Resting, Loving And Living: The Simplicity of The Gospel

06/10/201606/09/2016Leave a comment

The Word we study has to be the Word we pray. My personal experience of the relentless tenderness of God came not from exegetes, theologians, and spiritual writers, but from sitting still in the presence of the living Word and beseeching Him to help me understand with my head and heart His written Word. Sheer scholarship alone cannot reveal to us the gospel of grace. We must never allow the authority of books, institutions, or leaders to replace the authority of knowing Jesus Christ personally and directly. When the religious views of others interpose between us and the primary experience of Jesus as the Christ, we become unconvicted and unpersuasive travel agents handing out brochures to places we have never visited. ~Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” ~ Jesus, King of The Universe, in Deuteronomy, Matthew, and Luke

Oh beloved, it is true. The depth of the gospel is unfathomable. Time and galaxies and universes are but an expression of Creative Ability. He, The Triune Weaver of all Good, has put together a stage of multiple dimensions upon which we should go through our lives.

He then wove our true substance into a vessel of clay, that is so exquisitely built that it runs on nearly any fuel. When it bleeds it knows how to stop. When the environment changes, the vessel makes multitudinous adjustments to keep everything going.

Quite frankly beloved, creation and its crown jewel (us) are so incredible as to be forever beyond the reach of the clay that we are, to fully understand how it works. Even simply pronouncing the name of one of the main connecting proteins in the body (Methionylthreonylthreonylglutaminylarginyl…isoleucine) takes over THREE HOURS to pronounce. Just one connecting tool in the clay vessel is so complex as to destroy the idea of us coming together by chance…. Just one protein.

Why the complexity?

This is what we do with the primitive technologies we clatter together in our “high-tech” industries. We think and think and build and experiment and build and sell – and try again. All of this complexity is built into a system to SIMPLIFY and improve the experience for the user.

We cobble together, but G_d created us. And He wove in the most incredible complexities to our environment and our bodies that we might be free to live as we were actually Designed. We have been freed from anything other than thankful stewardship of our world and our bodies that we might use all this complexity as a platform for one simple (and impossible) task.

To Love Him and others as He has Loved us.

That’s it. There is absolutely nothing else to life.

Nothing.

And the way that we do this is so so so so very simple too. We look back at the Creator and simply get to know Him. He will be known (and He already knows us completely). And once we catch a glimpse, we realize that we will never know the depths and the enormity and grandeur and power and majesty and strength and Love of Who He Is.

But…

Can we see it? We do begin to see something else. The little bit that we do know is all of Him. The simplicity of G_d is the whole point of the Gospel. Everything of Who He Is, is right here with us – and in us – that we would succeed at the simplest (and most impossible) of tasks; to Love others and build goodness into their lives.

Our lives are actually so simple that we allow the vessel He has created to become the very dwelling place of the Ferocious and Intimate Love Who started it all. Each little bit we know of His Word and Life in us – and allow to work through us – is absolutely enough for the moment. And from each simple moment, we launch forth into our purpose: to Love Him and others with everything we have right then and right there.

So yes, the “tech” behind the universe is astounding. The weaving of matter and energy and force and time and gravity and information are beyond comprehension. But the tech has a reason. It has set us free to live as we were built to live. Just Loving the Creator back, and allowing that same Love to pour out on others.

The strength of a man is not in comprehending more information or philosophy or politics. The strength in life is in allowing the Weaver to do His work, that we might be free to do ours. Tonight is your night beloved. Time to unravel a bit.

Written by Makala Doulos: Makala is a child of G_d, a husband to his wife, a father to his children, and a teacher to his students. But mostly, he is a prisoner set free by Jesus. Love has invaded his life, crushed it, and made it new. Now, G_d’s Love is what constrains him to live in full surrender to the freedom The Father and Son and Holy Spirit have bought for us all. Grace and Peace to you all.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 8; Proverbs 10

Daily Quote: “No truths are simple, especially those of Scripture. But as we pursue them and participate in them more fully, they begin to reveal to us a life deeper and more integrated than we ever could have known otherwise.” ~Tim Hansel

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

¹¹He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young. ~Isaiah 40:11

Why The Bible!

06/09/2016Leave a comment

Red Bible

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)

The culture we live in tries to influence our values in many ways. In a changing world, it’s essential to embrace unchanging truth. The Bible provides foundational truth to equip us and to supply principles to live. The Bible tells us, “Watch your life and doctrine closely,” (1 Timothy 4:16 NIV). There is no better place to learn about God and His ways than the Bible. Here are three of the many reasons the Bible is important.

