Yeah, I Could Use Some Purpose (Part 2)

“Yeah, I Could Use Some Purpose.” Part two

Chris Hughes did a great job last week. He asked me to resend this one as the original one was not correct. Thanks, Chris.

“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. 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.” Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)

Metamorphosis in the world of biology means there are marked changes in form and mode of life during development to maturity. But for the believer it should mean to have a change in character. In the “Purpose Driven Life” Pastor Warren references Ephesians 4:22-24 as a list of three responsibilities that Paul has written as a guideline to begin to develop a character that would be like Christ.

The first thing to do is to get rid of the old self. “That ye put off concerning the former manner of life, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” This is a “you have to do” thing. In some circles we call this move surrender but in others it is called death to self. I believe that death to self is a daily practice that I must do…uh, daily. If we look at the old man in “The Message” it say’s “It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it!” Guess that say’s it all.

The second thing is change the way we think. “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” Now there was some fluff that went along with what I read in the book….caterpillars becoming butterflies in some beautiful picture of what happens to us spiritually etc…..definitely not me but I believe the idea is the same as saying retooling our interior principle’s of life. I’m talking getting in there with the Word of God, as our instrument, and stripping out the parts that have failed and revamping our whole thought process. Just as a side note…part of my background is working on machinery. There is not a “magical metamorphosis” in the renewing process just hard work.

The third thing is to put on the character of Christ. “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” This is where we put on some new habits. In this third chapter of “The Purpose Driven Life” Pastor Warren has written, “Your character is essentially the sum of your habits; it is how you habitually act.” Now I’ll tell you the truth I had gone to the dictionary on this one and didn’t find a definition that reflected this statement but I did go to my wife. I asked her if my character is the sum of my habits. Now after a brief smile she agreed that our character is essentially the sum of our habits. I think I have an idea where she was going with her brief smile too.

I have looked at this in Scripture many times before but didn’t break it down into a list of three responsibilities. I’ll agree with Pastor Warren that they are indispensable for Christ-like character development. But I still like keeping in the older translation. It gives God’s Word the punch it needs to get the truth out there. I think with “The Purpose Driven Life” use of the lighter translations it can get a bit squeamish but if we take an apologetic approach (being a good Berean that is) to reading it, God’s truth about His Son’s work comes through. After all, it is about knowing the truth. -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a frequent Freedom Fighter contributor

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 30; Isaiah 9-10; Ephesians 3

“Do you wonder that Paul could say with tingling joy and exultation, “To me to live is Christ”? He did not say, as I had mistakenly been supposing I must say, “To me to live is to be Christ-like,” nor, “To me to live is to have Christ’s help,” nor, “To me to live is to serve Christ.” No; He plunged through and beyond all that in the bold, glorious, mysterious claim, “To me to live is Christ.” I had never understood that verse before. Now, thanks to His gift of Himself, I am beginning to enter into a glimpse of its wonderful meaning.” The Life That Wins
Charles G. Trumbull

The Exchanged Life

THE EXCHANGED LIFE

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is not longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;
and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me
and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

The term the exchanged life may be applied to our theme verse. It is an expansion upon the truth of verse 19. A series of statements is given concerning my identification with Christ in His death and resurrection. As seen from God’s vantage point, Jesus died not merely for me but as me. In other words, I was identified with Him. The death He died was my death, since it was for my sin. Through it He cancelled my obligation to the law which condemned me. I have been crucified with Him just as really as the repentant thief – through identification. The implications of this fact continue to qualify my life.

Not only have I been crucified with Him, but I have been raised to a new life in Him. So that it is no longer my life but His. He is the source and the essence of it. The glorious truth is that He lives this life in me. The perfections of His life now reside in me. He wants to make this life visible through me. Just as Jesus in His earthly life became the visible expression of God in human terms, so my new life is to be the visible expression of His indwelling life.

It must be remembered that this exchanged life is not automatic. It must be lived on the basis of faith in the Son of God. This involves two things: trusting Him to do what He promises to do and yielding the control of my life to Him. Faith and surrender are keys to this exchanged life.
You may find yourself struggling to live a life for God. It won’t work! What does work is your surrendering to His life within. The surgical gloves designed for the hand of the surgeon can do nothing until they become identified with him and indwelt by his hand.

Other passages which deal with the exchanged life are Romans 6:1-8; Colossians 2:20; 3:1-3. Pastor William A. Raws was the grandson of our founder, William Raws, and served at America's KESWICK for 55+ years

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 29; Isaiah 7-8; Ephesians 2

Great Quote: Your arms, Lord, have no end. They encircle me, reach down and hold me, guide me on the way; Your arms, Lord, have no end, your arms of love and mercy and grace.

This year’s BINDING UP THE BROKEN-HEARTED: FAMILY AND FRIENDS ADDICTION SEMINAR is shaping up to be our best yet. You won’t want to miss it. October 8, 2009 8:30 AM -3:30 PM at America’s KESWICK. The $25.00 registration fee covers the sessions, materials, continental breakfast, lunch and snacks. Pastors attend free with 5 paid reservations. Every pastor, youth ministry worker, parent of a teen and loved ones of addicted family and friends should attend this seminar. Call today for your reservation 800.453.7942 or 732.350.1187.

Caught Somewhere in Time

“Caught Somewhere In Time.”

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NKJV)

Well the school year has begun. My travel to work has to start earlier because of the buses and I have had to find a way around some of the hot spots. My son has entered high school and my daughter has entered middle school. Their homework has gotten a bit more complicated for them this school year and I have had this realization. I am now back in high school and middle school because of this. WHAT? Not like in a backward teenage way but in a “Did we learn this when I was in school at this age?” No way!

So I got to thinking during my over, under, sideways, down drive to work what would it be like if I had to go back to that time period knowing what I know now. What could have I avoided, what could I have changed and would it really have put me where I wanted to be. Then I heard God laugh. “You are where I want you to be.” What? Driving to a job where most of the time it is a devil’s playground. In a town where most of the population’s thinking has the Devil’s mentality attached to it and they ring your lunch up at the cash register with what looks like a bone through the nose. What? Surely the Lord meant me to be somewhere else by now? “Nope, you are where I want you to be” and then there’s a little more laughter. Grrr!!

So what do I do with this? Go to Scripture, of course. Well I found something in Ecclesiastes that set something into motion. “Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.”(ESV) This vexation that Solomon speaks of is finding the pleasures of sin that will lead to other intolerable sorrows. And the object here is to steer a young man away from those “sorrows” that presently gratify the senses of man and get him to understand that this is vanity.

So I reckon myself that going back in time is futile and worthless. That since this train of thought serves no purpose in eternity it is eternally useless thinking. And as my Nelson Study Bible puts it “Tragically, youth does not last; it too passes like a vapor. We all seem to discover that "we get old too soon and smart too late." Well at this point in time I have my youthful outlook but I am working at the getting smarter part along the way.

One thing I will say that was smart for me to do was to surrender what I was back then over to the Savior who has me where He wants me right now. So I guess I will just have to deal with it. There will always be some extreme out in the world that will make me shake my head and wonder but as the Teacher does say…this too is vanity. Oh well, I better get back to helping my kids with their homework, I do know something they don’t. What do you know this morning? If you know Jesus then you’ve done your homework…give yourself an A!! -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a frequent contibutor to Freedom Fighter. I have appreciated Chris sharing this week so that I could enjoy our trip to Bermuda. Thanks, Chris!!!

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 28; Isaiah 5-6; Ephesians 1

Great quote:“Father, make us more like Jesus. Help us bear difficulty, pain, disappointment, and sorrow, knowing that in Your perfect working and design You can use such bitter experiences to mold our characters and make us more like our Lord. We look with hope to the day when we will be completely like Christ, because we will see Him as He is…My passions are crucified, there is no heat in my flesh, and a stream flows murmuring inside me-deep down in me saying, “Come to the Father.” Ignatius “His prayer before he was devoured by lions in Rome A.D.111”

It is not to late to enjoy a day of golfing fun and fellowship at Hanover Golf Club on September 29, 2009 to benefit the Colony of Mercy Addiction Recovery Ministry of America’s Keswick. We will have a 7:30 AM and a 12:30 PM shotgun start. There are still some openings for either start time. Call Stan Marsh @ 1-800-453 7942 x 32 for info or to make your reservation.

Yeah, I Could Use Some Purpose (Part 3)

“Yeah, I Could Use Some Purpose.” Part 3

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” John 8:31-32 (NKJV)

“The truth transforms us.” This is how Day 24 in “The Purpose Driven Life” starts off. But I would have added “If we let it”. I like how Matthew Henry puts it when it wrote his commentary on the aforementioned verse. He wrote… ”Christ spoke of spiritual liberty; but carnal hearts feel no other grievances than those that molest the body, and distress their worldly affairs. Talk to them of their liberty and property, tell them of waste committed upon their lands, or damage done to their houses, and they understand you very well; but speak of the bondage of sin, captivity to Satan, and liberty by Christ; tell of wrong done to their precious souls, and the hazard of their eternal welfare, then you bring strange things to their ears.”

