust in God. THOT: GOD'S POWER IS ACTIVATED BY FAITH -- Dr. Henry Lutz is a retired Pastor, and a new contributor to Freedom Fighter

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 12; Psalm 4-6; Acts 17:16-34

Great Quote: “When a believer has fallen into a low, sad state of feeling, he often tries to lift himself out of it by chastening himself with dark and doleful fears. Such is not the way to rise from the dust, but to continue in it. It is not the law, but the gospel which saves the seeking soul at first; and it is not a legal bondage, but gospel liberty which can restore the fainting believer afterwards. Slavish fear brings not back the backslider to God, but the sweet wooings of love allure him to Jesus' bosom…Whatever good quality there is in divine grace, you shall enjoy it to the full. All the riches of divine grace you shall receive in plenty; you shall be as it were drenched with it: and as sometimes the meadows become flooded by the bursting rivers, and the fields are turned into pools, so shall you be--the thirsty land shall be springs of water.” Charles Spurgeon

More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Christ “we are more” – so much more.

Dr. Robert L. Alderman will be a speaker this summer at America's KESWICK. Check out our website for details: www.americaskeswick.org

God's WORD: Proverbs 11; Psalms 1-3; Acts 17:1-15

Great Quote: Christian history looks glorious in retrospect; but it is made up of constant hard choices and unattractive tasks, accepted under the pressure of the Will of God. Evelyn Underhill

No Sacrifice Too Great

No Sacrifice Too Great

"Even Lebanon is not enough, nor its beasts enough for a burnt offering." Isaiah 40:16 NASB

"The closer we draw to God, the more we are awed by His greatness and majesty. The prophet Isaiah recorded how his vision of the transcendent God affected him: "Woe is me, for I am ruined! ... for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts" (Isaiah 6:5, NASB) The Lord graciously cleansed him, drew him into a closer intimacy than he had ever had before experienced, and entrusted him with amazing insight into His divine character.

In the latter half of his prophecy, Isaiah depicted to the discouraged exiles a God who is incredibly great and majestic, but who yearns over His people and tenderly woos them back into fellowship with Himself.

Isaiah 40 has been termed on the noblest pieces of prose ever created. It combines in a unique way a simplicity and majesty that compels us to realize the inadequacy of our conception of God. Its theme, the awesome transcendence and tender love of God, is worthily expressed in the Swedish hymn:

Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed:
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee,
How great Thou art!

What adequate and worthy response can we make to a God so great, so holy, so transcendent? Isaiah 40:16 tells us that using all the cedars of Lebanon to kindle an altar fire to consume all the cattle on its slopes, would be no extravagance. Our debt to Him is so great that no conceivable sacrifice would be too great to make for Him, since sacrifice is "the ecstasy of giving the best we have to the One we love the most." -- Today's devotional is from "HOW GREAT THOU ART -- A DAILY DEVOTIONAL" by Steve Halliday and William Travis. It is published by Multnomah

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 10; Job 41-42; Acts 16:22-40

Great Quote: Finally, mark this, that you must always make the AMEN strong, never doubting that God is surely listening to you with all grace and saying YES to your prayer. Remember that you are not kneeling or standing there alone, but that all Christendom, all devout Christians are standing there with you and you with them in one unanimous, united prayer which God cannot ignore. And never leave off praying without having said or thought: There now, this prayer has been heard by God; this I know of a certainty. That is what 'Amen' means. Martin Luther

The Ways of God

The Ways of God

I love the writings of Fenelon, written over 400 years ago, in his devotional, THE SEEKING HEART. This one couldn't have been more timely for me personally:

When God starts to deal with your old nature He heads straight for the center of all you hold most dear. Allow Him to bring you the cross in the very center of who you are. Don't grumble and become agitated when the process starts: Silence and peace will help you much more than being upset.

You will be tempted to speak out in a humble tone of voice to tell others of your problems. Watch out for this! A humility that is still talkative does not run very deep. When you talk too much your self-love relieves its sense of shame a little.

Don't be angry about what people say. As far as people are concerned, you will never be able to satisfy them. Silence, peace, and union with God should comfort you from that people speak against you.