Freedom:

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) The world is filled with life bondage addiction, perceptions, condemnation and the like… Jesus offers freedom in truth, and truth lies within the transforming power of His Word. We can rest in His Word; peace, understanding, freedom. I visited an inmate in the county jail last week, and his perception on God and his condition was more liberating than people on the outside.

Faith:

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) How can I know? In the uncertainties of life we have hope that only derives from the Word of God. In the midst of recent trials I literally meditated on His Word and the Word provided all the hope and comfort needed to persevere.

God communicates His love to us in the Bible:

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God… Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends. (1 John 3:1a, John 15:13). Would we stop expressing or communicating our love to our spouses after the wedding or would we stop demonstrating love to our children after birth. Certainly not, likewise, God is reassuring His love and validation for us through the proclamation of His Word; continuously.

How much time are you in the Word?

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full time staff member of America’s Keswick

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 7; Proverbs 9

Daily Quote: “God waits for you to communicate with Him. You have instant, direct access to God. God loves mankind so much, and in a very special sense His children, that He has made Himself available to you at all times.” ~Wesley L. Duewel

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

¹¹He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young. ~Isaiah 40:11

With Cleanliness Comes Godliness

06/08/201606/07/2016Leave a comment

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness” ~1 Timothy 3:16a

It was probably the first reference to religion I can remember, hearing my Mother’s defense in her claim that it’s important to be clean. “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”, my first thought was “it must be a sin to be dirty”.

Now, my Mother’s motives to get me to wash up may have been a little sewed and you won’t find this verse in the Bible but it’s not that far off. In Jesus’ day the reference to being clean was an important status to hold, mainly because you were a Gentile or had a disease. It meant that God was not with you or even worse, you had a curse. In Mark 10:1 we read “And when He (Jesus) had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease”. It was a matter of being clean spiritually that Jesus dealt with first.

Then we come to this phrase “godliness”, it’s a term used by the Apostle Paul 9 times in his first letter to Timothy in the NKJV. It seems to be an important role for Timothy to play out in his ministry. In chapter 2 it says “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence”.

Are you godly, do you lead a godly life? I believe this is a quest for all of us to attain and pursue. Peter opens his second letter by saying, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue”.

This pursuit of godliness seems to pertain to our standing before God as a people who, when closely examined can be found to be devoted and trusting in the words of the Bible. Paul writes to Timothy in 3:16

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:

God was manifested in the flesh,

Justified in the Spirit,

Seen by angels,

Preached among the Gentiles,

Believed on in the world,

Received up in glory”.

This verse has to become our creed by which we live. We have been made clean by the divine power of the Holy Spirit which was given to us free of charge at salvation but the act of staying clean is only obtained by the faith that was also given to us as we practice and commit ourselves daily to the Lordship of Christ. It would appear that the purpose of Paul’s letters to Timothy was to convince this young man to, first “keep” himself clean and then to protect those who he was ordained to watch over.

So, you can try to scrub a little harder to make yourself clean and keep Mom happy but I recommend the thoughts of Jude “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life”. Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 6; Proverbs 8

Daily Quote: “God bestows His blessings without discrimination. The followers of Jesus are children of God, and they should manifest the family likeness by doing good to all, even to those who deserve the opposite.” ~F. F. Bruce

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

¹¹He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young. ~Isaiah 40:11

The Jesus Attitude

06/07/201606/06/2016Leave a comment

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” `~Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT)

I got this saying that I swiped from a song written by Alice Cooper sometime back in the 80’s. The title of the song is “You’re a Movie” and line goes like this… “Move aside mere drop of water, let the ocean pass.” I say it (kinda sarcastically…kinda) when I run into someone who is so full of attitude you can smell it coming and you need to get outta their way quickly. I think it while I hear them speak and, at times, have been accused of this same attitude myself (absurd I tell you, completely and utterly absurd). It is a terrible attitude to have and takes a lot of grace for others to handle it and it takes a lot of mercy by God to be stripped of it. It is the attitude of Conceit.

Now before I go any further let me say this out loud because I need to hear it as well…CONCEIT HAS NO KINGDOM VALUE AT ALL!!! Okay with that outta the way onward with this Freedom Fighter.

