I Got This

A few years back there was a cardboard sign floating around that said “Pray First”. This sign could be found at work stations, water fountains and in the mail room. I will be the first to admit that I’m not always a “Pray First” kind of guy.

 I think back to a conversation I was having with my buddy Ed as we were strategizing how we would be handling the imminent snow storm heading our way. We had a major event planned for the day and the thought of all these people coming safely on the property caused me to react with a “can do” response.

I was assuring Ed that our equipment was ready and we had plenty of man power to handle the storm. Then he asked “what if the people cancel and don’t come”? Oh, well I do know, said me…

As we stood there scratching our heads we felt a pair of hands on our shoulders as our friend and coworker Dave cradled us in and began to pray. He brought us into the presence of the One who can do all things and works all things together for good. We immediately felt a calm as we realized our priorities were off. I remember questioning myself as I walked away, “Why didn’t I think of that”.

Now I’m not saying I didn’t prepare, but I am saying that when we “Pray First” and believe, the task at hand became a less burdensome chore. Instead, I was now an employee of Jesus.

David’s prayer was an effective and fervent prayer that unleashed the “Grace of God”. The storm missed us and we had a successful event. I thank God for men like David, who remind us to Go to our heavenly Father first.

So, I hope after reading this, before you out the door to go do whatever it is that you do, to “Pray First”. I think I’ll go look for one of those ”Pray First” signs and post it where I can be reminded to do “first things first”.  Rob Russomano serves on the staff of America’s Keswick and is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy. He is a weekly Freedom Fighter blogger

Daily Bible Reading: Zechariah 1-4; Luke 22:47-71

Quote of the day: The best gift a father can give to his children is the gift of himself-his time. For material things mean little if there is not someone to share them with. Neil Strait

Verse to Memorize: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

The Forever Promise Foretold

 “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel”  Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)

If you’re on the by-ways and highways during this season of Advent then surely you have seen those bumper stickers and car magnets that say…”Jesus is the reason for the season.” As for myself I would like to see them say, “Jesus is the reason, period” or how about this, “You’re the reason for season because Jesus came here for all of us”.  Can you imagine saying the latter to someone at Macy’s or Wal-Mart, woo-doggie!! Our Pastor thought that just might be the opening we need to tell someone about Jesus Christ this Christmas season. And today’s verse just might be the verse you share in that conversation.

So with that in mind let’s give this verse from Isaiah a little historical background. Now when this prophecy of Isaiah was given, Judah would be dealing with the invasions by the king of Syria and the king of Israel. In an effort to overthrow King Ahaz these two kings would first attack Judah separately (2 Chronicles 28:5-6) then they would join forces (2 Kings 16:5) However because these factions could not overthrow Ahaz and replace him with a king of their choosing, Ahaz makes an appeal to the King of Assyria. And that kings response was a complete invasion of Syria and Northern Israel which lead to what has been called the Galilee Captivity…stay with me folks!!!

Let’s take a look at Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The background setting for these verses go like this…the Galilee region would be the first to go under during the Assyrian invasion. Isaiah would predict this occurrence in chapters 7&8. Zebulun and Naphtali were the two tribes this region belong to, they were the furthest from Judah but the closet to foreign nations and they would be easy prey for foreign gods and heathen influences. The people of these tribes would also be the first to treble in awe before the might of Assyria (kinda like we do when we are faced with an adversary that we believe is bigger than our God)

 

Throughout the remainder of ancient history this region would really never recover from being ravaged by foreign invaders. By the time of the Roman occupation these distant people would be the first people Jesus Christ would preach to when His ministry began. If we back pedal a little into Isaiah 9:2-5 Isaiah would address the power of the coming Messiah. So to them who had walked in darkness the promise is made of a Great Light, which we can find quoted in Matthew 4:15-16 as being “fulfilled” in the coming of Jesus Christ and His ministry in Galilee. The coming of this Great Light (being Jesus Christ) shall break “the yoke of his burden” and “the rod of his oppressors” indicating the total victory of Jesus Christ over the enemies of His people.

