HIS STRENGTH MADE PERFECT IN MY WEAKNESS

“But he said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for His strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

For 35+ years I have been involved in some way with church music. I had the wonderful privilege of directing the music programs of three churches in the Philadelphia area as well as directing the summer music program for seven years at Sandy Cove. While I absolutely loved directing choirs and ensembles, I found myself struggling for years with panic attacks, especially during major performances. Only my wife and a few close friends knew what was happening, and there were times that I was ready to dash off the platform because the anxiety was so intense.
One side of me would say, “I can’t wait to do this … and the other side would say … “Why did you ever say you’d do this.”

People who struggle with panic attacks do think they are crazy. It is hard to explain what is going on inside of you. As intense as they were for me, I found myself crying out to God for His help. Amazingly, He always heard my cry. My biggest fear was losing control or passing out – but I never did. He got me through each and every performance. I say HE because there is no other explanation to it other than HIS STRENGTH being made PERFECT in my weakness. Each and every performance for me was absolute dependence on Him to get me through it. Each performance was a faith-building, faith-walking step in trusting Him. And HE was faithful in every instance.

I can’t really explain it, but at some point the panic attacks stopped.
I praise the Lord that during my ten+ years at America’s KESWICK, I have not had a panic attack. The real test came on Saturday night. It was my privilege to direct the KESWICK CELEBRATION CHOIR comprised of 125 voices in presenting a Christmas cantata, IT TOOK A MIRACLE. I was hoping we would have 400-500 people in attendance for the musical – but God blessed us with over 800 plus the choir.

I was sitting in the back of the room watching all the people coming in and talking to the Lord. The old “feelings” were gone. For a few moments I felt myself feeling cocky – and then I repented of my cockiness and asked God to once again do His thing in my life. I’d be lying to you if I said I wasn’t “nervous” – wouldn’t you be standing up in front of 900 people? Yes, there were butterflies, but gone was the panic and anxiety that I struggled with for so many years. I experienced again the reality of His grace – “His strength was made perfect in my weakness.”

He is a God who can be trusted in ALL things. Is there an area of your life that you aren’t trusting Him? Then surrender that area to Him today.

Great quote: The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything. Anonymous

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Most who read this are recovering from eating too much on Thanksgiving.
Some of you couldn’t escape your wife’s insistence that you join her for “Black Friday” shopping. I hope you’re looking forward to the Lord’s Day and the privilege of being in church with brothers and sisters in Christ.

We’re still in the Thanksgiving weekend, and it’s certainly appropriate to think about what some call “an attitude of gratitude.” I wish the “gratitude attitude” were catching. We live in a world of complainers.
Think about it. If it’s too cold, we complain. If it’s too hot, we complain. If we get rain, we complain. If it’s too dry, we complain.

Complaining has become the great American pastime, and it’s not limited to non-Christians. As one who serves in leadership in a church, I know complaining. Men in my church who have served in leadership in the past will no longer serve. The complainers cornered them every time they came to church! They were tired of it and decided not to serve in another leadership role. It’s hard to blame them for their decision.

Here’s the deal. You’re either part of the solution or a part of the problem. If the complaint virus has infected you, you’re definitely part of the problem. If you choose an “attitude of gratitude,” you’re automatically a part of the solution. Just by your choice, you encourage those around you and see the good things happening in your life and church. Sure, you’ll see things you don’t like or things you think should be different. Your “attitude of gratitude” will help you address those issues in a much more positive way.

Scripture gives us some simple instructions that, if obeyed, help us develop “attitudes of gratitude.” The Apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5, tells us to “rejoice always.” (vs. 16) Just a couple of verses further in the chapter he tells us to give thanks for everything. (vs.
18) In Philippians 2:14, the apostle tells us to do all things without complaining. If people like you and me choose to obey those instructions, we’ll find that “gratitude attitude” growing in our lives.
When it does, we become problem-solvers, not problem-causers.

