FOR THIS BOY I HAVE PRAYED

“For this boy I have prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him. So I have also dedicated him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the Lord.” — 1 Samuel 1:28

This has certainly been a week to remember in our house. Yesterday morning our son Josh called to tell is that his wife had been to the doctor for her check-up and was being sent to the hospital to induce their child. Initially when the call came, it didn’t seem like a crisis situation, but when Jenny arrived at the hospital, she was immediately assessed and it was determined that she needed to have an emergency C-section. Jenny had a dangerous form of toxemia which was not endangering the life of the baby, but her own life was in grace danger.

We packed up the car and headed down to Delaware and while doing so, mobilized people from all over the country to cry out to God on behalf of Josh, Jenny, and the baby. During the long ride when we didn’t have a clue what was happening, I was reminded of verses from Psalm 107:13-15: “Then they cried out to the Lord in all their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their bands apart. Let them give thanks for His lovingkindness, and for HIS wonders to the sons of men!”

A little after 1:00 PM, God blessed us with grandson number #2 — Samuel Cade Welte (5 lbs 13 ozs. 13″) We praise the Lord that in His mercy and lovingkindness, he spared Jenny’s life! When we heard the “what-could-of-happened” we were thankful for His grace in our lives.

Hannah prayed for many years for a child and when he was finally born, she named him SAMUEL which means “asked of” or “appointed by God.” (1 Samuel 1:20). In response to her gift from God, Hannah dedicated her son to the Lord for as long as he lived. While we only prayed for nine months for this precious gift from God, our desire is that Samuel Cade Welte will be used of God in the days ahead to impact the world for His glory and honor. The Scriptures say this about Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:19: “This Samuel grew and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fail.” That is my prayer for our Samuel.

AN UNEXPECTED BLESSING

Last week I shared with you a little bit about my Dad. At our banquet on Tuesday night the former Director of the Boardwalk Chapel shared a story with me about my Dad that blessed my socks off …

The Boardwalk Chapel has been holding nightly outreach services on the Boardwalk in Wildwood for over 60 years. Thousands of people pass by each evening and many stop in for 10, 15, or twenty minutes and are exposed to the gospel through music, drama and the proclamation of the word of God.

One night while my Dad was sharing his testimony of God’s grace in delivering him from a life of alcohol abuse, a young man entered the chapel. He was annoyed at what Dad was sharing so he stomped out. The next day he went to the beach and sat down next to a couple who engaged him in conversation. They were Christians and began to share Christ with him. This made him mad, so he picked up his stuff, walked several blocks down the beach where he dropped his stuff to walk the water’s edge. While standing there, a young woman came out of the water and began a conversation with him. She too was a Christian. Now really frustrated, he walked up to the Boardwalk and went into a coffee shop and found the only seat which was at the counter.

Sitting next to him was a man who also shared Christ with him, and at the counter, my Dad lead this young man to Christ! Following their discussion, my Dad walked him back to the Chapel and the Director placed a call to a ministry called THE COLONY OF MERCY and later in the day they drove him to America’s KESWICK.

Thirty years ago, I really didn’t know about the ministry of the Colony of Mercy — but obviously my Dad did — little did I know then that I would one day become the President/CEO of this ministry which will celebrate 109 years of ministry to the addicted next week.

God has an interesting way of blessing us.

Great quote: No soul can be really at rest until it has given up all dependence on everything else and has been forced to depend on the Lord alone. As long as our expectation is from other things, nothing but disappointment awaits us. Feelings may change, and will change with our changing circumstances; doctrines and dogmas may be upset; Christian work may come to naught; prayers may seem to lose their fervency; promises may seem to fail; everything that we have believed in or depended upon may seem to be swept away, and only God is left, just God, the bare God, if I may be allowed the expression; simply and only God. — Hannah Whitall Smith

ACCEPTED

There are some of us that get hung up in the performance game. You might understand — we perform in order to get the approval and acceptance of others. It can be at work or even with our friends and family. We find ourselves in the trap of “If I do this or that, they will accept me.” This kind of behavior can be life-dominating bondage just like an addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling, pornography and tobacco. The cycle of trying to gain the acceptance of others can be physically and emotionally exhausting.

