Don't Shoot the Messenger Part 2

Don’t Shoot the Messenger (Part 2)

If you missed yesterday’s blog, you need to go back a read it in order for this one to make sense. I have been addressing the concern of social drinking.

My third point is the lack of consideration of the weaker brother. What I have observed for the past 30 years (15 of those years before coming to America’s Keswick) is the growing militancy on the part of those who hold a position that it is acceptable for Christians to drink socially.

Jan and I were confronted with this issue at the second church were we served in the music ministry. We were blessed with a group of Christian friends who did many things together socially, and we had many wonderful times.

One night at dinner, I was asked if we’d be offend if people in our group would have wine with their meals. My “green-behind-the-ears” answer was this: “if you feel that is ok for you, we are fine with it. However, Jan and I choose not to drink.” At the next dinner, most everyone around the table ordered wine with their meal. The next meal people began to order mixed drinks. Drinking became the focal point at all of our social gathering.

Two tragic situations occurred that help to solidify my position. The first was in a setting with these friends where everyone was drinking except for me and Jan. The group was putting pressure on us to enjoy at least a glass of wine with our meal. We kept refusing, but they kept insisting. Sitting at the table was an unsaved couple that the group wanted to see come to Christ. After listening to the rest of the group putting the pressure on us to drink, the unsaved wife spoke up and said, “Why are you forcing your convictions on them? If they say, “no” you should respect their conviction. Are they making you feel guilty for drinking?” Ouch!

The second situation occurred after an incredible concert at the church. Many people had trusted Christ as Savior during the concert. Jan and I stayed around to talk with those who made decisions, but many of the choir was already at the home of where the choir was going to have a “get-together.” By the time we arrived, the alcohol was already flowing and several people were already feeling the effects of it. Two people were in the pool without their clothes on, and there was another situation of impropriety that occurred that resulted in us leaving the get-together broken-hearted.

What took place that night was a lack of respect for weaker brothers and sisters who being young in the faith, were very confused and harmed by the actions of many who professed to be mature in their faith.

I will finish this tomorrow. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Luke 4-5; Psalm 84; Proverbs 30

Compass Pointers: The best way to stop a bad habit is never to begin it. J. C. Penney

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 12:24-25; Level 2: John 12:24-27

Anchored to the Rock: If your day is hemmed with prayer it is less likely to become unraveled. 

Don't Shoot the Messenger

Don’t Shoot the Messenger

Well I am going to really stick my neck out on a limb to address another area of concern that I believe is an increasing problem in the church today. This is a very difficult issue to discuss, but it is enough of a concern and problem that I feel that I need to weigh in on it with humility and love.

The topic? Social drinking. It is something that has taken the church by a storm and is becoming a very dangerous problem. We are finding more and more Christian men (and women) needing help because they have moved from casual drinking to being addicted to alcohol.

Before you write me off, would you allow me to share my heart with you, and then I encourage you to pray it through.

I have read all the articles and books that talk about alcohol and Christians. I can already hear the comments, “Come on Bill … you can’t prove total abstention from Scripture.  Jesus turned the water into wine and Paul said that ‘a little wine’ for the stomach’s sake” is ok, and an elder is not to be addicted “to much wine.”

Let me address those three statements:

1. While I can’t argue with any of those statements at face value, we do need to be familiar with the whole counsel of God. The Bible does address in great detail the dangerous effect of drinking and its harmful effects especially when done in excess.
   
2. The National Alcohol and Drug  council give information on their website about how much alcohol one can consume before considered being “under the influence.” Based on how I have observed my Christian friends who drink in a social setting, most of them, if pulled over by the police would be issued a citation for “driving under the influence.” I do think that it is important for us to look at the words “not much” and “a little.”

If you have a stomach ache and go to the pharmacy to get a bottle of Pepto-Bismol, you will observe when you read the back of the bottle that there is a prescribed dosage. You don’t drink the whole bottle! The same is true if you have a cough. Pick up a bottle of Robutussin and you will see a prescribed dosage. You don’t drink the entire bottle. By the way, people do drink the whole bottle a and then get highly addicted. It’s called “Robo-tripping.”

3. The greatest area of concern for me in this area is the biblical concept of the “weaker brother and sister.” I will continue this tomorrow
   
    I hope you will at least hear the rest of my comments before writing me off. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick – home of the Colony of Mercy
   
   GPS – God’s Positioning System: Matthew 4; Psalm 83; Proverbs 29

Compass Pointers: The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken. Samuel Johnson

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 12:24-25; Level 2: John 12:24-27

Anchored to the Rock: He stands best who kneels most!

Speak with Respect

Speak with Respect

“Likewise urge young men to be … sound in speech which is beyond reproach …” Titus 2:6a & 8a

Yesterday I shared some thoughts that came from Pastor Jason’s message Sunday. As I have pondered some things he shared in his message, and looking at the Titus 2 passage that I shared yesterday, here are some additional thoughts to ponder.

We’ve really become very sloppy in our speech, and we have in many cases become very disrespectful. I am probably going to tick someone off, but at least give me a listen before you write me off.

