The Easy Way Out

THE EASY WAY OUT

“There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer [permit] you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Since the Fall in the Garden of Eden, temptation has been a constant struggle as part of human life. Men have tried to avoid and resist temptation with many man-made efforts to succeed only to flounder.

Christ took the place of a humble servant, acting only from and in obedience to the Father that He might redeem the fallen race and a creation under the divine curse. satan’s object was to induce Christ to act for Himself, independent of His Father. The temptations of Christ in Matthew 4:1-12 is directed at Christ’s deity and how He would establish His Kingdom without sin. This is passage of Scripture, is one of the most mysterious spiritual battles between the Prince of Peace and the Prince of the power of the air recorded for our edification and how we may overcome temptation.

As you read Matthew 4:1-11 you will find some clear strategies used satan uses against God and His people. At the same time you will observe Jesus’ way of victory over the tempter.

Immediately after Jesus’ baptism and His Father’s verbal approval of the same and His confirmation of Christ’s deity, the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil to take “The Easy Way Out.” The first temptation in verse three was satan’s purpose to frustrate the plan of God and usurp His authority. The easy way out to meet his physical need of hunger was to turn stones into bread. To overcome the temptation Jesus quoted Scripture from Deuteronomy 8:3 saying, “…Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (verse 4).

In the second temptation, found in verse six, satan continues his scheme by showing the easy way out would be for Him to use His divine power to serve His interest [cast Himself down]. By doing the spectacular He would gain a following because people always want to see a sign, a miracle or something sensational. Again Jesus uses Scripture from Deuteronomy 6:16 to overcome the temptation “…Thou shall not tempt the Lord your God” (verse 7).

Lastly, in verses eight and nine, satan asks Jesus to bow down and worship him and he would give all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them to Him. The easy way out would have been to compromise and not go through the agonizing events before and during the cross. For the third time Jesus quotes Scripture from Deuteronomy 10:20, “…Thou shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve” (verse10).

Indeed, Jesus used Scripture to overcome temptation and remained perfect even unto this day, “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). There is “No Easy Way Out.” Christ gave us an example to follow Him in how to be delivered from temptation. Let us go and do likewise. Remember to look at Christ, not the temptation. -- Dr. Henry Lutz is a retired pastor and a frequent contributor to Freedom Fighter

God's WORD for US: Proverbs 30; Ezekiel 37-39; 2 Peter 2

GREAT QUOTE: "God never makes promises to remove temptation from us, for even God was subject to it (Matthew 4:1-11). There is a sense of achievement and assurance that results from victory over temptation that cannot come to us otherwise. Temptation shows what people really are. It does not make us Christian or Unchristian. Overcoming does make the Christian stronger and causes him to discover resources of power… In times of temptation Christ can become more real to you than ever.” -Billy Graham

God is Everything, Everything, Everything

God is Everything ... Everything ... Everything

"Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power ... When has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all and in all." 1 Corinthians 15:24, 28

Today is the Lord's day and I want to remind you that you are worshipping HIM today! Today's reading from How Great Thou Art -- A Daily Devotional published by Multnomah, helps to put this in perspective:

After Arthur Toscanini finished conducting a brilliant performance of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, the audience rose to its feet and applauded, shouting its delight. But Toscanini waved his arms violently for it all to stop. He turned to the orchestra and shouted hoarsely, "I am nothing!" Then he shouted, "Beethoven is everything, everything, everything!"

Christian worship may say, "God is everything, everything, everything." What we do on Sunday mornings (or whenever we gather), the order of events and the manner in which we enact the drama, must always point to God, must reinforce again and again that God has taken the initiative and called us together, that God's grace is more important than our sin, that God's will is more important that our desires, and that God's glorification is more important than our edification.

All worship ought to be ordered TOWARD God; services should be put together in such a way that keeps our attention centered on God. As we look up to the One seated on the throne, we lose sight of everything else; the Holy God commands and consumes our attention. What we really need when we show up for worship is for our attention to be turned toward the glory of God. Only in turning toward the Light can we do the dance, and only in this joyous but reverent dance before the Holy One will our deepest needs be met, for only then will we enter our full humanity as sons and daughters of God. -- Donald McCullough

This morning as you gather together with the people of God, remember: God is everything! Everything! Everything! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for US: Proverbs 29; Ezekiel 35-36; 2 Peter 1

Great Quote: “The more willing you are to own up to your sin, the more willing God is to forgive you. When you come clean, God will clean your record. If you are willing to use your lips for confession, you will find your Father willing to use His lips to kiss you". Paraphrased, Charles Spurgeon

Being Just in an Unjust World

Being Just in an Unjust World

“He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

As a young child, when things did not go my way, I would make the accusation that I was not being treated fairly. As I grew older, it translated into feelings that there was no justice at all. Now that I’m an adult, I know that there is very little justice in the world and that God never promised justice from the world.

The pledge to the American flag ends with the words, “… with liberty and justice for all.” Webster’s Dictionary defines justice as the quality of being just, impartial or ethically correct. Do you believe there is justice for all? Have you ever been unjust toward others? How do you respond to being treated unfairly? I expect to shed some light on these questions and encourage all to be just in an unjust world.

In English, the terms “righteousness” and “justice” are different words, but in both the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament thee is only one word group behind these two English terms. In the Old Testament, the terms primarily translate forms of the “tsedek” word group. In the New Testament translation it is of the “dikaios” word group. These two terms will be sondered together as speaking of one attribute of God. God is Just!

Justice is one of many key themes of the Minor Prophets. While it is an attribute of God, justice is also an obligation on the part of man God created. “… and what does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, and to lov emercy, and to walk humble with your God” (Micah 6:8b). Here is a common standard of justice to which we are held accountable.

The reality of sin necessitates the connection between justice and mercy. Israel complained that God had been unjust in holding what they considered their proper amount of material blessings. “Where is the God of justice?” they complained. The people asked for justice, justice is what they should get. God should come and destroy their land, obliterate their city, and confine them all to an eternal hell for their wickedness. However, God’s grace and mercy prevailed, even as it does today. We should be grateful God does not give us what we deserve.

Because of sin we are unjust, and many times we are the victim of unjust acts. Don’t try to bring God down to our level of petty justice or understanding. Accept that God is good, that this is the age of grace and come to Him through Jesus while there is still time. While on planet Earth, with God’s grace, mercy and love we are able to maintain a good testimony before God and man. -- Dr. Henry Lutz is a retired pastor and frequent contributor to Freedom Fighter

God's WORD for US: Proverbs 28; Ezekiel 33-34; 1 Peter 5

Great Quote: The best remedy I know against sudden fits of impatience is a silence that is gentle and without malice. However little one says, pride always comes into it, and one says things that plunge the heart into grief for a whole day after. When one is silent and smiles in a friendly manner, the storm passes over; one smothers one's temper and indiscretion, and so enjoys pure and lasting happiness. Francis de Sales

Join us tonight for the Keswick Celebration Choir Concert featuring ONE INCREDIBLE MOMENT by Max Lucado and Tom Fettke. 7:00 PM in the Activity Center. The concert will also be live streamed at www.americaskeswick.org

Fault ... Double Fault

Fault…Double Fault

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” Genesis 1:1-2 (KJV)

I cannot get my hands around the little ball that science says was the beginning of the “Big Bang Theory”. I cannot believe that if we were to take what is being called the expanding universe and ran it backward, like a movie, we would get back to the beginning that is the little ball. Sorry I cannot absorb this thought process as gospel and I have a feeling that I never will. I have my own experiment that I would like to share with you.

Take a tennis ball in your hand and bring it to your face as close as you can without going cross-eyed. Now the average tennis ball measures something like 2 ¾ “ in diameter and it is green, fuzzy with a seam that resembles the stitching of a baseball. Now take this tennis ball and throw it across the room. Use your eye to measure the diameter now. My measurement was about three quarters of an inch. So if I were to zoom in on their little ball I believe it would get bigger the closer I got to it. After all observation is one thing that you have to do to prove something in science. This is why I think there is a fault with the “Big Bang Theory”.

