IS THERE GOOD IN TEMPTATION?

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man …” 1 Corinthains 10:13

I shared this devotional with you back in 2006, but I think it is one that needs to be repeated since every one of us face temptations on a daily basis:

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

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

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

Temptation is not something we can escape; in fact, it is essential to the well-rounded life of a person. Beware of thinking that you are tempted as no one else – what you go through is the common inheritance of the human race, not something that no one has ever before endured. God does not save us from temptations – HE SUSTAINS US IN THE MIDST OF THEM! (See Hebrews 2:18; 4:15-16) – Oswald Chambers (My Utmost for His Highest)

I know that I needed to hear this today. I trust it will be helpful to you, my brothers. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 17; Proverbs 27-29; 2 Corinthians 10

Great Quote: We cannot be right with God when we are wrong with others. – Dr. Lehman Strauss

Special Announcement: You can watch our 111th Anniversary of the Colony of Mercy Banquet tonight and tomorrow on the web. Hear 2007 Colony grad, Bill Pruitt, share his testimony and a message from God’s Word. Visit our website at www.americaskeswick.org. The program will air tonight at approximately 7:30 PM and tomorrow at 1:00 PM.

Horseshoes and hand grenades

“You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 Tom Wheeler is such an outgoing “Pro-fesser” of the love of Jesus Christ. I was privileged to meet up with this former Maryland state trooper last year and found out we have a common friend amongst us, the pastor of my church, Pastor Paul Ort. I found out that Pastor Paul had been mentored by Tom. And although to me these two men are as far apart as can be there is one thing I noticed about them. Meekness.

I tell you this Brothers, meekness is something I struggle with and lately I have had to put it into practice. To have strength under control without causing harm or insult. I’ve often told my Pastor I wish I had it like he has it. But after meeting Tom, I know where Paul gets it from. And for those who will get to shake Tom’s hand, you will find that you are held with a mighty grip but greeted with the compassion of Christ.

This year for family week at Keswick, Tom brought his buddy John. That man was just as gregarious as Tom. And during a game of horseshoes, I noticed this same meekness in John. Now Tom and John went “whippin’ on” my partner and me during the game, but it was done in the love of Christ. I haven’t laughed that hard in awhile. But I was also privileged to spend time in prayer with these Brothers in Christ. There were true tears of joy shed with these men.

This past weekend it was my turn to put meekness into practice. I had been to a sportsmen jamboree with my assistant production manager. He introduced me as his “boss” to all his gunning club buddies but for me I was a friend of Bob’s. These meek men treated my son, daughter and myself with a Christ-likeness that you would not expect from a bunch of South Jersey rednecks. But it was there. I believe He was there as well using me to show His face.

Monday morning was different for Bob and me. I praise God for that. The two experience’s over the past month has convicted me that no matter how much “I “think “I “have over a situation I do not. I need to walk worthy and in meekness at all times. You see my struggle? Do you share in this with me? Brothers we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Don’t you agree? — Chris Hughes is a frequent writer for Freedom Fighters and is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 16; Proverbs 25-26; 2 Corinthians 9

Great Quote: Lord, reform Thy world, beginning with me. — Anonymous

ROOM BRIGHTENERS”

“A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13 (The Amplified Bible)

I cut my teeth on conference ministry while serving at Sandy Cove Bible Conference, first as a teenager for three summers as summer staff member, and then for seven years serving as Vice-President of Program Ministries.

During those years, I was fascinated in watching how various members of the leadership team interacted with the people. It was an excellent training ground for what would be my privilege as I have served at America’s KESWICK for the past twelve years.

One of the men whose life impacted mine, was Uncle Bob Palmer. Uncle Bob is the son of the founder of the ministry of Sandy Cove, and he was what I call a “room brightener.” I noted that every time Uncle Bob walked into a room of people, it was like someone turned on the lights. He has a smile and laugh that downright infectious. He’s one of those guys who you can laugh with before he even opens his mouth.

I couldn’t help but think of Uncle Bob this morning as I read from Proverbs 15. Consider these three “room brightener” verses:

* “A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13

* “All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances].” – Proverbs 15:15 – The Amplified Bible

* The light in the eyes [of him whose heart is joyful] rejoices the hearts of others, and good news nourished the bones.” Proverbs 15:30 – The Amplified Bible

You’ve met them — as soon as you see them coming, you want to run the other way. They can dampen the brightest of moods, pour water on any excitement or good news with their “glass-half-full-mood-dampening” outlook on life. If you are optimistic, they will be pessimistic. They sigh. They moan. And if not careful, their “woe-is-me” attitude can become as infectious as chiggers! Instead of being “room brighteners” they are the “room darkeners!”