1. Where have all the “please” and “thank-you’s” gone? Notice how few people of all ages use those words these days? Dr. Richard Allen Farmer shared on Labor Day that we teach our little kids to use those “magic words” – but when we get to be seniors – what happens to the “magic words?” We need to get back to using these two powerful words.
   
2. We have become very sloppy in the words we use. Each generation has their own slang and lingo, but I think if we want to have “sound speech which is above reproach,” we need to think about how we speak and think about the words we use. Notice how often we use “you guys” in conversation vs. addressing people using their names? What would happen if we went back to using “yes, sir” or “no, ma’am when speaking with people that are 10 to 20 years older than us?
   
   
3. I am getting more and more frustrated at how we have felt the need to dumb down out speech to supposedly reach people who come to our churches? Why do we feel that in order to be effective communicators that we need to use words like “crap” and “suck?” Do people in the pew use those words when communicating to their superiors at work? Paul was certainly down in the trenches with people and yet I never have read that he used gross language to communicate truth? I realize that Jesus was pretty poignant in his speech, but if he talked trash to people, don’t you think one of the gospel writers would have recorded that for us?
   
   
4. Our words can come back to bite us. Two illustrations come to my mind. We had friends who used vulgar speech around their three year old son. It was not uncommon for them to use the “s” and “f” words. One day Mom and son were in the grocery store and a lady in the aisle dropped a jar of spaghetti sauce on the floor. Our friend’s son looked at the lady and said, “S**t lady, you broke the jar.” The lady almost dropped her teeth to hear this little toddler speak profanity.

The other story occurred in the nursery of the church where we served. Jan was working in the nursery and the other worker was changing a baby. As the worker opened the door of the changing table, all the diapers fell out. Our daughter’s friend looked over at the worker and said, “S**t – all the diapers fell out!” The worker looked at Jan and said, “Well obviously she learned that at home!”

As men, we can be great role models to younger men by being “sound in speech which is beyond reproach.” Lord, help me to be more mindful of my speech. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

 GPS – God’s Positioning System: Mark 1 & Luke 3; Psalm 82; Proverbs 28

Compass Pointers: There will no longer be so many pleasant things to look at if responsible people do not do something about the unpleasant ones. Madeleine L'Engle

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 12:24-25; Level 2: John 12:24-27

Anchored to the Rock: Time spent with God in the secret place is never the cause of spiritual inefficiency. Maurice Roberts

Lead By Example

Lead By Example

See Titus 2:1-10

On Sunday morning at church, one of the elders made a comment before we read the responsive reading that hit a nerve with me. Because of my position at America’s Keswick I am on the platform often, and I have often, too often made a statement that I wished I had not said.

The brother who made the statement wasn’t at all being malicious with his statement. I understood where he was coming from – but I was glad that our Associate Pastor took the time to clarify the statement and make an appropriate application.

Now that I have your attention (we men love a juicy morsel just as much as the women), the statement made was in regard to Christian conduct. The elder was expressing his concern about the poor conduct of so many of today’s teens.

His statement is true – as parents and grandparents we should be concerned. But what Pastor Jason said was very true and needed to be said. We as “adults” have not always been the best role models in front of our teens.

Children learn best from what they observe. If you haven’t figured at that by now – if you have grandchildren, especially toddlers – all you have to do is LISTEN long enough and you will find out what is going on at home! J  Art Linkletter said it best: “Kid’s say the darndest things” and much of what they repeat and do is a result of what they see happen at home.

Paul instructed his son in the faith, Titus, to lead my example. Let me give you a couple of snapshots:

“OLDER men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.”(Titus 2:2) NASB

“ … urge the you young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be a good example of good deeds with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is BEYOND REPROACH, in order that the opponent may be put to shame, having NOTHING bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:6-8) NASB

Some of the recollections I have of “spiritual” leaders in my church experience are of men who could teach the Word with great skill, and yet at a congregational meeting act like a spoiled child because they didn’t get their own way.

My greatest hero was the man God allowed me to work under for three years as a high-schooler, and then years later, I worked under him for seven years. He was by no means perfect (well, I still think he walks on water) but he modeled for me the passages above. I sat in numerous situations and observed a man who loved God model for me how I need to act as a leader, as a husband, as a father, as a man of God.

My model was my life-long friend and mentor, Neil Fichthorn. I will be eternally grateful that God put him in my life. As I approach the big 60, I am more and more mindful that people are watching me. I have the opportunity to mentor and train younger men to become leaders for the next generation.

YOU have the privilege too – you can lead my example. If more of us take up that mantle, just maybe we can see a new generation of young men who will catch the vision of what God wants them to be or how they can live life with integrity.

This went longer than I wanted to be – but I felt it was important to share it with you. Who has God placed in YOUR life to lead? Think about it! – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Matthew 3; Psalm 81; Proverbs 27

Compass Pointers: Our problems may stay, our circumstances may remain, but we know God is in control. We are focused on His adequacy, not our inadequacy.

Charles Stanley

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 12:24-25; Level 2: John 12:24-27

Anchored to the Rock: Some people’s prayers need to be cut off at both ends and set on fire in the middle. D. L. Moody

Revenge

Revenge

Beloved do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19

I am continually amazed at how many well-meaning “Christians” are angry, bitter, spiteful. I am amazed at how many times in the past years I have watched men and women who are a mission to get back at someone who has wronged or hurt them, totally ignoring the rest of the Word of God that talks about forgiveness and humility.