Now if you’re standing in line at the local department store and you hear that “Happy Holidays” nonsense you can turn to them and say “Don’t you know you, you’re the reason for the season because Jesus Christ came for you and me.” Then you can tell them about how Jesus was a forever promise foretold a very long time ago even before they messed up the manager scene with three kings and Santa Claus. You could keep it simple and open with John 3:16 and then share His love by sharing John 3:17. None the matter, as we go traveling down the highways and by-ways of Secularland it is up to us, God’s people, to share the gift of the Great Light that shines bright in the hearts of His people. Amen? – Chris Hughes is a weekly Freedom Fighter blogger and a graduate of the Colony of Mercy

Daily Bible Reading: Micah 6-7; Luke 22:1-46

Quote of the day: “If we could condense all the truths of Christmas into only three words, these would be the words: “God with us.” We tend to focus our attention at Christmas on the infancy of Christ. The greater truth of the holiday is His deity. More astonishing than a baby in the manger is the truth that this promised baby is the omnipotent Creator of the heavens and the earth!”—John MacArthur

Verse to Memorize: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

On behalf of the Board and staff of America’s Keswick
and the entire Freedom Fighter team

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AN YOURS

Daily Bible Reading: Micah 4-5; Luke 22:1-20

Quote of the day: Some businessmen are saying that this could be the greatest Christmas ever. I thought the first one was!!!

Verse to Memorize: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

The Heart of the Season

Christmas! The world’s biggest birthday party! A time of great joy, gratitude & reflection.

But what happens when the “joy suckers” step in? The non-believers & trouble makers that want to challenge the ”exact date” Jesus was born. “If you don’t know when He was born, how do you know any of it is true?”  “You know you can’t live up to God’s standards so why do you think He loves you and forgives you?”

Wow! Joy suckers!

Let me tell you a story.

Johnny and Susie were 5 & 6 year old brother and sister. They got up early one Saturday morning when Susie said to Johnny, “Let’s make daddy a really special birthday breakfast!”  Johnny was all excited and the two set out to make the best breakfast ever!

They started with frozen waffles that they put in the toaster and cooked to a crispy charcoal black. Next was the bacon. Susie put a few slices in the microwave and after a whole 30 seconds, put the pile of slimy meat on the plate. They topped it all off with enough syrup to cause diabetes. Coffee! Dad loves coffee! Not sure which container had the instant coffee or the drip, Johnny decided a little of each in the cup would work. Add some warm water from the tap, stir & its all good. A weed pulled from the garden made a nice touch next to a napkin with a knife and fork.

Down the hall they went! Susie carried the breakfast balanced on a tray as Johnny tore down the hall, ripped open the door and pounced on his sleeping dad. With a grunt and a smile, his dad sat up in bed just as Susie came through the door holding the tray of burnt waffles, raw bacon and warm “coffee” with grinds floating in a dark pool of liquid. “Happy Birthday Dad!” they yelled in unison!  Mom looked on as dad carefully took the tray and with the biggest warmest smile lovingly told his children, “This is the best breakfast ever! Now go get dressed while I enjoy this feast.”

As the two children left, Susie yelled, “he loves it!” “Yes” Johnny yelled, “he loves it!”

Mom looked lovingly at her husband and with a warm grin said, “Just think, in three months when its actually your birthday, you get to do it all over again.”

This Christmas, don’t let anyone suck the joy out of this most wonderful time of year. Don’t let people cast doubt because we may not have Christ’s exact birthday right. And no matter who you are or where you are in this life, don’t let anyone tell you, you are not acceptable in Gods eyes. God the Father is most glorified when we are most satisfied in His Son, our Savior, Jesus! He looks past all the external to the heart, just like Johnny and Susie’s dad!

May the joy and love that is ours in Christ Jesus fill your heart and your life now and forever!  Amen. – Steve Schmidt is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and serves on our full-time America’s Keswick staff. He is a weekly Freedom Fighter blogger

Daily Bible Reading: Micah 1-3; Luke 21:20-38

Quote of the day: Someone asked a boy, “Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas?” The boy said, “No, I didn’t get everything I wanted. But then it’s not my birthday, is it?”