Some one us even try to DO for God so that we can gain His approval and acceptance. We fall into the trap of serving HIM to GET rather than because we LOVE Him. I love the words of this wonderful hymn. It puts acceptance in the right perspective. Allow the truth to sink into your heart this morning. Acceptance is not about what YOU can do for Him — it is what HE did for you.

“In the Beloved” accepted am I,
Risen, ascended, and seated on high;
Saved from all sin thro’ His infinite grace,
With the redeemed ones accorded a place.

Refrain:
“In the Beloved,” God’s marvelous grace
Calls me to dwell in this wonderful place;
God sees my Saviour and then He sees me
“In the Beloved,” accepted and free.

“In the Beloved”- how safe my retreat,
In the Beloved accounted complete;
“Who can condemn me?” In Him I am free,
Saviour and Keeper forever is He.

“In the Beloved” I went to the tree,
There, in His Person, by faith I may see
Infinite wrath rolling over His head,
Infinite grace, for He died in my stead.”

Rejoice today, my friend, that you are ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED.

GRACE IN THE NICK OF TIME

It has happened in my life on so many occasions, but yesterday was on those days where I saw God show up right “in the nick of time.” On Sunday morning, our daughter Julie’s water broke which meant that the birth of our granddaughter, Emma Grace, was imminent . . . Well at least that’s what we thought. For over 24 hours, Julie had a very slow labor with minimal pain but much frustration as it seemed like she would never progress even with the large doses of medications that were supposed to speed up the process of labor.

At one point during the night, Emma’s heart rate was dropping and caused concern. The medical team suggested that we might be facing an emergency C-section. My son-in-law, Garrett is wired much like. Sometimes I think he is really my son and not just a son-in-law because we are so much alike in so many ways. Garrett doesn’t do well at hospitals and was quite emotionally wrecked at the thoughts of Julie facing and surgery and the threat to Emma’s life.

Finally at 8:30 AM after what seemed like the longest night in history, the team decided that it was necessary to do the C-section. I could relate to where Garrett was in his emotional state — all the fears and “what if’s” racing through his mind. All of his “support team” encouraged him that he could do it and that God would give him the grace to get through it. Before he went back into the room, I told him that while I couldn’t explain it, that God’s amazing grace would show up right in the nick of time.

This young man is like me — queasy at the thoughts of blood let alone having to see it. But nothing is too difficult for God and I knew that in response to the many prayers being offered up on behalf of Julie, Garrett, and Emma, God would show up in the nick of time.

And HE DID! I wish you could have seen the look on Garrett’s face as he and the doctor came through the door and announced that Emma Grace had been born on 9/11 at 9:11 AM. Garrett proceeded to announce that he watched them putting Julie back together! You should have seen the look on his Mom’s face as she replied, “That can’t be my son!”

I don’t know what difficulties you are facing today. But I do remind you of what the writer to Hebrews said: “Let us there draw near with CONFIDENCE to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help IN TIME OF NEED.” (Hebrews 4:12) … or as one commentator said … “IN THE NICK OF TIME.” Thank You, Lord, for proving your faithfulness to Garrett, Julie and Emma!

You can see Emma by visiting http://www.americaskeswick.org/conf/WelteFamilyPictures.htm

Heaven and earth may pass away, but My Words will be no means pass away.
(Luke 21:33, NKJV)

Our nation will never forget the day that changed our lives forever. And
little did we realize how personal September 11th would be for the ministry
of America’s KESWICK. Like many ministries, we were getting ready to begin
a service of remembrance for our community, staff, and the men of the Colony
of Mercy. As I was preparing to walk to the Auditorium, I received word
that this tragedy had impacted our ministry.

Don and Jean Peterson were actively involved with the ministry. In addition
to being conference attendees, both were burdened for the Colony ministry.
Don served for a number a years as a volunteer counselor and Jean became a
faithful prayer warrior. Seeing Don’s passion and vision for the ministry,
we invited Don to serve on the Board of Trustees. He was a man of purpose,
determination, integrity, and commitment.