I can understand it in the “world” – but brothers, in the body of Christ – this just not ought to be!

Dr. Henry Blackaby addresses this subject in his daily devotional, Experiencing God – The Devotional:

One of the hardest areas in which to trust God is in the matter of justice. When we perceive an injustice, we want to see the guilty party punished. We want justice to prevail, especially if we are the victim. We become impatient if we are not avenged quickly. Yet God warns us that vengeance is not OUR prerogative. We are to do justice, but we are not to seek vengeance (Micah 6:8).

When someone offends us, our responsibility it to respond to the offense with FORGIVENESS (Matthew 5:44). God takes the responsibility to see that justice is done. God loves people too much to all sin to go unchecked.

Peter claimed that God is not slow about HIS promises to us, but He is patient and looooooooonnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggggggggg suffering before He brings about judgment
(2 Peter 3:9). Yet ultimately God has prepared for absolute justice.

There will be no sin committed that He will leave unpunished. Either the punishment will fall on His Son or it will be charged against the sinner, but everyone will ultimately give an account for everything they have done (2 Corinthians 5:10).

God is absolutely just, and only HE can ensure that justice is fully carried out. If we are impatient and seek revenge, we presume that we are wiser than God, and we reveal a blatant lack of trust that God will do the right thing.

Only by trusting God’s sovereign wisdom will we be free from our anger and preoccupation toward those who have committed evil. If we refuse to trust God’s justice, we become enslaved to bitterness and anger. We must guard our hearts and trust God to exercise His judgment against those who oppose Him. (You can order a copy of Blackaby’s devotional by calling (800-453-7942 ext. 21)

Is there someone in your life who you are seeking in your heart to get back out for a wrong committed? Maybe you have a laundry list of offenses. My guess is you aren’t a happy camper. My guess is that you probably have noticed that you beginning to show signs of bitterness and resentment in your life.

There’s not time like today to confess that to the Lord. Give Him your list. Humbly submit to Him and allow HIM to handle these difficult situations in your life. And guess what – YOU WILL BE FREE! – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Luke 22:39-52; Psalm 80; Proverbs 26

Compass Pointers: It is possible for a man to analyze the Bible and lose it in the process, to prepare a synthesis of the Bible and lose his soul at the work; to make himself perfectly familiar with the letter, and to find out that the letter kills because he has lost touch with the spirit. G. Campbell Morgan

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 12:24-25; Level 2: John 12:24-27

Anchored to the Rock: The worth of prayer is not gauged by its dimensions. Robert Murray M’Cheyne

The Ripple Effect of a Transformed Life

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. – Today is the 114^th anniversary of the Colony of Mercy and the 12^th anniversary of the founding of the Women of Character program. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Matthew 2; Psalm 79:40-72; Proverbs 25

Compass Pointers: If I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random circumstances of life, they become pinholes through which I see the face of God. Oswald Chambers

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 12:24-25; Level 2: John 12:24-27

Anchored to the Rock: We may pray when we say least, and we may pray least when we say most.

One Choice At A Time

One Choice At a Time

“I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore CHOOSE LIFE!” Deuteronomy 30:19

I have been working through Dr. Jerry Bridge’s devotional, Holiness Day By Day – Transformational Thoughts for Your Spiritual Journey [Nav Press], this year and I have learned so much about grace, holiness and the power of God.

The devotional today was one that I felt compelled to share with you. It really spoke to my heart:

The practice of putting off sinful attitudes and actions and putting on Christlike character involves a constant series of choices. We choose in every situation which direction we will go. Through these choices we develop Christlike habits of living. Habits are developed by repetition, and it’s in the arena of moral choices that we develop spiritual habit patterns.

We see this in Romans 6:19: “Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.” (NIV) The more the Roman believers sinned, the more they were inclined to sin. They were continually deepening their habit patterns of sin simply through their practice of making sinful choices.

What was true of them can be just as true of us today. Sin tends to cloud our reason, dull our consciences, stimulate our sinful desires, and weaken our wills. Because of this, each sin we commit reinforces the habit of sinning and makes it easier to give in to that temptation the next time.

Paul wanted the Roman believers, and us today, to turn in the other direction and develop habits of godly living: “So now offer [the parts of your body] in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness” (Romans 16:19, NIV). Righteousness in this passage refers to the ethical righteousness – the right conduct – we’re to practice every day. Whereas righteousness in this verse refers to our conduct, holiness refers to our character.

So it’s through righteous actions that we develop holy character. Holiness of character is developed one choice at a time as we choose to act righteously in each and every situation and circumstance we encounter during the day!