Canopy Ministries recently had a seminar near me and I attended. I am also in a men’s Bible study where we are using Lee Strobel’s “A Case for a Creator” small group material. Needless to say I have been knee deep “In the beginning.” And I am becoming reinforced in the notion that, as James Gardener of Canopy Ministries put it, there is a “creative designer” of the universe. Now if man, with his idea of an intelligent designer, were to have created man, out of a puddle of goo, we could go to something like a NAPA Auto Parts store and get what we needed to repair what “breaks” in us. But there is no such thing…double fault.

This is just me speaking but I believe in a universe that is always in motion. Things in it are always moving and changing. How it got there (outside of God speaking it into existence) I do not know but I will tell you this, if what I have read in the book of Job sheds any light on questioning God about His creation I would rather argue with Darwin and his monkeys. To me God’s Word is just like His universe. It is always moving and changing, a living Word that is meant to break us so it can change us. To help us “evolve” in God’s creation, if you will. I believe I was created in His image to reflect Him and not to mosh around in a puddle of goo like a monkey.

The Thanksgiving turkey is history and the Christmas lights are going up. Soon there will be someone out there repeating the world’s doubt on the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. They will use some fabricated idea that this too was impossible. They will agree with the Magi who saw a star but that will be as far as they “choose” to go. They will want us to put our faith in stuff being on sale at Wal-mart and not in what truly deserves our faith. This coming season let us choose to put faith back where it belongs and put Christ back into Christmas. -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a frequent contributor to Freedom Fighter

God's WORD for US: Proverbs 27; Ezekiel 30-32; 1 Peter 4

“Any time man attempts to discover how God created, using his natural mind and his present ability to test and verify the processes of nature, he is doomed to failure. The Bible declares that “the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3). The “science” of man is limited to merely what can be observed, as well as by a finite intellect with which man reasons, attempts to theorize, devises various tests, and tries to describe omnipotence!” 5 Reasons to Believe in Recent Creation Henry M. Morris III

Join on tomorrow night for the Keswick Celebration Choir Concert featuring ONE INCREDIBLE MOMENT by Max Lucado and Tom Fettke. 7:00 PM at the Activity Center. Visit the beautiful "Hall of Trees" before the program. We will also be webcasting live at 7:00 PM -- www.americaskeswick.org

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

"Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord." Psalm 150:6

Today is Thanksgiving Day, and I want to take this opportunity to thank you, my Freedom Fighter brothers, for your being a part of my daily journey with you. I am thankful for the privilege of sharing together each day, and pray that you and your family will have a wonderful day celebrating the goodness of God.

I share with you this morning the words of a wonderful Thanksgiving hymn of praise. Take some time this morning to reflect on these words:

Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving

To God the Creator triumphantly raise.

Who fashioned and made us,

Protected and stayed us,

Who guideth us on to the end of our days.

His banners are o'er us,

His light goes before us,

A pillar of fire shining forth in the night.

Till shadows have vanished

And darkness is banished,

As forward we travel from light into light.

His law He enforces, the stars in their courses,

The sun in His orbit, obediently shine.

The hills and the mountains, the rivers and fountains,

The deeps of the ocean proclaim Him Divine.

We too, should be voicing our love and rejoicing,

With glad adoration a song let us raise.

Till all things now living unite in Thanksgiving,

To God in the highest, hosanna and praise!

I want to especially thank Chris Hughes, Pastor George VanSandt, Dr. Henry Lutz and Pastor John Strain for their contributions throughout this year. You men have helped to lighten the load.

On behalf of the Board and staff of America's KESWICK -- Happy Thanksgiving. May God bless you. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for US: Proverbs 26; Ezekiel 27-29; 1 Peter 3

Great Quote: The world is perishing for lack of the knowledge of God, and the church is famishing for want of HIS presence. The instant cure of most of our religious ills would be to enter the Presence, to become suddenly aware that we are God and that God is in us. This would lift us out of our pitiful narrowness and cause our hearts to be enlarged. -- A. W. Tozer

ONE INCREDIBLE MOMENT: You won't want to miss the KESWICK CELEBRATION CHOIR as they present Max Lucado and Tom Fettke's incredible Christmas cantata this Saturday night at America's KESWICK. Come enjoy the beautiful "Hall of Christmas Trees" and then the cantata at 7:00 PM. The program will air live from our website: www.americaskeswick.org

Thanksgiving Inventory

Thanksgiving Inventory

"Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done."-- Psalm 40:5

The verse above is one that we should ponder for today -- and not just for today. Note that it says "Many" are the wonders HE has done in our lives!

Sometimes it is good for us to take a step back and rehearse the goodness of God in our lives. Some of us look at God's goodness in the same way we view everything in life -- looking at life through either a glass that is half full or one that is half empty.

I know friends that no matter what blessings come, it is either never enough. They pray for God to meet their needs and when He does, they say, "Well it could have been more" or "Why didn't He do this or that?"

The hymnwriter, Johnson Oatman, Jr. must have been an optimist ... he penned the words of a very well-known song that too often just gets sung at Thanksgiving. I think we should sing it more often -- and even if you can't sing, reading it often. You will recognize the words:

When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold.
Count your many blessings, wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged God is over all,
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end!

Count your blessings; name them ONE BY ONE!
Count your blessings; see what GOD has done!
Count your blessings; name them ONE BY ONE!
Count your many blessings; see what GOD has done!

I want to encourage you, my brothers, please take some time today and do a quick inventory. Take out a sheet of paper and begin to record God's blessings in your life during 2009. I think you will not only be amazed, but surprised to see what GOD has done in your life. Then take the next step and thank HIM for what He has done for you this year.

I would love to hear from you today. Share what God has done in your life! Drop me a note and let me rejoice with you. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for US: Proverbs 25; Ezekiel 24-26; 1 Peter 2

Great Quote: Hunger may drive the runaway child home, and he may or may not be fed at
home; but he needs his mother more than his dinner. Communion with God is the one need of the soul beyond all other need: prayer is the beginning of that communion, and some need is the motive of that prayer...So begins a communion, a talking with God, a coming-to-one with
Him, which is the sole end of prayer, yea, of existence itself in its infinite phases. We must ask that we may receive; but that we should receive what we ask in respect of our lower needs, is not God's end in making us pray, for He could give us everything without that: to bring His child to His knee, God withholds that man may ask. George Macdonald

Check out this week's STEWARDSHIP INSIGHT from George. It's a good one: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com

Thanksgiving Blessing

Thanksgiving Blessing ...

I want to start out today by apologizing for the problems that you have encountered with Freedom Fighter. We are all frustrated with the inconsistency of the email version of our daily ministry. Please pray that we will be able to figure out how to get back on track so that you will receive it on a consistent basis. If you do not receive your email version you can follow it on the America's KESWICK website: http://www.americaskeswick.org/ or from Facebook. Again we apologize for the inconvenience.

Today's reading comes from the writings of Charles Swindoll in his book, SEASONS OF LIFE (Multnomah). Chuck lists several reasons why he loves Thanksgiving. His third reason for loving this holiday is that it one filled with national nostalgia.

This holiday takes us back to a simple slice of life over 350 years ago when our forefathers and foremothers realized their dependence on each other to survive. With Thanksgiving comes a surge of patriotism, a quiet inner peace that whispers, I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN.

I recall as a little barefoot boy with a cowlick of snow-white hair on my forehead, standing erect in my classroom repeating the "Pledge of Allegiance" on Thanksgiving season. Our nation was at war and times were hard. My teacher had lost her husband on the bloodwashed shores of Normandy. As we bowed our heads for prayer she wept aloud. I did too. All the class joined in. She stumbled through one of the most moving expressions of gratitude and praise that ever emerged from a soul plunged in pain.

At that time in my young life, I fell strangely in love with Thanksgiving. Lost in sympathy and a boy's pity for his teacher, I walked home slowly that afternoon. Although only a child, I had profound feelings of gratitude for my country ... my friends ... my school ... my church ... my family. I swore before God that would fight to the end to keep this land free from foes who would want to take away America's distinctives and the joys of living in this good land. I have never forgotten my childhood promise. I never shall.