Well now comes the tough part, working on the three things (when we are abiding in His Word) that are meant to be day-to-day activities. The first one that Pastor Warren mentions is accept its authority. In many circles I have heard it said we need to use our Bibles as a moral compass. So when we use other unreliable sources for a compass, like the culture of our time, going with tradition, trying to use reason or going off our emotions we are using things that are flawed and can get us into trouble. So let us be reminded, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, [thoroughly] furnished unto all good works.”

The second thing is to assimilate its truth. Get ready to squirm on this one people. We must fill our minds with God’s Word so The Holy Spirit can transform us with the truth. Now there are five things listed here that remind of some other principle I’ve heard of and that is “Lecto Divina”. This list of five “to do’s” are receive, read, research, remember and reflect on God’s Word. Now I hope I am speaking to the choir on this part of the subject matter. So here is my take on Pastor Warrens list…listen to the boring Preacher, anyway. A humble spirit will receive. Read your Bible every day, anyway. Be a good Berean and research the Scripture’s and if need be write your thoughts down and come up with a Freedom Fighter. I spent four solid months at the Colony memorizing Scripture so yes remembering verse’s is a must. But then do take the time to reflect anytime, anywhere, anyway.

The last part is to apply its principles. “Therefore, whosoever hearth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock.” This is straight out of the mouth of the Savior Himself. As this parable goes on I believe Jesus is telling us point blank with what material to build on. This first step is built with obedience and this is a painful step for a few of…well some of…nah, most of us right? We tend to avoid the application step because it is difficult or at times even painful…but it is needful. When we come to Jesus it is because our actions have failed and we need change. That requires getting our faults pointed out, our sin rebuked and changing our center.

Jesus makes a promise to every real disciple that they will know the truth and the truth will set them free. The Jews of Jesus’ time were in the worst kind of bondage. They were in the bondage of legalism, ignorance, sin, error and superstition. They knew not the truth. If we are disciples indeed we will be committed to Jesus and have this characteristic, we will abide in His Word. And remember we are not saved by abiding in His Word, we will abide in His Word because we are saved. That’s Right!! SANTO!! -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a frequent contibutor to Freedom Fighter

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 26; Isaiah 3-4; Galatians 6

Great Quote: “When our life is not only Christ’s but Christ, our life will be a winning life; for He cannot fail. And a winning life is a fruit-bearing life, a saving life. It is, after all, only a small part of life-and a wholly negative part-to overcome; we must also bear fruit in character and in service if Christ is our life.” The Life That Wins Charles G. Trumbull

Yeah, I Could Use Some Purpose (Part 2)

“Yeah, I Could Use Some Purpose.” (Part 2)

“God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of His Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity He restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in Him.” Romans 8:29 (The Message)

How many of you remember a book written by Pastor Rick Warren called “The Purpose Driven Life”? I still have the copy I read while I was in the Colony. I have all kinds of statements highlighted and underlined. But in the part of the book known as “Purpose # 3” and titled “You were created to become like Christ” there wasn’t any colors or underlines. So I have gone back to re-read that part and see if there is anything I can highlight or underline for you as well as me.

Right from the start, Rick Warren makes the statement the “From the very beginning, God’s plan has been to make you like His Son, Jesus.” He also uses Genesis 1:26 as his Scripture reference to support this statement. “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.” Matthew Henry in his commentary on this verse states; “God said, "Let us make man." Man, when he was made, was to glorify the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Into that great name we are baptized, for to that great name we owe our being. It is the soul of man that especially bears God's image.”I would have to say that both of these views are okay by me. I do like that Old Testament seriousness but I like the New Testament simplicity. I also keep in mind that Adams fails in the serenity of the Garden but Jesus prevails in the brutality of the desert.

And as this “Purpose” reading goes on I’ll underline the need to develop the character of Christ. There is quite a list of character traits as well. The one trait that is the toughest comes in Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” And to keep in theme with Matthew Henry, here is his take on this verse. “The meek are happy. The meek are those who quietly submit to God; who can bear insult; are silent, or return a soft answer; who, in their patience, keep possession of their own souls, when they can scarcely keep possession of anything else. These meek ones are happy, even in this world. Meekness promotes wealth, comfort, and safety, even in this world.” This is quite a goal to reach, don’t you think? I am not there…yet!

You see we are told to make every effort to grow in the character of Christ. The ESV version of 2 Peter 1:5-7 says, “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.”Now if we replace the word “virtue” with “excellence” it makes this verse all the more. Once again goals that seem hard to obtain but within its own command it encourages. One thing we are encouraged to do is not to sit around and wait for Jesus to happen, right?

I know there are many out there who do not like this “Purpose Driven” train of thought. And to be honest with you I, myself, have times where it feels uncomfortable when I bounce these ideas off what I have been taught but a glass of milk once in a while isn’t a bad thing. Over the next few days I am going to see if I can Grade A milk out of this “Purpose 3”. I ask you to consider pouring yourself a glass as well, after all as we grow in our relationship with Christ it is necessary to keep the foundation or the root work tended to. -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a frequent contributor to Freedom Fighter

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 26; Isaiah 1-2; Galatians 5

Great Quote: “Jesus Christ does not want to be our helper; He wants to be our life. He does not want us to work for Him. He wants us to let Him do His work through us, using us as we use a pencil to write with- better still, using us as one of His fingers on His hand.” “The Life That Wins” Charles G. Trumbull

It is not to late to enjoy a day of golfing fun and fellowship at Hanover Golf Club on September 29, 2009 to benefit the Colony of Mercy Addiction Recovery Ministry of America’s Keswick. We will have a 7:30 AM and a 12:30 PM shotgun start. There are still some openings for either start time. Call Stan Marsh @ 1-800-453 7942 x 32 for info or to make your reservation.

Happy 112th Anniversary -- The Ripple Effect

Happy 112th Anniversary -- The Ripple Effect of A Transformed Life

September 25, 1897

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Someone once said to Dwight L. Moody “that the world has yet to see what God will do with and for, through and around the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him.” That statement is certainly true of the life of William Raws, founder of the Colony of Mercy.

William Raws' life was radically changed on February 17, 1886 when he trusted Christ as his personal Savior in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. His bondage to alcohol was broken and Raws was gloriously saved. In his own words William Raws said, “One day, fairly dying from the effects of rum, unable even to keep hot rum brandy on my stomach, I staggered penniless too my room and fell against an old arm chair…Although under the influence of drink, a poor dying drunkard, a swearing, lustful, sinful man, I cried unto God. He heard my cry and save me. For days and nights thereafter I could neither eat nor sleep. I was on the verge of delirium tremens…But peace came at last and victory through our Lord and Savior.”

Raws went on to begin the Whosoever Gospel Rescue Mission in Philadelphia but was burdened years later to begin a work in the country for men to escape city life and get alone with God. On September 25, 1897, the family and some friends met around an old pump organ and sang ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME. The crowd pooled their resources of $1.87 and claimed the promise from Philippians 4:19 -- But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God birthed the ministry of THE COLONY OF MERCY. And the rest is history.

Thousands of lives have been transformed by the power of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the transformed life of William Raws. The ministry continues over a hundred years later with the good news that Christ can set men and women in bondage to sinful addictions and through Christ, can live victoriously.

God used the ordinary life of William Raws to impact thousands. He wants to take your ordinary life and doing extraordinary things. Are you willing to allow your life to have a ripple effect on others? Surrender you ALL to Him today. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 25; Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4

Great Quote: It is pure and simple unbelief that is at the bottom of all our lack of comfort, and absolutely nothing else. God comforts us on every side, but we simply do not believe His words of comfort. -- Hannah Whitall Smith

Yeah, I Could Use Some Purpose (Part 1)

“Yeah, I Could Use Some Purpose.” Part one

“God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of His Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity He restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in Him.” Romans 8:29 (The Message)

How many of you remember a book written by Pastor Rick Warren called “The Purpose Driven Life”? I still have the copy I read while I was in the Colony. I have all kinds of statements highlighted and underlined. But in the part of the book known as “Purpose # 3” and titled “You were created to become like Christ” there wasn’t any colors or underlines. So I have gone back to re-read that part and see if there is anything I can highlight or underline for you as well as me.

Right from the start, Rick Warren makes the statement the “From the very beginning, God’s plan has been to make you like His Son, Jesus.” He also uses Genesis 1:26 as his Scripture reference to support this statement. “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.” Matthew Henry in his commentary on this verse states; “God said, "Let us make man." Man, when he was made, was to glorify the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Into that great name we are baptized, for to that great name we owe our being. It is the soul of man that especially bears God's image.”I would have to say that both of these views are okay by me. I do like that Old Testament seriousness but I like the New Testament simplicity. I also keep in mind that Adams fails in the serenity of the Garden but Jesus prevails in the brutality of the desert.