Pretty powerful. I need to be reminded of this truth daily! I would highly recommend adding this resource to your devotional library. It will be a great investment. To order a copy, call my Administrative Assistant, Ruth, at 732-350-1187 ext. 21. Be blessed today, brothers. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Luke 2:1-38; Psalm 79:1-39; Proverbs 24

Compass Pointers: Sin will always take you further than you want to go; sin will always keep you longer than you want to stay; and sin will always cost you more than you are willing to pay. – Dr. John C. Maxwell

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 10:10; Level 2: John 10:7-18

Anchored to the Rock: Surely the experience of all good men confirms the proposition that without a due measure of private devotions the soul will grow lean. William Wilberforce

Some Things to Think About Part 2

Some Things to Think About (Part 2)

Now that I am off my soapbox from yesterday, here is the rest of the list of things to think about as you take spiritual inventory. They are adapted from Anne Graham Lotz’s book, Expecting to See Jesus (Zondervan):

Hypocrisy: Are you pretending to be more spiritual than you are? Are you pretending to be anything that you are not?

Pride: Are you impressed with your own reputation and accomplishments? Are you offended and resentful when someone else receives attention? When sitting in church, instead of preparing your heart for worship, are you wondering if people have noticed your appearance?

Neglect of family: What have you truly sacrificed for their spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being? Nothing? Very little?

Neglect of God’s family: Who has fallen into sin or disgrace within your church? What have you done to reach out to that person in love? Or is there someone in your church family who has lost a job or is in some physical or practical need, and you have said glibly,”I’m praying for you,” yet have done nothing to help? And then did you quickly forget, and didn’t pray?!

Envy: Who seems more gifted and fruitful and recognizable than you? Have you felt jealous?

Critical Spirit: When have you found fault with someone because he or she doesn’t measure up to your standards?

Slander: When have you told the truth about someone, with the intention of causing others to think less of him or her?

Lying: When have you either made a statement or implied something that was contrary to the unvarnished truth?

Cheating: When have you not done to others what you would have them do to you?

Robbing God: When have you exercised your gifts or spent your time, money, or energy on things that had a selfish goal, without asking God first?

The list goes on … unforgivenes … self-indulgence … anger ... jealousy … gossip … worry … doubt … immorality  of any kind whether visual, mental, virtual, or actual …!!!!

Wow! That is some list. I know that I have had to prayerfully think through the list to take inventory of my life. How about you? Is the Spirit of God tapping you today? If so, listen and then purpose in your heart to make it right. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Matthew 1; Psalm 78; Proverbs 23

Compass Pointers: Our young men are going into the professional fields because they don't 'feel called' to the mission field. We don't need a call; we need a kick in the pants. We must begin thinking in terms of 'going out', and stop our weeping because 'they won't come in'. Who wants to step into an igloo? The tombs themselves are not colder than the churches. May God send us forth.  Jim Elliot

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 10:10; Level 2: John 10:7-18

Anchored to the Rock: Prayer is not conquering God’s reluctance, but taking hold of God’s willingness. Phillips Brooks

I Can't Believe What I Heard

I Can’t Believe I Heard What I Heard

I was going to do a follow-up email to yesterday’s teaching from Anne Graham Lotz, but I am too fired up about something to just let this one go.

One of my pet peeves about blogging, Facebook, Twitter, is that many people use these platforms as a means to vent and tear down ministries and people. Some feel it is their responsibility to scrutinize every jot and tittle, and hear me – we need folks that will help to keep us from drifting off course. Sometimes I wish that these well-meaning folks would be balanced and blog and journal about people who are doing and saying the right things rather than to use their audience as a bully pulpit.

I have tried to not use the Freedom Fighter platform to express my personal views on politics and my personal “hobby horses.”  But this one I can’t let go.

Some of you have read the remarks that Pat Robertson made last week suggesting that a spouse who has a spouse with Alzheimer’s is free to divorce that individual because this disease really is like a death. I have to confess – I almost came unglued.

Where in the world did he come up with this teaching from the Word of God? Before I put something in print, I did write to the folks at CBN to make sure that this was really what was said and not just some individual who thought they heard something he said and running with it.

CBN did confirm that this is what Pat Robertson believes! Maybe I am more sensitive to this issue because I live in a community that is filled with senior citizens. These folks are my friends, my prayer partners, my supporters. I have watched countless numbers of these precious saints who have lovingly supporter their loved one and honored their marriage vows that say “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” They have followed through on their commitment that said “till death do us part!”

If I follow through Pat’s line of thinking, does this now give a spouse who has a mate living out life in a nursing home, who may be clinically brain dead and in a coma, the freedom to divorce that mate?

I would love for Pat to meet Dr. Robertson McQuilken, one of my heroes of the faith, who stepped down from his role as the President of Columbia Bible College, now Columbia International University. He lovingly cared for his wife, Muriel, for 25 years. Check out her obituary: A Promise Kept.

Me thinks it would be the right thing for Mr. Robertson to correct his statement on national TV and make this right. I don’t see that happening, but I pray that he will.

For those of you who have family members who are struggling with Alzheimer’s, know this: I applaud you, support you and will pray for you. May God give you the strength and grace to finish well. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: John 1:1-14; Psalm 77; Proverbs 22

Compass Pointers: The open door does not necessarily mean the easy pathway. G. Campbell Morgan 

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 10:10; Level 2: John 10:7-18

Anchored to the Rock: The purpose of prayer is not to get man’s will done in heaven, but to get God’s will done on earth. Warren Wiersbe

Some Things to Think About

Some Things to Think About

Every so often  read something that grabs my heart and says, “take a look at this!” You sorta go on auto-pilot and then the Spirit of God grabs your attention through an author that makes you think.

