JOYFUL, PATIENT, FAITHFUL

Be…fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer (Romans 12:11-12 KJV).

Sometimes we need a big dose of perspective. We complain, moan and groan about stuff that really is so trite and trivial, and forget about how good we really do have it in life. Today’s devotional was written by a dear friend who has cerebral palsy. Her communication skills are limited, yet her mind is brilliant. She is confined to a wheel-chair and being cared for by a loving father and mother. Dad has now become the primary care-giver because Mom has cancer and confined to a wheel-chair. And by the way, Dad is most likely in his late 70’s! I trust that this devotional from REAL VICTORY FOR LIFE, will encourage you today to be JOYFUL, PATIENT, FAITHFUL.

Above my computer is a Scripture verse beautifully cross-stitched by one of my sisters. It says: BRENDY, BE JOYFUL IN HOPE, PATIENT IN AFFLICTION, FAITHFUL IN PRAYER. What a great reminder of what God wants me to be! Missionary kids like me acquire “aunts” and “uncles” in different places where we have been. I have several (beside my real ones)!

Our family met “Uncle Mel” and “Aunt Lola” at Keswick and they became very special, dear friends, spending many happy days together. In a chat about death with Uncle Mel (who is now with the Lord), he commented that as a Christian our hope is not a “hope-so” hope but a “KNOW-so” hope. I love that and think of that often! “I KNOW whom I have believed.” Our hope is in the Lord for today, all year and on through eternity. The blessed hope includes knowing that we will be with Christ forever. What JOY that kind of HOPE and assurance brings.

Now, PATIENT IN AFFLICTION? Easier said than done! There are many kinds of afflictions and the verse doesn’t specify what kind, so it must include ALL. Whether it be physical (my main one), a hurt heart, loneliness or economic stress. “…to added affliction He (God) addeth His mercy. For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth and giveth and giveth again.” (How I love that hymn and sing it often.) So why should I ever feel hopeless or impatient?? I need to read Romans 12:12 again!

FAITHFUL IN PRAYER… Wow! I want to be, but that’s not easy either. On my 15th birthday the students of the Central American Theological Seminary in Guatemala, where I grew up, crowned me their perpetual queen! What an honor, but what a responsibility to pray for Amy subjects, Max, Gustavo, Jaime, Wilfredo, Noemi, Mima, Hilda, Gonzalo, Delwin (my Hispanic pastor in Dallas), to name a few, serving God in different areas of the world. “God, I do want to be faithful to the task, and I am thankful for those who are faithful in prayer for me, too! May I have a patient heart in affliction to show forth Thy sufficiency, and to be joyful in hope always. Amen.” Brendy Platt

God’s WORD for YOU: Scripture Reading: Esther 1-2; Acts 5:1-21

Think About This: Man’s good opinion of himself makes him think it quite possible to win God’s favour by his own religious performances; his bad opinion of God makes him unwilling and afraid to put his case wholly into His hands. The object of the Holy Spirit’s work (in convincing of sin) is to alter the man’s (sinner’s) opinion of himself and so to reduce his estimate of his own character that he should think of himself as God does, and so cease to suppose it possible that he can be justified by any excellency of his own. The Spirit then alters his evil opinion of God, so as to make him see that the God with whom he has to do is really the God of all grace. — Horatius Bonar

HOW ARE YOUR EYES?”

I have made a covenant with my eyes … ” Job 31:1

Think about who made this statement. We are talking about some guy who has a “casual” relationship with the Lord. This is the guy who the Lord said to Satan: “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.” (Job 1:8)

This God-fearing-blameless-upright man was compelled to make a covenant with his eyes. Why? Because he knew that the things he looked at could well get him in trouble.

One of my mentors was a pastor well in his 90’s. This man walked and talked with God like no other man I have met. He was very helpful to another pastor friend who walked through a difficult separation that led to a divorce which resulted in stepping down from his pastorate.

Several days after he resigned, Pastor Conant asked Matt, “Have you struggled at all with sexual temptation during your three years of separation from your wife?” Matt’s response was, “No, Pastor! God was faithful in keeping me pure.” Pastor Conant smiled, and said, “Matt, I prayed such a tight hedge of protection around you, that you could not have gotten your pants down if you tried!”

Now that might have sounded crude for a 90 year old godly Pastor. But the next statement hit me right to the core. Matt said to Pastor Conant, “It must be nice to get to your age and not have to struggle with sexual temptation. Here was Pastor Conant’s reply: “Matthew, I may be old but I am not dead!”