You need to be determined to do the right in your present situation -- but at the same time your quick temper requires checks and balances. Come to God often just to sit in His presence and renew yourself.

Nothing is as important as lowliness of heart, and detachment from your own opinion and will. Stiffness and harshness is not the spirit of Jesus Christ.

You have no idea how much I needed to hear those words. Ouch! The Holy Spirit spoke through Fenelon to hit me on the head with His "two-by-four." -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 9; Job 38-40; Acts 16:1-21

Great Quote: God calls us to duty, and the only right answer is obedience. If it can be glad and willing and loving obedience, happy are we; but, in any case, whether we ourselves get enjoyment and blessing from the task or not, the call must be obeyed. The will of God must be done for the sake of God, not for the sake of ourselves. Undertake the duty, and step by step God will provide the disposition. We can at least obey. Ideal obedience includes the whole will and the whole heart. We cannot begin with that. But we can begin with what we have. God calls. It is better to obey blunderingly than not to obey at all. George Hodges

Ten Steps to Experience God Through Prayer

Ten Steps to Experience God Through Prayer

"Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely [lean] on you ..." 2 Chronicles 14:11 NIV)

One of the ways that we can experience God is through prayer. Some of us need to have our prayer lives energized. In her book The Power of a Praying® Church: Experiencing God Move as We Pray Together (Stormie Omartian and Jack Hayford), Stormie shares ten practical steps to experience God in our prayer lives.

I would encourage you to prayerfully work through these practical steps and allow God to revitalize your prayer life.

Step 1. Acknowledge God as your heavenly Father.

Step 2. Praise God for who He is and what He has done.

Step 3. Choose one of God's names, attributes, or characteristics and thank Him for being that to you.

Step 4. Present your day to the Lord.

Step 5. Present your body to the Lord.

Step 6. Confess your sins before God and ask Him to help you live His way.

Step 7. Ask God to help you speak only words that bring life.

Step 8. Ask God for whatever you need.

Step 9. Pray for God's will in your life.

Step 10. Pray for other people and situations.

Lord, may we experience You and Your glory as we pray! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

Check out this week's STEWARDSHIP INSIGHT from Crown Financial Instructor, George Hutchison: http://www.americaskeswick.org/363836.ihtml#h_6275

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 8; Job 36-37; Acts 15:22-41

Great Quote: Clarification -- Yesterday's quote was attributed to Fredrick Buechner, but it was really made by Albert Schweitzer. Thanks, Glen Heavilin, for catching the mistake!

Bad will be the day for every man when he becomes absolutely content with the life that he is living, with the thoughts that he is thinking, with the deeds that he is doing, when there is not forever beating at the doors of his soul some great desire to do something larger, which he knows that he was meant and made to do because he is still, in spite of all, the child of God. Phillips Brooks

Return to God

Return to God

"Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Return to Me,' says the Lord of hosts, ' and I will return to you.'" Zechariah 1:3

I served once with a pastor in Philly that had a sign in his office that said, "God never tires of new beginnings." During the years of my ministry, I have met a countless number of people who have walked away from God, and have said, "I wish I could get back what I once had."

The simple truth is that HE wants you to return to Him just like the prodigal in the story of the prodigal son. The father was eagerly anticipating the return of his wayward son. Your heavenly Father eagerly awaits your return to Him.

Dr. Henry Blackaby, in his devotional book EXPERIENCING GOD, says this: "God places much of the burden of what we will become on our response to Him. If we have drifted from God, His call is to return to Him. God promises that if we will return, He will immediately renew His relationship with us.

James 4:8 promises that if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. Matthew 7:7 guarantees that if we seek Christ, we will find Him. Much of the Christian life rests upon our response and our desire to experience God to the fullest.

Why is it that some Christians seem to go much deeper in their walk with God than others? Why have some had such powerful intercessory prayer ministries that have changed the courses of nations? Why has God chosen to annoint the words of some so that, when they speak or preach or pray, it is obvious that their words are consecrated by God?