Verse to Memorize: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

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Christmas Means …

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

I trust that as you prepare your hearts for celebration of the birth of our Savior, you will take a few minutes to reflect on the implications that His birth has on our lives. Pastor Larry Farthing gives us a beautiful picture of what Christmas means. Take some time to look up the references as you reflect on the TRUE meaning of Christmas:

He descended that we might ascend (John 6:38, 14:3).

He became poor that we might become rich (II Corinthians 8:9, Jas. 2:5).

He was born that we might be born again (John 1:14, 3:2,7).

He became a servant that we might become sons (Phil. 2:7; Gal. 4:6, 7).

He had no home that we might have a home in heaven (Matt. 8:20; John 14:2).

He was hungry that we might be fed (Matt. 4:2; John 6:50).

He was thirsty that we might be satisfied (John 19:26).

He was stripped that we might be clothed (Matt. 27:28; Gal. 3:27).

He was forsaken that we might not be forsaken (Matt. 27:26; 28:20).

He was sad that we might become glad (Isaiah 53:3; Phil. 4:4).

He was bound that we might go free (matt. 27:2; John 8:32-36).

He was made sin that we might be made righteous (I Corinthians 5:21).

He died that we might live (John 5:24, 25).

He came down that we might be caught up (I Thessalonians. 4:16, 17).

Thanks, Pastors Dave Rittinger, for sharing this with us in your message.

Running the race with joy,

Bill Welte
President/CEO America’s Keswick

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 12-13; Luke 21:1-19

Quote of the day: I think we’re going to have an exceptionally good Christmas. The very fact that outward circumstance precludes our making provision for it will show whether we can be content with what is truly essential. I used to be very fond of thinking up and buying presents, but now that we have nothing to give, the gift God gave us in the birth of Christ will seem all the more glorious … The poorer our quarters, the more clearly we perceive that our hearts should be Christ’s home on earth. Dietrich Bonhoeffer (written to his fiancee from his prison cell, arrested for defying the Nazi regime)

Verse to Memorize: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Not Bad, Just Not Good Enough

The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness, (1 Samuel 26: 23 ESV)

Righteous means to be free from all guilt or wrong. So I’m going to be judged for being free from all guilt and wrong? That scares me! I’m a good person. I attend church regularly, I tithe, I am active in serving the Lord, I keep good friends and avoid bad ones, I pray, I visit sick people in the hospital, and I do a whole lot more that God should give me credit for.

Even worse, all of my righteousness’s are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64: 6). That’s bad news. Lexus has as its purpose statement, “The relentless pursuit of perfection.” That’s mine too. But I don’t get credit for it. Not fair.

Well, if 99.9% were good enough, then: …

107 incorrect medical procedures would be performed today. …

880,000 credit cards in circulation will turn out to have incorrect cardholder information on their magnetic strips. …

12 babies will be given to the wrong parents each day. …

22,000 checks will be deducted from the wrong bank account in the next 60 minutes. …

and there are dozens more illustrations that would shock you.

So 99.9% isn’t good enough for God either. Only perfection will do.

I can do all manner of good works and receive praise from men, but that doesn’t make me more righteous. I can be a member in good standing of the best service club, social organization and church in town, but that doesn’t make me more righteous.

But wait. I can be a liar and be accepted by God; Abraham was. I can be an adulterer and murderer and be accepted by God; David was. I can deny Christ and be accepted by God; Peter did. This doesn’t make sense.

Now God has me right where He wants me! There isn’t anything I can do to earn salvation; it’s a free gift (Ephesians 2: 8-9). He wants me to understand that believing in Him to do what He promised to do causes Him to reckon the righteousness of Jesus to my account . (Romans 4: 3,22). Therefore God seeing me through Jesus sees a perfectly righteous person and I am good enough because of Jesus.

That changes the whole picture. Now instead of being scared of God’s demand, I am grateful for His provision. Now instead of working to be accepted, I work to please. Now instead of striving for perfection, I strive to exalt Him. Rev. Neil Fichthorn was the President/CEO of Sandy Cove Ministries and my hero for decades!

Keswick, America’s  (2012-12-13). Real Victory for Real Life Volume 2 (Kindle Locations 11573-11601).  . Kindle Edition.