We are into the summer season, guys, and many of us will struggle with the things that will come before our eyes as we go to the boardwalk, the beach, and even the mall. The enemy has waged an all out assault on our eyes. He knows how to get us.

Two weeks ago at a Keswick event for ladies, one of our Disciples (Colony of Mercy) was manning the Front Desk. When I walked into the building there were three very attractive young ladies in tankini’s standing by the desk doing their “exercises” and giving poor a huge temptation. One of the staff ladies asked the girls to move away from the desk, and a comment from one of the ladies was, “I don’t think those young ladies knew what they were doing.”I beg to differ — I think they knew exactly what they were doing.

I spoke to Pete about this yesterday and asked him how he did with his eyes. His comment was this: “I had to have my spiritual armor on for sure.” I am glad Pete passed the test.

Guys … listen up … we will NEVER pass the test if we don’t purpose in our hearts to make a covenant with our eyes. It is serious business — ask King David! Somehow I think he would be able to tell you that this is no joking matter. It’s a matter of life and death. — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Nehemiah 10-11; Acts 4:1-22

Think About This: The Lord gives faith, for the very purpose of trying it for the glory of His own name, and for the good of him who has it; and, by the very trial of our faith, we not only obtain blessing to our own souls, by becoming the better acquainted with God, if we hold fast our confidence in Him, but our faith is also, by the exercise, strengthened: and so it comes, that, if we walk with God in any measure of uprightness of heart, the trials of faith will be greater and greater.– George Muller

Request for Urgent Prayer: Many of you know and love Pastor Bill Raws, the grandson of the founder of America’s KESWICK. Pastor Bill was taken to the hospital on Friday and is now in ICU. We have started a blog so that people can get regular updates and also leave him notes of encouragement. You can visit his blog at www.americaskeswick.org

Heavenly Father’s Day After

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6: 1-4 (ESV)

I began my Father’s day on Saturday with a visit to my earthly father. My dad is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, so some visits go smooth and others break my heart. This visit dad was running on all cylinders so it went smooth. It has been tough watching the strongest guy I ever knew become fragile. He does not know Jesus and never wanted to. End of that story. I still Praise God.
On Father’s Day morning my wife baked some cinnamon rolls and my kids gave me and a handmade picture frame and a new wallet. I really needed the wallet and I was hungry…so far so good. Off to church where I serve behind the sound board. There will be a presentation before service from the children and my daughter will be in it. My son has become too cool for this kind of stuff so he’ll be behind the board with me (he gave me the picture frame, nice job by the way).
My little girl’s Sunday school teacher has told me I will be mighty impressed with her poem and it should be published. So because my daughter has begun to sort of follow my writing footsteps I would like to share with you all what she wrote.

FATHERS
Strong or weak
Sportsmanship or compete
Fathers are always there.
Big or small, short or tall
Fathers are always there.
When you’re lost or afraid
When you’re sad or uncontained
They’ve been here from the start.
In need, they help
You hurt, they yelp
Comforting and loving
Giving and helping
Fathers are always there.
They ask in return for a
Happy Father’s Day!!

My wife and I make sure our children understand who is behind what is provided. It is He who we thank every day. It’s funny how the world has given us Dads one special day. I wonder how often we celebrate Heavenly Fathers Day. Wouldn’t you agree it should be every day?

My daughter has begun to learn the piano. She is blessed with ability. It will be my duty to make sure she understands the discipline behind it. To end my Father’s Day she played “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”. It is my favorite hymn to sing and I’ll end with the third verse.

“O to grace how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; Here’s my heart, O take and seal it; seal it for Thy courts above.” Amen! — Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a frequent contributor to Freedom Fighters.

God’s WORD for YOU: Nehemiah 7-9; Acts 3

Think about this: For a work to be considered good it must not only conform outwardly to the law of God, but it must be motivated inwardly by a sincere love for God. R. C. Sproul

Special note: this weekend is our June Couples Conference with Steve and Annie Chapman. We have a limited number of rooms left, so please consider coming to this powerful event. Call today for information: 732-350-1187.

“Get an Attitude” (Philippians 2:5-11)

I had the privilege Thursday evening of speaking for the commencement service at Ambassador Christian Academy, the Christian school that is a ministry of First Baptist Church. It was the first time in a long time that I’d spoken specifically to a group of eighth graders, and I struggled with how to build a bridge into their lives.