And as this “Purpose” reading goes on I’ll underline the need to develop the character of Christ. There is quite a list of character traits as well. The one trait that is the toughest comes in Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” And to keep in theme with Matthew Henry, here is his take on this verse. “The meek are happy. The meek are those who quietly submit to God; who can bear insult; are silent, or return a soft answer; who, in their patience, keep possession of their own souls, when they can scarcely keep possession of anything else. These meek ones are happy, even in this world. Meekness promotes wealth, comfort, and safety, even in this world.” This is quite a goal to reach, don’t you think? I am not there…yet!

You see we are told to make every effort to grow in the character of Christ. The ESV version of 2 Peter 1:5-7 says, “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.”Now if we replace the word “virtue” with “excellence” it makes this verse all the more. Once again goals that seem hard to obtain but within its own command it encourages. One thing we are encouraged to do is not to sit around and wait for Jesus to happen, right?

I know there are many out there who do not like this “Purpose Driven” train of thought. And to be honest with you I, myself, have times where it feels uncomfortable when I bounce these ideas off what I have been taught but a glass of milk once in a while isn’t a bad thing. Over the next few days I am going to see if I can Grade A milk out of this “Purpose 3”. I ask you to consider pouring yourself a glass as well, after all as we grow in our relationship with Christ it is necessary to keep the foundation or the root work tended to. -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a frequent contributor to Freedom Fighter

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 24; Song of Solomon 4-5; Galatians 3

Great Quote: “Jesus Christ does not want to be our helper; He wants to be our life. He does not want us to work for Him. He wants us to let Him do His work through us, using us as we use a pencil to write with- better still, using us as one of His fingers on His hand.” “The Life That Wins” Charles G. Trumbull

It is not to late to enjoy a day of golfing fun and fellowship at Hanover Golf Club on September 29, 2009 to benefit the Colony of Mercy Addiction Recovery Ministry of America’s Keswick. We will have a 7:30 AM and a 12:30 PM shotgun start. There are still some openings for either start time. Call Stan Marsh @ 1-800-453 7942 x 32 for info or to make your reservation.

Conceited, But Not Offended

Conceited, but Offended!!

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind” Ephesians 2:1-3 (ESV)

“Too high an opinion of oneself; vanity.” This is conceit. I have been giving a sermon series a listen when this word “conceit” entered my ears. “A Sobering Look at the Character and Strategy of Satan” by Senior Pastor Steve Cornell, of the Millersville Bible Church, is the title of the series and by the time I have finished listening to the second disk he has me wondering about the fall of man and his conceit from the everyday perspective.

Let’s say I look at the third chapter of Genesis and I replace the serpent, “who was more cunning than any beast of the field”, with the world. I mean if we really look at it, the world has become more cunning these days. We get flooded with things that tell us how much better we would be if we had this or that. The world goes as far to tell us how much more spiritual we will be if we read this self-help book or listen to this motivational speaker. There is stuff on how to be better parents, better spouses and employees. Too many different flavors if you ask me.

In his sermon series, Pastor Cornell used a salesmen situation as a backdrop for how the world can begin to sow “the seeds of discontentment that takes us out of God’s will.” It sounded so much like where I work. I hear lines like, “Well you have your Christian value system.” Or they snicker when making remarks about me being “religious” and have them tell me that they believed the Bible because they “were” Catholic at one time so they can understand where I am coming from. But do they really understand what they are saying let alone “where I am coming from”.

You see the irony of it all is the fallen man doesn’t even know how bad his “condition” is until after he becomes saved. I know for me there was a time that I thought I was “living it up”, enjoying life to its fullest. But in reality I was deceived and lost. I might have even thought myself free and under no one’s rule, kind of like the Jews of Jesus’ day. I mean they were just as blind in this kind of thought pattern that they refused to acknowledge their subjection to the power of Rome.

This is when conceit comes into play. The “prince of the power of the air” doesn’t have to approach you himself. We have enough folks around us who have become successful in way or another who seem to offer up a “seed of discontentment” to plant in us. I believe that while they are trying to sow this discontentment we get offended. We react in such a way that we want to or feel that we deserve a higher sense of self. Once we get that justified in our hearts and minds we can become like the Pharisees. Bogging ourselves down in the mire of what we think is right and just and making sure we thrust this ideology upon others thus continuing the sowing of the seed of discontentment with the will of God in our lives.

I believe being offended and being conceited go hand in hand. And I also believe our Adversary understands this as well. Today let’s not give him a foothold. -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a frequent contributor to Freedom Fighter

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 23; Song of Solomon 1-3; Galatians 2

Great Quote: “Jesus said our ability to see correctly is another key to being freed from deception. Often when we are offended we see ourselves as victims and blame those who have hurt us. We justify out bitterness, unforgiveness, anger, envy, and resentment as they surface. Sometimes we even resent those who remind us of others who have hurt us. For this reason Jesus counseled, “Anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see” (Rev.3:18). See what? Your true condition! That’s the only way we can “be zealous and repent” as Jesus commanded next. You’ll only repent when you stop blaming other people." The Bait of Satan John Bevere

It is not to late to enjoy a day of golfing fun and fellowship at Hanover Golf Club on September 29, 2009 to benefit the Colony of Mercy Addiction Recovery Ministry of America’s Keswick. We will have a 7:30 AM and a 12:30 PM shotgun start. There are still some openings for either start time. Call Stan Marsh @ 1-800-453 7942 x 32 for info or to make your reservation.

The Baton (Part 2)

The Baton (part two)

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise:"that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1-4 (NKJV)

Like I said in part one, my Pastor had given me a chapter to read from the book, Already Gone. It is entitled, “Sunday School Syndrome.” It discusses a study done on the belief system of today’s 20-somethings who had attended Sunday school regularly. I, myself, had gone to CCD classes on Sundays in the Catholic Church and was caviler about God’s Word. I remember it not being enforced in our home while growing up. The Bible wasn’t mentioned and from what I saw, it wasn’t being preached in action either.

I had been asked to give a devotional at a recent Men’s Breakfast at my church and I thought this was a subject that the men, and their sons, needed to hear. The study was steeped in facts and figures to support the notion that Sunday school needed a radical makeover. So I went to my resources to see where it says in Scripture that Men of God need statistics to bring us into God’s will. Here is what my Nelson’s Study Bible says about the verse I have used today.

“This paragraph has the beautiful balance we expect to find in God's Word: children are to obey their parents, and parents are to treat their children in such a way that the children will want to obey. Children must obey their parents for Christ's sake, even if their parents are not believers. This is supported by the only one of the Ten Commandments followed by a promise.
Four reasons are given why they should obey. First, it is right. It is a basic principle built into the very structure of family life that those who are immature, impulsive, and inexperienced should submit to the authority of parents, who are older and wiser.

The second reason is that it is scriptural. Here Paul quotes Exodus 20:12: Honor your father and mother (see also Deut. 5:16). This command to honor parents is the first of the Ten Commandments with a specific promise of blessing attached to it. It calls for children to respect, love, and obey their parents.

The third reason is that it is for the best interests of the children: that it may be well with you. Think of what would happen to a child who received no instruction and no correction from his parents! He would be personally miserable and socially intolerable.

The fourth reason is that obedience promotes a full life: and you may live long on the earth. In the OT, a Jewish child who obeyed his parents did enjoy a long life. In this Gospel Age, it is not a rule without exceptions. Filial obedience is not always connected with longevity. A dutiful son may die at an early age. But it is true in a general way that the life of discipline and obedience is conducive to health and longevity, whereas a life of rebellion and recklessness often ends prematurely.

The instructions to children are now balanced with advice to fathers. They should not provoke their children to anger with unreasonable demands, with undue harshness, with constant nagging. Rather children should be nurtured in the training and admonition of the Lord. Training means discipline and correction, and may be verbal or corporal. Admonition means warning, rebuke, reproof. Child-training should be "in the Lord," that is, carried out in accordance with His will as revealed in the Bible by one who acts as His representative.”

So after I went into what was researched by the author of the chapter that Pastor had given to me to review, I walked away with the notion that Sunday school needs to be in our homes as well as in our churches. Men need to be reading their Bibles with their families, discussing what is being read and equipping their children today to be able to be defenders of the faith tomorrow. Right now, the Church of God has outside influence by people who would have us fall away from God’s original purpose for His church and fall into this “feel good about ourselves” mentality. A place of empty promises and no conviction of spirit, not being taken to the fire to be refined, no bringing God the glory He deserves.

In the book, Straight Talk: What Men need to Know, What Women Should Understand, Dr. James C. Dobson makes this brilliant point: “This mission of introducing one’s children to the Christian faith can be likened to a three-man relay race. First, your father runs his lap around the track, carrying a baton, which represents the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At the appropriate moment, he hands the baton to you, and you begin your journey around the track. Then finally the time will come when you must get the baton safely into the hands of your child. But as any track coach will testify, relay races are won or lost in the transfer of the baton. There is a critical moment when all can be lost by a fumble or miscalculation. The baton is rarely dropped on the back side of the track when the runner has it firmly in his grasp. If failure is to occur, it will likely happen in the exchange between generations!”