This happened recently reading a book by Anne Graham Lotz, Expecting to See Jesus. In the chapter, Rend Your Heart, Anne suggests that we look at some of the areas of our life that could be holding us back from being all that God wants us to be. I will share with you today, and eight more tomorrow:

To order your copy, call Ruth Schmidt @
732-350-1187 ext. 21

Neglect of Bible reading: How many days have you gone without opening your Bible? How many days have you read it yet you can’t remember what you have read?Ingratitude: For what blessing, or answered prayer, have you neglected to thank God?

Unbelief: What promise has God given that you doubt will be fulfilled? Are you doubting that He is willing to forgive any or all of your sin?

Prayerlessness: How often are your prayers just spiritual “chatter” – offered without fervent or focused faith? And remember, daydreaming or fantasizing is not prayer.

Unconcern for the lost: Who do you know who have never received Christ as Savior? When have you shared the gospel with that person? Never?

Ignorance of the lost: Did you skip church when a missionary was scheduled to speak because you thought he or she would be boring? Can you even name one missionary who is on your prayer list?

(Adapted from Expecting to See Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz and published by Zondervan)

Think through the list. Anything that you need to adjust? Taking inventory is hard, but necessary. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Luke 1; Psalm 76; Proverbs 21

Compass Pointers: "Hope is nothing else than the expectation of those things which faith has believed to have been truly promised by God.  Thus, faith believes God to be true, hope awaits the time when His truth shall be manifested; faith believes that He is our Father, hope anticipates that He will ever show Himself to be a Father toward us;  faith believes that eternal life has been given to us, hope anticipates that it will some time be revealed;  faith is the foundation upon which hope rests,  hope nourishes and sustains faith….hope strengthens faith, that it may not waver in God’s promises or begin to doubt concerning their truth.” John Calvin 

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 10:10; Level 2: John 10:7-18

Anchored to the Rock: Do with your hearts as you do with your watches, wind them up every morning by prayer, and at night examine whether your hearts have gone true all that day. Thomas Watson

The Battle and the Blessing

THE BATTLE AND THE BLESSING

“And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up mine hand unto the LORD, the Most High God, the Possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoe latchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich. …” (Genesis 14:22-23)

            Here is a very valuable and instructive lesson from the life of Abram.  It is an account of his encounter with two kings -- one from Sodom and another from Salem, the ancient name for Jerusalem.  One was a king of unrighteousness and ruler over a wicked city, the other a king of “righteousness” from the city of “peace.”  It occurred subsequent to Abram’s return from a major victory and reminds us of the opposing calls of allegiance that come from the enemy of our souls and from the One who loves and cares for us.

Order your copy today
732-350-1187 ext. 21

            Returning from battle, Abram and his troops were approached by the King of Sodom.  But before this wicked king could cut a “deal,” Abram was met by Melchizedek, a mysterious man who stepped in with bread and wine to refresh Abram and his troops from the recent conflict. Blessing him, Melchizedek reminded Abram of the true reason for his victory—God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, and everything in between.  The blessing reaffirmed in Abram his resolve to stay wholly committed to the Lord at this critical juncture in his life. Prepared in heart, Abram was now able to refuse the alluring offer made by the King of Sodom and thus make his victory truly complete.  

            And so it is with the Lord Jesus, our King and Priest who graciously refreshes us from our battles, reminds us of our commitments at vulnerable times, and readies us for the temptations that may come our way.  Mark Kolchin is Executive Director of Know the Word Ministries, a teaching Elder at Bethany Bible Chapel, and serves of the Board of Trustees of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Malachi 1-4; Psalm 75; Proverbs 20

Compass Pointers: “The person who is not moved….to leave the Law and the confidence in his own righteousness for the Liberty of Christ, has a heart that is harder than stone and iron.  Paul….does not say that works are objectionable, but to build one’s hopes for righteousness on works is disastrous, for that makes Christ good for nothing.  Let us bear this in mind when the devil accuses our conscience.  When that dragon accuses us of having done no good at all…say to him, ‘You trouble me with the remembrance of my past sins; you remind me that I have done no good. But this does not bother me, because if I were to trust in my own good deeds, or despair because I have done no good deeds, Christ would profit me neither way.  I am not going to make Him unprofitable to me’.  This I would do if I should presume to purchase for myself the favor of God…..by my good deeds or if I should despair of my salvation because of my sins.” Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 10:10; Level 2: John 10:7-18

Anchored to the Rock: It is significant that there is no record of the Lord teaching His disciples how to preach; but He took time to teach them how to pray and how not to pray. L. A. T. Van Doore

The Believer's Obituary Notice

THE BELIEVER’S OBITUARY NOTICE

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no 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 give Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

            A comedian said that the first thing he turned to in the morning newspaper was the obituary column.  If he didn’t find his name there, he was good for another day.  In the spiritual realm there are numerous New Testament verses which declare the fact that, in identification with Jesus Christ, the believer has died to sin and self.  His death has been legally applied to us.  In a very real sense, when He hung on the cross and died for my sin, I died with Him.  I no longer have responsibility to live the life of sin and bondage.  Now there is a new life principle within me – “Christ lives in me.”