Thanksgiving puts steel into our patriotic veins. It reminds is of our great heritage. It carries us back with numbing nostalgia to that first dreadful winter at Plymouth where less than half the handful of people survived. It speaks in clear, crisp tones of forgotten terms, like: integrity ... bravery ... respect ... faith ... vigilance ... dignity ... honor ... freedom ... discipline ... sacrifice ... godliness. Its historic halls echo with the voices of Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Lincoln, Lee and Jackson who challenge us to trim off the fat of indolence, compromise, passivity, and the stigma of strife. It gives a depth of relevance and meaning to the nineteenth-century words of Katherine Lee Bates:

O beautiful for spacious skies
for amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
above the fruited plain!

O beautiful for patriot dream
that sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!

America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

Good thoughts for us to ponder as we prepare our hearts for Thanksgiving Day! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for US: Proverbs 24; Ezekiel 22-23; 1 Peter 1

Great Quote: Parents, you will teach your children more by scheduling regular times to nurture the relationship between husband and wife than you would ever teach them through a lecture on commitment. Although it is important for you pray to for your child, seeking the Lord for that perfect spouse for them, it is equally important that you teach them through your example how to cherish the future gift of a companion that the Lord has in store for them. Katherine Walden

A Perspective on Thankfulness

A Perspective on Thankfulness

"IN everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:17

As we continue to think about Thanksgiving, here is a perspective of thankfulness that you might need to contemplate today ...

I am thankful for the wife that says it's hot dogs tonight because she is home with me, not someone else.

For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes, because it means that she is home not on the streets.

For the taxes that I pay, because it means I am employed.

For the mess to clean up after the party, because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little snug, because it means I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.

For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need fixing, because it means I have a home.

For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means that I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.

For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.

For the lady behind me in church who sings off key, because it means I can hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means I am alive.

Thankfulness is something you learn to do. It involves a daily walk in trust and prayer. When circumstances get so big you cannot understand, just stop and look at the cross, and you will see the amazing love that is shown for you there. Realize it is a part of God's plan. You don't have to understand; just take hold of His hand, for you see, God is unlimited. Therefore in EVERY circumstance there is a purpose. No matter HOW dark it looks, just look to Jesus, take hold of HIS hand, and know that HE is working on YOU behalf. -- written by a person with cerebal palsy!

Now what am I NOT thankful for today? Contemplate that today!!! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for US: Proverbs 23; Ezekiel 20-21; James 5

Great Quote: The man who has forgotten to give thanks has fallen asleep in life.

Feed on His Faithfulness

FEED ON HIS FAITHFULNESS

"Trust in Jehovah, and do good; dwell in the land. and feed on His faithfulness." Psalm 37:3 (ASV)

This week begins our focus on Thanksgiving. As you gather today on this HIS day -- the Lord's Day -- let's begin by feeding on HIS faithfulness.

The late J. Sidlow, a popular speaker at Keswick in the early days, wrote this:

The King James Version of Psalm 37:3 reads, "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed," but I doubt whether it brings out the original Hebrew to best advantage in the last clause. I think the American Standard Version does a much better job of rendering the verse: "Trust in Jehovah, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness."

Yes, "feed on His faithfulness!" That is the best diet for the soul at ALL times, especially in times of trouble. So the apostle Peter writes, "those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." (1 Peter 4:19)

What mental relief and repose it brings, to know that back of our human suffering and back of the staggering vast universe in which our own planet is an almost imperceptible speck, there is a "faithful Creator!"

This prodigious universe can be frightening if we view it apart from such guarantee as that; but when we are assured that its infinite Architect is the "faithful Creator," then the frightening becomes friendly. Every dark cloud has a silver lining, and every thunderstorm has a rainbow arching it. Every mystery holds a hidden benediction, and every permitted teardrop glistens with a gracious new meaning. A streak of powerful light strikes even across the monster problem of sin, suffering and death, so that we sense a divine fidelity even beneath that.

As the celebrated hymn writer Frances Havergal reminded us so well:

Every joy or trial falleth from above,

Traced upon our dial by the sun of love;

We may trust Him fully all for us to do --

They who trust Him wholly find HIM wholly true.

from How Great Thou Art -- A Daily Devotional -- published by Multnomah

Let's start out this week by doing what Dr. Baxter exhorts us to do -- let's together feed on HIS faithfulness -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for US: Proverbs 22; Ezekiel 18-19; James 4

Great Quote: Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary storm. No matter how raging the billows are today, remind yourself: 'This too shall pass!' -- T. D. Jakes

Are You A Whosoever?

Are You a Whosoever?

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is athirst say, Come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).

“Leadership,” a journal for Christian leaders, recently ran a series of “good news/bad news” jokes for pastors. Here are a few examples: (1) Good news: “Pastor, the women’s association voted to send you a get-well card.” Bad news: “It passed 31 to 30.” (2) Good news: “The church board accepted your job description the way you wrote it.” Bad news: “They also formed a search committee to find someone capable of filling the position.” (3) Good news: “Pastor, your biggest critic just left the church.” Bad news: “He’s been appointed your district supervisor.”

That’s good news and bad news on the lighter side. On the darker side is the good news/bad news of Scripture. Looking at the bad news first, we are reminded “…there is NONE righteous, no, not one. There is NONE that understands, there is NONE that seeks after God. They are ALL gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is NONE that does good, no, NOT one” (Romans 3:10-12). Here’s more bad news: “For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Even more bad news: “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a). Do you notice the inclusiveness of the bad news recipients?

Now let’s take a look at the good news – the bright side. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 3:23b). Here’s additional good news: “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Again, even more good news: you do not have to be eternally separated from God, spending eternity in hell, because Christ has taken the sting out of death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

Sin is universal; death is universal; eternal separation from God is universal – that’s bad news big time. The good news is that God has provided deliverance from the bad news through His Son dying on the cross. Eternal life is provided to ALL who believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah. The Bible says WHOSOEVER will may come!

The invitation is extended to ALL the world to come to Jesus and experience the joys of salvation in Christ. Are you a WHOSOEVER? Dr. Henry A. Lutz, Jr. is a retired pastor and friend of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 21; Ezekiel 16-17; James 3

Great Quote:When Goliath came against the Israelites, the soldiers all thought, "He's so big we can never kill him." But David looked at the same giant and thought, "He's so big, I can't miss."
Anonymous

Victorious Christian Weaponry Part 3

VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN WEAPONRY 3

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18)
When we have weapons we must know how to use them. When to use them and where to use the. Armies spend many hours in practice for conflict and so should we. Practice on the drill field called PRAYER.

We are to pray:

1. In the Spirit. That means not just in our minds but from deep within
a. Lists are good for organizing but let the Holy Spirit also guide you.
b. Every occasion needs our prayers
2. There are various kinds of prayer
a. Paul separates prayers from request.
b. Here prayer is communion with the Father.
c. Prayer is part of family functions.
3. Prayer as requesting.
a. Direction when needed.
b. Aid when needed.
c. Supplies when needed, etc.
4. Prayer need not be selfish
a. Stay alert. The enemy is near but God is nearer.
b. Include all the saints.
i. Who may not be able to pray.
ii. Who may have needs that we know not.
iii. We all are in the “same boat” and need our Captain’s word.
Here we have not only weapons but also instruction in their use. Every military has a special book that all enlisted personnel must study and memorize. God’s army is no exception.

Oh Captain, each day we report for duty – we do it when we pray.
Help us to always find (when we meet) the strength we need each day.
May we use the time alone to include the needs of others.
Cause us to pray for Your family, our sisters and our brothers.

May we reach beyond our own to those that You do love
To mingle our prayers here below with those from heaven above.
And may we find when all of our praying is done
That our hearts are changed to be more like Your dear Son.


Rev. George Van Sandt is a contributor to Freedom Fighter's and REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE

God's WORD FOR YOU AND ME: Proverbs 20; Ezekiel 14-15; James 2

Great Quote: Life will bring us questions without answers; To live is to encounter silent seasons of the soul, When every prayer will seem to go unanswered - As we face events beyond our understanding or control. Yet in the quiet darkness, Christ is working. His silence in the shadows doesn't mean he doesn't care; A part of faith is trusting without reason, Believing, when he can't be seen or heard, that he's still there...So when answers fail to come, don't be discouraged. Keep leaning on his steadfast love and trusting in his will, For knowing "why" won't really make a difference - But growing close and knowing Jesus will. B. J. Hoff

Victorious Christian Weaponry Part 2

VICTORIOUS CHRISTAIN WEAPONRY 2

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:16-17)

After taking up the whole armor, Paul adds three other weapons.