You know, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, because I don’t want to be standing at the gates of Heaven trying to explain to the Creator what I could done better when it was my time to pass the Baton. I hope your transferring abilities are at the ready. -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a frequent contributor to Freedom Fighter

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 22; Ecclesiastes 10-12; Galatians 1

Great Quote: I've been clutching filthy rags, thinking they would please God, and have been unable to grasp the pure, eternal, perfect righteousness of God that is mine. -- Mary Morrison Suggs

It is not to late to enjoy a day of golfing fun and fellowship at Hanover Golf Club on September 29, 2009 to benefit the Colony of Mercy Addiction Recovery Ministry of America’s Keswick. We will have a 7:30 AM and a 12:30 PM shotgun start. There are still some openings for either start time. Call Stan Marsh @ 1-800-453 7942 x 32 for info or to make your reservation.

The Baton (Part 1)

The Baton (part one)

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise." Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NKJV)

The Pastor of my church had given me a chapter to read from the book, Already Gone by Ken Ham, Britt Beemer and Todd Hillard. The chapter was entitled “Sunday School Syndrome” and discussed the belief system of today’s 20 somethings who had attended Sunday school regularly. There was a survey taken of 1,000 twenty-somethings, who attended church as teenagers, and they were asked if they had attended Sunday school. 61%said yes with 39% saying no.

To quote what was written in the book, “That’s about what you would expect, isn’t it? After all, not everyone is committed enough to make the effort to get to Sunday school, right? Only those who are more concerned about the spiritual and moral health of their kids, right? Because we all assume that Sunday school is good for them, correct? The ritual is so interwoven into American church life that it’s hardly worth mentioning, right? Wrong. Sunday school is actually more likely to be detrimental to the spiritual and moral health of our children.”

I can’t get into all the things that this chapter stated but questions like “Does the Bibles contain errors?” were asked. The percentage of 20-somethings that said yes was 39%. How would you like to hear “I don’t know” after asking, “Do you believe you are saved and will go to heaven upon death?” Biblical stories like what happened in the Garden, at the Tower of Babel, the Flood and the story of Sodom, Gomorrah and Lot’s wife seemed not to be a help to these 20-somethings but it was not detriment either.

The authors of this book apparently did some research on the Reformed Baptist Church’s website and gave a quote about youth pastors and youth ministry and used enough of it to make their point but I went there as well and found out what was written in its entirety. “Eradicate youth ministry as we know it. This is by far the most radical suggestion/solution, but I think a necessary step if we are to have much hope in stemming the tide. It seems as if we are always trying to fix what is broken with youth ministry.

Has it crossed anyone else's mind that maybe youth ministry shouldn't be fixed because youth ministry IS a major part of the problem?! If youth pastors are spending all of their time ministering to teens, training youth leaders, planning activities and preparing lessons for youth group, then when will they have time to train parents? And isn't it odd that the very pastors we are now asking to train parents are usually young men in their 20's who have little to no parenting experience, especially of teens. [I do believe that anyone can share biblical principles on an issue, even without corresponding experience!]

As long as youth pastors and youth leaders continue to teach, disciple, mentor and train teens why would parents have any motivation to fulfill their responsibility? I think everyone would agree that Deuteronomy 6:4-10 & Ephesians 6:1-4 is commanding parents to teach, train and disciple their own children. If we believe this, then why would we even develop and offer a "ministry" that would directly contradict Scripture!? Why would we give parents the option of abdicating their God-given, biblical responsibility? I believe it is time to put the ministry of the youth back into the hands of those to whom God gave it - the PARENTS of the youth.”-- Quoted from the Reformed Baptist Church’s website.

This last sentence spoke volumes to me in terms of us…men, fathers, husbands and the spiritual heads of our homes. Are we practicing a measure of apologetics in our homes? What are we doing to guide our children to use those spiritual weapons that would help them defend the faith? Here is what my Nelson’s Study Bible had to say about the verse I have used today.

“Verse seven comes right out and says: “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” God regards the direct education of children by their parents as vitally important, with that education to be founded first of all upon the words of God. And when we as fathers have that intimate relationship with God, as in Genesis 18:19, “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him." Our Heavenly Father will be motivated to accomplish His purpose for us and our children with genuine righteousness.”

I will wrap this up in part two. Until then, think about these words from Susannah Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley: “The parent who studies to subdue self-will in his child, works together with God in the renewing and saving of a soul. The parent who indulges it, does the devil's work, makes religion impractical, salvation unattainable, and does all that in him lies to damn his child, soul and body forever.” -- -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a frequent Freedom Fighter contributor

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 21; Ecclesiastes 7-9; 2 Corinthians 13

Great Quote: Satan does not tempt us just to make us do wrong things -- he tempts us to make us lose what God has put into us through regeneration, namely, the possibility of being of value to God. He does not come to us on the premise of tempting us to sin, but on the premise of shifting our point of view, and only the Spirit of God can detect this as a temptation of the devil. -- Oswald Chambers

God is Always At Word Around You (Part 9)

God is Always At Work Around You (Part 9)

"He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in His eyes." 1 Samuel 3:18

Today is the Lord's day and we are spending it in a place of absolute beauty -- Bermuda! Sorry guys -- someone has to do it! We are staying at Willowbank, a Christan retreat center on an island made by our Creator God. I believe it is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

We have talked about this subject before -- in fact, eight times now. But I was reminded of another principle of God's always being at work around us as I read STREAMS IN THE DESERT (9/17). The principle is this: I can see God in EVERYTHING! Listen to the words of Hannah Whitall Smith, a popular Keswick speaker back in the early days of the ministry:

If I see God in EVERYTHING, He will calm and color everything I see! Perhaps the circumstances causing my sorrows will not be removed and my situation will remain the same, but if Christ is brought into my grief and gloom as my Lord and Master, He will "surround me with songs of deliverance." (Psalm 32:7)

To see HIM and to be sure that His wisdom and power never fail, and His love never changes, to know that even His most distressing dealings with me are for my deepest spiritual gain, is to be able to say in the midst of bereavement, sorrow, pain, and loss, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised!" (Job 1:21)

SEEING GOD IN EVERYTHING is the only way that will make me loving and patient with people who annoy and trouble me. Then I will see others as the instruments God uses to accomplish His tender and wise purpose for me, and I will even find myself inwardly thanking them for the blessing they have become to me. Nothing but seeing God will completely put an end to all complaining and thoughts of rebellion.

I really needed this reminder today. How about you? God is always at work around us -- even in our circumstances. Can you see Him today? Will you look for Him today, my brothers? -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 20; Ecclesiastes 4-6; 2 Corinthians 12

Great Quote: “Christian righteousness is the confidence of the heart in God through Christ Jesus. Such confidence is accounted righteousness for Christ’s sake. Two things make for Christian righteousness: Faith in Christ, which is a gift of God; and God’s acceptance of this imperfect faith of ours for perfect righteousness. Because of my faith in Christ, God overlooks my distrust, the unwillingness of my spirit, my many other sins. Because the shadow of Christ’s wing covers me I have no fear that God will all my sins and take my imperfections for perfect righteousness”. Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians, 1538

It is not to late to enjoy a day of golfing fun and fellowship at Hanover Golf Club on September 29, 2009 to benefit the Colony of Mercy Addiction Recovery Ministry of America’s Keswick. We will have a 7:30 AM and a 12:30 PM shotgun start. There are still some openings for either start time. Call Stan Marsh @ 1-800-453 7942 x 32 for info or to make your reservation.

Can You Pray This?

Can You Pray This?

"Lord, teach us to pray ..." Luke 11:1

From time to time I have shared with you prayers that have been written by men who deeply love God. This morning I want to share one that is very convicting.

Lord,
today I choose to spread light and not shadows,
grace and not pain,
love and not apathy,
peace and not anger,
deep delight and not sharp sorrow.

I choose to stand on the rock and not the sand,
to glory in YOU and not myself,
to lift others up and not push them down,
to leave boasting to those with
more reasons to do it than I.

I choose to revel in thanksgiving rather than
discontent,
to foster a sense of enoughness rather than moreness,
to be attuned to needs and not just desires.

Here, I offer my heart and my longings,
my dreams and my priorities,
my goals and my habits,
my choices and opinions.

So in the strength that you offer,
and by the grace that you give,
I offer my "yes" to you.
Here it clearly
Nothing and no one above you.
That is my pledge today. -- from A HEART EXPOSED -- Talking to God With Nothing to Hide by Steven James (published by our good friends from Revell)

That is my prayer for today -- for me! How about you? Can you pray this today? -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 1; Ecclesiastes 1-3; 2 Corinthians 11:16-33

Great Quote: A sacrifice is a gift of the essence or the product of our lives. It may be a gift of our time, a gift of our talent, or a gift of our treasure. Whatever shape it takes, it is a sacrifice given with no regard for a return on the investment. John Garmo

Is There Good in Temptation?