I pray God will give you a wonderful holiday weekend. I pray, too, that He will spur you to pursue a “gratitude attitude.” (Pastor John Strain
— First Baptist Toms River)

Great Quote:

Lord, often have I thought to myself, I will sin but this one sin more, and then I will repent of it, and of all the rest of my sins together. So foolish was I, and ignorant. As if I should be more able to pay my debts when I owe more: or as if I should say, I will wound my friend once again, and then I will lovingly shake hands with him – but what if my friend will not shake hands with me?

Direction or Focus

“Behold, as the eyes of the servants look to the hand of their masters … so our eyes look to the Lord our God … Psalm 123:2

I read this great devotional yesterday written by Oswald Chambers …

“This verse is a description of total reliance on God. Just as the eyes of a servant are riveted on his master, our eyes should be directed and focused on God. This is how knowledge of His countenance is gained and how God reveals Himself to us (see Isaiah 53:1). Our spiritual strength begins to be drained when we stop lifting our eyes to Him. Our stamina is sapped, not so much through external troubles surrounding us but through problems in our thinking. We wrongfully think, ‘I suppose I’ve been stretching myself a little too much, standing too tall and trying to look like God instead of being and ordinary humble person.’ We have to realize that no effort can be too high.

For example, you came to a crisis in your life, took a stand for God, and even had the witness of the Spirit as a confirmation that what you did was right. But now, maybe weeks or even years have gone by, and you are slowly coming to the conclusion, ‘Well, maybe what I did showed too much pride or was superficial. Was I taking a stand a bit too high for me?’ Your ‘rational’ friends come and say, ‘Don’t be silly. We knew you when you first talked about this spiritual awakening that is was a passing impulse, that you couldn’t hold up under the strain. And anyway, God doesn’t expect you to endure.’

You respond by saying, ‘Well, I suppose I was expecting too much.’ That SOUNDS humble to say, but it means that your reliance of God is gone, and you are now relying on worldly opinion. The danger comes when, no longer relying on God, you neglect to focus your eyes on Him. Only when God brings you to a sudden stop will you realize that you have been the loser. Whenever there is spiritual drain in your life, correct it immediately. Realize that something has been coming between you and God, and change or remove it at once.” – My Utmost for His Highest – Oswald Chambers

Good challenge for today? I think so!

Great quote: When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest, if you must- but just DON’T YOU QUIT.

TOMORROW STARTS THE DIET

I have been really frustrated with my diet lately. I have not been victorious with my eating or exercise and it has been troubling me. Recently when I was out to lunch with a friend, we were discussing the woes of our eating troubles and lack of exercise and he said, “After the holidays I am going to start back and …”

Well here is a poem that I found last year on Crosswalk.com. Please keep reading after the poem:

T’was The Night of Thanksgiving

T’was the night of Thanksgiving, but I just couldn’t sleep I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep The leftovers beckoned – the Dark meat and white But I fought the temptation with all of my might.

Tossing and turning with anticipation The thought of a snack became infatuation. So I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door and Gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.

I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes, Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes. I felt myself swelling so plump and so round, Till all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.

I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie. But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees…
Happy eating to all, pass the cranberries, please.

May your stuffing be tasty. May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes ‘ n gravy have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious. May your pies take the prize.
May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.

(Crosswalk.com)

Now suppose I told you that I have discovered the perfect diet food?
Guaranteed that you can eat as much of it as you want, at anytime during the day and you will never put on a pound! It is carb-free, sodium free, but it does contain sugar – natural sugar. Experts who have eaten it say that when you eat it, it is sweeter than honey! Unlike most diet plans, once you buy the initial product, you never have to buy it again. It’s not a 30-day supply for ….. it is a diet food that will last forever. It comes in several versions and it is a cross-cultural product.

There are several cautions that I must make:

1. There are times when this food will cause you to make some
lifestyle changes.

2. On some days it will be difficult to swallow, but still easy to
digest.

3. Once you eat it, you may find yourself craving more and more.

4. Once you eat it, you may find yourself thinking about throughout
the day – it’s the diet food that gives and gives again and again.