            Our theme verse provides a spiritual obituary notice which declares that I am dead to the law which condemns me for my sin (v. 19).  Death always changes relationships.  That which controlled my life under sin can no longer control me – I died to it (see Romans 6:3-7).  In order for this to become real in my life, I must reckon myself dead to sin (Romans 6:11).  There are those who feel that they must die to self, and they work at it.  The problem is that they are too late.  The Bible says that they have already died in Jesus Christ.  One Bible teacher thought that it might help if he could rent a coffin and then invite the congregation to file past it.  He planned to place a mirror in it so that as they filed by, they would see themselves in the coffin.

            But the scripture does not leave us as spiritual corpses.  We are declared to be alive in a new relationship – “Christ lives in me.”  His life is imparted when a person is born again, and it is His desire that His life should be lived out through that new believer.  When an appeal is made for a  Christian to act independently of Christ, the issue can be resolved by asking, “Whose life is it, after all?”  “How would Jesus live and act in this situation?”  On the basis of the biblical answers to these questions the response should be to allow His life control – we must yield to Him.

            Our identification in the work of the cross and in the risen life of Christ is not a feeling but realized by faith in the Son of God.  As a result of faith resting on these facts, the child of God can enjoy freedom from the domination of sin.  In yielding to the risen Christ and allowing Him to have full control of the life there is victory. Today’s devotional is from REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE. Dr. William A. Raws was the grandson of the founder of America’s Keswick, and was a beloved Bible teacher, pastor, friend and mentor.

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GPS – God’s Positioning System: Nehemiah 11-13; Psalm 74; Proverbs 19

Compass Pointers: For years, maybe, you have tried fruitlessly to exercise control over yourself, and perhaps this is still your experience; but when once you see the truth you will recognize that you are indeed powerless to do anything, but that in setting you aside altogether God has done it all. Such discovery brings human striving and self- effort to an end. Watchman Nee

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 10:10; Level 2: John 10:7-18

Anchored to the Rock: Of all things, guard against neglecting God in the secret place of prayer. William Wilberforce

The Glory of the Lord

The Glory of the Lord

When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 Chronicles 7:1

I read this devotional on Saturday morning and thought it would be a good one for this beautiful fall Lord’s Day:

The glory of the Lord is His presence. When God occupies a place, His glory is unmistakably evident! God has high standards for where He will make His presence known. He does not respond to our whims or come on our terms.

Solomon longed for God’s presence to be obvious in the temple that he had painstakingly built for Him. Solomon had spared no expense or effort in building this magnificent temple as a house for the Lord. Yet he understood that constructing a spectacular building was no guarantee that God would choose to inhabit that place.

So Solomon prepared HIMSELF and the people in the hope that God would look down upon them with favor. The priestly choir sang and played instruments in reverent praise to God (2 Chronicles 5:11-14). The priests sacrificed so many animals on the altar that they could not count them (2 Chronicles 5:6). Solomon prayed and when he finished, fire came down from heaven and consumed the offering. The glory of the Lord filled the temple! God’s glory was so overpowering in Solomon’s temple that the priests could not carry on their normal activities (2 Chronicles 7:2).

There is no mistaking when God inhabits a place. God’s glorious presence fills a place, and it is impossible to carry on business as usual!!! The New Testament teaches that OUR LIVES are temples because Christ abides in us (1 Corinthians 3:16). We cannot assume by this that our lives are pleasing to Him like Solomon, we must thoroughly prepare ourselves so that God will choose to reveal His presence in our lives. When He does, there will be now doubt that it is God!

from Experiencing God – The Devotional by Henry Blackaby (Broadman)

As I read this devotional the thought that came to my heart was this – we often come to church expecting God to fill the “temple” with His glory. We are the church – we are His temple – if we want to experience the presence of God in our CORPORATE worship – we need to be sure that He is filling US – His temple with His glory. If we all showed up to church in this way – just think what might happen for HIS GLORY! – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Nehemiah 8-10; Psalm 73; Proverbs 18

Compass Pointers: The more we trust, the more reasonable we find it to trust.

George Macdonald

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 10:10; Level 2: John 10:7-18

Anchored to the Rock: Prayer should be fundamental , not supplemental. William J. C. White

A Prayer for Perfectionists

A Prayer for Perfectionists

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:18-19

From time to time I have shared with some prayers written by Pastor Scotty Smith, who is the senior pastor of Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN. Scotty was personally mentored by a mutal friend, Dr. C. John Miller, founding pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church in Glenside, PA.

Scotty has a book of “Gospel-centered” prayers that I would highly recommend that you add to your devotional library. It is published by Multnomah, and can be ordered from America’s Keswick (732-350-1187 ext. 21)

I read this prayer yesterday, and it was right on target for me:

Gracious Father, I begin this day with a desire to live much less of a driven life and much more of a called life. In essence, I want to live with less fear and more freedom, less frenzy and more by faith, with fewer obsessions and with much more adoration of You, the God of all peace.

As I get older I just don’t have as much energy to juggle as many balls or spin as many plates as I used to. This is simultaneously a humbling thing and a good thing. For if greater grace comes to the humble, then accepting my limitations is essential for my liberation. Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!

It’s not difficult to see that my drivenness and busyness are rooted in fear – the fear of not being enough and having enough, the fear of losing face and losing control, the fear of missing the mark and missing out.