Is There Good in Temptation?

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man ..." 2 Corinthians

Here's another great devotional from the Freedom Fighter archives. We all struggle with temptation which is why Oswald Chambers teaching is so powerful and necessary:

The word temptation has come to mean something bad to us today, but we tend to use the word in the wrong way. Temptation itself is not sin; it is something we are bound to face simply by virtue of being human. Not to be tempted would mean that we were already so shameful that we would be beneath contempt. Yet many of us suffer from temptations we should never have to suffer, simply because we have refused to allow God to lift us to a higher level where we would face temptations of another kind.

A person’s inner nature, what he possesses in the inner, spiritual part of his being, determines what he is tempted by on the outside. The temptation fits the true nature of the person being tempted and reveals the possibilities of his nature. Every person actually determines or sets the level of his own temptation, because temptation will come to him in accordance with the level of his controlling, inner nature.

Temptation comes to me, suggesting a possible shortcut to the realization of my highest goal— it does not direct me toward what I understand to be evil, but toward what I understand to be good. Temptation is something that confuses me for a while, and I don’t know whether something is right or wrong. When I yield to it, I have made lust a god, and the temptation itself becomes the proof that it was only my own fear that prevented me from falling into the sin earlier.

Temptation is not something we can escape; in fact, it is essential to the well-rounded life of a person. Beware of thinking that you are tempted as no one else--what you go through is the common inheritance of the human race, not something that no one has ever before endured. God does not save us from temptations--He sustains us in the midst of them (see Hebrews 2:18 and Hebrews 4:15-16 ). -- from MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST

We all battle temptation -- but THROUGH CHRIST we can be victorious. Praise the Lord! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 30-31; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15

Great Quote: We talk of the second coming, while half the world has never heard of the first. Oswald J. Smith

How's Your Battery?

How's Your Battery?

See Genesis 32:22-30

One of my favorite Keswick convention speakers was the late J. Sidlow Baxter. He was the author of a very well known commentary, EXPLORE THE BOOK. I love the way he teaches victorious Christian living in such a practical way.

Today's devotional is from HIS VICTORIOUS INDWELLING -- Daily Devotions for a Deeper Christian Life (Zondervan)

Far too many Christians live their spiritual life on the "battery system." Lest that sounds a strangely peculiar idea, let me explain what I mean.

I can dimly remember how, when I was a little boy, my dear mother sometimes took me to a town, where, if I remember rightly, about that time there was a change-over in the street car system. The older type of street car used to run on the battery system. There was an electric battery on the front or rear platform of the car, and so long as the battery was "alive" the car would run; but as soon as the battery was exhausted, the car would stop dead. It was far from satisfactory, hence the change-over.

There are Christian believers who seem to run their spiritual life and service on that system. They go to a [conference/retreat] on the deeper life and when they return home, they are altogether different -- for three weeks! Or they read some epochal Christian biography, and as they close the book they say, "Ah, life can never be the same again" nor is it -- for three weeks!

Or they have an all-night of prayer. Things have been going from bad to worse with them, so they bring things to a crisis. While others sleep, they wrestle on their nocturnal brook of Jabbok (Genesis 23:22), and when the sun rises they are transfigured -- for three weeks, after which they lapse again to the dull average. Why? Because they are resting on a CRISIS instead of on CHRIST.

The Christian life was never meant to be run on a battery system. It was meant to run on the electric current principle. You know what that is. Put simply, it is just this: continuous CURRENT through continuous CONTACT. You and I have no power over the current; but we do have power over the contact; and when, by regular prayer-times, daily meditation in the written Word, consecration to Christ, and separation from unworthy ways, we maintain the CONTACT then the heavenly CURRENT, the Holy Spirit, the life of Christ, is continually communicated to us.

So my brothers, are you running off a battery system, or are you connected the Source? Think about it. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 27-29; 2 Corinthians 10

Great Quote: The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable. Barbara Johnson

What to Renounce ...

What to Renounce

"We have renounced the hidden things of shame ..." 2 Corinthians 4:2

I shared this particular passage with you back in September of 2007, but it bears repeating. I trust that the Spirit of God will speak to your heart today as He did to mine as I re-read it from Oswald Chambers', MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST.

Have you "renounced the hidden things of shame" in your life— the things that your sense of honor or pride will not allow to come into the light? You can easily hide them. Is there a thought in your heart about anyone that you would not like to be brought into the light? Then renounce it as soon as it comes to mind— renounce everything in its entirety until there is no hidden dishonesty or craftiness about you at all.

Envy, jealousy, and strife don’t necessarily arise from your old nature of sin, but from the flesh which was used for these kinds of things in the past (see Romans 6:19 and 1 Peter 4:1-3 ). You must maintain continual watchfulness so that nothing arises in your life that would cause you shame.

". . . not walking in craftiness. . ." ( 2 Corinthians 4:2 ). This means not resorting to something simply to make your own point. This is a terrible trap. You know that God will allow you to work in only one way— the way of truth. Then be careful never to catch people through the other way— the way of deceit. If you act deceitfully, God’s blight and ruin will be upon you. What may be craftiness for you, may not be for others— God has called you to a higher standard.

Never dull your sense of being your utmost for His highest— your best for His glory. For you, doing certain things would mean craftiness coming into your life for a purpose other than what is the highest and best, and it would dull the motivation that God has given you. Many people have turned back because they are afraid to look at things from God’s perspective. The greatest spiritual crisis comes when a person has to move a little farther on in his faith than the beliefs he has already accepted.

Brothers, is there something in YOUR life today that the Holy Spirit is placing His finger on right now? If so, do what the passage says: Renounce it, and by faith, live in the victory He has provided for you through Jesus Christ. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 25-26; 2 Corinthians 9

Great Quote: "My peace I give unto you"; it is a peace all over from the crown of your head to the sole of the feet, an irrepressible confidence. "Your life is hidden with Christ in God," and the imperturbable peace of Jesus Christ is imparted to you." -- Oswald Chambers

Please check out this week's STEWARDSHIP INSIGHT from George Hutchison. It is very timely: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/ Thanks for checking it out!

After Surrender -- What?

After Surrender, What?

"I have finished the work which You have given me to do." John 17:4

Did you ever stop to think how many things we SING that we really don't mean? Think about it next time you crack open your hymnal, or sing a song from the wall -- do you REALLY mean what you are singing?

How many of us have sung together:

I surrender all!
I surrender all!
All to Jesus I surrender!
I surrender all.

What happens after we surrender all? What does that look like? Well I think that Oswald Chambers addresses this quite profoundly in the September 13th reading from MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST

True surrender is not simply surrender of our external life but surrender of our will— and once that is done, surrender is complete. The greatest crisis we ever face is the surrender of our will. Yet God never forces a person’s will into surrender, and He never begs. He patiently waits until that person willingly yields to Him. And once that battle has been fought, it never needs to be fought again.

Surrender for Deliverance. "Come to Me . . . and I will give you rest" ( Matthew 11:28 ). It is only after we have begun to experience what salvation really means that we surrender our will to Jesus for rest. Whatever is causing us a sense of uncertainty is actually a call to our will— "Come to Me." And it is a voluntary coming.

Surrender for Devotion. "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself . . . " (Matthew 16:24). The surrender here is of my self to Jesus, with His rest at the heart of my being. He says, "If you want to be My disciple, you must give up your right to yourself to Me." And once this is done, the remainder of your life will exhibit nothing but the evidence of this surrender, and you never need to be concerned again with what the future may hold for you. Whatever your circumstances may be, Jesus is totally sufficient (see 2 Corinthians 12:9 and (Philippians 4:19).

Surrender for Death. ". . . another will gird you . . ." (John 21:18 ; also see John21:19 ). Have you learned what it means to be girded for death? Beware of some surrender that you make to God in an ecstatic moment in your life, because you are apt to take it back again. True surrender is a matter of being "united together [with Jesus] in the likeness of His death" ( Romans 6:5 ) until nothing ever appeals to you that did not appeal to Him.

And after you surrender— then what? Your entire life should be characterized by an eagerness to maintain unbroken fellowship and oneness with God.

So, my brothers, are you willing to take the next step after singing I SURRENDER ALL? -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 22-24; 2 Corinthians 8

Great Quote: When you can help someone, don't expect your pastor to do it. Anonymous

I Just Don't Get It -- My sin and HIS Unfailing Love

I Just Don't Get It -- My Sin and His Unfailing Love

"For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering." Psalm 51:16

I really don't get it -- I am thick-headed. He wants me to see MY sin. But He wants me to understand His unfailing love. You need to purchase this book if you purchase no other one that I have recommended to you. It is a must-read, must-keep, must read over and over again.

Listen to this powerful description of my sin and HIS unfailing love:

I wish I would live with YOU in view;

Eyes to YOUR glory

Ears for YOUR wisdom

Heart for YOUR grace.

But I live with ME in view.