Middle-schoolers are known for having an “attitude,” and that thought prompted the idea around which I built my message. I thought I’d share it with you today since all of us can benefit from getting a “new attitude.” I built my thoughts around an acrostic of the word “attitude.” Think with me about this “new attitude.”

Accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ

“If you love Me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

Teachable before the Lord Jesus Christ

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)

Tenacious in pursuit of the Lord Jesus Christ

(Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13&14)

Intimate with the Lord Jesus Christ

“Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

Truthful as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed in Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31&32)

Unencumbered in walking with the Lord Jesus Christ

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right had of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1&2)

Disciplined in living for the Lord Jesus Christ

“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)

Engaged in the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ

“Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

I’ve offered no comments . . . I pray that God’s Spirit will encourage each of us to pursue an attitude like that which Jesus displayed when He stepped into our world. – John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River

God’s WORD for YOU: Nehemiah 4-6; Acts 2:22-24

Think about this: If Jesus needed to pray – being what He was, how must we need it – being what we are. James Stalker

“God’s Grace When We Need It” (Psalm 141:8)

It’s been a hard week, one of the hardest I’ve ever endured. Early in the week while trying to work, I just couldn’t concentrate. Studying seemed a lost cause. My thoughts were bouncing around in my head with no focus. I tried to pray, but I couldn’t bring the words together. I needed God’s grace to get back on track.

My walk with Jesus over almost forty-six years has been fairly simple. I’ve not experienced great highs and lows. I guess I could describe it more like a “steady as she goes” kind of life. Once in awhile, though, God does something truly special for me. I remember those special times. They often sustain me during the “steady as she goes” days.

I didn’t know what God might do to help me through the situation, but I knew I needed to take a break and give Him an opportunity to work in my life. I picked up my Bible, asked the Lord to give me something to calm my soul and clear my mind. Not knowing where to go, I turned to the Psalms with nothing particular in mind. My Bible opened to Psalm 141, and I started reading. Let me share some of the verses that caught my attention.

Vs. 1: “Lord, I cry out to You; make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You.” (I desperately needed Him to hear me, so this verse jumped off the page for me.)

Vs. 3: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (This was an important warning for me; it’s easy to say things you’ll later regret when you’re struggling.)

Then I came to vs. 8: “But my eyes are upon you, God the Lord; in You I take refuge; do not leave my soul destitute.” That verse became one of those “special times” that I’ll remember for years. He made haste (vs.1) to help me when I needed it God, my Father, showed me why He is such a good Father for His children. He knew my heart. He knew the turmoil of my soul. He knew it was not “steady as she goes” time. He picked me up, held me in His arms and told me just what I needed to hear. It changed my week! He gave me hope and focus and rest.

I’m glad He’s my Father. I’m glad He’s your Father. We can always trust Him. We can always know that He cares about us. Let’s be sure to tell Him we’re glad He’s our Father on this Father’s Day 2008. – John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River

Think about this: The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love… He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.” (Psalm 103:8, 10) Can you think of one person in your life who “deserves” whatever you could dish out?
On the other hand, can you imagine if we got what we deserved? But instead, God sent His Son to save us. Thank heaven we got what we never could deserve. — Anonymous

Prelude to Father’s Day

For a long time Father’s Day has been a very difficult day for me. My Dad went home to be with Jesus well over 20 years ago and I miss him as much today as I did right after the Lord took him home.

This year Father’s Day has a greater significance than it has in past years because of the events we have faced as a family during the past several months with our granddaughter, Lindsay.

Having gone through this difficult time as a family allowed me to step back and view my grown sons (in my mind there is no such thing as a son-in-law) through a very different set of lenses. I realized what a blessed man I have to have three of my sons who are now Dads – great Dads – Dad’s that I’d like to be when I grow up.

Watching Jon care for his precious Lindsay Bear was one of those “once-in-a-lifetime” precious moments. He stood by his little girl during the seven weeks of hospitalization with courage and determination. Hospitals are not Jon’s thing, but he put aside his own fears and weakness in order to be strong and supportive. While Lindsay responded to everyone else, it was obvious during those weeks that she responded differently to her Daddy! Of all the Daddy’s in the world God could have chosen for Lindsay, he chose YOU, Jon. He knew what he was doing. I know it hurts like heck right now, Jon, but you were a wonderful Dad to your precious little “Bear!” I am so proud of you.