I want to be a “room brightener” not a “room-darkener!” Yes, times are tough, but God is good. Even in the midst of the insanity of life, you can be a “room brightener.” Purpose today with God’s help to light up someone else’s life. — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for TODAY: Proverbs 15; Proverbs 22-24; 2 Corinthians 8

Great Quote: When you discover you’ve been leading only half a life, the other half is going to haunt you until you develop it. – Phillips Brooks

A Fixed and Loyal Heart (1 Chronicles 29:18&19)

Reading God’s Word regularly brings good reminders to our lives, often just when we need them. God caught my attention one day this week while I was doing my regular reading. His Word reminded me that I need to respond to His work in me if I want to remain loyal to Him.

The end of 1 Chronicles has David praying for his son, Solomon and for His people. David’s reign is ending; Solomon will succeed him and build the temple. The father has done all he can to prepare his son and the people of Israel for the task they face. All the building materials are
ready. The workers are in place. The plans are drawn. The issues on David’s heart address Solomon’s walk with God, and the heart condition of his people.

So, he prays. O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the thoughts of the heart of Your people, and fix their heart toward You. And give my son Solomon a loyal heart to keep Your commandments and Your testimonies and Your statues, to do all these things and build Your temple for which I have made provision.

I invite you to consider two parts of David’s prayer. First, he prays for his people to have hearts that are fixed toward God. It’s a prayer for focus. It’s a prayer that reminds me of a good Bible word-steadfastness. David asks God to do a work in the hearts of His people that will stabilize them and keep them attached to Him. It’s a work God does through His power at work in His people. In the New Testament setting, it is God’s Spirit at work in us empowering us to stay focused on the God who saves us and loves us.

David shifts the focus of his prayer from the people to his son. He prays that God will give Solomon a “loyal heart.” Nothing should capture Solomon’s heart. God deserves his undivided heart. It’s interesting that he doesn’t tell Solomon to “have” a loyal heart. Rather, he asks God to “give” Solomon a loyal heart. David’s prayer reminds me that we can’t do the things that he asked God to do.

The prayer also offers me fresh ways to pray for myself and those I care about. Since reading these words earlier this week, I’ve prayed that God will give me a fixed heart and a loyal heart. As I write this Freedom Fighter, I pray that He will give those who read it fixed and loyal hearts.

If you’re reading this, you may want to pray the same way. – Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River.

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 14; Proverbs 19-21; 2 Corinthians 7

Great Quote: I’ve often thought, I’m nobody. Why would God answer my prayer? But God’s not impressed by eloquence; he’s impressed by our longing for Him. — Stormie Omartian

ARE YOU AN ADRENALINE ADDICT?

“Cease striving and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Dr. Ed Welch, in his book, ADDICTION – A BANQUET IN THE GRAVE, writes that “addiction is bondage to a rule of a substance, activity, or state of mind, which then becomes the center of life, defending itself from the truth so that even bad consequences don’t bring repentance and lead to further estrangement from God.”

We think we are off the hook regarding addiction if we aren’t drinking alcohol, using drugs, smoking, gambling or dabbling in porn. But there are hundreds of us that are addicted to adrenaline. We are known as the TYPE A personalities. Life for us is constant motion. Rest is not a part of our vocabulary. That is why a weekly Sabbath rest is even heard for us.

In her book, HOW DID I GET SO BUSY, Valerie Burton says that an adrenaline’s mantra is “hurry up.” We walk fast. Talk fast. Eat fast. Drive fast. Work fast. Write fast. In fact, here are just a few of the symptoms of adrenaline addiction:

* The more pressure you are under, the better you perform.
* Checking items off your to-do list excites you and makes you feel like you are really accomplishing something,
* You feel guilty about taking breaks in the middle of the day, let alone a vacation.
* You feel anxious when you do not have your cell phone, internet connection, or text message device. You need to be in constant contact with people.
* You procrastinate until the last possible start time that will allow you to meet your deadline. You are driven by deadlines.
* If you weren’t so busy, you’d have time to exercise.
* If you weren’t so busy, you’d have more time to get together with people.
* You are spent and exhausted at the end of the day.
* You’re not content unless there is excitement in your life.
* Your friends and family just have to understand, your work is demanding and doesn’t leave a lot of time for socializing.
* You need to be doing something all the time.
* You are restless on uneventful vacations. It is uncomfortable to sit around doing nothing.
* You eat on the run – often in the car, at your desk, or standing up at the kitchen counter.

