COUNT IT ALL JOY . . .

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and
complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Listen to the words of Fenelon about how to handle the trials we face:
“Don’t bargain with God to get out of this mess in the easiest, most
comfortable way. Embrace the cross. Live by love alone. Let God do what
He needs to do to root out your self-love. Pray within yourself all day
long. Live in prayer — let it touch everything you do. Be aware of
God’s presence with you — even when you are busy. Do this and peace
will be yours.

You will not become perfect by hearing or reading about perfection. The
important thing is not to listen to yourself, but silently listen to
God. Talk little and do much, without caring to be seen. God will teach
you more than any book or person can. Do you need to go to school to
learn how to love God and deny yourself? You already know much more
about good than you currently practice. What you need is to put into
practice what you already know! Don’t try to gain knowledge before you
practice what you already see.”

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has
stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised
to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NIV)

“Growth and depth and strength and consistency and fruitfulness and
ultimately in Christlikeness is only possible when the winds of life are
contrary to personal comfort. Just as the storms make it possible for
eagles to soar, so suffering makes it possible for you and me to attain
the highest pinnacles in the Christian life. Suffering develops our
faith. God uses His will, which can go against human logic and sense.
The reason is to focus on our faith, not on our friends . . . or ability
. . . or resources . . . or knowledge . . . or strength . . . or
ANYTHING other than HIM ALONE!” — Anne Graham Lotz

Good words for today, my friend. May God bless you.

THE SEEKING HEART by Fenelon and MY JESUS IS EVERYTHING by Ann Graham
Lotz, are available at the Keswick Online Bookstore —
http://www.americaskeswick.org

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR

“And He shall be called WONDERFUL COUNSELOR . . . ” Isaiah 9:6

“The Amplified Bible gives six names that could equally be translated
from the word ‘counselor’. Each name, as defined by Webster’s
dictionary, describes a different aspect of the Person of the Holy
Spirit. He is our:

Counselor: One Whose profession is to give advice and manage causes.

Comforter: One Who relieves another of mental distress.

Helper: One Who furnishes with relief or support. One Who is of use and
Who waits upon another.

Intercessor: One Who acts between parties to reconcile differences.

Advocate: One Who pleads the cause of another.

Strengthener: One Who causes another to grow, become stronger, endure,
and resist attacks.

Standby: One Who can be relied upon either for regular use or in
emergencies.

Can you image how wonderful it would be to have Someone with these
attributes in your life? Are you distressed today? Then you need the
Comforter.
Are you facing a major decision? Then you need the Counselor.
Do you need relief from, or support in, your responsibilities? Then you
need the Helper.
Do you have a broken relationship? Then you need the Intercessor.
Are you being criticized, falsely accused, misunderstood? Then you need
the Advocate.
Are you constantly defeated by habits of sin? Then you need the
Strengthener.
Are you unprepared for an emergency? Then you need the Standby.
The Holy Spirit is EVERYTHING that Jesus is!”

“You will never know that Jesus is ALL you need until Jesus is ALL you
have. When Jesus is all you have, you’ll know that Jesus is ALL you
need.” — Dr. Mark Corts

Powerful reminder today from the pen of Anne Graham Lotz in her new book
JESUS IS MY EVERYTHING (Countryman) — available at the Keswick Online
Bookstore (www.americaskeswick.org).

The Keswick Institute of Biblical Studies begins on February 7th. Please
check out our website for details.

CONTENT

Are you content this morning where God has placed you? Content with your
car? Content with your job? Your living situation? I share with you this
morning a letter written by the wife of a Vietnamese pastor’s wife who
was forced to live with her children on a balcony after her husband was
placed in prison. God used even her surroundings to become a sanctuary:

My dear friends,

You know around here we are experiencing hardships, but we thank the
Lord He is comforting us and caring for us in every way. When we
experience misfortune, adversity, distress, and hardship only then do we
see the real blessing of the Lord poured down on us in such a way that
we cannot contain it.

We have be obliged recently to leave our modest apartment and for over
two months have been living on a balcony. The rain has been beating down
and soaking us. Sometimes in the middle of the night we are forced to
gather our blankets and run to seek refuge in a stairwell.

Do you know what I do then? I laugh and praise the Lord, because we can
still take shelter in the stairwell. I think of how many people are
experiencing much worse hardships than I am. Then I remember the words
of the Lord, “To the poor, O Lord, You are a refuge from the storm, a
shadow from the heat” and I am gratefully comforted.

Our Father . . . is the One who according to the Scriptures does not
break the bruised reed nor put out the flickering lamp. He is the One
who brings blessings and peace to numberless people. I do not know what
words to use in order to describe the love that the Lord has shown our
family. I only can bow my knee and my heart and offer to the Lord words
of deepest thanks and praise. Although we have lost our house and
possessions, we have not lost the Lord, and HE IS ENOUGH. With the Lord
I have everything. The only thing I fear losing is His blessing!

Could I ask you and our friends in the churches abroad to continue to
pray for me that I will faithfully follow the Lord and serve Him
REGARDLESS of what the circumstances may be? As far as my husband is
concerned, I was able to visit his this past summer. We had a
twenty-minute conversation that brought us great joy.

I greet you with my love.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi An (quoted from A MINUTE OF MARGIN — Restoring Balance
to Busy Lives by Dr. Richard A. Swenson, NavPress)

Wow. What powerful words. Are you content this morning? Paul said,
“Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6) and “in
WHATEVER circumstance I am in, therewith to be content.” (Philippians
4:11) Can you pass the contentment test this morning? Good words to
consider as we begin this new week.