Come, Lord Jesus, come. Your perfect love alone can liberate this poser, performer, perfectionist. Drive out my fears by a greater grasp of your grace. You lived a life of perfect obedience for me as the second Adam, fulfilling everything God requires of me. You died a death of perfect love for me as the Lamb of God, exhausting God’s judgment against my sin. Your resurrection from the dead on the third day is the firstfruits and guarantee that one day I will be as lovely as You and as loving as You, Jesus.

Indeed, one day I will be made more perfect in love, all because of You, Lord Jesus, for perfection can only be found in YOU! I love You because You first loved me and continue to love me. May Your perfect love continue to drive all pernicious fear from my life. I pray in YOUR glorious name. Amen!

I needed to hear that today, guys. I needed to be whacked on the side of the head. This is right where I am – how about you? – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Nehemiah 6-7; Psalm 72; Proverbs 17

Compass Pointers: I have never heard of a sin being committed without knowing full well that I had the seed of it within myself. —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1:John 8:12; Level 2: John 8:42-47

Anchored to the Rock: God does nothing but in answer to prayer. John Wesley

Who Wants to Be a Water Boy?

Who wants to be the Water Boy?

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” John 13:14-17 (ESV)

I was on the high school wrestling team for a whole…month, I think, if that. During a scrimmage my opponent was going for a figure four take down and pulled my right arm so hard that my forearm was injured. It ended my season as a wrestler but I was permitted to stay on the team as the “Manager”. I got to clean the mats and make sure the rest of the team got towels and cold water during matches. I wanted to be on the team and that was the way that went. They may have given me the title of manager but who were they kidding? I was the water boy pure and simple. But I didn’t want to quit on the team as a whole. They were friends who I didn’t want to let down so I dealt with being the manager slash water boy.

Now let’s fast forward to this present day. The one thing I can’t understand lately is why it has become so hard to be the water boy these days. While I was at Keswick over Labor Day weekend and a good friend of mine, Leonard, and I were having a conversation about being a water boy. He is somewhat older than myself but we seem to fire on the same cylinders on matters concerning the Body of Christ. “It’s so bad that even the folks in our congregations think they are above this” he had said to me. “It’s like they don’t get it anymore” he continued. As the weekend ended, I had a similar conversation with my close Brother in Christ, Mark, about the water boy question and we expanded on it. Check this out…

Most of the secular world looks upon the water boy with demeaning eyes. They are abused by some of the players who think they are the stars of the team. Water boys have to clean up what others just don’t feel like cleaning up. They have to keep the water flowing and refreshing. The girls pass them by after the game to go after the guys who made the big plays and got the winning touchdown. And even in some cases the water boy is subjected to physical abuses for a good laugh at their expense. The water boy may just see a 3-4 blitz formation that covers the passing zones, prevent a touchdown and can lead to an interception but he will not get taken seriously, after all he is just the water boy. Is it in this that some church leaders cannot humble themselves to follow the example of The Water Boy?

Here’s where I am going with this…more and more these days there seems to be an emphasis on the messenger and not The Message. There are some of us in the church who want to be the “one” with that great Gospel message so much that we forget to apply that great Gospel message to our everyday living. Oh we are giving that cold cup of water out to the suffering but it’s not from a servant of the Messiah, it’s from so-n-so from the church of such-n-such and “you should come out and visit our church because we are where it’s at!!” Never once realizing that they are the ones who are totally losing the idea of doing from the agape in the heart of a person who is content in just knowing Jesus Christ. So far gone my brothers that it seems so outta sight and so outta mind.

Jesus gave “The” example of what true leadership really should be all about and that is to be humble enough to be the water boy even if you are the Savior of the world or think you are a star wide receiver. I will admit that I have my times when I fail doing this in my role of headship in the home. That is really where the great Gospel message needs to be applied to our everyday living. I think once we get this very plain simple idea down in our homes we can let it overflow into our church pews and then it can, dare I say this, trickle upwards to the platforms and the pulpits. Yeah I know water is supposed to flow downwards but if a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him but then again just about anything is possible when we are obedient in our role as water boy, huh? – Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a regular Freedom Fighter contributor

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Nehemiah 1-5; Psalm 71; Proverbs 16

Compass Pointers: “What is it that prevents people from coming to that entire surrender that we speak of? It is simply that they do not dare abandon themselves and trust themselves to God. They are not willing to be nothing, to give up their wishes, their will, and their honor to Christ. Will we refuse the salvation that Jesus offers? He gave up His own will. He gave up His own honor. He gave up any confidence in Himself. He lived dependent upon God as a servant whom the father had sent. This is the salvation we need---the Spirit of humility that was in Christ.” The Master’s Indwelling  Andrew Murray

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1:John 8:12; Level 2: John 8:42-47

Anchored to the Rock: It’s not only to resolve our problems that we should pray, but to share in the strength of God’s friendship. For us, prayer should be not merely an act, but an attitude of life. Billy Graham

In Christ We Have

In Christ We Have

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

Sometimes when the roads of life are bumpy and life seems to be out of control, or if your circumstances don’t make sense, we need to remind ourselves  that IN CHRIST WE HAVE …

A love that can never be fathomed;
A life that can never die;
A righteousness than can never be tarnished;
A peace that can never be diminished;
A hope that can never be disappointed;
A glory that can never be clouded;
A light that can never be darkened;
A happiness that can never be enfeebled;
A purity that can never be defiled;
And resources that can never be exhausted.