And sadly, we don’t have time for God – we’re too busy moving through life at a frantic pace. My friend – are you addicted to adrenaline? The psalmist, David, comes along as says – “Cease striving – be still – and know that I am God.” Do you need to check in to the spiritual rehab and look at this addiction in your life? Was this list just way to convicting? Carve out some time today to think it through and then make a commitment to get help. Talk to God about it and allow Him to take control of this area of your life. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK.

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 13; Proverbs 16-18; 2 Corinthians 6

Great Quote: It is folly to conclude that a thing ought not to be done because it hurts. There are powers to be born, creations to be perfected, sinners to be redeemed all through the ministry of pain, that could be born, perfected and redeemed in no other way. — George Macdonald

TAPPED ON THE SHOULDER

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

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

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

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

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

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

You and I are like Jeremiah: planned in the mind of God, called to speak for Him and useful to Him. — Dr. Richard Allen Farmer is a friend of America’s KESWICK and will be one of our conference speakers in 2009

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

Great Quote: “If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but think you can’t,
It’s almost certain you won’t …

Life’s battles don’t always go To the stronger or faster man, But soon or late, the man who wins Is the man who thinks he can!”

Credo that hangs on the wall of Arnold Palmer’s office

WORSHIPING IN EVERYDAY OCCASIONS

“When you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” John 1:48

I read this reading this morning in my quiet time and it was too good not to share with you. It is from Oswald Chamber’s, My Utmost for His Highest:

“We presume that we would be ready for battle if confronted with a great crisis, but it is not the crisis that builds something within us — it simply reveals what we are made of already. Do you find yourself saying, ‘If God calls me to battle, of course I will rise to the occasion’? Yet you won’t rise to the occasion unless you have done so on GOD’S training ground.

If you are not doing the task that is closest to you now, which God has engineered into your life, when the crisis comes, instead of being fit for battle, you will be revealed as being unfit. Crises always reveal a person’s true character.

A private relationship of worshiping God is the greatest element of spiritual fitness. The time will come, as Nathanael experienced in this passage, that a private “fig-tree” life will no longer be possible. Everything will be out in the open, and you will find yourself to be of no value there if you have not been worshiping in everyday occasions in your own home.

If your worship is right in your PRIVATE relationship with God, then when He sets you free, you will be ready. It is in the unseen life, which only God saw, that you have become perfectly fit. And when the strain of the crisis comes, you can be relied upon by God.

Are you saying, ‘But I can’t be expected to live a sanctified life in my present circumstances; I have no time for prayer or Bible study right now; besides , my opportunity for battle hasn’t come yet, but when it does, of course I will be ready?’ No, you will not. IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN WORSHIPING IN EVERYDAY OCCASIONS, WHEN YOU GET INVOLVED IN GOD’S WORK, YOU WILL NOT ONLY BE USELESS YOURSELF BUT ALSO A HINDRANCE TO THOSE AROUND YOU.

God’s training ground is the hidden, personal, worshiping life of the saint.” Are you worshiping Him in the everyday occasions of life, my brother? Make worship a part of the everyday fabric of your life. Don’t wait to worship until Sunday. Make it an every day occasion. — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for TODAY — Proverbs 8, 9, 10; 2 Corinthians 3

Great Quote: What reason have they for saying that we cannot rise from the dead? What is more difficult, to be born or to rise again; that what has never been should be, or that what has been should be again? Is it more difficult to come into existence than to return to it? Habit makes the one appear easy to us; want of habit makes the other impossible. A popular way of thinking! — Blaise Pascal

PIGEON OR STATUTE

“Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12

Someone once said that for leaders some days you are the pigeon and some days you are the statute. Some days are like that – yesterday was one of those days for me.

This summer we had the privilege of meeting one of the writers for World Magazine, Andree Seu. She is an incredible writer who has a full page essay in every issue of the magazine. Prior to meeting her, I’d always open the magazine and go right to her article. She is a gifted wordsmith.