Garrett has been not just a son, but a friend. Because he is living on campus, I get to see him on a daily basis. I have watched this “troubled” kid turn into a man who deeply loves the Lord and his family. (I would have really been ticked off at Julie if she had not opened her eyes and heart.) I love to watch how the room lights up for Emma when her Daddy walks it! She adores her Daddy. During Lindsay’s illness, Garrett made it possible for Julie to be able to come several times to be with Laura and Jon. It was a stretch out of his comfort zone to have to care for Emma and Ethan on his own – but he did it because of his love for his family. It was a sacrifice that I have appreciated so much.
I am proud of you, Garrett.

Josh is my first-born son, and I am so very proud of him. I realize in watching Josh now, how many times I blew it with him and could have lost him because of my insensitivity, stubbornness, and stupidity. Watching Josh and how he cares for his son, Sam, often brings tears to my eyes. He has become a great Dad. I find myself pinching myself and saying, “Is that my son?” not because I didn’t think he’d not be a great Dad, but because of all the son’s I could have had, he’s my son! I am so very proud of you, Josh. Of all the Dads God could have given to you, I am so honored and thankful that He has allowed me to be your Dad.

And Zach has the privilege of now being in “Daddy Prep School!” He gets to be an apprentice as he watches Jon, Garrett and Josh be the spiritual leader of their homes, and to be the greatest Dad’s in the world. You’ve got great role models, Zach! One day you’ll be just like them.

Don’t miss this Father’s Day. Let your Dad know how much you love him, and thank him for loving you. – Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America’s KESWICK and the proud/blessed father of four sons.

God’s Word for YOU: Ezra 6-8; John 21

Think about this: [The unchristian environment] is the place where we find out whether the Christian’s meditation has led him into the unreal, from which he awakens in terror when he returns to the workaday world, or whether it has led him into a real contact with God, from which he emerges strengthened and purified. Has it transported him for a moment into a spiritual ecstasy that vanishes when everyday life returns, or has it lodged the Word of God so securely and deeply in his heart that it holds and fortifies him, impelling him to active love, to obedience, to good works? Only the day can decide. — Dietrich Bonhoeffer

PLEASE PASS THE SALT

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know
how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:5-6 (E.S.V)

I’ve often wonder what is better to do. Tell it like it is or hold things back. I have trouble with being a salt shaker. There are times were I am a crushed red pepper shaker and come off offensive. And I do not even realize it. It is hard to stay on top of and in my daily walk it is a constant stumbling block. There were many times this past little league season where my resolve had been put to the test.

I just recently went to an Atlantic City Surf baseball game for school night with my son’s classmates. The choir and the band did a good job of singing and playing The Star Spangled Banner and then it was “Play Ball” time. There were some questionable calls like there always will be and the crowd reacted like you would have at any game BUT…..

There was this one guy. It did not take him long to get real ugly with his comments towards the umpire. At one point someone approached this guy about his “color” commentary and that person was on the receiving end of a tongue lashing. It was suggested by “some of us” that this “Fan” needed to be thrown out of the game. We didn’t get the call we wanted but he did calm down some.

My daughter had decided to sit on my lap sometime after this occurrence and just wanted to sit with her Daddy. “Alright Karen, ya can’t keep sittin’ here I can’t see the game.” Man…I was on the receiving end of a long face and a foam finger. It was only the bottom of the fourth and it took me a few innings to convince my little girl that I just might have said the right thing the wrong way. I can be a big dummy at times and forget the salt shaker.

I opened with verses from Colossians because I need to remember this for my own big dummy self. The Christian father needs to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth all the time, every time…period. You never know when some “Fan” will be in the crowd and do what they can to rub off. Did this happen to me? Yep, sure did. I may have been right to tell it like it was but it should have been better tasting to those around me.

Did my daughter forgive me after my Big Daddy ding-a-ling blunder?
Praise God she did. For those of you Brothers out there with daughters I pray they forgive you when you have your red pepper moment.

Here’s a good quote: The heart of your life as a Christian is contained in God’s words to Abraham, “Walk in My presence, and you will be perfect.” God’s presence calms your spirit, gives you restful sleep, and quiets your mind. But you must give yourself completely to Him.” The Seeking Heart – Fenelon

Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony Mercy and frequent contributor to Freedom Fighters.