Almost 2,000 years ago our world witnessed the greatest act of unselfishness ever done and many missed its lesson. But for 3+ years prior to that event Jesus went around preaching to all those around Him that the Kingdom of God was at hand. Only those with ears heard that message and even in our present day that hasn’t changed much. Sad…but true. Secularland has a way of selling the “It’s all about me” theology while unselfishness and Christlikeness are being removed from the book shelf. Again, sad but true. But for those of us who strive for the goal that calls us heaven bound we have encouragement from the Apostle Paul.

The second chapter of Philippians starts off like this, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (Phil 2:1-2) And that one mind isn’t the universal one, it’s the mind of Christ. The mindset that say’s “I will put myself aside for the sake of others.” We need to remember that Jesus Christ, though The Son, is still God. And if God was able to say to His three parts, “We’re gonna make atonement for their sins because they know not what they do.” (that’s implied…don’t stone me) then we shouldn’t dismiss that kind of unity amongst ourselves.

In his book, “Laugh Again” Charles Swindoll makes this statement, “As Christians, when we pursue the goal of exalting Christ and putting others before ourselves, we

tend to forget all the self-serving, petty differences that normally separate us.” I like how he puts it but how is it accomplished? Well Paul gives us these three practical tips.

1. Never let selfishness or conceit be your motive.

2. Regard others as more important than yourself.

3. Don’t limit your attention to your own personal interests—include others.

And remember, this isn’t self-hate advice but rather self-forgetfulness. Love yourself as you are to love others. Hard stuff ain’t it?

But keep this in mind, “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)

So for all you who feel like “mere drops of water” remember what is key today… CONCEIT HAS NO KINGDOM VALUE AT ALL!!! But unity does and through the reconciliation of what was done for us on The Cross we can gather ourselves together and become an ocean that envelops the communities around us for the sake of Jesus Christ. It ain’t gonna get any better out there in Secularland but we called to give water to those who thirst. Let’s give them an ocean wave of it. Amen?

Written by Chris Hughes: Chris, a graduate of The Colony of Mercy (11-2003) is married with two adult children and serves on the Deacon Board at Trinity Alliance Church in Cologne NJ

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 5; Proverbs 7

Daily Quote: “The great question facing us today, this moment, is whether or not we will voluntarily humble ourselves before the Lord Jesus or wait until we’re forced to do so. If we act now, we will be saved. If we refuse to confess Jesus Christ as Lord while we’re on the earth, we will surely concede it one day under the earth. But by then it will be too late for that declaration to change our eternal destiny” —Charles Swindoll

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

¹¹He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young. ~Isaiah 40:11

Another Hero in Glory – Dr. J. Robertson McQuilkin

06/06/201606/05/2016Leave a comment

But none of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

Last week another dear friend/brother/mentor went home to be with Jesus. He finished his race with joy.

I first met Dr. Robertson McQuilkin when I served on the staff at Sandy Cove. My friend, Dr. B was instrumental in getting him to speak. His messages 25+ years ago had a huge impact on my life and ministry.

Little did I know that when I would come to serve at America’s Keswick, that our paths would cross again, and at a whole new level.

Dr. Robert C. McQuilkin, former President of Columbia Bible College, now Columbia International University, was a key player in our Keswick history. We was a very popular speaker at summer conferences.

Dr. Robertson McQuilkin, who served as President of CIU, resigned at the height of his career to become the full-time care-giver for his precious wife, Muriel, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. His powerful resignation speech has been heard by tens of thousands of people around the world. While McQuilkin cared for his wife for the next 12 years, he continued writing journal articles and books and preaching worldwide. Among the most popular of 19 books written by McQuilkin is “A Promise Kept” detailing his care for Muriel, who passed away in 2003.

Years ago, Dr. McQuilkin penned the words to this prayer that I have read hundreds of times, LORD GET BE HOME BEFORE DARK:

It’s sundown, Lord. The shadows of my life stretch back into the dimness of the years long spent. I fear not death, for that grim foe betrays himself at last, thrusting me forever into life; life with You, unsoiled and free. But I do

fear the dark scepter may come to soon – or too late? I fear that before I finish I might stain Your honor, shame Your name, grieve Your loving heart. Few, they tell me, finish well. Lord, let me get home before dark.