Eyes to MY kingdom

Ears for MY opinion

Heart captured for MY will.

I know I was made for YOU,

I know that Hope

Meaning

Purpose

Identity

My agenda for every day,

is to be found in YOU!

But I want MY OWN kingdom

I love MY OWN glory

I define MY OWN meaning

I delight in MY control.

I know YOU are not fooled

by my burnt offerings.

There's a war that never ends;

The battleground is MY heart.

It's a moral skirmish

Between what YOU have ordained

and what I want!

So I don't find pleasure in YOUR glory,

I don't delight in YOUR law.

But my heart doesn't rest;

I KNOW there is a better way.

I know YOU are God

and I am not.

MY sin is more than

Bad behavior

A bad choice

Wrong words.

MY sin is a violation of the relationship

that I was meant to have with YOU.

MY sin is an act

Where I replace YOU

With something I love more.

Every wrong that I do

reflects

a lack of love for YOU,

Reflects

a love of SELF.

Help ME

to see

to acknowledge

to weep

And say,

"Against YOU, YOU only have I sinned

And done what is evil in YOUR sight."

And then help me to rest

In YOUR mercy

In YOUR tender mercy

In YOUR faithful love,

Even as the war goes on! -- From WHITER THAN SNOW -- Meditations on Mercy and Grace by Paul David Tripp (Crossway)

You can purchase this at the Keswick online Book and CD store: http://www.americaskeswick.org/store

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 19-21; 2 Corinthians 7

Great Quote: Most of us know perfectly well what we ought to do; our trouble is that we do not want to do it. Peter Marshall

Tapped on the Shoulder

Tapped on the Shoulder

“Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.’”
(Jeremiah 1:4-5)

Not often enough can I say, “The word of the Lord came to me.” Yet, that is what Jeremiah remembers. The truth is, that word comes to all who are in a relationship with God. He still speaks to His own people: through the scriptures, through circumstances, through other believers.

When the word came to Jeremiah, it was a very specific word. God told Jeremiah that he was not an afterthought. Before Jeremiah was even born, God knew him and had a plan for him. God set him apart. One could say that Jeremiah never had an opportunity to be a rebel. He was set up by God from his pre-natal days. What a way to think about life. Instead of thinking we are accidents or unplanned surprises, let’s think of ourselves as products of God long-range planning.

The God who has formed Jeremiah also calls Jeremiah to speak in God’s name.
Jeremiah’s response is that he is not qualified to speak for God. Have you ever felt that way? Perhaps we should leave the speaking to other people. “God could not possible use us,” we say. In fact, Jeremiah says he cannot speak for God because he is only a child (verse 6). However, if God has decided to use you, you dare not tell Him he cannot.

The God who calls us delivers us from our fears. Both for Jeremiah and us, the call is not to go into the world with our own words. God put His words in Jeremiah’s mouth and he’ll do the same for us. Our effectiveness comes not from our cleverness or education but, rather, from our having been given God’s words.

The most disturbing part of the account of Jeremiah’s call is in verse 10. It appears that Jeremiah is to go to people and situations and tear them down. Be deliberately offensive? Actually, we are not only to be firm and address wrong (tear down) but to encourage, motivate, and to stimulate, building people up.

You and I are like Jeremiah: planned in the mind of God, called to speak for Him and useful to Him. -- Dr. Richard Allen Farmer was our speaker for our Labor Day Weekend Conference. If you would like to order his three part message from the book of Deuteronomy, call us at 732-350-1187.

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 16-18; 2 Corinthians 6

Great Quote: God is not only the Greatest of all beings, but the Best. All the goodness there is in any creature has been imparted from the Creator, but God's goodness is underived, for it is the essence of His eternal nature. -- A. W. Pink

Somebody Else

Somebody Else

" ... so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment." Psalm 51:4

Today I want to share with you from Paul David Tripp's book: WHITER THAN SNOW -- Meditations of Mercy and Grace (Crossway). It is a powerful teaching on how we so often look to blame someone else for what WE have done. Allow the Spirit of God to speak to you this morning as you read it:

I really wish I could blame
somebody else.
I wish I could place the responsibility
on somebody else.
I would love to point the finger
at somebody else.
I wish I could convince myself
that it was somebody else.
I tried to feed myself the logic
that it was somebody else.
For a moment I bought my argument
that it was somebody else.

There is always another sinner
who can bear my fault.
There is always another circumstance
that can carry my blame.
There's always some factor
that made me do what I did.
There's always somewhere else to point
rather than looking at me.

BUT in the darkness of bedtime
the logic melts out of my heart.
In the moments before sleep
the pain begins to squeeze away my breath.
As my mind replays the day's moments
the conclusion is like a slap.
There is no monster
to hide from.
There is no excuse that holds.
My war is not external,
the enemy is not outside.
The struggle rages within me,
nowhere to point or run.
No independent righteousness,
No reasons for smugness or rest.
I am my greatest enemy
and rescue my only hope.
In the quiet I face it
I cannot blame somebody else.
One more time I close my eyes admitting
my only hope is found in Somebody else!

"My hope is built on nothing less -- than Jesus' blood and righteousness! I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name! Hallelujah, what a Savior!"

Praise God that the blaming shifting can stop in my life. Praise God that I can run to the Cross and find my hope in HIM and in HIM alone. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 13-15; 2 Corinthians 5

Great Quote: He is the absolute quintessence of moral excellence, infinitely perfect in righteousness, purity, rectitude, and incomprehensible holiness. And in all this he is uncreated, self-sufficient and beyond the power of human thought to conceive or human speech to utter. -- A. W. Tozer

You can order a copy of Paul David Tripp's book from our Keswick Online Book and CD Store. http://www.americaskeswick.org/store Check it out and enjoy some amazing resources.






























You can order a copy of Paul David Tripp's book from the Keswick Online Store: SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
“Heaven and earth may pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Luke 21:33)
Our nation will never forget the day that changed our lives forever. Little did we realize how personal September 11th would be for the ministry of America’s KESWICK. Like many ministries, we were getting ready to begin a service of remembrance for our community, staff and the men of the Colony of Mercy. As I was preparing to walk to the Auditorium, I received word that this tragedy had impacted our ministry.
Don and Jean Peterson were actively involved with the ministry. In addition to being conference attendees, both were burdened for the Colony ministry. Don served for a number of years as a volunteer counselor and Jean became a faithful prayer warrior. Seeing Don’s passion and vision for the ministry, we invited Don to serve on our Board of Trustees. He was a man of purpose, determination, integrity and commitment.
The Peterson's were scheduled to leave for California for a family reunion on the morning of September 11. Arriving early at the airport, they were bumped to an earlier flight. They were assigned to Flight 93 that crashed on a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Several months after the tragedy we heard that a Bible had been found at the crash site. Selfishly we were hoping that it belonged to Don or Jean. When the rescue teams arrived at the crash site, there were only two things visible – a tire and Don Peterson’s Bible. Tucked inside Don’s Bible was a list of men from the Colony of Mercy that he would be praying for during the trip.
Don loved the Word of God. He believed that the Word was true and that it could change and transform lives. How about you? Do you love the Word of God? Are you spending time each day reading, meditating and memorizing the Word? It will change and transform your life. --Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICKScripture Reading: Proverbs 10-12; 2 Corinthians 4

Great Quote: You cannot persevere unless there is a trial in your life. There can be no victories without battles; there can be no peaks without valleys. If you want the blessing, you must be prepared to carry the burden and fight the battle ... God has to balance privileges with responsibilities, blessings with burdens, or else you and I will will become spoiled, pampered children. -- Warren W. Wiersbe

September 11, 2001

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

“Heaven and earth may pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Luke 21:33)

Our nation will never forget the day that changed our lives forever. Little did we realize how personal September 11th would be for the ministry of America’s KESWICK. Like many ministries, we were getting ready to begin a service of remembrance for our community, staff and the men of the Colony of Mercy. As I was preparing to walk to the Auditorium, I received word that this tragedy had impacted our ministry.

Don and Jean Peterson were actively involved with the ministry. In addition to being conference attendees, both were burdened for the Colony ministry. Don served for a number of years as a volunteer counselor and Jean became a faithful prayer warrior. Seeing Don’s passion and vision for the ministry, we invited Don to serve on our Board of Trustees. He was a man of purpose, determination, integrity and commitment.

The Peterson's were scheduled to leave for California for a family reunion on the morning of September 11. Arriving early at the airport, they were bumped to an earlier flight. They were assigned to Flight 93 that crashed on a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Several months after the tragedy we heard that a Bible had been found at the crash site. Selfishly we were hoping that it belonged to Don or Jean. When the rescue teams arrived at the crash site, there were only two things visible – a tire and Don Peterson’s Bible. Tucked inside Don’s Bible was a list of men from the Colony of Mercy that he would be praying for during the trip.