The Peterson’s were scheduled to leave for California for a family reunion
on the morning of September 11. Arriving early at the Newark International
Airport, they were bumped to an earlier flight. They were assigned to
Flight 93 that crashed on a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Several months after the tragedy we heard that a Bible had been found at the
crash site. Selfishly we were hoping that it belonged to Don or Jean. When
the rescue teams arrived at the crash site, there were only two things
visible – a tire and Don Peterson’s Bible. Tucked inside Don’s Bible was a
list of the men from the Colony of Mercy the he would be praying for during
the trip.

Don loved the Word of God. He believed that the Word was true and that it
could change and transform lives. How about you? Do you love the Word of
God? Are you spending time each day reading, meditating, and memorizing the
Word? It will change and transform your life.

Bill Welte

(from the book REAL VICTORY for REAL LIFE – 365 Devotional Thoughts in the
Spirit of America’s KESWICK)

To order your copy of this timely devotional, call the KESWICK Book & Gift
Shop at 1 (800) 453-7942 x. 31.

ANTICIPATION

This has been a very exciting time in our house this past few months. Some of you know that this has been the “year of the babies” in our family. Our daughter Laura gave birth to our second grand child in June (Lindsay Alice) and our daughter Julie and daughter-in-law, Jenny, is pregnant. I get three grandchildren in the span of several months.

We have been anticipating the birth of Julie’s daughter, Emma Grace for nine months and it looks like today is the day! Her water broke early this morning and today could be the day that Emma Grace makes her appearance. There have been many weeks and months of preparation to get ready for her arrival. Our son Zach has been so excited about her appearance. Every day he says, “Today could be today!” There has been a sense on anticipation on his part that is really cool.

As I have been reflecting on the anticipation of Emma’s birth, it has reminded me that this is the anticipation that should be a part of our lives as we think about the return of the Savior. Listen to the words of Paul from Romans 8:18-25:

“For I consider that the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the ANXIOUS LONGING of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will also be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, WAITING EAGERLY (on tippy-toes!) for our adoption as sons, the redemption of the body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, for why does one also hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait EAGERLY for it.”

1 Thessalonians 2:13 — “Looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ …”

Are you filled with anticipation of the Lord’s return? We ought to live our lives as if He was coming back today. Emma Grace, we are looking forward with ANTICIPATION to meeting you today.

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST …

“Someone said that it couldn’t be done,
But he, with a chuckle, replied:
‘That maybe it couldn’t, but he would be one
Who wouldn’t say no till he tried.’
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it!
Somebody scoffed, ‘Oh you’ll never do that,
At least no one ever has done it.’
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he’d begun it.
With the lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it!
There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure,
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That ‘cannot be done,’ and you’ll do it.”

Is there something in your life that you think cannot be done? Has God called you to step out by faith to do something extraordinary? Then remember these two truths this morning:

1. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
2. “Faithful is He who calls you, and He will also bring it to pass.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Good things to consider on this beautiful Saturday.

TEN LITTLE CHRISTIANS

10 little Christians came to church all the time;
one fell out with the preacher; then there were nine.
9 little Christians stayed up late;
one overslept on Sunday, then there were eight.
8 little Christians on their way to heaven;
one took the low road, then there were seven.
7 little Christians, chirping like chicks;
one didn’t like singing, then there were six.
6 little Christians seemed very much alive;
one took a vacation, then there were five.
5 little Christians pulling for heaven’s shore;
one stopped to rest awhile, then there were four.
4 little Christians each busy as a bee;
one got his feelings hurt, then there were three.
3 little Christians couldn’t decide what to do;
one couldn’t have his way, then there were two.
2 little Christians each won one more;
now don’t you see, two and two make four.
4 little Christians worked early and late,
each brought one, now there were eight.
8 little Christians, if they double as before ….
in just seven Sundays we’d have thousand twenty-four.
In this little jingle there is a lesson true —
you belong either to the building or to the wrecking crew!

(From WHO AM I IN CHRIST by Dr. Neil Anderson)

“And He gave some . . . For the equipping of the saints for the work of the service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we ALL attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature of which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”

Now to which crew do YOU belong?