Will my life show the darkness of a spirit grown mean and small, fruit shriveled on the vine, bitter to the taste of my companions, a burden to be borne by those brave few who love me still? No, Lord, let the fruit grow lush and sweet, a joy to all who taste, a Spirit-sign of God at work, stronger, fuller. Brighter at the end. Lord, let me get home before dark.

Will be the darkness of tattered gifts, rust-locked, half-spent, or ill-spent, a life that once was used of God now set aside? Grief for glories gone or fretting for a task God never gave? Mourning in the hollow chambers of memory, gazing on the faded banners of victories long gone? Cannot I run well unto the end? Lord, let me get home before dark.

The outer me decays – I do not fret or ask reprieve. The ebbing strength but weans me from mother earth and grows me up for heaven. I do not cling to shadows cast by mortality. I do not patch the scaffold lent to build the real eternal me. I do not clutch about me my cocoon, vainly struggling to hold hostage a free spirit pressing to be born.

But will I reach the gate in lingering pain – body distorted, gro-tesque? Or will it be a mind wandering untethered among the light phantasies or grim terrors? Of Your grace, Father, I humbly ask … let me get home before dark.

I will be eternally grateful for the privilege of having several lengthy one-on-one chats in my office with this gentle giant. He was a dear friend and brother and I will miss him.

And God answered his prayer – He got home before dark.

Written by Dr. Bill Welte is President/CEO of America’s Keswick: He has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years, and has three married kids, one that is engaged, and 10 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 5; Proverbs 6

Daily Quote: “I think God has planned the strength and beauty of youth to be physical. But the strength and beauty of old age is spiritual. We gradually lose the strength and beauty that is temporary so we’ll be sure to concentrate on the strength and beauty that is forever. And so we’ll be eager to leave the temporary deteriorating part of us and be truly homesick for our eternal home. If we stayed young and strong and beautiful we might never want to leave.” ― J. Robertson McQuilkin

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

¹¹He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young. ~Isaiah 40:11

True Worshippers 101!

06/03/201606/02/2016Leave a comment

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” (John 4:23)

In T-n-T, we are provided with an opportunity to give glory, honor, and praise to our God. There are times when it’s undeniable, that God’s presence is thick and other times where He is taking a more quiet approach. But regardless, I believe that when a person or people proclaim the work of Jesus, it is one of the richest way we give Him glory.

True worshiper 101: Individuals who decide to put themselves on the side and give Him, His praise. A true worshiper’s life is hidden in daily surrender and he will show up to service with a heart ready to praise, because it becomes an extension of his everyday relation with Christ. True worshippers are sincere in their spirit, and inwardly resolved in their minds and hearts.

Identifying true worships indicates that there false or deceitful worshippers. Jesus declares, “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” (Matthew 7:21) It’s a sad reality to think that you can be within the body of Christ worshipping, serving, even broadcast the name of Jesus, and be out of fellowship. Then she cried out, “Samson! The Philistines have come to capture you!” When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn’t realize the LORD had left him.” (Judges 16:20) Sad!

So how do you know that you are a true worshipper?

True worshiper 201: It will be evident in your prayer life; true worshippers have a valid prayer life. They also have a boldness to confess wrongs, and to be transparent because they are concern with their relationship with God and loving their neighbor. The Word is esteemed, and the desire to be obedient to that Word guides the true worshippers. True worshippers proclaim and understand the love of God, and how that love is manifested through sacrificial work of Jesus. Are you a true worshipper?

Written by Chaplain Juan Mendez: Juan is graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 2; Proverbs 3

Daily Quote: “We never grow closer to God when we just live life. It takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness.” ~Francis Chan

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

3 You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
⁴Trust in the Lord forever,
For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength. ~Isaiah 26:3-4

Mathew 9 – Overflowing Compassion

06/02/2016Leave a comment

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. ~Mathew 9:36

O’ that we might have compassion on him that is the natural man. Carnality is the sum of his being and his desires are solely fixed on the pleasing of his lustful flesh. There is no one more deserving of our pity and prayer. He boldly does what seems right to him, unaware that his path is leading unto death (Proverbs 14:12). He unknowingly demands the recompense of our Holy God and wouldn’t have it any other way. Why is it that as Christians we are so troubled by him? His insolence offends us and our judgments are made on his actions instead of his aims; yet all the while, we superficially choose to measure ourselves by our intentions rather than what we actually do. Our judgments are often far too harsh and the longer we stand before God on Christ’s merit, the less patience we seem to have for the rebellion of the unsaved. Let it not be!