It is because these individuals have committed themselves to pursue God until His presence is powerfully real in their lives. They have decided to settle for nothing less than a vibrant relationship with God, and He has honored their desire.

Have you become complacent in your relationship with God, or are you hungering for more? Don't become satisfied with a relationship with God that is broken by sin and void of the power of the Holy Spirit. You have just as much of God's powerful presence available to you as the greatest saint in history! Return to God. There is so much more in store for you if you will return to Him. He awaits your response."

Is He speaking to your heart today, my dear brother? Return to Him! Don't delay! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 7; Job 34-35; Acts 15:1-21

Great Quote: “When a believer has fallen into a low, sad state of feeling, he often tries to lift himself out of it by chastening himself with dark and doleful fears. Such is not the way to rise from the dust, but to continue in it. It is not the law, but the gospel which saves the seeking soul at first; and it is not a legal bondage, but gospel liberty which can restore the fainting believer afterwards. Slavish fear brings not back the backslider to God, but the sweet wooings of love allure him to Jesus' bosom…Whatever good quality there is in divine grace, you shall enjoy it to the full. All the riches of divine grace you shall receive in plenty; you shall be as it were drenched with it: and as sometimes the meadows become flooded by the bursting rivers, and the fields are turned into pools, so shall you be--the thirsty land shall be springs of water.” Charles Spurgeon

God is Always at Work Around You (Part 5)

God is Always At Work Around You (Part 6)

"Your people will be volunteers in the day of Your power." Psalm 110:3

God IS always at work around you. I trust that you have been allowing that reality filter through your mind. He loves to show up in the unexpected places ... even in a hot tub.

It was one night on the cruise. Jan was sitting at a table close by the hot tub. I was in the hot tub enjoying the night sky -- 9:00 PM with the sun as bright as it is at 5:00 PM!!!

A lady came into the hot tub and began to ask me all sorts of questions about the cruise. Did I like the ship? What other cruises have I done? She told me she had ADD and I could relate. She shared that she and her husband live in Wisconsin and had several grown kids, most married.

The conversation came around to "So what do you do?" I shared with her about the conference and retreat ministry, and then said, "The heart of our ministry is our addiction recovery program for men!" Bingo!

She immediately started to tell her story -- a 22 year-old son who is addicted to drugs and alcohol. As we chatted she began to see that for years she has been enabling him. I offered to send her some information about the program. Up until that point I did not specifically address what makes our program different. As I was stepping out of the hot tub, she said, "Can I ask about your success rate and fees?" When I told her the success rate her mouth dropped open. When I told her the cost ... she nearly fainted!

I then had the hook! I told her that the real reason for our success was because Jesus Christ is the ONLY answer to addiction. Unless the heart is transformed, a man or woman will continue to wallow in their life-dominating bondages. I told her that I would look for her the next day so I could give her my card.

Well the more I thought about it -- how would I find her in a crowd of 1200 other passengers? I prayed off and on throughout the night that I would somehow find her.

The next day, I was sitting at the pool working on an article I was writing. I spilled my ice tea and jumped up to grab my computer. There was a couple sitting right beside me, and the wife said, "Nice recovery! Now can I have your business card?" She went on to tell me that she told her husband the night before, "What are the odds that I would be in a hot tub with a total stranger and he was the President and CEO of an Addiction Recovery program?" I told her -- not odds -- not coincidence -- but GOD!

I have emailed her the information. I don't know if she will ever call. But I do know this -- God orchestrated that entire event! Who knows, maybe her son will come to the Colony of Mercy. Thank You, Lord for always being at work around us. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 6; Job 32-33; Acts 14

Great Quote: He comes to us as One unknown, without a name, as of old, by the lakeside, He came to those who knew Him not. He speaks to us the same word: "Follow thou me!" and sets us to the tasks which He has to fulfill for our time. He commands, and to those who obey Him, whether they be wise or simple, He will reveal Himself in the toil, the conflicts, the sufferings which they shall pass through in His fellowship, and as an ineffable mystery, they shall learn in their own experience Who He is. Frederick Buechner

It'll Do ... With Heavenly Help

It’ll Do…with Heavenly Help.