THE DUTY OF SELF TESTING

Tom Paschke, our Director of Housekeeping, has been sharing his story this week on our KESWICK TODAY radio ministry. He shared this poem with our conference guests on Monday:

Present Tense

it was spring…but it was summer I wanted…
the warm days and the great outdoors.

it was summer…but it was fall I wanted…
the colorful leaves and the cool dry air.

it was fall…but it was winter I wanted…
the beautiful snow and the joy of the holiday season.

it was winter…but it was spring I wanted…
the warmth and the blossoming of nature.

I was a child…but it was adulthood I wanted…
the freedom and the respect.

I was 20…but it was 30 I wanted…
to be mature and sophisticated.

I was middle-aged…but it was 20 I wanted …
the youth and the free spirit.

I was retired…but it was middle age I wanted…
the presence of mind, without limitations.

my life was over… but I never got what I wanted.

Guarding our hearts is an on-going process to help us protect the way we view life. It helps us to think about our dreams, goals and desires in light of God’s purposes for our lives. One of the ways we guard our hearts is to do what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 13:5 — “Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves.”

Dr. Henrietta Mears, author of WHAT THE BIBLE IS ALL ABOUT reminds us that in Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth, he emphasizes that the Corinthians should test themselves to make sure of their faith. “He was anxious that none of them should be deceived. Use every means to KNOW where you really stand spiritually.

Do not depend on a mere profession of religion.
Do not rely on church membership. Joining the church saves no one. Joining CHRIST saves us. Examine your standing.
Do not trust on a past experience.
Live only for today.
Trust only in a present love, a present faith, and a present service.
Do not rest upon mere approved methods of conduct. One may god through the FORMS of religious worship and not be religious. Wax museum figures wink and blind and seem to breathe, but there is no particle of life in them.
Examine yourself about the MOTIVES that move your life. Is it to please GOD or people?
What do you love?
Do I love to think of Christ?
Do I love to pray?
Do I love to study God’s Word?
Do I love Christian friends?
Do I love the church?
Do I love to serve Christ?

Good things to ponder as we go through the process of self-testing.

THE RIVERS OF LIFE

“He who believes in Me . . . Out of HEART will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38)

From the pen of Oswald Chambers in MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST:

“A river reaches places which its source never knows. And Jesus said that, if we have received HIS fullness, ‘rivers of living water’ will flow out of us, reaching in blessing even ‘to the end of the earth’ (Acts 1:8) regardless of how small the VISIBLE effects of our lives may appear to be. We have nothing to do with the OUTFLOW — ‘This is the work of God that you BELIEVE …’ (John 6:29) God rarely allows a person to see how great a blessing he is to others.

A river is VICTORIOUSLY persistent, overcoming all barriers. For a while it goes steadily on its course, but then comes to an obstacle. And for a while it is blocked, yet it soon makes a pathway around the obstacle. Or a river will drop out of sight for miles, only later to emerge again even broader and greater than ever. Do you see God using the lives of others, but an obstacle has come into your life and you do not SEEM to be of any use to God? Then keep paying attention to the Source, and God will either take you around the obstacle or remove it. The river of the Spirit of God overcomes ALL obstacles. The obstacle will be a matter of total indifference to the river that will flow steadily through you if you will simply remember to stay focused on the Source. Never allow ANYTHING to come between you and Jesus Christ — not emotion nor experience — nothing must keep you from the one great sovereign Source.

Think of healing ad far-reaching rivers developing and nourishing themselves in our souls! God has been opening up wonderful truths to our minds, and every point He has opened up is another indication of the wider power of the river that He will flow through us. If you believe in Jesus, you will find that God has developed and nourished in you mighty, rushing rivers of blessing for other.”

Great quote: If all be a gift, see the odious ingratitude of men who sin against their giver! God feeds them, and they fight against him; he gives them bread, and they give him affronts. How unworthy is this! Should we not cry shame of him who had a friend always feeding him with money, and yet he should betray and injure him? Thus ungratefully do sinners deal with God; they not only forget his mercies, but abuse them. ‘When I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery [Jer. 5:7].’ Oh, how horrid is it to sin against a bountiful God!–to strike the hands that relieve us! Thomas Watson