And while there are many critics how have questioned it effectiveness, this product has been around for centuries and has a proven track record!

So if you want to get started today – open your Bible! Start reading from Genesis and work your way through Revelation! You will never gain a pound and you will never go away hungry! Don’t wait until after the holidays – start today!

Great quote: Jesus says to you and me, ‘I want to share with you what I have achieved. I want to live in you. I want to share my risen life with you.’ How do we get it? We cannot buy it, cannot earn it, cannot work for it-no matter how hard we try. In fact the harder we try, the less likely we are of getting it, because the point is that it is a free gift! We can only accept it free! We can only receive it! We don’t get it by being good! We get it by grace, i.e. Jesus Christ living in us. — Cyril Brooks

Thanks for reading Freedom Fighters! Yes, the cantata tomorrow night is not September 24th – it is November 24th! Check out the website for
details: www.americaskeswick.org.

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

I am thankful this morning for our Freedom Fighter family and for your willingness to be a part of my life. I trust that our journey together is a good picture of “iron sharpening iron” as we grow more and more in our walk with the Lord.

I pray that the words of this hymn will be a good reminder today of God’s faithfulness in your life and mine:

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not; As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hands have provided — Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside!

Have a blest Thanksgiving.

Great quote:

“…all the graces of Christianity are at once imparted, in conversion…so that when one is bestowed (given) all are bestowed, and not a single one merely. A true convert, at the moment he is converted is possessed not of one or two, but of all holy principles, and all gracious dispositions. They may be feeble, indeed, like the faculties and powers of an infant, but they are all truly there, and will be seen flowing out progressively in every kind of holy feeling toward both God and man. In every real convert there are as many graces as there were in Jesus Christ himself.” Jonathan Edwards, Charity and its Fruits

COMMIT YOUR WAY TO THE LORD

“Commit your way to the Lord …” Psalm 37:5

“Talk to God about WHATEVER may be pressuring you and then commit the entire matter into His hands. Do this so that you will be free from the confusion, conflicts, and cares that fill the world today. In fact, anytime you are preparing to do something, undergoing some trial, or simply pursuing your normal business, tell the Father about it. Acquaint Him with it; yes, even BURDEN HIM WITH IT, and you will have put the concern and cares of the matter behind you. From that point forward, exercise quiet, sweet diligence in your work, recognize your dependence on Him to carry the matter for you. Commit your cares and yourself with them, as one burden, to your God …

You will find it impossible to ‘commit your way to the Lord,’ unless your way has met with His approval. It can only be done through faith, for if there is even the slightest doubt in your heart that your way is not a good one, faith will refuse to have anything to do with it. Also, this committing of your way to Him must be continuous, not just one isolated action. And not matter how unexpected or extraordinary His guidance may seem and no matter how close to the edge of the cliff He may lead you, never snatch the guiding reins from His hands.

Are you willing to submit all your ways to God, allowing Him to pass judgment on them? There is NOTHING a Christian needs to more closely examine than his own confirmed views and habits, for we are so prone to taking God’s divine approval of them for granted. And that is why some Christians are so anxious and fearful. They have obviously not truly committed their way to the Lord and left it with Him. They took it to Him but walked away with it again.” — Streams in the Desert
(Zondervan)

Good word for today! Something to think about: And yet I do love a kind of light, melody, fragrance, food, embracement when I love my God; for He is the light, the melody, the fragrance, the food, the embracement of my inner self – there where is a brilliance that space cannot contain, a sound that time cannot carry away, a perfume that no breeze disperses, a taste undiminished by eating, a clinging together that no satiety will sunder. This is what I love when I love my God. Augustine

We’d love to have you join us for our Christmas Spectacular on Saturday evening, September 24, 2007. A 100-voice choir will present the Christmas cantata, “IT TOOK A MIRACLE.” Come early and walk through our room of Christmas trees depicting the names of Christ. Trees and living nativity will be on display 1-6 and the cantata is at 7:00 PM. The program will be in the Activity Center. Call today for information:
732-350-1187.