The presence of Christ is the joy of my life.
The service of Christ is the business of my life.
The will of Christ is the law of my life.
The glory of Christ is the crown of my life.

If you are in the pits today – having a pity party, or if you feel unloved, forsaken or misunderstood – go back and remind yourself of all you have IN CHRIST! – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Ezra 7-10; Psalm 70; Proverbs 15

Compass Pointers: I have never heard of a sin being committed without knowing full well that I had the seed of it within myself. —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1:John 8:12; Level 2: John 8:42-47

Anchored to the Rock: A prayerless Christian should be a non-existent species. Geoff Treasure

Thanksgiving and Victory

THANKSGIVING AND VICTORY

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 

(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

            Have you ever heard a Christian say, “Thank God for everything?”  They work so hard to find some way to be thankful for the problems of life. In trying to be always thankful they ask, “What is God trying to teach?”

            When asked that question I say, “I cannot answer because I am not God.” A better question is, “What can I learn from each experience?” Every experience has many ways of responding, we can learn more than just one lesson. With this question we can mature more quickly.

            It is not for everything but in everything. In the loss of a loved one we can give thanks not for the loss but for God’s unfailing grace. In the darkest storms of life we may not be thankful for the experience but in the experience we can hold more tightly to the hand that is holding ours. In the coldness and emptiness of soul one can still be thankful that it will not last.

            Think of Adam’s first experience with night. God came to Adam to be with him through it. He must have wondered what was happening to the sun as it disappeared below the western horizon. How relieved he must have felt when it rose above the eastern horizon. He must have said, “I hope I never have to go through that again.”

            Or think of the first fall and winter as he watched earth die and return to life in the spring. Did he say, “Wow, I hope I never have to go through that again!” Did he learn that God could be trusted even when his senses failed? Did he learn to thank God for all of the trees from which he could eat or focus on the one tree that was forbidden?

When all things fail

And foes assail,

Give thanks!

When the night

Is bereft of light,

Give thanks!

Not for the pain

You feel again,

Give thanks

But for the God who

Will see you through

For That, Give Thanks!

Rev. George Van Sandt is a frequent contributor for Freedom Fighter and the Keswick devotional, Real Victory for Real Life

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Esther 6-10; Psalm 69:19-36; Proverbs 14

Compass Pointers: A good workman can accept the reward of his labor with assurance, but one who is idle and shiftless cannot look his employer in the face. That is why we must devote ourselves heart and soul to the task of well-doing, for everything comes from the hand of God and He has already warned us, "See the Lord is approaching, with his reward before him, to pay every man as his work deserves." Clement

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1:John 8:12; Level 2: John 8:42-47

Anchored to the Rock: I want to be begging mercy every hour. William Tiptaft 

The Fellowship of the Burning Heart (2)

Come join me tonight at Shady Maple for our second 114th anniversary banquet of this season. It's not too late to make a reservation. Come and bring a friend. Call: 800-453-7942

The Fellowship of the Burning Heart (Part 2)

Yesterday I shared with you two of the four principles written by the late Dr. Richard C. Halverson, former pastor of Hollywood Presbyterian Church and later the Chaplain for the United States Senate. Halverson’s life was greatly impacted by the late Dr. Henrietta Mears. (Trivia: my good friend, the late Dr. Ruth Ann Breuninger, served at Hollywood Presbyterian and was mentored by Henrietta Mears and Dr. Halverson.)

Here are the 3^rd and 4^th principles of the four commitments of The Fellowship of the Burning Heart:

I AM COMMITTED TO THE PRINCIPLE that Christian discipleship exercises itself principally in winning of the lost to Jesus Christ. Therefore I pledge myself to seek every possible opportunity to witness in order that I may always be engaged in winning someone to Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8)

I AM COMMITTED TO THE PRINCIPLE that Christian discipleship demands nothing less than absolute consecration to Jesus Christ. Therefore I present my body a living sacrifice, utterly abandoned to God. By this commitment, I desire God’s perfect will shall find complete expression in my life, and I offer myself in all sobriety to be expendable for Jesus Christ. (Romans 12:1,2; Philippians 3:7-14)

God being my guide I desire to make these commitments to Him. (From They Knew The Secret, published by Zondervan)

Are you bold enough? Brave enough – to make those four commitments to Christ? Let me know your thoughts. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Esther 1-5; Psalm 69:1-18; Proverbs 13

Compass Pointers: Ponder the achievement of God. He doesn't condone our sin, nor does He compromise His standard. He doesn't ignore our rebellion, nor does He relax His demands. Rather than dismiss our sin, He assumes our sin and, incredibly, sentences Himself. God's holiness is honoured. Our sin is punished...and we are redeemed. God does what we cannot do so we can be what we dare not dream; perfect before God. Max Lucado

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1:John 8:12; Level 2: John 8:42-47

Anchored to the Rock: A prayerless man is a careless man. William W. Tiptaft