“But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”
Luke 8:23-25 (NKJV)

When my wife and I decided to build the house we presently live in she had made the statement that if I went along with some of the things she wanted included in the building, I could get a boat. Well Brothers it might have taken ten years but there is a 1976 Boston Whaler in my yard. This boat has a great reputation and so does the 1986 Evinrude 35 hp 2-stroke outboard motor. Hey, she didn’t say what year, make and model this boat would be but I saw Boston Whaler (in a price range she was okay with and could haggle with) and that was that. The name on the boat is “It’ll Do” and I believe the Lord sent His message. ‘Nough said.

Now Kathy and I both took our Coast Guard Safety test, got the title, tags and all the other things that make us legal to go in Jersey waters and went on our maiden voyage. We packed up the boat with all the necessary gear, made sure the kids were briefed and away we went. This now concludes the land lubber part of the story here comes the salty dog part. First I have to back the trailer with the boat in to the water. This does not go well but the boat is in the water. I now start the boat, in gear and tied to the dock. Yes, Brothers, I almost took the dock with us. Praise God our friends D.J and his wife, Christina, happened to stop by to see how we were doing. Thank you both!!

As we get under way I am noticing that we are not picking up enough speed to raise the bow, let alone plane off. Then came the “NO WAKE ZONE” and yes while I “SLOW DOWN,” the boat stalls. Everyone is watching yours truly and the family do what they can to avoid hitting the can that says “NO WAKE ZONE”. I once again start the boat in gear without a dock tied to it and we are under way a lot slower than when we first started. We get back to the dock ONLY by the grace of God and now I have to back the trailer up etc…etc…etc. We go home and since that day I have found out what I have to do to make repairs to the motor and the control cables. That I can handle without being panicked. At least until I find out how much this will all cost.

It was what I heard during the class I took with the Coast Guard that kept ringing in my ears. “Don’t Panic!!” And as we were driving home I never noticed the quiet that was in my truck. But it was in this quiet that I hear the verse that I have started this whole story with. Not only was Jesus not going to panic, He was asleep during a storm. What would Jesus do if a whole river full of experienced boaters watched as His boat went through what mine did? Brothers, it was hard not to lose my cool but everyone was watching and I didn’t want my children to panic nor did I want to hear my wife panic. Were we all in deep prayer while this was going on? DUH!! It was God’s grace that got us back to the boat ramp. I could not do what was done under my own strength.

I may be on dry land now and able to look back with laughter but this was just another way that I believe God revealed Himself to me. Thank you Father…praise to You. Oh, I forgot to mention something to you all….my wife and children are very good swimmers. I am not. If you are on the waters don’t just bring a life preserver….wear it as if you were putting on the breast plate of righteousness, or maybe even Jesus Himself. -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a frequent contributor to Freedom Fighter

Tomorrow night begins our Spiritual Enrichment Conference at 7:00 PM at the Colony Chapel. We'd love to have you join us for his special week. Call today for details: 732-350-1187

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 4; Job 30-31; Acts 13:26-52

Great Quote: “We need to keep reminding ourselves that without the Lord we can do nothing. It needs to become a habit of mind with each of us to tell the Lord as we tackle each task, ‘I can’t do this without your help, please help me’, and then to expect to be helped because we have admitted our helplessness, given up self-reliance and are now looking to Him.” J. I . Packer

What Price Freedom

What Price Freedom

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

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

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

For our founding fathers they were not just looking at making a contribution when securing our freedom on July 4, 1776 -- they made a total commitment. The fifty-six men who signed there names to the Declaration of Independence did no knowing he risks that they would face.

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

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

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

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

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 4; Job 28-29; Acts 13:1-25

Great Quote: The true, living faith, which the Holy Spirit instills into the heart, simply cannot be idle. Martin Luther

Come Aprart

COME APART

“And He said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile.”
(Mark 6:31)

A wise old country preacher, Vance Havner, used to say, "If you fail to come apart, you will most certainly come apart." Those words spoken many years ago when life was much simpler than it is today, couldn't be more true in this age of information and technology overload.