OVERTAKEN BY BLESSING

“And all these things shall come upon you, and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 28:2

I have shared with you in recent days that we have been facing a huge financial challenge. At times, for me, it is very overwhelming. We have been praying for a “big” miracle, and yet, as our CFO reminded us last week, we have seen “little” miracles occurring that are all adding up.

One little (big) for instance is a gift of $5000 we received on Friday from a foundation that we have been trying to get on board with us for two years. The folks who have been working with us in getting grants were discouraged because it seemed every door has been shut. When I saw the envelope in my mail pile on Friday, I assumed it was yet another rejection. Shame on me – it was a notice of a grant of $5000. Praise God for the way He is providing.

Henry Blackaby’s devotional for today was timely for me: “When you walk in fellowship with God, you do not have to ask Him to bless you. He WANTS to bless you! Just as you enjoy surprising someone you love with unexpected gifts, God delights in giving you His gifts in times and ways that you might never expect.

God’s blessings often come in the midst of your EVERY DAY life – and encouraging telephone call in the middle of a busy morning or a letter you receive at the end of a hard day. A friend may drop by to help when you are overwhelmed, or you may receive unexpected financial help at a time of need. Often, God’s blessings do not come in spectacular ways but in the ORDINARY busyness of life. They come just when you need it most.

Blessings come as a result of obedience. When you walk closely with the Lord, blessings will come, regardless of whether you seek them.
Blessings from obedience will also come to those around you – to your children and to your grandchildren. Solomon enjoyed vast wealth during his reign, but God’s blessing upon him came largely as a result of his father David’s obedience in the previous generation. God promised Abraham that his obedience would bring blessing to all the families of the earth. (Genesis 12:2-3)

Do not take God’s gifts for granted. When you receive an unexpected blessing, thank God for His continuing love and be alert to recognize the next time His blessing overtakes you! (from Experiencing God … The Devotional – Broadman Holman)

Great Quote: In Christ we have…

A love that can never be fathomed,

A life that can never die,

A righteousness that can never be tarnished, A peace that can never be understood, A rest that can never be disturbed, A joy that can never be diminished, A hope that can never be disappointed, A glory that can never be clouded, A light that can never be darkened, A purity that can never be defiled, A beauty that can never be marred, A wisdom that can never be baffled, Resources that can never be exhausted.

Jesus is our all in all! — Anonymous

A RECIPE FOR GOSSIP
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s most innermost parts.” Proverbs 18:8

I just saw this recipe in a magazine add this weekend:

SINFULLY RICH CHOICE MORSELS

Ingredients

1 Cup pride – Proverbs 21:24
¾ cup hearsay – Ephesians 4:29
½ cup evil suspicions – 1 Timothy 6:3-4
¼ cup grumbling – 1 Corinthians 10:10
1 tablespoon of bitterness – Ephesians 4:29 ¾ tablespoon slander – Leviticus 19:16
2 teaspoons yeast of exaggeration – 1 Corinthians 5:8
3 teaspoons of slurring the situation – Psalm 15:3 Pinch of flattery – Jude 16 Just a dash of unfaithfulness to Jesus – John 6:66

Directions

1. Mix together all ingredients in a bowl of betrayal. – Proverbs 16:28; Matthew 26:23

2. Pour into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil; constantly stirring – Proverbs 6:14

3. Prepare in a dark kitchen. – John 3:20

4. Turn on low and simmer overnight. – Ephesians 4:26-27

5. Sprinkle with the truth (optional) – Romans 1:25

6. Serve hot to itching ears, warm to those not minding their own business and cold to those fearful – Acts 14:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 2 Timothy 4:3

Good to think about today as we begin this new week. (From World Magazine ad)

GREAT QUOTE: To trust Him means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. (Clive Staples) C. S. Lewis

OBEDIENT CHILDREN

We have a men’s Bible study group at our church that is working through First Peter. Peter addresses the obedience theme of yesterday’s Freedom Fighter. He tells those to whom he wrote to live as “obedient children.” The contrast he gives them is unmistakable.