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 4-6; Luke 19:28-48

Quote of the day: Often times when we think of becoming a Christian, we think of what it is doing for us – that we are reconciling in our relationship with our creator that we are having our sins forgiven, that we are being saved… I think that the call to receive Christ is more like Gabriel’s visit to Mary where he asks us, will you carry the Christ, will you carry the salvation of the world? Mike Wilkins

Verse to Memorize: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

What’s He Thinking?

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”  Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV)

Have you ever gotten on your knees, began to pray and then found yourself wondering, “I wonder what God is thinking?” It isn’t like you’re asking Him to reveal to you what He is thinking about your petition, but instead, you’re wondering what He is thinking of YOU while you are praying. Ya know, the pressures of everyday life in those valley moments can bring us to a point where we start to wonder if God is even listening let alone having a say in what’s going on around us. You can’t tell me that there aren’t times when a person’s prayer life doesn’t get rocked by the world around them.

I was recently asked, “What do you believe God is thinking while you are praying?” and with an exhibition of someone who has a lackluster faith I replied…”You’re an idiot.” That is God thinking yours truly being the idiot. I said that because I am experiencing a valley moment in my life and it seems as if Death Valley has the higher elevation right now. Now don’t get me wrong, I approach the Throne of Grace every morning knowing that He is there but there are some things in my life right now that are just not going anywhere. It’s like I start hearing the voices of Job’s friends telling me that surely I had to do something wrong to be at such a point or maybe, like the apostle’s, I’m just asleep in Gethsemane.

Now we don’t have to wonder what Jesus was thinking of those sleeping apostles at this time, particularly Peter. He had been so confident to declare that he would abide in Christ, stand by Him, and even die with Him. But Jesus has to wake Peter up and wonder how he was going to be able to stand with Him for a lifetime if he wasn’t able to stand by Him throughout this night. Jesus has to wonder how he will be able to withstand the temptations that will come to him, perform his promises of love, fidelity, constancy, and have a close attachment to Jesus, in the greatest dangers, when he couldn’t keep himself awake one hour for Christ’s sake.

However from what we read in Colossians Paul was in constant in prayer petitioning the Throne of Grace on behalf of those Colossae believers. That they might be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom, so that they might have a “spiritual understanding” of the mysteries of grace, which by the prudence of the Holy Spirit, they could receive. Paul prays that their knowledge might also grow in practice; for knowledge, without practice, is nothing. We need to follow Paul’s example and first ask for knowledge, and then practice, for how should we act according to the will of God, or Christ, unless we know it?

E.M. Bounds says, “The man of prayer, whether layman or preacher, is God’s right-hand man. In the realm of spiritual affairs, he creates conditions, inaugurates movements, brings things to pass.” That encourages my heart…hearing that God just may be considering a praying me His right-hand man.  It is better than this that Bounds also shares, ”A prayerless man handicaps the vigor and life of the whole system like a demoralized soldier is a menace to the force of which he forms part, in the day of battle.” Not sure about you but I’ll take the right-hand man over being a demoralized solider any day.  So what is YHVH thinking of me while I pray? I’ll rest in thinking He says, “Hey, that’s my right-hand man showing up for battle…AMEN!!!” – Chris Hughes is a weekly Freedom Fighter blogger and a graduate of the Colony of Mercy

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 1-3; Luke 19:1-27

Quote of the day: “If there was ever a time when Peter, James and John needed to remain awake it was in Gethsemane. If James had persisted in keeping awake it might have saved his decapitation a few years later. If Peter had stirred himself to really intercede for himself and others he would not have denied his Christ that night in the palace of Caiaphas.”—H. W. Hodge

Verse to Memorize: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Memories or Ministry?

In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul speaks of a thorn in the flesh. Many have guessed what that is since scripture is not definitive and believe it may have been his poor vision. But what if it was something totally different—something we all have to deal with? What if it was memories? Memories from before he was “saved”—transformed on the road to Damascus.

In Acts 7:58, we see that Paul while he was still known as Saul, was present at the stoning death of Stephen. He must have been a young man as he was given the task of watching the coats, but had to have been pleased with the whole act as he continued on into his adult life persecuting followers of Christ.

In Acts 9:1-2, we find Saul “breathing out murderous threats against the Lords disciples” only moments before he has his encounter with the Lord.