Don loved the Word of God. He believed that the Word was true and that it could change and transform lives. How about you? Do you love the Word of God? Are you spending time each day reading, meditating and memorizing the Word? It will change and transform your life. --Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 10-12; 2 Corinthians 4

Great Quote: You cannot persevere unless there is a trial in your life. There can be no victories without battles; there can be no peaks without valleys. If you want the blessing, you must be prepared to carry the burden and fight the battle ... God has to balance privileges with responsibilities, blessings with burdens, or else you and I will will become spoiled, pampered children. -- Warren W. Wiersbe

The Normal Christian Life

The Normal Christian Life

One of my many heroes was on campus this summer to share God's WORD. Dr. Robertson McQuilken was the president of Columbia International University for a number of years, and if you remember his story, he stepped down from his position to care for his wife, Muriel, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Dr. McQuilken's father, Robert C. McQuilken, was a part of the Victorious Christian Life movement that was the beginning of the conference ministry at America's KESWICK. Both men have grasped and taught the message that is so dear to our ministry.

The victorious Christian life IS the normal Christian life. Dr. Robertson explains it so clearly in the introduction to his book, FREE AND FULFILLED:

Average is not necessarily normal. For example, the average temperature of patients in a hospital may be 100 degrees, but such a temperature is not normal. So it is with the Christian life. The average church experience of church members is far different from New Testament norms for the Christian life.

The normal Christian is characterized by loving responses to ingratitude and indifference, even hostility, and is fill with joy in the midst of unhappy circumstances and with peace when everything goes wrong.

The normal Christian overcomes in the battle with temptation, consistently obeys the laws of God, and grows in self-control, contentment, humility, and courage. Thought processes are so under the control of the Holy Spirit and instructed by Scripture that the normal Christian authentically reflects the attitudes and behavior of Jesus Christ. God has first place in life, and the welfare of others takes precedence over personal desires.

The normal Christian life has power not only for godly living but for effective service in the church. Above all, he or she has the joy of constant companionship with the Lord.

But what is the average Christian experience? Many church members typically think and behave very much like morally upright non-Christians. They are decent enough, but there is nothing supernatural about them. Their behavior is quite explainable in terms of heredity, early environment, and present circumstances. They yield to temptation more often than not, lusting when their body demands it, coveting what they do not have, and taking credit for their accomplishments.

The touchstone for their choices is self-interest, and though they have a love for God and others, it does not control their life. There is little change for the better; in fact, most church members do not expect much improvement and are little concerned by that prospect.

Scripture is not exciting, prayer is perfunctory, and service in the church demonstrates little touch of the supernatural. Above all, their life seems to have an empty core, for it does not center around constant, personal companionship with the Lord.

Well, my brother -- as you read the above, the question is this: Are you living life as God intended to be? Freed and fulfilled? Are you living the NORMAL CHRISTIAN life? -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 8-9; 2 Corinthians 3

Great Quote: A saint is never consciously a saint; a saint is consciously dependent on God -- Oswald Chambers

The Dance of Redemption

The Dance of Redemption

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation." Psalm 51:12

Most of us are afraid of the "D" word! Don't panic -- I am talking about the word DANCE. You've been there before, haven't you? You remember those moments that everything in your life is going absolutely perfectly -- you are so happy and fulfilled -- you just want to shout, and maybe even dance?

The picture in my mind this morning after reading what I am about to share with you, is just that picture. It is a picture of my life completely free from the entanglement and bondage of sin -- a life that is entirely clean before my Lord.

Paul David Trip sums it up this way in his book, WHITER THAN SNOW -- Meditations on Sin and Mercy (Crossway) as he talks about the DANCE OF REDEMPTION

My sin
YOUR unfailing love.
My transgression
YOUR great compassion.
My iniquity
YOUR cleansing.
My evil
YOUR mercy.
My sin
YOUR wisdom.
My iniquity
YOUR presence.
My transgression
YOUR restoration.
My sin
YOUR salvation.
My song
YOUR righteousness.
My broken heart
YOUR delight.
My prosperity
YOUR good pleasure.
YOUR altar,
my delight.
Hide Your face
from my sins
Create in me
a pure heart
Do not
cast me from YOUR presence
Do not
take YOUR Spirit from me
Restore to me
the joy of YOUR salvation
Grant me
a willing heart
Save me
from bloodguilt
Sustain me
Fro I know
MY transgressions
and MY sin
is ever before me.

Wow. Powerful stuff for our consideration today. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 6-7; 2 Corinthians 2

Great Quote: It is extraordinary what enormous power there is in simple things to distract our attention from God. Refuse to be swamped with the cares of this life. -- Oswald Chambers

Learn of Me

LEARN OF ME

“take My yoke upon you – learn of Me” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Throughout the word of God, the word “yoke” is employed in two symbolic ways. It may be surprising to learn that the predominant usage of the word has to do with “authority” or “dominion.” For example, God repeatedly warned His ancient people that if they turned away from Him to worship idols that He would bring them under the “yoke” of the surrounding nations. Repeatedly this was the experience of the nation of Israel. Numerous other times in the Old Testament, God employed that analogy.

The word “yoke” also is employed of an agricultural instrument that joined two oxen, for example, in joint labor. When Jesus said, “take My yoke,” unquestionably He included both of these symbolic meanings. That is, Jesus was saying both to submit to my dominion and authority, submit to My Lordship, and also become a partner with Jesus Christ in fulfilling the work of God in the world.

If the church of Jesus Christ faces a vast unfinished task in the world, not doubt it is largely because so many have failed to respond acceptably to the call of Jesus Christ to “take His yoke upon us.” That is, we fail to bow to His dominion, His Lordship and authority and we thus fail to become partners with Him in the glorious task of fulfilling God’s work in the world.

The remedy to this failure is found in the next words of our Lord we He said “and learn of Me.” There are many things that we may learn from Jesus Christ. We may learn the word of God, we may learn to know God, we may learn how to pray and we may learn all about the future. But when He said “learn of Me” I believe that He meant something else. In the context of this text, He meant learn of Me how to bear the yoke. Learn from Jesus Christ how to submit to the authority of the Father and how to become a partner with Him in fulfilling God’s work in the world.

One of the greatest passages wherein we learn how Jesus bore the yoke is Philippians 2:5-8. Here we read how Jesus surrendered His rights and stooped down to become the servant and ultimately the sacrifice for our sins. That is how He bore the yoke. And He instructs us to learn from Him. As Paul wrote, “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” So we may learn from the Lord Jesus Christ to submit to His Lordship and become a partner with Him in doing God’s will and work in the world. -- Dr. Eric Crichton is Pastor Emeritus of Calvary Church, Lancaster, PA, and is an Emeritus Board member at America's KESWICK. He has traveled the world teaching the message of the victorious Christian life.

God's WORD for YOU -- Proverbs 3-5; 2 Corinthians 1

Surrender -- Whose is Your Life?

SURRENDER – WHOSE IS YOUR LIFE?

“And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” (Romans 6:13)

God has ownership rights to the life of every Christian. He purchased us to Himself through the blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7). In terms of the slavery practices in the days of the Apostle Paul, a purchased slave became property and lived at the bidding of the owner. Referring to this practice, the Apostle makes an application to the responsibility of Christians to realize that they do not have the right of self-determination. Life’s decisions are to be made under the direction of the Master.

In our theme verse the term members applies to the portions of the body which can be used in service to the Master. In the secular use of the term instruments it was often found in a military context and translated as weapons or armor. A spiritual application of it is found in 2 Corinthians 10:4 where the weapons of spiritual warfare are declared to be different and more highly effective that the strongholds and defenses of evil.

In our Romans passage the time elements in the verbs are important. It says, in effect, “Do not keep presenting your members…., but once and for all present yourself to God.” The first verb indicates that presentation of the members to unrighteousness had been a pattern which must be changed. In the second, there is a call for a decisive action of surrendering ourselves to the Lord once and for all. This type of turnover cannot be done on an installment plan.
The terms used to bring an end to World War II were unconditional surrender. This meant that on the basis of signed documents, the Japanese were to live in submission to the occupying forces of the United States. Following the surrender there was to be a process of yielding to the conquering ones. In the Christian life, surrender is to be followed by daily yielding. Pastor William A. Raws is the grandson of the founder of America's KESWICK and went home to be with the Lord in July 2008

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 1-2; 1 Corinthians 16

Great Quote: Do you so love the truth and the right that you welcome, or at least submit willingly to, the idea of an exposure of what in you is yet unknown to yourself -- an exposure that may redound to the glory of the truth by making you ashamed and humbled?...Are you willing to be made glad that you were wrong when you thought others were wrong?...We may trust God with our past as heartily as with our future. It will not hurt us so long as we do not try to hide things, so long as we are ready to bow our heads in hearty shame where it is fit that we should be ashamed. For to be ashamed is a holy and blessed thing. Shame is a thing to shame only those who want to appear, not those who want to be. Shame is to shame those who want to pass their examination, not those who would get into the heart of things...To be humbly ashamed is to be plunged in the cleansing bath of truth. George Macdonald

Join us live at 9:30 AM as Dr. Richard Alan Farmer shares his final message of our Labor Day Weekend conference, and the last message of our 2009 Summer Think Victory season: www.americaskeswick.org

What To Pray When You Have a Bad Day

What to Pray When You Have a Bad Day

Have you ever found yourself thinking that God only blesses you or loves you when you are having a good day? Some of us have fallen into that trap of believing that His love for us and His blessing on our lives is only for our "good days."