His readers receive clear instruction. They are not to conform themselves to the former lusts. Rather, they must choose to be holy (obedient) in all your conduct. The issue is simple. God is holy. You are to be like God. Therefore, be holy! (1 Peter 1:13-16)

Holiness develops in Peter’s thinking by choosing obedience over disobedience. They learn new behaviors as they grow in grace and knowledge. They resist the temptations to revert to old behaviors. All the instruction is prefaced by reminders that Jesus is coming again. (1 Peter 1:2-11) Peter’s audience lived with almost daily persecution. Their commitment to obedience demanded something so worthwhile that it would serve as a constant motivation. Jesus coming again offered them the hope they needed.

It is my opinion that those who live in yoke with Jesus never live in easy times. We may not suffer like brothers in some parts of our world. Our trials may come from a different direction. Living obediently in a corrupt world just isn’t easy. We, like Peter’s readers, need hope. Their hope is our hope!

In that hope rests the very best reason for choosing obedience over disobedience. Consistent obedience over time proves the “genuineness of our faith.” (1:7) When Jesus comes back, all Freedom Fighters want Him to know we’re the real deal. We do love him. We do trust Him. We do want to live as He lives.

I ask you to notice three things from the early words of Peter’s letter. First, he offers them five reminders of Jesus return-that’s encouragement. Then Peter tells them to choose obedience since they know the “end of the story.” That’s instruction. Jesus is coming back; live with that expectation. Finally, Peter wrote to people living in community. That’s accountability. They pursued obedience together. Peter didn’t expect them to pursue holiness alone.

Peter’s words live on in Scripture for us. We need the encouragement. We need the instruction. We need the accountability. Together, they help us choose obedience, and obedience leads us to victory! (Pastor John Strain — First Baptist Toms River)

Something to think about: A renewed mind has an utterly changed conception, not only of reality, but of possibility. A turn away from the kingdom of this world to the Kingdom of God provides a whole set of values based not on the human word, but on Christ’s. Impossibilities become possibilities. — Elisabeth Elliot

VICTORY

I sat in a pastor’s meeting recently. We were talking about living a life of victory. One of the pastors commented that he liked to talk more about obedience than victory. He wasn’t discounting the promise of victory; he was making the point that obedience is evidence of victory.

As he went on explaining his thoughts, he said something that I’ve thought of several times in the last month. Some people, he said, will do the right thing because it’s good for them and they don’t want to suffer the shame and embarrassment of someone catching them. Some people will do the right thing because of concern for their family and friends-they don’t want to bring grief or reproach on their loved ones. Ultimately, the pastor said, the people who really live their lives with consistent obedience are those who are concerned for God’s reputation.

I look forward to getting with my pastor friend soon to discuss his thoughts. He’s on to something, I think! If our view of God is as lofty as I think it should be, we’ll make good choices out of concern for His reputation. All of us know that our sin (lack of victory and obedience) affects others. We don’t live in isolation. How many of us consider how our sin, our wrong choices, affects God and His reputation in our world?

During the last month, I’ve faced temptation. I’ve had to make choices between right and wrong. Choosing the right thing because I fear exposure may keep me out of trouble. Choosing to do the right thing out of respect for my wife, kids and church family is admirable. As a man who wants to finish well, those motivations are less than best. I’ve thought often in the last month that my love for God must drive my choices and my desire to honor Him in every area of my life.

It’s really as simple as 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” The best possible way to live in freedom is to make the right choices for the right reason-the glory of God! (Pastor John Strain – First Baptist Toms River)

Great quote: “Christian, mark well this double paradox of the spiritual life; in ourselves we are weak even when we are strong; in Christ we are strong even when we are weak. Self-sufficiency is INSUFFICIENCY. Christ-sufficiency is ALL-SUFFICIENCY!” Dr. J. Sidlow Baxter