“Biblical orthodoxy without compassion is surely the ugliest thing in the world.” -Francis Schaeffer

Never forgot the great depths of sin by which you came. Today, remember the low life that God has delivered you from. Let the compassion given you the hour you first believed be restored to full. If compassionate was the nature of our Saviour, then pray that His Spirit might fill you to the overflowing compassion He displayed at Calvary. He promises that it will be worth whatever sacrifice it costs and that is a promise you can take to the bank!

Written by Troy Fink: Troy is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is a Urban Missionary at New Hope Philly in Philadelphia.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 1; Proverbs 2

Daily Quote: “Employ whatever God has entrusted you with, in doing good, all possible good, in every possible kind and degree…” –John Wesley

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

3 You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
⁴Trust in the Lord forever,
For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength. ~Isaiah 26:3-4

Caution, “God at Work”

06/01/201605/31/20161 Comment

“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” ~Philippians 2:13

I remember as a kid seeing the sign “Men at Work”. The only thing that meant to me was a play zone when they left for the day. Especially trying to dismantle those big battery operated blinking lights for a trophy in our bedrooms. Today I realize how dangerous that was to be interfering where there was “Men at Work”

Being in full time ministry can be a challenge when it comes to hurting men at the Colony. My first instinct is to come to the rescue of a man who is going through it, as if I have all the answers. Another mistake I’ve made was giving a guy a ride as he walks the dirt trail around our lower lake. I received some good advice early on, “Be careful not to interfere when God’s at work”.

I do believe there’s a time for a word of encouragement or to ask if everything is all right but that usually comes in the beginning stages of a man’s stay at the Colony. After he’s been there a while I’m very careful not to give unsolicited advice.

I know from experience that it’s in those quiet times alone or walking to work on that dirt road which has numerous scriptures hanging from the trees that God does His thing.

Philippians 1:6 tells us “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”. This concept doesn’t only apply to the men at the Colony, it is also a promise to anyone who is a follower of Christ. If you have a loved one who is not where they should be with the Lord, your first responsibility is to be praying for them. Then wait for God to do His thing and also make yourself available when the time comes to intervene.

Too many time has someone busted onto the scene to save the day only to interrupt the Holy Spirit’s work that was taking place. A good service to someone who is struggling is to let them know your there “IF” they need you. Having the discernment to know when to offer a word is the difficult task. I sometime wish there were those blinking barricades with a caution sign “God at Work”.

If you’re the one struggling today and your guilty of being dependent on others, maybe it’s time to set up a couple of “God at Work” signs around you and give Him a chance. If it is God who started a work, He is also faithful to complete it. Amen!

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 150; Proverbs 1

Daily Quote: “I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up by asking God to do His work though me.” ~Hudson Taylor

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

3 You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
⁴Trust in the Lord forever,
For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength. ~Isaiah 26:3-4

Examples and Warnings

05/31/201605/31/2016Leave a comment

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” ~Hebrews 12:28-29 (NKJV)

Every so often I have it brought to my mind those times when I grew up in South Philly and went to church. I was raised within the Roman Catholic Church and saw some stuff that I now can call the apostasy of people. It set me up for a decision that I’ll make by the age of 16 and have a deep impact on my life until the age of 40 when Jesus Christ will say “Enough is enough…come to Me you are heavy laden”. I can’t put it all down as waste because there was a lesson to be learned from it, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” (Psalm 118:8) Had I known this sooner…ah who I am kidding? There is no woulda, shoulda, coulda excuse to give. Anyway…

During a recent sit down with friend and Pastor, John Mol, I heard something that gave me that “AH-HA” finger to the air, there it is, moment. Pastor John talked about how God has given us examples and warnings in our churches in the forms of actual people. He told us of few those stories of people in his life who have been examples and warnings to him. And since we have people in the Bible to talk about let’s see a different take on two of them.

Mark 5…After Jesus calms a storm and lands on the shores of Gerasa, He is approached by a man who was tortured by an evil spirit named Legion. This dude ran around a cemetery, charged through the wilderness and did some serious damage to himself. But his encounter with Jesus changed all that. Jesus sends out the thousands of demons within our friend and leaves him a free man. This man is so grateful for what Jesus has done that all he wants to be is with Jesus but he is given a different assignment and was sent off into Decapolis to share what was done for him through Jesus. So…off he went to spread the Good News of Jesus!! People were left amazed!!