1. The Shield of Faith. This is the ancient Roman shield that protects the whole body. It has several qualities.

a. It has an unobstructed view of the enemy. It sees clearly the problem. It has no place for denial as to the enemy’s power.

b. It extinguishes the poison in the darts of the enemy.

c. It does not stop the darts from striking us:

i. We can be hurt by what people say and do to us.

ii. We can use the pain to teach and to strengthen.

iii. The poison is when we keep the pain and refuse to forgive.

2. The Helmet of Salvation is worn on the head of God’s Champions

a. It protects the part of the body that controls the body.

i. It is the center of all actions. The helmet controls what we do.

ii. It is the center of all thoughts. We need to “think on these things.”

iii. It is the reservoir of collected thoughts – memory. Memorize Scripture.

3. The Sword of the Spirit is to the only part of the armor for offence.

a. Some use a sword for decoration, they carry a Bible.

b. Some use a sword for identification (rank), they use only one version.

c. Some use a sword only to hurt people, quoting scripture to inflict pain.

d. We should not so use the word of God

i. Swords hack the way through the jungle of ideas.

ii. Swords drive away the enemy.

iii. Swords give comfort to the user and those defended by it.

We need the WHOLE armor of God and we need to use it wisely – for our good and God’s glory.

Here are three weapons we need to use.
May we practice them and not abuse.
To protect us from attack and harm,
Give us Faith to fight fear’s alarm.

The Helmet we need for the unexpected blows,
Not just for attention but so that everyone knows
How safe we are in God’s salvation,
Feeding on God’s daily ration.

The Sword of the Spirit is given for us to use
To help us when our way we loose.
To bring us through each treacherous way,
To keep us safe until life’s final day.

Rev. George Van Sandt is a friend of the ministry.

God's Word for You and Me: Proverbs 19; Ezekiel 11-13; James 1

Great Quote: It is startling to discover how many people there are who heartily dislike and despise Christianity without having the faintest notion what it is. If you tell them, they cannot believe...that anything so interesting, so exciting and so dramatic can be the orthodox creed of the Church. Dorothy Sayer

Victorious Christian Weaponry Part 1

VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN WEAPONRY Part 1

Today starts a three four part series from REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE, our daily devotional. It is written by Pastor George Van Sandt, who was my pastor growing up, and remains a dear friend and adopted Dad.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)

Paul’s admonition for the warfare is “Put on the whole armor of God.” Here is what we can learn:

1. If we are to put it on then we must, at least from time to time, have taken it off. One need not wear the armor day and night but we must wear it when the enemy is engaged.

2. The first item he mentions is the belt of truth. The flowing garments need to be tucked in so that the legs are free to move.

a. Notice we are to tighten it. Truth should always be a part of our lives.

b. It will enable us to feel secure if our words are always true.

c. Without this belt of truth, the “breastplate of righteousness” will be inadequate.

3. The next item is the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate covers all of the vulnerable parts of our body: the lungs, intestines and heart.

a. Every breath we breathe should be filled with the right.

b. All that we take into our bodies should be right.

c. And above all our hearts need to be centered in righteousness.

4. The third item is our feet. He does not mention where we walk but what we wear—shod with peace. To seek as much as possible to live in peace (not stir up trouble). To have peace protecting us enabling us to walk unharmed. To leave our footprints of peace in the lives of others.

This is the beginning of victory. It comes from being prepared!

God, give to us the wisdom and power
To live each day, moment and hour
With truth surrounding all we do.
May our words be always true.

Let not the enemy find some spot
In our live where truth is not,
And may our armor be complete
With shoes of peace upon our feet.

And protect our hearts from sin’s seduction,
Our Breastplate keep us from earth’s reduction.
May we ingest that which will build us up
Until the war we win and the Victor’s Cup.

Rev. George Van Sandt

God's WORD for YOU and ME: Proverbs 18; Ezekiel 8-10; Hebrews 13

Great Quote: “Luther was right: the root behind all other manifestations of sin is compulsive unbelief—our voluntary darkness concerning God, ourselves, his relationship to the fallen world and his redemption purpose… If the fall occurred through embracing lies, the recovery process of salvation must center on faith in truth, reversing this condition.” Richard Lovelace, Renewal as a Way of Life

Still Human

Still Human!

" ... whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

Oswald Chambers so often whacks me on the side of the head. Today not only did Oswald do it, but everything I read during my devotional time ganged up on me (through the Holy Spirit!). Allow these words to feed your soul today:

In the Scriptures, the great miracle of the incarnation slips into the ordinary life of a child; the great miracle of the transfiguration fades into the demon-possessed valley below; the glory of the resurrection descends into a breakfast on the seashore. This is not an anticlimax, but a great revelation of God.

We have a tendency to look for wonder in our experience, and we mistake heroic actions for real heroes. It’s one thing to go through a crisis grandly, yet quite another to go through every day glorifying God when there is no witness, no limelight, and no one paying even the remotest attention to us.

If we are not looking for halos, we at least want something that will make people say, "What a wonderful man of prayer he is!" or, "What a great woman of devotion she is!" If you are properly devoted to the Lord Jesus, you have reached the lofty height where no one would ever notice you personally. All that is noticed is the power of God coming through you all the time.

We want to be able to say, "Oh, I have had a wonderful call from God!" But to do even the most humbling tasks to the glory of God takes the Almighty God Incarnate working in us. To be utterly unnoticeable requires God’s Spirit in us making us absolutely humanly His.

The true test of a saint’s life is not successfulness but faithfulness on the human level of life. We tend to set up success in Christian work as our purpose, but our purpose should be to display the glory of God in human life, to live a life "hidden with Christ in God" in our everyday human conditions ( Colossians 3:3 ). Our human relationships are the very conditions in which the ideal life of God should be exhibited.

Lord, thanks for sharing this truth with me today. I needed to hear this. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

Join me the next few days as Pastor George Van Sandt shares teaching on VICTORY!

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 17; Ezekiel 5-7; Hebrews 12

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

Sacrifices

Sacrifices

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51:17

This is a powerful reading from Dr. Paul David Tripp in his book WHITER THAN SNOW --Meditations on Sin and Mercy (Crossway). I have used so much of this in recent days for my daily Freedom Fighters. I commend, urge, and recommend you purchase this book. It is available from the Keswick On-Line Bookstore: www.amerciaskeswick.org.

Perhaps if I give You some of my time.
Perhaps if I give You some of my strength.
Perhaps if I give You some of my thoughts.
Perhaps if I give you some of my success.
Perhaps if I give you some of my relationships.
Surely THOSE sacrifices will bring You delight.
Surely THESE offerings will bring You joy.

I'm quite willing to give a tithe.
I'm quite willing to interrupt my schedule.
I'm quite willing to volunteer to serve.
I'm quite willing to do my part.

But I get a sense that You're not satisfied with a PIECE of me.
I get the sense that
momentary giving
momentary service
momentary sacrifice
momentary turning
of my heart to You will not satisfy You.

But I must admit -- admit that I am afraid of what YOU require.
I'm afraid of a broken spirit.
I'm afraid of a contrite heart.
I'm afraid to be crushed by YOUR grace.

So I try to distract You with MY service
distract You with MY time
distract You with MY money.

Deep inside I KNOW what YOU want.
Deep inside I'm sure of what YOU require.
I'm afraid because I want to hold onto MY heart.
I want to give it to Other things.
I want to pursue OTHER pleasures outside of You.
I'm afraid to give You what would satisfy YOU.
I'm afraid of a broken heart.

So I regularly offend YOU with empty offerings
and vacuous praise,
Hoping to my own destruction that you'll be satisfied.

Wow! If we are REALLY honest with ourselves, isn't that where we are MOST days, my brothers. Allow the message of this reading to penetrate deep into our souls today. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for US: Proverbs 16; Ezekiel 3-4; Hebrews 11:20-40

Great Quote: In the Church of God two opposite dangers are to be recognized and avoided; they are a cold heart and a hot head. A. W. Tozer

O Worship the King

O Worship the King!