Most men cannot stand quiet. It is in the quiet that we really begin to wrestle with the issues of life and of the heart. Think about it, where can you go today without some kind of noise?

The Psalmist David exhorts us to "Be still and know that I am God ..." How do we do that when we are so connected to life? And we are connected -- cell phones, PDA's, pagers, computers. How does one get still?

Have you considered a "Personal Retreat?" This is not necessarily a commercial for America's KESWICK, but this is a wonderful spot for you to get away for a day or two just to get alone with God and enjoy peace and quiet.

I am not suggesting that you have to come to America's KESWICK to do this (but it is a wise choice!). But I want to encourage you to take a day or two and get away and get alone with God. Unplug the laptop. Disconnect the cell phone and pager. Walk around the lakes and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. Listen to the birds singing. And you will be amazed -- God will speak to your heart.

Writer John Eldridge, in his thought-provoking book, WILD AT HEART, says that "To recover our heart's desire a man needs to get away from the noise and distraction of his daily life for time with his soul. He needs to head into the wilderness, to silence and solitude. Alone with himself, he allows whatever is there to come to the surface. Sometimes it is grief for so much lost time. Sometimes it even starts with temptation, when a man thinks that what will really make him come alive is something unholy."

If you would like help in planning a personal retreat, please respond to this email. We would be happy to give you some suggestions.

Now think about this -- Jesus Christ, the Son of God -- took time to get away to reconnect with the Father! What makes us think we can ignore doing this? -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 2; Job 22-24; Acts 11

Great Quote: How many Christians are there who pray every Sunday in church, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done!" without ever realizing the spiritual implications of such intercession! What are we praying for? Should we edit that prayer so that it becomes a confrontation: "My kingdom go, Lord; let Thy kingdom come!" Certainly His kingdom can never be realized in my life until my own selfish kingdom is deposed. It is when I resign, when I am no longer king of my domain that Jesus Christ will become king of my life. A. W. Tozer

Let's See Now, What Shall We Do Today?

LET’S SEE NOW, WHAT SHALL I DO TODAY?

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
(Psalm 90:12)

Years ago, at a men’s prayer breakfast, a good friend asked us all a question. He said, “What if today was going to be your last? And what if somehow God let you know that? So you were sitting here today in the knowledge that this day is your last day. What do you think you would do today?”

Good question, huh? Well, here’s my own answer anyway. Because my trust is in Jesus, I know that I will be welcomed into heaven. At this point it’s a little too late to think about what kind of treasure I can lay up there. So I think I would do all I could for what’s still down here. I would try to recall the different people through life that I have offended. Harsh words. Hurt feelings. Relationships that went sour. I would do all I could to put it right. At the very least, they would know that I was sorry.

Now for the fun part. I would think of those people who have meant the most to me. People who believed in me when no one else did. People who brought me closer to God. People who showed me what love is. I would let them know how much it all meant. I would tell them in words that they were the greatest people in my life, and I would thank them. I would ask them to never change. With these things done I would now spend the rest of the day with my family. Talking with my wife. Laughing with my daughter. Wrestling with my son. I would want their last day with me to be one that they would never forget. I would tell them over and over of my love. I would speak into their future. Releasing them to a joy-filled life, and ensuring them each of the glories that await us. I would make them promise me that they will always follow Jesus.

I don’t know what you have planned for today. I know that most of us have more to do than we have time. We need a heart of wisdom though. Remember that today is numbered. Remember what it’s all about. -- Chris Thompson is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and serves with his wife, Pam, as a church planter in England

God's WORD for TODAY: Proverbs 1; Job 20-21; Acts 10:24-28

Great Quote: Prodigal sons, forgiven and reconciled with their heavenly Father, could they do other than forgive one another? A fellowship of prodigal sons came into being -- the church of Christ. Love begets love. A new power...was let loose upon our suffering world, the power to love those who have not deserved love, the unworthy, the unlovely and unlovable, a man's enemies, and even his torturers. Christians, in imitation of the Saviour, became, as it were, Christs to one another and to the world. Theodore O. Wedel