Andree wrote several blogs about America’s KESWICK on the World Magazine Blog. The interesting thing about blogging is that people have the ability to comment and react to your blogs online and everyone gets to read their comments. I was stunned at the criticism and cutthroat responses to what she wrote. People were not just criticizing her – they were getting downright nasty and sarcastic with their comments.

I am not sure what has happened in our world – but it seems to me that we have become so free with how we toss around criticism and insults these days. On several occasions I have found myself stunned at the freedom at which people say things to their supervisors and leaders. In recent days I have been amazed at how people so freely and unlovingly criticize their church, their spiritual leaders, ripping them to shreds with their tongues.

Even worse than the tongue is the use of the pen which is mightier than the sword. Men and women have used email as their vehicle to pour out their poisonous and vicious tirade of words to cut the reader down to his or her knees. I have often said that most of us would never have the guts to say face-to-face what we might write in an email or letter.

Criticism is tough stuff. Depending on your personality style, how you handle criticism and the hurtful things people say can be even more difficult. Some can just brush off the comments and let it go. Others are hurt and wallow in self-pity. Some get cynical and say, “What’s the use – it’s time for me to move on where I’ll be appreciated.”

During the night the Holy Spirit reminded me of the above verses from the Sermon on the Mount. Is it really possible to do what Jesus said – “bless them that persecute you?” Absolutely not. We can only do that as we allow Christ to BE our life and live HIS life through us. That’s the only way that we can live this thing called the Victorious Christian Life. When we allow Him to live His life through us – then we can be “more than a conqueror” and face criticism the way He would want us to handle it. Give Him the freedom to live through you today. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 6-7; Proverbs 9; 2 Corinthians 2

Great Quote: By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered, and confidently waiting come what may, we know that God is with us night and morning, and never fails to greet us each new day. Yet is this heart by its old foe tormented, still evil days bring burdens hard to bear; Oh, give our frightened souls the sure salvation for which, O Lord, You taught us to prepare. And when this cup You give is filled to brimming with bitter suffering, hard to understand, we take it thankfully and without trembling, out of so good and so beloved a hand. Yet when again in this same world You give us the joy we had, the brightness of Your Sun, we shall remember all the days we lived through, and our whole life shall then be Yours alone. Dietrich Bonhoeffer

DON’T STOP BEING TEACHABLE

“I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me.” Proverbs 8:17

Some of my greatest heroes are much older than me. In fact, most of my heroes are in their late 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. In fact, that hasn’t changed much in my lifetime.

As a kid, my Mom and Dad always had “seasoned citizens” at our dinner table. I learned at an early age to respect and value men and women who are older. One of the key characteristics that I have observed in the lives of my heroes is that they continue to be teachable even when they are at the age that many are saying, “I know it all.”

I think of men that are well into their 80’s that talk to me about books they are reading, classes they are taking to expand their horizons, and trips that they are taking that are educational. I think of Dr. Howard Hendricks who is in his mid-80’s and still teaching at Dallas Theological Seminary. He was influenced at a young age by men and women from Fellowship Church in Philadelphia. Many of his mentors were folks who made a life-long commitment to being teachable.

In his book, TALENT IS NEVER ENOUGH, Dr. John C. Maxwell gives a list 10 questions that will help determine if we have a teachable spirit. Look at the list this morning and ask yourself the question … Am I teachable?

1. Am I open to other people’s ideas?
2. Do I listen more than I talk?
3. Am I open to changing my opinion based on new information?
4. Do I readily admit when I am wrong?
5. Do I observe before acting on a situation?
6. Do I ask questions?
7. Am I willing to ask a question which will expose my ignorance?
8. Am I open to doing things in a way which I haven’t done before?
9. Am I willing to ask for directions?
10. Do I act defensive when criticized, or do I listen openly for the truth?

At 54, I want to have a teachable spirit, not just professionally, but in my walk with the Lord. That’s why it is important to read God’s Word and to spend time with Him. Reading through the book of Proverbs has given me so much insight into the issues of life. This next 30 days, you will note at the bottom that we will be reading two chapters in Proverbs each day. Use this time to ask the Lord to teach you. You are teachable, right? — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 3-5; Proverbs 8; 2 Corinthians 1

Great Quote: What is it to serve God and to do His will? Nothing else than to show mercy to our neighbour. For it is our own neighbour who needs our service; God in heaven needs it not.– Martin Luther