"I will sing praise to my God!" Psalm 104:33

Last Sunday we had the privilege of seeing our dear friend, Sue Thomas. Sue has been profoundly deaf since she was 18 months of age and has had an incredible journey in her world of silence.

Some of you may recognize the name because the PAX channel did a TV series based on her life, Sue Thomas FBEye. She is a dear friend and sister in the Lord.

She spoke at Lakes Community Chapel last Sunday morning, and unbeknown to what I wrote in my Freedom Fighter last Sunday, she addressed the topic of who we worship on Sunday. She had a very interesting comment ...

She has been the speaker at hundreds of churches, and she said that she is really tired of the "worship team" being the center of attention. Her observation is that many times the women are improperly dressed, and the attention is drawn to the team vs. being drawn to the audience of One. She suggested that maybe the worship team should lead from the balcony and not be seen and just have the praise music on the screen so the focus could be on the Lord.

Now if you are a part of a worship team -- don't send me comments. There are many outstanding worship teams serving the Lord today. But in my 30+ years of being involved in church music, I have to agree, that sometimes in our preparation for worship, the praise team gets to worship and the rest of the people end up being spectators. Sometimes its because we attempt to teach too many "new" or unfamiliar songs during worship.

We once had an awesome praise band come to lead worship for a men's activity. The team was a group of very gifted musicians. The music was very well rehearsed and prepared. They invited the men to stand to sing with them and for 25 minutes I stood and watched 95% of the men stand there without ever singing a note. Why? No one but the praise team knew the music.

Worship is not about us being spectators. We are participators as we worship HIM and HIM alone. Maybe from time to time we need to remind ourselves that worship is all about Him!

O worship the King, all glorious above;
And gratefully sing His power and His love;
Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise.

O, tell of HIS might, O, sing of HIS grace,
Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space;
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
And dark is HIS path on the wings of the storm.

Your bountiful care, what tongue can recite,
It breathes in the air; it shines in the light;
It streams from the hills; it descends to the plain,
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.

Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
In YOU do I trust, nor find YOU to fail;
YOUR mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend.

Remember today -- HE IS OUR AUDIENCE of ONE. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 15; Ezekiel 1-2; Hebrews 11:1-19

Great Quote: It costs God nothing, so far as we know, to create nice things; but to convert rebellious wills cost Him crucifixion.(Clive Staples) C. S. Lewis

The Exchanged Life

The Exchanged Life

"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

The heart beat of the Keswick message is illustrated today from the writing of Oswald Chambers in MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST:

What understanding do you have of the salvation of your soul? The work of salvation means that in your real life things are dramatically changed. You no longer look at things in the same way. Your desires are new and the old things have lost their power to attract you.

One of the tests for determining if the work of salvation in your life is genuine is— has God changed the things that really matter to you? If you still yearn for the old things, it is absurd to talk about being born from above— you are deceiving yourself.

If you are born again, the Spirit of God makes the change very evident in your real life and thought. And when a crisis comes, you are the most amazed person on earth at the wonderful difference there is in you. There is no possibility of imagining that you did it. It is this complete and amazing change that is the very evidence that you are saved.

What difference has my salvation and sanctification made? For instance, can I stand in the light of 1 Corinthians 13 , or do I squirm and evade the issue? True salvation, worked out in me by the Holy Spirit, frees me completely. And as long as I "walk in the light as He is in the light" ( 1 John 1:7 ), God sees nothing to rebuke because His life is working itself into every detailed part of my being, not on the conscious level, but even deeper than my consciousness.

Brothers, Christ wants to live HIS life THROUGH you. Apart from that, you will fail miserably in living the Christian life. Allow HIM today to live HIS life through you. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 14; Lamentations 3-5; Hebrews 10:19-39

Great Quote: I am inwardly fashioned for faith, not for fear. Fear is not my native land; faith is. I am so made that worry and anxiety are sand in the machinery of life; faith is the oil. I live better by faith and confidence than by fear, doubt and anxiety. In anxiety and worry, my being is gasping for breath - these are not my native air. But in faith and confidence, I breathe freely - these are my native air. A John Hopkins University doctor says, "We do not know why it is that worriers die sooner than the non-worriers, but that is a fact." But I, who am simple of mind, think I know; We are inwardly constructed in nerve and tissue, brain cell and soul, for faith and not for fear. God made us that way. To live by worry is to live against reality. E. Stanley Jones

A Human Paradox

A Human Paradox

“But the tongue no man can contain; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8).

The apostle James shares with us a human paradox: “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be” (James 3:10). What we say and what we refrain from saying are very important to both the one speaking and the one listening. Proper speech is not only saying the correct words at the correct time, but is also controlling our desire not to say things that we shouldn’t. How does this killer function in our lives, and how can we use the tongue to bless rather than curse?

According to one researcher, people tell an average of fifty lies each day. Perhaps this is not accurate, but that is no reason for us to give up the battle against stretching the truth.

Did you ever notice people hurl insults and put-downs at the expense (all in fun, of course) of others without considering the painful results? Or parents who spend Sunday dinner roasting the pastor or others who dare to participate in the worship service? Or someone who shades the truth to protect their own image? Or spouses who, with heartless, cold generalizations, chip away at their relationship? Or well-meaning prayer warriors who broadcast other folks’ battle secrets to others? All which dishonors God!

I’m sure you get the picture. But if you don’t, we Christians, including this writer, often stumble into gifts of communication in the wrong way. By so doing, we either lead unbelievers away from our Lord or we cause fellow believers to become discouraged in the faith.

The tongue is you in a unique way. It is a tattletale that tells on the heart and discloses the real person. Every careless word that people will speak shall give an account in the Day of Judgment. “… by thy words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

If no human being can control the tongue, why bother trying? It is true that a transformed nature will produce transformed behavior. James’ point in verses 3:7-8 is simply that the human tongue is innately uncontrollable and untameable. The paradox can be resolved by learning about damage control. It is better to control a fire rather than going around and setting new ones!

Do you want to help resolve a “Human Paradox”? Let’s join together and “speak evil of no man.” There is almost a constant tension between what is and what ought to be. The Holy Spirit will give us increasing power to monitor and control what we say. We ought to live righteously and grow in grace and knowledge and, oh, yes, control the tongue.

QUOTE: “I have never been cursed by the things I left unsaid.” -- Calvin Coolidge -- Dr. Henry Lutz is a retired pastor and a dear friend of the ministry of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 13; Lamentations 1-2; Hebrews 10:1-18

Great Quote: It is not a true Gospel that gives us the impression that the Christian life is easy, and that there are no problems to be faced. That is not the New Testament teaching. The New Testament is most alarming at first, indeed terrifying, as it shows us the problems by which we are confronted. But follow it-go on! It does not stop halfway, it goes on to this addition, this second half; and here it shows us the way in which, though that is the truth concerning the battle, we can be enabled to wage it, and not only to wage it, but to triumph in it. It shows us that we are meant to be "more than conquerors." Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Check out this weeks Stewardship Insight from George: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/

Press On

Press On

'Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead." Philippians 3:13

For so many of us, we cannot move forward in the present because we have planted or feet in the past. We are stuck in our Christian walk because we keep looking back to our past, and our past can keep us in bondage.

Today's devotional is one that I shared with my Freedom Fighter brothers in 2006! It is from the pen of devotional author, Dr. Henry Blackaby (Experiencing God -- The Devotional/Broadman and Holman):

The world will tell you that the dominating influence in your life is your past. If you came from a difficult home life, that will determine the direction of your life. If your culture was treated unfairly, that will dictate the condition of your life today. If you were hurt or abused or if your youth was spent in rebellion, the remainder of your life will be spent struggling with your past. The world is preoccupied with the past because it faces an uncertain future.

Christians on the other hand, live in freedom because Christ has overcome the past. The "old things" have been done away with and "new things" have come (2 Corinthians 5:17). God has so totally forgiven the Christian's sin that He chooses not to remember it (Isaiah 43:25). Christians do not forget the past, but we are not controlled or motivated by it. The Christian looks to the future with hope.