Paul led a terrible life before he met the Lord and may have been directly responsible for many Christians being sent to prison or killed. Memories—memories he could never erase but would have to live with forever.

But what happens to Saul after his meeting with the living God, with his vision of Jesus directly into heaven itself? His life is forever changed—just like yours and mine when we accept Jesus as our Savior. Paul had the most powerful ministry of anyone in history other than Jesus himself! Paul is the primary writer of the New Testament. MILLIONS of people have been saved through the years because of Paul’s ministry. And he did it AFTER living a life that was totally devoted to the destruction of the church and Gods people.

I know what it is to have some bad memories of things I have done, people I have hurt, regrets….I have a boat load. In 2 Corinthians 12:7 it says Paul was given a thorn in the flesh, “a messenger of Satan”. Think about it—who is it that brings back bad memories and tries to condemn us of for past? Satan!

Paul pleaded for relief just like we do, to be able to forget the things of our past. But God spoke to Paul and said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

So, where are you with the regrets of the past? Are you struggling with what was, with Satan’s messenger or has Gods grace relieved you of those burdens and freed you to ministry?  If God would use a man like Paul to do such a tremendous work for His glory, why not you and me?

Is God’s grace sufficient for you today? – Steve Schmidt serves on the full-time America’s Keswick staff and is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy

Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 22-24; Luke 18:24-43

Quote of the day: One of the essential paradoxes of Advent: that while we wait for God, we are with God all along ,that while we need to be reassured of God’s arrival, or the arrival of our homecoming, we are already at home. While we wait, we have to trust, to have faith, but it is God’s grace that gives us that faith. As with all spiritual knowledge, two things are true, and equally true, at once. The mind can’t grasp paradox; it is the knowledge of the soul.  Michelle Blake

Verse to Memorize: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

 

All Aboard!

Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 19-21; Luke 18:1-23

Quote of the day: Do not have your concert first and tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and first of all get into harmony with Him. Hudson Taylor

Verse to Memorize: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Download our new 2014 Bible Reading Plan — Going the Distance

The Name Above Every Name

“She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 ESV

The Apostle Paul wrote these powerful words about this One who name is Jesus: “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 ESV

I read this in my devotional reading yesterday:

The Name Above Every Name
O what is Jehovah El Shaddai to me?
My Lord, God and Savior, Immanuel, He; My Prophet, Priest, Sacrifice, Altar, and Lamb;
Judge, Advocate, Surety, and Witness, I AM;
My Peace and my Life, My Truth and My Way;
My Leader, My Teacher, My Hope, and My Stay;
Redeemer and Ransom, Atonement and Friend;
He’s Alpha, Omega, Beginning and End.
Avenger, Shepherd, and Keeper and Guide;
My Horn of Salvation, my Captain in war;
My Dayspring, my Sun, and my Bright Morning Star;

My Wonderful Counselor,Wisdom and Light;
My Shadow by day and my Beacon by night;

Pearl, Ornament, Diadem, Treasures untold;
My Strength and my Sun, in Him I behold.
All this is Jehovah Ropheka and more —
My Bread and my Water, my Dwelling, my Door;

My Branch and my Vine, my Lily and Rose;
Rock, Hiding Place, Refuge, Shield, Covert, Repose;
My sure Resurrection, my Glory above;

My King in His beauty, My Bridegroom, my Love;

My All in and Christ Jesus I see,
For God have made Him all things to me.
Now say to thy soul, “What is He to Thee?”

John H. Sammis

I trust that today as you begin this new week and the Christmas season unfolds, you will be reminded today of the names of Jesus. By the way, what is your favorite name for Jesus and why? I’d love to hear from you.

Running the race with joy,

Bill Welte
President/CEO America’s Keswick

Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 16-18; Luke 17:20-37

Quote of the day: He (God) must give us Peace with God, with ourselves, with men, with circumstances, before we can go forth effectually to bring Peace to others. If He has given us these good things, He has bound us to spread them. Let us do so. And if our Peace ever is spoken in vain as regards others, it will come back to us again; and we shall be kept in perfect Peace, even in the midst of strife, until we enter at last into the city of Peace and serve the King of Peace forever. Alexander MacLaren

Verse to Memorize: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV