The Ultimate Invitation <http://intheyoke.com/?p=4>

One could not receive a more appealing invitation than the one Jesus gave us in Matthew 11:28-30. He invites us to walk with Him and learn of Him, assuring us that when we do we’ll find rest for our souls. Is there a human being who does not, at some time in their lives, need that rest?
Do not all of us need it as we consider eternity?

It isn’t what Jesus offers, however, that makes this the “ultimate invitation.” It becomes the “ultimate invitation” because Jesus offers it! Jesus, Son of God and Son of Man, speaks to common people, everyday people, and invites them to spend time with Him.

I know a missionary to East Africa who is tall, fair-skinned and blue-eyed. His Scandinavian descent is written over every inch of him! He tells the story of walking with dark-skinned African men, holding hands with them along the journey as is the custom in that part of the world.

Those who hear him tell the story of the looks they received always laugh; the image is striking! It dawned on me one day that we can change the image just a bit and understand Jesus’ “ultimate invitation.” He says to us, Come, take my hand and walk with Me. Let’s talk about life and rest and the needs of your soul.

A friend of mine challenged me recently, knowing that I enjoy writing, to start a blog. He thinks I need a diversion from the everyday pressures of life. As I thought about the challenge one question came to mind: What do I write about?

Walking with Jesus, living in the yoke, is my passion. I want to know Him as well as I can. I want to see Jesus’ life formed in me. Everything else is less important. Bill Welte’s invitation to write the weekend Freedom Fighters for October gives me opportunity to start writing for that blog.

I invite you to walk with me as we walk together in the yoke. Let’s discover together what living in the yoke means for us and how it changes our lives. I’m convinced this walk in yoke with Jesus is the best walk we’ll ever take. (Pastor John Strain – First Baptist of Toms
River)

Great quote: Lord, save us from worrying, lest ulcers be our badge for our lack of faith. Peter Marshall

RETURNING TO YOUR FAILURE

“But Simon answered and said to Him, ‘Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word, I will let down the net.'” Luke 5:6

There are times in all of our lives when we experience failure. When we do, we can either learn from it or become bitter and hard of heart because of it. Yesterday I shared about the experience that we went through when we lost our business. It was a very humiliating and embarrassing time for us, and it was especially hard on our pride. But looking back I can see how God used that situation in our lives to teach us so many wonderful lessons that helped to grow us closer to Him and each other.

I have often hear people say when facing difficulty, “I could have never made it through ________ without Jesus!” That is so true, my friend.
Listen to what Dr. Henry Blackaby writes about failure:

“No one knows how to help you in your times of failure as Jesus does! He will not overlook your shortcoming or simply encourage you to do better the next time. He will give you victory in the midst of your failure.

Peter had fished all night without success. His was not just a meager catch; he had caught NOTHING, even though he was a skilled fisherman.
Jesus could have said, ‘Peter, don’t worry about your empty net. You will soon be in a different business anyway.’ Instead, Jesus told him to launch into the deep and to cast out his nets for a catch. How bumbling it must have been for Peter! Here was a carpenter telling this outspoken fisherman how to fish!

Jesus often gets your undivided attention when you fail. He sometimes take you back to your place of defeat in order to build something good in your life. You many assume He must not want you to continue because you have failed so miserably in your attempt. Perhaps your problem was that you relied on your own strength instead of the Master’s. Maybe you failed in a relationship. Jesus will not allow you to abandon it; He will help you learn from your failure and experience the difference He can make when He guides your relationships. When you try in God’s strength, you may discover that success is indeed within your grasp. If you have recently experienced failure, you may be on the brink of receiving a profound revelation from God.” – from Experiencing God – The Devotional (Broadman & Holman)

What is God wanting to teach you today from the failure you have experienced in your life?

Great quote: God has given a Christian such power that he can turn afflictions into mercies, can turn darkness into light. If a man had the power that Christ had, when the water pots were filled, he could by a word turn the water into wine. If you who have nothing but water to drink had the power to turn it into wine, then you might be contented; certainly a Christian has received this power from God, to work thus miraculously.

It is the nature of grace to turn water into wine, that is, to turn the water of your affliction, into the wine of heavenly consolation.
Jeremiah Burroughs

FREELY GIVE (Part 4)

“Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8b)

When we think of the area of giving, most times we think in terms of giving of our money. But there are other things we can give that can have an impact on others.

Almost 20 years ago we went through a very difficult time with a small business that we owned. We tried every which way to keep our heads above water, and in fact, I was working two other jobs to help keep the business afloat. Things went from bad to worse, and finally we received counsel from numerous friends that we needed to file for personal bankruptcy.

We were recommended to a Christian attorney who would help us and we made an appointment. For over an hour he berated us for even considering bankruptcy and then charged us $500 and sent us on our way. At the time, we were living in another state, and needless to say, the trip back home was a difficult one. By the time I arrived at my office, I was totally drained and emotionally a wreck. Sitting at my desk, I cried out to the Lord for help and moments later, the phone rang.

A godly Christian businessman was on the other end of the line and he said, “Bill, there’s something wrong. How can I help you?” It was difficult for me to talk through the tears, and he went on to tell me that he already knew what I was going through and that I had no other choice but to file for bankruptcy. I explained what had taken place earlier in the day, and he gave me the number of his personal corporate attorney and instructed me to call him.

Fast forward six months later to the day we had to appear in court. We were giving up our home and car to help pay off our creditors, and Jan and I were both sick at our stomachs over the whole situation. We sat down in the courtroom and waited our turn to appear before the Judge. I remember this as if it were yesterday, sitting there and beginning to cry. Moments later, I felt two hands on my shoulders. I turned around and sitting behind me was this man who had referred me to his own attorney. He leaned down and said, “I am here with my CFO and we are going to stay with you until this is over. The Lord is going to get you through this, Bill. Trust Him!”

God used this man in our lives in so many ways over the years. It wasn’t until several years ago, that I learned that he had quite a difficult childhood and went through some very difficult times. God blessed him financially and he has used his gift of giving in amazing ways. He and his wife have always opened their home to take in missionaries that are in need.

At a recent banquet, a mutual friend shared a story about a widow lady who was struggling with a dental bill. This man had learned about the bill and called the lady and took care of her need.

But beyond the financial help he has given, he has given of his time to meet face-to-face with hurting people of all ages. He has the unique ability to bring calmness in the midst of tough times. Because of the difficulties he experienced in his own life, he has been willing to give back in helping others.

Thanks, Joe Dariano, for being a spiritual giant in my life, and in the lives of hundreds of others.

How about you? Have you received freely? How can you freely give now to others?

Great quote: It is said that when the famous missionary, Dr. David Livingstone, started his trek across Africa he had 73 books in 3 packs, weighing 180 pounds. After the party had gone 300 miles, Livingstone was obliged to throw away some of the books because of the fatigue of those carrying his baggage. As he continued on his journey his library grew less and less, until he had but one book left – his Bible. Anonymous

Our first Men’s night is Thursday, October 11th with Dr. Peter Teague, President of Lancaster Bible College. Call today to register and check out the link for details:
http://www.americaskeswick.org/conf/evmensnite.shtml

FEELY GIVE (Part 3)

“Freely you have received, freely give …” Matthew 10:8b

I received an email yesterday from my Director of Marketing and IT and it would appear that many of you checked out the link with the picture of MERCY! Thanks for visiting the blog page.

My mother used to teach us the principle that you can never out give God! As kids, we watched with amazement how God provided for my parents needs. From the world’s perspective, they were fairly poor, but they never lacked God’s amazing supply in their lives. It was one of those life lessons that really stuck with me over the years.

Several years ago, a dear couple who have been soooooo good to the ministry of America’s KESWICK, gave the staff a Christmas gift of $50 each. It was a huge encouragement to the staff. One of the guys was off the day the gifts were given out and I ran into him later in the day. He asked me if he could get his envelope. I didn’t have access to the envelopes so I gave him the $50 bill that was in my wallet. He told me that when he got his envelope he would give it back to me.

After about and hour, the Lord reminded me that this family were going through some tough times financially. I walked back over to their home and told him that he didn’t have to return the $50 bill. They were blown away and I left knowing that I had been able to give something to them that really was a gift from the Lord.

Several days later, I received a letter from a friend, and inside the letter was a brand new crisp $50 bill. The amazing thing is that I have probably given away that $50 dozens of times now and it still comes back within several days. I keep saying that I should be journaling the various stories … but it has been so much fun seeing how God has multiplied the gift of a generous couple who allowed me to use their gift to bless others.

You can’t out give God, men. If He has blessed you, why not think of a way to day to bless someone else today in your life.

Great quote: “God’s promises are not mottos to hang on the wall. They are checks to take to the bank.” – Dr. Adrian Rogers

Check out details for our monthly event for business folks – THE BUSINESS NETWORK: http://www.americaskeswick.org/conf/evbusn.shtml

FREELY GIVE

“Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8b

I have made an observation in my lifetime: stingy people tend to be miserable people. Giving people tend to be happy, fulfilled people. I love the observation of Dr. Henry Blackaby from his daily devotional, EXPERIENCING GOD – THE DEVOTIONAL: “There is no room for misers in God’s Kingdom. When we begin to struggle in giving what we have to others, we have forgotten where we received our possessions. Every good thing we have ever received has come from God (James 1:17) All that we have acquired has been dependent upon His grace (1 Corinthians 4:7). Job accurately summarized our condition: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ (Job 1:21)

We easily assume a sense of ownership of our possessions, as if they were things earned ourselves, thereby giving us a right to then. Jesus reminds is to be prepared to give our possessions as freely and joyfully as we received them. It should be a pleasure for us to give what we have to others (2 Corinthians 9:7) We ought to be a conduit through whom the Lord can pour His blessings, knowing we will disperse them to everyone around us. Sometimes we claim we are trying to be good stewards of our resources when actually we are being selfish.

If you struggle to give freely to others, you have become more attached to the GIFT than to the GIVER. The account of the rich young ruler shows the tragedy of becoming too attached to worldly treasures (Luke 8:18-24). Meditate on all that your Lord has given you (John 3:16).
Resolve to express your gratitude to Him through giving.”

Good words for today. Are you a stingy person or one who gives freely.
Tomorrow I will share a story of an unusual gift to the Colony that was a huge blessing to 40 men.

Great quote: It is often supposed that when people stop believing in God, they believe in nothing. Alas, it is worse than that. When they stop believing in God, they believe in anything. Gilbert Keith G. K.
Chesterton

Living with Influence

For five weekends I’ve shared with you the lives of people who have influenced my life. Some of the relationships go back more than forty years; they seem as real as yesterday. I’m grateful for each of these people and so many more that remain unnamed. Each person who has influenced my life for the Kingdom is a gift from God, placed in my life by His design for my good.

What about you and me? Who do we influence today? Who are the people in your life and mine that live more like Jesus because they know us and have lived under our influence? Not a single one of us lives in isolation. As each one of us who read FREEDOM FIGHTER live our lives for Jesus, someone watches and can grow in their walk with the Lord.

So much of life is routine that we often live without thinking. Living without thinking leads to carelessness. Carelessness will prevent us from living with influence. Those who live with influence live intentionally. They live with purpose and forethought. Living with influence is one more area of life that requires choices. If my life will have influence in other people, it will only happen because I choose to live as a person of influence.

Here’s the deal! Unless Jesus comes back, another generation will follow us. Will someone write a FREEDOM FIGHTER remembering the influence we had on his or her life? Will someone share a testimony that speaks well of our memory because of some influence we had in their life? Just as we choose to avoid addictions and choose to pursue victory, we can choose to live as people of influence.

I’m sure you have people of influence in your life. If you can, let them know you appreciate them. If you can’t speak with them, thank God for their influence. Ask Him to help you each day to choose the way of godly influence. You just don’t know whose life or how many lives you may touch.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:29-32)

(Pastor John Strain – First Baptist of Toms River)

Great Quote: While it may break the heart of a wise parent, they realize that it is not love to shelter a child from every adversity and all hardship. It is through occasional adversity and the winds of life blowing against us that we develop the muscles to stand strong and steady, gaining our moral balance. Katherine Walden

GUARD YOUR MOUTH

I first met John Davidson in October 1987. He served as Vice-President of what was then Columbia Bible College and Seminary. We met in Chicago while he was attending a conference. He had made arrangements with to meet me and have a preliminary interview for a position at the college. I’ve now known him for almost twenty years; he’s a very good friend and brother in Christ.

As with all the people I’ve written about this month, John influenced-and still influences-my life in godly ways. He has proved himself a faithful servant of Jesus Christ in many ways. He’s got a strong marriage. He has served in the same church (which he helped start) for more than twenty-five years. He continues to manage resources for several Christian organizations, and he does that with integrity. He’s been a role model for me in all those areas during the length of our friendship.

But his influence has been most significant in another way. I’ve always been a “shoot-from-the-lip” kind of guy. It’s led me into trouble throughout my life. John Davidson showed me I didn’t have to be like that. I can’t tell you that I’ve learned the lesson perfectly, but it still informs my life after being away from John’s daily influence for more than fifteen years.

I was sitting in his office one day. We were talking about a situation he was facing with one of the men who reported to him. I was involved in the situation because of my position, but I wasn’t part of the problem. John was frustrated with the other person and with the situation. He was about to say something critical about the person, but he stopped in mid-sentence. He put his hand to his mouth, stopped what he was saying and then looked at me. He said to me “I don’t need to say what I was about to say.” I’ll never forget it.

He showed that same kind of spirit-driven self-control through the four plus years I worked for him. I’ve heard the same kind of discipline through the last fifteen years as we talk regularly. He refuses to engage in idle, critical or self-serving talk. I need men like that in my life. God is gracious us to us as we travel the path to victory by placing in our road the men and women who can influence us for godliness. He even gives us men and women who can show us how to guard our tongues.

“Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps is soul from trouble.” (Proverbs 21:23) I’m grateful that John Davidson has taught me how to do that. (Pastor John Strain – First Baptist Toms River)

Great Quote: Christ is a person so dear to the Father, that those who are in Christ need not be at all jealous of being accepted upon his account. If Christ is accepted they must of consequence be accepted, for they are in Christ, as members, as parts, as the same. They are the body of Christ, his flesh and his bones. They that are in Christ Jesus, are one spirit; and therefore, if God loves Christ Jesus, he must of necessity accept of those that are in him, and that are of him. But Christ is a person exceedingly dear to the Father, the Father’s love to the Son is really infinite. God necessarily loves the Son; God could as soon cease to be, as cease to love the Son. He is God’s elect, in whom his soul delighteth; he is his beloved Son, in whom he is ell pleased; he loved him before the foundation of the world, and had infinite delight in him from all eternity. Jonathan Edwards

THE MARKS OF A FAITHFUL CHURCH

“My struggle is that their hearts may be encouraged, that they may be united together in love, that they may come to all the wealth of the assured ability to take the right decision in any situation, to the knowledge that the truth which only God’s own may know, I mean of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so no one may lead you into error by false reasoning with persuasive arguments. For, even if I am absent from you in the body, I am with you in spirit, happy when I see you maintaining your ranks and the solid bulwark of your faith in Christ. So, then, as you have received Christ, Jesus the Lord, live your life in Him. Continue to remain firmly rooted, and go on being built up in Him. Continue to be established more and more firmly in the faith, as you were taught it, and to overflow with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:2-7

Dr. William Barclay, gives eight marks of a faithful church that I share for your consideration from the above text. In light of all that is going on in the church, particularly my concern with the emerging church, these are powerful:

1. The church should be one with COURAGEOUS hearts!

2. It should be a church in which the members are knit together in love.

3. It should be a church equipped with every kind of wisdom.

4. The true church must have the power to resist seductive teaching.

5. The true church should have in it a soldier’s discipline.

6. In the true church life must be IN CHRIST!

7. The true church holds fast to the faith which it has received.

8. The distinguishing mark of the true church is an abounding and overflowing gratitude.

Wow … that is sure a list worth considering. This is a text that preaches! Good truth to consider today!

Great quote: “Blessings at times come to us through our labors and at times without our labors, but never because of our labors.. For God always gives them because of His undeserved mercy.” Martin Luther

WHAT TO RENOUNCE

“We have renounced the hidden things of shame …” 2 Corinthians 4:2

This is one of those “hit-between-the-eye-ball” words from Oswald Chambers …

“Have you RENOUNCED the hidden things of shame in your life – the things that your sense of honor or pride will not allow to come into the light? You can easily hide them. Is there a thought in your heart about anyone that you would not like to be brought into the light? Then renounce it as soon as it comes to mind – renounce everything in its entirety until there is no hidden dishonesty or craftiness about you at all. Envy, jealousy, and strife don’t necessarily arise from your old nature of sin, but from the flesh which was used for these kinds of things in the past (See Romans 6:19 and 1 Peter 4:1-3) You must maintain continual watchfulness so that nothing arises in your life that would cause you shame.

” … not walking in craftiness …’ (2 Corinthians 4:2) This means not resorting to something simply to make your own point. This is a terrible trap. You know that God will only allow you to work in one way – the way of truth. Then be careful never to catch people through the other way – the way of deceit. If you act deceitfully, God’s blight and ruin will be upon you. What may be craftiness for you, may not be for others – God has called you to a higher standard.

Never dull your sense of being your utmost for His highest – your best for HIS glory. For you, doing certain things would mean craftiness coming into your life for a purpose other than what is the highest and best, and it would dull the motivation that God has given you. Many people have turned back because they are afraid to look at things from God’s perspective. The greatest spiritual crisis comes when a person has to move a little farther on in his faith then the beliefs he has already accepted.” From MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST

This is a good one to think through brothers.

Great quote: The greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender. William Booth