The people of the world focus on what they are overcoming. Christians focus on what they are BECOMING. Christians know that the Holy Spirit is conforming them into the image of Christ. Christians know that ultimately they will stand before Christ to give an account of their actions and will spend eternity in the presence of God.

Christians know that eventually every injustice will be addressed and every hurt comforted. They know Satan, and death itself, will finally be brought to an end. The Christian's future is so full and rich and exciting that it supersedes whatever happened in the past.

If you are preoccupied with your past, ask God to open your eyes to the incredible future that awaits you and begin, like Paul, to press on to what is ahead.

I pray today that if you are caught up in the past, and if your past is holding you in bondage, that you will do what Scripture and Dr. Blackaby tell us: PRESS ON, BROTHER! PRESS ON! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 12; Jeremiah 51-52; Hebrews 9

Great Quote: In the name of Jesus Christ, who was never in a hurry, we pray, O God, that You will slow us down, for we know that we live too fast. With all of eternity before us, make us take time to live - time to get acquainted with You, time to enjoy Your blessings, and time for each other. Peter Marshall

Onward Christian Soldiers -- Veteran's Day

Onward Christian Soldiers -- Veteran's Day

ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS Although many of the contemporary Christian songs motivate and encourage me to love God more, I also need the traditional songs that remind me there is a spiritual battle going on and that, as a Christian, I have a responsibility to fight for whom and what I believe.

A great example of such a song is “Onward Christian Soldiers” and the first few lines making three important points summarizing the victorious Christian life. The song starts out with the words “Onward Christian Soldiers: This reminds us that we are not just individuals but part of a team, the Army of the Lord. The Christian life was never intended to be lived alone but for each soldier to function within the body with other believers. And just as a military soldier has certain responsibilities and expectations set on him by his commanding officer, so does a Christian soldier.

One of the most important responsibilities is to make a total commitment to the Lord. In Romans 12:1 Paul specifically urges us to present ourselves as a living sacrifice to the Lord, wholly and pleasing to him. This reminds me of the military oath of enlistment I took when I pledged to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic and to bear true faith and allegiance to the same." Just like a gung- ho Marine who is totally committed to his Corps and his country, even to the point of being willing to die (“Death before Dishonor”), we are expected to replace our worldly idols and addictions with habits and disciplines that will please our commander, Jesus Christ. We are to be wholly committed to Him; this is our spiritual act of service.

The next words are “Marching as to War”: If there is a need for God’s army, and we are Christian soldiers, then these lines indicate that there is a war to fight. We know from Scripture (1Pet2:11) and certainly from our daily experience that this is true. Scripture further tells us that Satan and his underlings are continually seeking ways to destroy us personally ( 1 Peter 5:8). But as “Soldiers of the Cross”we have been given our marching orders to be men of courage (1Cor 16:13), to fight the good fight of faith (1Tim 6:12) and even be ready to shed blood and die for the cause of Christ (Luke14:27). To do this we always need to be in battle uniform (Eph 6:10-18) and constantly training.(1Tim 4:7) in order to be ready to engage the enemy.

Finally, ”With the Cross of Jesus Going on Before”, reminds us that Jesus Christ is our Commanding Officer and He will never leave us or forsake us (Deut 31:6). Our role is simply to obey, to take up the cross daily, to follow Him (Matt 10:38) and to keep the faith. Jesus is our role model and we need to be continually living life His way, even though His way is often not our way!! Although the leader (Satan) of the enemy forces is powerful, smart and a world traveler, he is no match for our leader who is Omnipotent (all-powerful), Omniscient (all knowing) the world at the same time!!) Onward Christian Soldiers and keep your eyes right on Jesus! -- Tom Day served in both the Marine Corps and Navy, ministers in Memphis, Tn. and is a friend and supporter of Keswick.

God bless our veterans. And God bless America!

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 11; Jeremiah 50; Hebrews 8

Great Quote: Right now counts forever.R. C. Sproul

God's Tender Care for Us

God's Tender Care for Us

"So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, 'I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved." Genesis 32:30

I needed this devotional thought this morning, and my guess is you might too. In fact, you may know someone else who needs this too. This would be a great way to introduce them to the ministry of Freedom Fighter.

I am impressed, Lord, by the tenderness of Your care for Your overworked servants. How sharply You know the difference between laziness and fatigue! Your treatment of Your servant Elijah is a revelation and comfort to me.

After His tense confrontation with the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel, Elijah fled for his life, with the threats of Jezebel still ringing in his ears. "He was afraid" (1 Kings 19:3). His weariness and fatigue had invaded his spirit, and his faith fled. That led to depression: "Lord, take away my life" (vs.4). The intense, highly strung prophet was in the midst of an emotional collapse. He had overextended himself in God's work.

How did God respond to his broken faith, his anxiety, his depression? "Arise and eat" (vs.5). Twice the Lord told him to partake of food, "or the journey will be too much for you" (vs. 7). God began His ministry to Elijah by ministering to his body.

How often it is my body, instead of my spirit, that needs help. I must look upon both -- body and spirit -- as an integral, closely knit team. When one of them suffers, so does the other; and when breakdown occurs, I must ask, Where did it begin? I must not, of course, let my body become my all-demanding king before which everything must bow. On the other hand, I must not neglect my body as if it were an inconsequential bundle of rags.

God began with Elijah's body -- with his spent energy, his strained nerves, and his weary muscles. Once the cup of physical strength began to fill, God could go on to minister to Elijah's other needs.

God the nursemaid! And why not? Is He not called El Shaddai, the "God with breasts" (Genesis 17:1 ASV margin)? How often I need the nursing ministry of God when body or spirit become tired in His service! -- from Daily with the King by Glyn Evans (Moody Press)

Brothers -- did you need that word from the Lord today? I trust it will encourage your heart as it has mine today. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 10; Jeremiah 48-49; Hebrews 7

Great Quote: If we, as a church, do not get back to spiritual visions, glimpses of heaven, and an awareness of a greater glory of life, we will lose our faith. Our altar will become nothing but cold, empty stone, never blessed with a visit from heaven. -- Joseph Parker -- 19th century English Congregationalist preacher

Developing an Ear for God

Developing an Ear for God

"I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, and how I may reply when I am reproved." -- Habakkuk 2:1

In the second half of life I am realizing that there are things that are more difficult than in the first half. I used to be able to do way more multi-tasking. I am finding that harder these days. I used to like to have music playing, or didn't seem to be distracted by noise and chatter going on around me. I find it more difficult to have that chatter these days.

It is the same way with listening. I need to be more focused these days in listening. There is so much noise everywhere these days. That is why we need to fine time our listening ears, especially when it comes to listening to God.

Here is a great devotional on that subject that I shared with you in 2005. It was too good not to share again ...

I pray that God will enable me to become a good listener. I must understand that God does not speak to me in the storm, the earthquake, or the fire, but in the "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:9-12). That is another way of saying that God does not speak to me through my circumstances or thought unless there is an inner confirmation and explanation of what comes from the outside. Eli, the old priest was wise enough to know that God's will for Samuel, his aide, had to come directly from God to Samuel: "Speak, Lord, for Thy servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:9).

Today's complex life is the deadliest enemy of listening. The result of our complexity is fragmentation, thinness, and the ability to concentrate or become deep about anything. Satan is the happiest heir of our technological age [and Glyn Evans wrote this in 1979!], and he enjoys slapping us about like a handball. I must resist him by deliberately choosing essentials and rejecting gadfly activities that render me ineffective.

How do I learn to be a good listener to God? I must begin by giving Him time and attention!
That is the crucial part of the battle. I must reject the siren calls that develop a sense of awe and reverence for God, which is a natural preparation for silence, which in turn is essential for proper listening. Once I develop an ear for God, I will be able to hear Him even in crowds and, as Brother Lawrence says, "Go forward even in sleep!"

Listening to God is difficult to master, but the results will be beyond my greatest longings. He says, "Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance" (Isaiah 55:2). God knows that listening is but the first step of a process that ends in my eternal good. -- from DAILY WITH THE KING -- Glyn Evans -- published by Moody Press

Lord, I pray that I will become a better listener, and that you will give me a ear for You today. I pray that for my brothers, too. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 9; Jeremiah 46-47; Hebrews 6

Great Quote: Have we come to realize that our "body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?" If so, we must be careful to keep it undefiled for Him! We have to remember that our conscious life, even though only a small part of our total person, is to be regarded as a "temple of the Holy Spirit." He will be responsible for the unconscious part which we don't know, but we must pay careful attention to and guard the conscious part for which WE are responsible. -- Oswald Chambers

The Audience of One

The Audience of One

"Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty." Job 22:26

I tired of the worship wars. I am tired of people complaining about not liking the new praise music. I am tired of people complaining that they don't like the hymns. I think we have totally missed the boat when we think about worship.

It's all backwards. Churches have been divided over worship styles. People have left good solid churches over the music. Some churches have created different worship service venues so that you can have YOUR style of music. What should be uniting us ends up dividing us.

I think the reason we have it backwards is that we forgotten the purpose of worship. Sorry to burst your bubble this morning -- worship is not about YOU! Worship is all about HIM! If you don't believe me, check out Psalm 100! It clearly states: "Come into HIS presence with singing ... Enter HIS gates with thanksgiving and into HIS courts with praise ..."

We come to church expecting worship to do something for US which is the real problem. Worship isn't about me. We think that we are the audience and God is the actor on the stage. Brothers, it is the other way around! HE IS OUR AUDIENCE OF ONE!

Worship is God's people gathering together to CORPORATELY worship HIM. I may be thinking too simplistically, but when we get that right in our heads, I think that we will plan worship more intentionally to unite us rather than divide us. There will be give and take so that we can all worship. There will be a willingness on our part to say, I will yield my rights and wants for the sake of the body that is meeting to worship HIM.

As you gather together with the people of God -- remember HE IS OUR AUDIENCE THIS MORNING. HE IS THE ONE WE ADORE!

Praise to the LORD, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul praise HIM, for HE is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, Now to HIS temple draw near;
Join me in glad adoration!

Praise to the LORD, who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under HIS wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen, How thy desires e'er have been
Granted in what HE ordaineth?

Praise to the LORD, who with marvelous wisdom hath made thee!
Decked thee with health, and with loving hand guided and stayed thee!
How oft in grief hath not He brought thee relief,
Spreading His wings for to shade thee!

Praise to the LORD! O, let all that is in me adore HIM!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before HIM!
Let the Amen sound from HIS people again;
Gladly forever adore HIM!

Forgive us, Lord, for getting it backwards. It's all about YOU -- It's all about YOU! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 8; Jeremiah 43-45; Hebrews 5

Great Quote: "No man needs to be afraid nor ashamed to suffer for the cause of the gospel. Good men often suffer many things for the best cause in the world. They need not be ashamed, the cause will bear them out!" -- Matthew Henry

The Holy of Holies

The Holy of Holies

"Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being." Psalm 51:6

Working at America's KESWICK has taught me so much about me -- my own wicked, sinful heart. Interacting with the men of the Colony has caused me to not look at them in judgment, but to look at my own heart.

There are occasions when we have to give a man a urine test if we suspect that he has somehow used his drug of choice (at least chemical like tobacco, alcohol or drugs). I tell the men that there are three things that they need to know about this test. I remind them that the results of this test will reveal what is going on. While we think we can lie and cover up, there are three people we can't lie to: 1. God 2. The Redwood Toxicology Lab, and 3. ourselves. We know the truth about US.

God desires truth in our inward being. Listen to these pointed words from Dr. Paul David Tripp, from his book Whiter Than Snow -- Meditations on Sin and Mercy:

In the holy of holies,
Where my deepest thoughts dwells.
In the secret place, of the heart,
Where no one sees,
And no one knows,
In that place where worship sets the course,
For all I say and all I do,
In the holy of holies,
Where thoughts afraid to be verbal,
And desires, never quite spoken, determine,
What I will seek, and say, and do.

In the holies of holies,
where greed lurks dark, and anger stands dangerous.
In the shadows, where lust captivates, and envy enslaves.
In that sacred place of the heart,
Where I plan what I will do, and rehearse what I will say.

In the holy of holies,
where love is born or succumbs to hate.
Where gentleness falls to vengeance.
In that place where thinking never ends,
and interpretations become a way of seeing.

In the holy of holies,
where feelings grow in power and overwhelm
what is sensible, good, and true.

In the holy of holies,
where I stand naked, all covering gone,
Before you, what I am, as I am, void of defense,
Stripped of excuse. No where to hide.
No reputation to polish.
In the place where YOU,
can see,
and hear,
and know.
May you do there what I cannot do.
May your create there what only mercy can give.
May you hold back what I deserve and give what I could never own.
May you create me a clean heart!

How are you today in the "holy of holies" of your heart? Do you desire truth in your "inward" being? Allow the Holy Spirit to work that truth into your heart today. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 7; Jeremiah 40-42; Hebrews 4

He who is armed with the power of God will not tremble at the noise raised by the world, but will reckon it honorable that wicked men mark them with disgrace. -- John Calvin

Developing a Sensitivity To Sin

Developing a Sensitivity to Sin

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us ..." Hebrews 12:1

We've talked much about sin in recent weeks, and I know that God has been working in my heart in a powerful way, in helping me to see my sin from HIS point of view. Its a subject that we need to come back to often so that we can appreciate and appropriate the grace of God in our lives all the more.

The weird thing about sin is that if we do not view it from God's perspective, we can easily be entangled by it as the verse about expresses. God's desire is that we develop a sensitivity to sin. I read this quote today by Dr. Glynn Evans, a former professor at Moody Bible Institute:

God simply wants me to get my fill of sin so completely that the very thought of it nauseates me ... Lord, my prayer is, make me so sensitive to sin that its slightest presence will send me to Calvary's fountain for protection! The distinguishing feature of any true disciple of Christ is paper-thin sensitivity to sin. I notice that in reading the biographies of the saints -- the slightest sin made them mourn, weep, and agonize. Lord, make me averse to sin like that, for when I am averse to sin it means the Holy Spirit is deliberately refining me in the divine image; the new heart and the right spirit are displacing the old and wrong. (Psalm 51:10)

Is that your prayer this morning, brothers? If we do not see sin from God's perspective, we will continue to be entangled in our sin. Are we bold enough to plead to God for that "paper-thin" sensitivity to sin? That's my prayer today. How about you?

I was reminded this week of the old hymn "Whiter than Snow":

Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole.
I want You forever to live in my soul.
Break down every idol, cast out every foe.
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

May this be the prayer of our hearts today. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 6; Jeremiah 37-39; Hebrews 3

Great Quote: I urge you a nearer communion with Christ, and a growing communion. There are curtains to be opened in Christ that we have never seen before, and new layers of love in Him. I despair that I will ever make it to the far end of that love, there are so many layers in it. Therefore dig deep, and sweat, and labor. Take pains for Him, and set aside as much time as you can in each day for Him. Samuel Rutherford

A Good Reminder from Psalm 23

A Good Reminder From Psalm 23

I ran across this cool perspective on Psalm 23. I think that it will be a good reminder for you and me today:

The Lord is my Shepherd -- That's relationship!
I shall not want -- That's supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures -- That's rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters -- that's refreshment!
He restoreth my soul -- that's healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness -- that's guidance!
For His name's sake -- that's purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death -- that's testing!
I will fear no evil -- that's protection!
For Thou art with me -- that's faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me -- that's discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies -- that's hope!
My cup runneth over -- that's abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life -- that's blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord -- that's security!
Forever -- That's eternity!

Think about it brothers -- Look what the God of Psalm 23 has provided for YOU today! Rejoice! Give thanks! Praise His holy name! -- Bill Welte is President of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 5; Jeremiah 34-36; Hebrews 2

Great Quote: Our kids are the message that we will send to a generation that we will not see. – Larry Green

Show Me Your Glory

Show Me Your Glory

"Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me know thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight." Exodus 33:13

Sometimes when I reading the Old Testament, which I am doing now -- I find myself saying, "Wouldn't it be cool to experience God the way Moses, Joshua, David and Elijah did?" Think of the amazing ways that they experienced God that have been recorded for us in the Scriptures.