Dr. Jerry Bridges, says " ... we believe that God's blessing on our lives is somehow conditioned upon OUR spiritual performance. If we've performed well and had a 'good' day, we assume we are in a better position for God to bless us. Oh, we know God's blessings come to us through Christ, but we also have this vague but very real notion that they are also conditioned on OUR behavior."

When you and I are having one of those bad days, we need to run back to the cross and see Jesus there bearing our sins. We must by faith appropriate for ourselves the blood of Jesus Christ that will cleanse our guilty consciences.

In his book THE DISCIPLNE OF GRACE: God's Role and Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness (NavPress), Dr Jerry Bridges suggests that we pray the following prayer:

Father I have sinned against You. I've been negligent in the spiritual disciplines that I know are necessary and helpful for my spiritual growth. I've been irritable and impatient towards those around me. I've allowed resentful and unkind thoughts to lodge in my mind. I repent of these sins and claim Your forgiveness.

You have said You justify the wicked (Romans 4:5). Father, in view of my sins today, I acknowledge that in myself I am wicked. In fact, my problem is not merely the sins I've committed, some of which I many not even be aware of, but the fact that my heart is sinful. These sins I am so painfully conscious of now are merely the expressions of my sinful heart.

But despite my sins and my sinfulness, You have said, 'There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus' (Romans 8:1). Given my acute awareness of my sin just now, that seems to be an incredible statement. How can I be without condemnation when I have so flagrantly and willfully sinned against You today?

O Father, I know it is because Jesus bore the sins I've committed today in His body on the cross. He suffered the punishment I deserve, so that I might experience the blessings He deserved.

God's grace through Christ is greater than our sin, even on our worst days. To experience that grace, however, we must lay hold of it by faith IN CHRIST and His death on our behalf ...

You can pray a prayer like this whenever you are acutely aware of your need of God's intervening grace and at the same time are painfully aware of your total undeservedness of that grace. In fact, we obviously should not wait until we have a need for God to bless us. We should pray such a prayer of repentance and faith just to have our consciences cleansed from all sin and to walk in fellowship with God."

Good stuff, brothers. Are you having a bad day? Run to the cross! Preach the gospel to yourself. Allow Him to speak to your heart today. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 6; Psalm 148-150; 1 Corinthians 15:29-58

Great Quote: You're worst days are never so bad that YOU are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace. -- Jerry Bridges

Did you know that you can watch the conference services live? Join us today at 10:30 AM and 7:00 PM and hear Dr. Richard Alan Farmer share God's Word from the pulpit of America's KESWICK: www.americaskeswick.org.

Romans 7 -- A Paraphrase

Romans 7 - A Paraphrase

"Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!" Romans 51:2

In Romans 6 we discover the truth that we have died with Christ and are now dead to sin. Through Christ we can live victoriously. In Romans 8 we see that this is only possible when we allow Christ to live out His live through us by His Spirit.

In between Romans 6 and 8 is chapter 7 where we see the frustration of trying to live this life on our own vs. Christ living His life through me.

Here is a heart-revealing paraphrase of Romans 7 penned by Dr. Paul David Tripp in his book, WHITER THAN SNOW -- Meditations on Sin and Mercy (Crossway)

I am a mass of contradictions; I don't want to be but I am.
I preach a gospel of peace, but my life isn't always driven by peace.
I talk about a Jesus who alone can fully satisfy the soul, but I am often not satisfied.
I celebrate a theology of amazing grace, but often react in ungrace.
And if I rested in God's control, why do I seek it for myself?
Even in moments when I think I am prepared, I end up doing what I didn't want to do.
Irritation.
Impatience.
Envy.
Discontent.
Wrong talk.
Anger.
Self-focus.
Are not the fruit of the new life, are not the way of grace.
So there is this law operating inside of me.
When I set out with desire to do good, evil follows me wherever I go.
There is this war that rages inside of me, between a desire for good and sin that is anything but good.
There are times when I feel like a prisoner, held against my will.
I didn't plan to be mad in the grocery store, but the guy made me mad.
I didn't plan to be discontent, but it just enveloped me in the quietness of the car.
That discussion wasn't suppose to degenerate into an argument, but it did.
I am thankful for God's grace, but there is daily evidence that I'm still in need of help.
That battle inside of me cannot be solved by
Theology
Strategies
Principles
Techniques
Plans
Preparation
Helpful hints
Outlines.
I have been humbled by the war I cannot win.
I have been grieved by the desires I cannot conquer.
I have been confronted by actions I cannot excuse.
And I have come to confess that what I really need is rescue.
So have mercy on me, O God,
According to Your unfailing love,
According to Your great compassion
Blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
And cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions
And my sin is always before me.
I embrace the rescue that could only be found in You!
Thanks be to God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord!

I don't know about you, brothers, but I have been there ... way too often. I am thankful that I am slowly learning that the only way to live this Christian life, is too allow Christ to live it through me. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU and ME: Proverbs 5; Psalm 146-147; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28

Great Quote: The very essence of anxious care is imagining that we are wiser than God. When we worry, we put ourselves in his place and try to do for him what he intends to do for us. -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon

IF ONLY

If Only

"Behold, I was brought forth into iniquity, and in sin did my my mother conceive me." Psalm 51:5

I serve in a ministry that reaches men, women and teens who have allowed life dominating sin to reign and rule in their lives. I have listened to hundreds of men tell their stories over my short 12 years as President and CEO of America's KESWICK. I have heard so many men use these two little words, "If only ..."

Those words frame excuse after excuse justifying why they are in the condition they are in. There is much blame shifting. But if I am really honest with myself, I am so guilty of the same thing in my life when it comes to my sin.

I have been sharing with your from Paul David Trips book, WHITER THAN SNOW -- Meditations on Sin and Mercy (published by our friends at Crossway). He addresses this "If Only" syndrome in a powerful way:

It's so easy to slip into an "if only" lifestyle. I find myself slipping into it often. The "if only" possibilities are endless:

If only I had been from a more stable family.
If only I'd had better friends as I was growing up.
If only my parents had sent me to better schools.
If only I'd been given better intellectual gifts.
If only that accident hadn't happened.
If only I'd had better physical health.
If only that degree program had been as good as advertised.
If only I'd been able to find a better job.
If only I didn't have to fight the traffic every day.
If only I'd been able to get married.
If only I hadn't gotten married so young.
If only I had a more understanding spouse.
If only I had come to know Christ earlier.
If only I had found a good church when I was young.
If only I didn't have to struggle with my finances.
If only I could find a small group that I could be comfortable with.
If only my children were more obedient.
If only I knew my Bible better.
If only that boss hadn't fired me.
If only I had a better place to live.
If only God seemed closer to me.
If only ....

and brothers, I am sure we could add to the list. Dr. Tripp goes on to say that the seductive thing about our "if only" is that there is a bit of plausibility in all of them. We do live in a fallen world. We all face hardships of various kinds. We all have been sinned against in a variety of ways. None of us has ever lived in ideal circumstances or in perfect relationships. The world is a broken place and we have all been touched in many ways by its brokenness. Yet the "if only" lifestyle tends to say, "My biggest problems in life exist outside of me and not inside of me."

David wants us to understand that it isn't the external stuff that is the issue. It is the internal thing in our hearts that is the problem -- my sin and yours.

Think about it this way: it is the evil that is inside of you that either magnetizes you to evil outside of you or causes you to deal with the evil outside of you in a way that is wrong. It is only when you begin to accept that your greatest problem in all of life is not what has happened or been done to you that you begin to get excited about the rescuing grace of Jesus Christ.

It is only when you begin to accept that your greatest need is something with which you came into the world that you will begin to hunger for the help that only God can give you. It is only then that you will begin to hunger for more than changes of situation and relationship.

It is only then that you will begin to accept the most radical and personally liberating truth you could ever conceive. What is that truth? It is that what you and I need to be rescued from is ourselves! We are the biggest damage to ourselves. That is why God offers us the gorgeous promise of his grace which has the power to change us from the inside out."

Brothers, this is life-transforming truth. I can stop wallowing in the "if onlys" of life, and for the first time, accept God's rescuing, transforming grace! The question is am I willing to embrace it? I am. How about you? -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 4; Psalm 143-145; 1 Corinthians 14:21-40

Great Quote: A person who has the right relationship with God lives a life as natural as breathing wherever he goes. The lives that have been the greatest blessing to you are the lives of those people who themselves were unaware of having been a blessing. -- Oswald Chambers

Please check out this weeks STEWARDSHIP INSIGHT from George. As always, George's insight is right on:http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/