God’s WORD for YOU: Ezra 3-5; John 20

If I find myself half-carelessly taking lapses for granted, “Oh, that’s what they always do.” “Oh, of course she talks like that, he acts like that,” then I know nothing of Calvary love. Amy Carmichael

Tonight is our Father Son Night at America’s KESWICK with Gospel Magician, Pastor Tom.. Dinner begins at 6:15 PM. Enjoy the program with your Father or Son, and then enjoy the fellowship at the Activity Center. Call for reservations.

SMELLY MEN

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-15

Growing up my Dad was a “closet” smoker. He had surrendered his alcoholism to the Lord and had complete victory, but never allowed the Lord to take away his addiction to cigarettes. He didn’t want us kids to know he smoked, so he never smoked in front of us.

We all knew that he was smoking, but to cover it up, he would douse himself with aftershave lotion to hide the smell. What he didn’t realize is that the aftershave didn’t hide or cover up the smell – it amplified it. By the way, that has been a real helpful tool to me in my role at America’s KESWICK with grads who try to pull the wool over my eyes … the aftershave is a dead giveaway.

If you are IN CHRIST and allowing the Holy Spirit to have His way with you, you can’t cover up the fragrance of Christ that will flow from your life. No matter how you try to cover it up, people around you will smell you!

I’ve met so many “smelly” men in my lifetime time. I could write for days about them. One of the men whose life gives off the fragrance of Christ is my dear friend and mentor, Pastor Bob Alderman. Pastor Bob is who I want to be when I grow up. When I am with him, I am so aware of the anointing of God on his life and ministry.

I had the privilege of being at Pastor Bob’s church in Roanoke for a weekend. I witnessed the love of a congregation for their Pastor and the love of a Pastor for his people. The fragrance of Christ permeates every part of his ministry.

You cannot be in Pastor Bob’s presence without sensing that God is at work in his life. His personal walk with the Lord creates in your life a desire to want what he has.

How about you? Me? Is that the kind of fragrance we are giving off when people rub shoulders with us? I want my life to be a fragrance of life, not death. How about you? – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Ezra 1-2; John 19:23-42

Think about this: The essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere flea-bites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind. (Clive Staples) C. S. Lewis

WHAT’S THAT SMELL (PART 2)

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-15

Yesterday we talked about the smell that we give off as men who love Christ that permeates everything we do. Other lives either give off the smell of death or the fragrance of life.

Years ago we met a couple who served the Lord very faithfully in a teaching preaching ministry. Pastor Bob was a bi-vocational teacher and was called upon on a regular basis to do pulpit supply and interim pastorates. His wife Dorrie was a very sweet lady and was quite the character. There was one thing about Dorrie that stood out – her perfume!

She doused herself with so much perfume that you could smell her before you could see her! It got to be funny, but when we would walk into a church or attend a conference at Keswick, we’d be able to look at each other and say, “Dorrie Boyd is here!” Her perfume was a indicator of her presence and became her mark of identification.

Years ago I started wearing Woodlands Aftershave (Bath and Body) and it has become my “smell.” One of our senior friends tells me all the time, “You smell so good!” That my friend, is what the world should be saying about the fragrance of our lives, not our body odor.

Let me ask you several questions:

1. If you walked into a room of unbelievers that you have never met, how
would you smell? Would they detect something different about your life?

2. If someone walked into your church this Sunday (maybe even walk into
your church business meeting), what aroma would they detect?

3. How do you smell to your wife? Your kids? Your co-workers?

4. Does your life smell like a skunk (offensive) or does it smell like
walking into walking into a Cinnabon store – (I want that! What is that smell – it is so good?)

Living in the world and not of it gives us the opportunity to allow the aroma of Christ to flow from us. Tomorrow I want to share some examples of men in my life that have had unique smells! Think about this: we can cover up the outward odors with as much cologne and aftershave as we want . but it will never mask the stink that is coming from the inside! Guys – what’s the smell coming from your life today? – Bill Welte is the President and CEO of America’s KESWICK. He is the father of four kids, and the proud grandfather of five grandchildren.

God’s WORD for YOU: 2 Chronicles 34-36; John 19:1-22

Think about it: The sins against hope are despair, as anticipated failure, and presumption, as anticipated fulfillment. In both these cases man seeks to break out of his pilgrim existence and have his life otherwise than from the hand of God. — Ferdinand Kerstiens