The reality is that you and I can experience Him today in those same ways. God is always at work around us and He wants us to experience Him in a personal way. The question is do I really want to experience Him?

A. W. Tozer wrote these words: Come near to the holy men and women of the past and you will soon feel the heart of their desire after God. They mourned for Him, they prayed and wrestled and sought for Him day and night, in season and out, and when they had found Him the finding was all the sweeter for the long seeking.

Moses used the face that God was an argument for knowing Him better. "Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in your sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight" (Exodus 33:13); and from there he rose to make the daring request, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory" (Exodus 33:18).

God was frankly pleased by Moses' display of ardor, and the next day He called Moses into the mount, and there is solemn procession, made all His glory pass before Him.

David's life was a torrent of spiritual desire, and his psalms ring with the cry of the seeker and the glad shout of the finder. Paul confessed the mainspring of his life to be his burning desire after Christ. "That I may know Him" (Philippians 3:10) was the goal of his heart, and to this he sacrificed everything.

Brothers, is that the burning of your heart today? To know Him? If we really want to know Him and experience Him, I believe that He will do for us exactly what He did for Moses -- He will show us His glory. Are you willing to take that step today? -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 4; Jeremiah 32-33; Hebrews 1

Great Quote: I am convinced that a downgrading in priority of...prayer and biblical meditation is a major cause of weakness in many Christian communities....Bible study demands pondering deeply on a short passage, like a cow chewing her cud. It is better to read a little and ponder a lot than to read a lot and ponder a little. Denis Parsons Burkitt

ME is Bigger Than I Want to Think

ME is Bigger Than I Want to Think

"If you love ME, keep My commandments." John 14:15

Sometimes I am so blinded to the truth about how big ME is! Now I am not just talking about my physical stature -- I am talking about ME -- the me that wants to always be in control. The me that always wants to do it MY way -- in fact, isn't there a song about that?

It starts very early. Observe your young kids and grandkids. ME is one of the first words that becomes a part of their vocabulary. Me = Mine!

The ME inside me is what keeps me from living life God's way. I want MY way, want to do life MY way, do what I want when I want it and how I want it. ME is bigger than I want to think.

If I want to live life the way GOD intends me to live -- HE must increase and I must decrease. The words of Oswald Chambers whacked me today:

Our Lord never insists obedience. He stresses very definitely what we ought to do, but He never forces us to do it. We have to obey Him out of a oneness of spirit with Him. That is why whenever our Lord talked about discipleship, He prefaced it with an "If," meaning, "You do not need to do this unless you desire to do so." "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself . . ." ( Luke 9:23 ).

In other words, "To be My disciple, let him give up his right to himself to Me." Our Lord is not talking about our eternal position, but about our being of value to Him in this life here and now. That is why He sounds so stern (see Luke 14:26 ). Never try to make sense from these words by separating them from the One who spoke them.
The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself. Jesus Christ will not force me to obey Him, but I must. And as soon as I obey Him, I fulfill my spiritual destiny.

My personal life may be crowded with small, petty happenings, altogether insignificant. But if I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random circumstances of life, they become pinholes through which I see the face of God. Then, when I stand face to face with God, I will discover that through my obedience thousands were blessed.

When God’s redemption brings a human soul to the point of obedience, it always produces. If I obey Jesus Christ, the redemption of God will flow through me to the lives of others, because behind the deed of obedience is the reality of Almighty God.

Brothers, today is a good time to look at the ME part of you. Are we willing to yield the ME to HIM? Are we willing to allow ME to decrease and allow HIM to increase in our lives? It sounds easy, but it might be harder than you think. It is only possible when we allow Christ to live HIS life through ME! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 3; Jeremiah 30-31; Philemon

Great Quote: The Bible is the only book whose Author is always present when one reads it. Anonymous

A Recipe for Salt

A Recipe for Salt

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.”
Matthew 5:13-14 (ESV)

My French fries wouldn’t be the same without it, especially the ones that come from McDonalds. I’m talking about that transparent cubic crystal known as “Salt”. Sodium Chloride or NaCI is kind of important to us not only as a seasoning but also as a preservative. Put a little iodide in it and it becomes a main staple of the family dinner table. And since we can find salt on the family table, I believe it a fine example for Jesus to use in the Sermon on the Mount.

Now there is the NaCI recipe for the salt I like on my McDonalds fries but the recipe for the kind of salt that Jesus describes has the following “Blessed” ingredients;
1. The poor in spirit
2. Those who mourn
3. The meek
4. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
5. The merciful
6. The pure in heart
7. The peacemakers
8. Those who are persecuted for righteousness sake
And if you mix in the part when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on His account, you have the makings of someone who will have a seat at the banquet table of the Lamb.

Sometime ago I wrote a Freedom Fighter concerning salt when I spoke to my daughter. And to quote myself, “I can be a big dummy at times and forget the salt shaker.” I was having what I called a “red pepper moment” and thought I might have been out of line. But I think I’ll take a different view at this moment. You see there are times when we (Christian men and ladies) are called to rub salt into the wound of the world. My daughter didn’t need to hear a “color” commentary and it was my duty to rebuke. I just might have left out a few of the ingredients in the recipe above. I’ll get better at it if I just remember to keep my strength under control.

I like the parts where we are called to be peacemakers, to be persecuted and to hunger for righteousness. Those are battle worthy elements to me. I know I am poor in spirit at times and mourn when I hear what this world is coming to. It’s those other things like being meek, merciful and pure in heart that I stand convicted of struggling with. What a wretched man I can be in the long view but I know that with the strength of what was done on the Cross on my behalf I can be the salt.

Jesus was really laying the “Smackdown” on all of us with The Beatitudes. These are Kingdom keys that we need for our everyday walk with Him. These are also everyday ways of being so the world around us can get a taste of our saltiness. If we are not rubbing salt into world, we will lose our saltiness and we will need to earn the salt in order to be the light of the world (thanks to Pastor John Strain for that statement). Can’t get that at McDonalds can you? But the fries are good aren’t they? -- Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a frequent contributor to Freedom Fighter

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 2; Jeremiah 30-31; Philemon

Great Quote: “Christian salt has no business to remain snugly in elegant little ecclesiastical salt cellars; our place is to be rubbed into the secular community, as salt is rubbed into meat, to stop it going bad. And when society does go bad, we Christians tend to throw up our hands in pious horror and reproach the non-Christian world; but should we not rather reproach ourselves? One can hardly blame unsalted meat for going bad. It cannot do anything else. The real question to ask is: where is the salt?” -- John R. Stott

This is My Life

THIS IS MY LIFE

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

How would you define life? Some would give a physiological answer to that question – life is the sustained, normal function of all of the components of the human body. Some would advance to a psychological explanation – life is defined by its experiences. Extending this definition, some would say, “life to me is…” and then would name their essential element of life, the thing that is their priority – that which is of the greatest importance, which gives the most enjoyment or satisfaction.

The Apostle Paul summarized the essence of life for him in one word – Christ. In making this statement he was saying in effect, “Christ is my life.” My father used to paraphrase Philippians 1:21a, “Life itself is Christ Himself.” He is the one and only indispensable.

An American was traveling through Europe. While visiting England he chose to stay at a bed and breakfast home. The lady who operated it was a devout Christian. As she engaged the man in conversation, she sensed that he was a professing Christian. Because she felt that he showed a casualness about spiritual things, she asked him three questions. First she asked, “Is Jesus Christ important to you?” Rather quickly he replied, “Yes, He is important to me.” Again she probed, “Is He indispensable to you?” Taking a little longer before answering, he finally said, “Yes, He is indispensable to me.” Then she asked one final question, “Is only He indispensable to you?” After a long period of thoughtful silence, he said, “No, I really can’t say that He is the only indispensable one in my life.”

Many people, if they were honest, would have to insert a plus into the verse and add a phrase or two. “To me to live is Christ plus money, pleasure, family, job, fame, etc. Only as the verse can be stated as Paul wrote it, with a single indispensable, can the second part of the verse be true. Death is gained only for the one whose life is bound up in Christ. William A. Raws is the grandson of the founder of America's KESWICK. He went home to be with the Lord in July 2008

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 1; Jeremiah 24-26; Titus 2