John 5…For 38 years a man lived with a disability…he can’t walk too well. It’s a sunny day by the pool of Bethesda and everyone who needs a healing touch is waiting for the bubbles of the pool to start. These waters are said to heal by the magical intercession of a heavenly messenger who stirs the waters. Jesus sees this man from a distance and approaches him. “Are you here in this place hoping to be healed” asks Jesus. Then the disabled man goes about no one is interested in helping him be first to get into pool so he can be healed. Well Jesus took care of that and he was immediately challenged by those wacky Pharisees. But even after he tells them Jesus heals him we don’t see him go anywhere to anyone else to tell them anything. POOF!!! This dude is gone. People were left annoyed.

So what is to be gleaned here? Just like those of us who needed Jesus’ healing touch in our lives we are excited we’re even healed like these two guys but ya gotta notice what they did with what Jesus did for them. One goes out to share his joy with others and one keeps it to himself. One did everything he could for Jesus and one did nothing. One walks into a city and one just walk away. One is set as an example and one is set as a warning.

This is still happening in our churches today. We have folks that are so overjoyed by what Jesus has done for them they can’t singing His praises and we have those that barely lift a whisper to be heard. What I hope I am conveying to you today is that if Jesus has touched you deeply He needs to be shared by you deeply. If all you have in your heart is “Jesus saved me” and not “Jesus saved me and He can save you too” then you’ve missed the boat. Make this day the day you go out among the people and share what was done for you by the healing touch of Jesus Christ. Amen?

Written by Chris Hughes: Chris, a graduate of The Colony of Mercy (11-2003) is married with two adult children and serves on the Deacon Board at Trinity Alliance Church in Cologne NJ

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 149; Proverbs 31

Daily Quote: “We humans “do what we are.” It is a statement that cannot be refuted. In other words, if we let ourselves go, giving up all outward pretensions, and live just from the desires within us, what we really are will come out. Basically, what we are is revealed by what we do, and what we do reveals what we are within.” ~A.W. Tozer

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

3 You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
⁴Trust in the Lord forever,
For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength. ~Isaiah 26:3-4

Remember The Cost of Freedom

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I have patriotic, flag waving American. I can’t help but get choked up when I sing our National Anthem, God Bless America and America, the Beautiful.

I’ve made it a practice now that whenever I see a man or woman in uniform who is serving in our military, that I thank them for serving our country. I do this for our policemen as well.

I am so patriotic that I even than the Homeland Security workers at the airport for keeping us safe.

Today is a day to remember. A day to remember the great sacrifice that was made on battlefields all across this globe so that you and I could be free.

While I enjoy being free as an American, the greatest freedom all the world is the freedom that I have because Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice when He shed His blood on Calvary’s cross for my sin.

Neil Enloe from the Couriers, painted this word picture that I love when it comes to thinking about freedom in our country, and the freedom I have IN CHRIST:

In New York harbor stands a lady, With my torch raised to the sky; And all who see her know she stands for Liberty for you and me.

Refrain I’m so proud to be called an American To be named with the brave and the free. I will honor our flag and our trust in God And the Statue of Liberty.

On lonely Golgotha stood a cross, With my Lord raised to the sky; And all who kneel there live forever, As all the saved can testify.

Refrain I’m so proud to be called a Christian, To be named with the ransomed and whole.

As the Statue liberated the citizen, So the Cross liberates the soul. Oh the Cross is my Statue of Liberty, It was there that my soul was set free. Unashamed I’ll proclaim that a rugged cross Is my Statue of Liberty.

Take time today to reflect on those who gave their very lives for your freedom. And then spend some time thanking your Savior for paying for your ultimate freedom.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 148; Proverbs 30

Daily Quote: “Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light.” ~George Washington

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

3 You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
⁴Trust in the Lord forever,
For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength. ~Isaiah 26:3-4

Freedom Fighters

A Daily Email Encouragement for Men!

Author: America's Keswick

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Why The Bible!

With Cleanliness Comes Godliness

The Jesus Attitude

Another Hero in Glory – Dr. J. Robertson McQuilkin

True Worshippers 101!

Mathew 9 – Overflowing Compassion

Caution, “God at Work”

Examples and Warnings

Remember The Cost of Freedom