Check out today’s broadcast of KESWICK TODAY on the website —
http://www.americaskeswick.org.

THE GOD WHO SEES

I really don’t know how she did it. She was facing the piano which was
at the front of the room. Yet somehow, Dot Keenest, our Junior High
Youth leader could see what was going on in the room and would often
call us out by name if we were fooling around. We really did think she
had eyes in the back of her head. She seemed to be able to see
everything we were doing.

But there really is ONE who sees EVERYTHING we do. He not only sees the
EXTERNAL things we are doing, He is the searcher of the INTERNAL as
well. There is NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING that escapes His eyes. He
sees where we are — what we are reading — what we are looking at on
the computer –He sees EVERYTHING. And He sees into our hearts and knows
what we are really thinking and feeling when no one else can.

Listen to what it says from the WORD: “You are the God who sees . . . O
Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my
rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path
and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not
a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether . . .
such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.

The eyes of the Lord are in EVERY PLACE, keeping watch on the evil and
the good. The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He
ponders all his paths. GOD KNOWS YOUR HEARTS! For what is highly
esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. The eyes of
the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself
strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” (Genesis 16:13;
Psalm 139:1-4); Proverbs 15:3; Proverbs 5:21; Luke 16:15; 2 Chronicles
16:9)

This is a good reminder for all of us today. Is there something you are
doing in your life that you forgot He sees? A relationship you are
hiding? Looking at things on the computer that you don’t think anyone
sees? Looking at or reading material that you think you are hiding and
covering up without someone seeing? What is going on in your heart?
Bitterness? Jealousy? Lust? HE KNOWS! HE SEES! On this Lord’s day, take
some time today to talk to HIM about those things. Get right with Him.
And if you need help today, we are here for you. Respond to this email
and we will get back to you. We are here for you!

Protection on your computer is essential in this ever-changing, crazy
world. Now you can protect yourself and your family from internet
garbage that can take you out. Visit our website today and get
information at SAFE EYES. It’s an investment that you can’t afford NOT
to make — http://www.americaskeswick.org.

BE STILL AND LISTEN . . .

I love the writings of Fenelon, written over 400 years ago, but still as
fresh as if just written . . . In his writings, THE SEEKING HEART, he
says: “Avoid anything that drains or excites you. Your prayer life will
dry up if you don’t. Don’t expect to feed your inward life if you live
only for what is outward. You really must learn to renounce all that
makes you too outspoken in your conversations. How are you going to
cultivate an inner silence if you are always talking? You cannot want
God and the things of the world at the same time. Don’t you realize that
your prayer will be affected by what you cultivate in your daily life?

Fear your excessive enthusiasm, your taste for things of the world, and
your hidden ambitions. Don’t get so excited over politics and parties.
If you get too worked up, it will be harder to calm yourself before God.
Speak little and work steadily. Let actions take the place of your
flowery words.

After you learn to deal with your wandering thoughts, you must learn to
come to God to renew your strength. Learn to do this even amidst the
mundane tasks of the day. Keep looking to the Lord for His gentle
leading. But don’t be so noisy that you can’t hear Him.

You will lose your way the minute you decide to go your own way. When
you seek God’s will alone, you find it everywhere, and you cannot go
astray. Wanting what GOD wants always put you on a straight path. The
future is not yet yours; it may never be. Live in the present moment.
Tomorrow’s grace is not given to you today. The present moment is the
only place where you can touch the eternal realm.”

Chambers said: “Jesus Christ knows YOUR circumstances better than we do,
and He says we must not think about these things to the point where they
become the primary concern of life. Whenever there are competing
concerns in your life, be sure you always put your relationship to God
first.”

How do we apply this truth — do what David said: “Be still . . . ” Stop
talking for once and allow Him to speak to your heart — You know what?
He may transform your life in way you have never dreamed possible.

Good words for you today! THE SEEKING HEART is available from the
KESWICK ONLINE BOOKSTORE — http://www.americaskeswick.org.

WHO AM I IN CHRIST

We have looked this week at the amazing truth from God’s Word that
reminds us WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST.

29. You have been saved and set apart according to God’s doing! (2
Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5)
30. You are sanctified and you are one with the Sanctifier. He is not
ashamed to call you brother! (Hebrews 2:11)
31. You can come boldly before the throne of God to find mercy and grace
in time of need! (Hebrews 4:16)
32. You are a partaker of God’s diving nature! (2 Peter 1:4)

As I thought about these wonderful truths, I was reminded of the lyrics
to this amazing praise song by Casting Crowns. May these words encourage
your hearts
this morning.

Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt,
Who am I?
That the Bright and Morning Star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart,

Not because of who I am,
But because of what You’ve done,
Not because of what I’ve done,
But because of who You are,

I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean (ocean),
A vapor in the wind,
Still You hear me when I’m calling,
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling,
And You’ve told me who I am..
I am Yours.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin,
Would look on me with love,
and watch me rise again,
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me,

Not because of who I am,
But because of what You’ve done,
Not because of what I’ve done,
But because of who You are,

I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean (ocean),
A vapor in the wind,
Still You hear me when I’m calling,
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling,
And You’ve told me who I am…
I am Yours, I am Yours.

I am Yours,
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
‘Cause I am Yours,
I am Yours.

WHO I AM IN CHRIST (Part 4)

I read a quote this morning that went like this — “The optimist sees
the glass half full! The pessimist sees the glass half empty. The child
of God sees the cup full and running over!” This morning as we review
seven more foundational truths of who we are IN CHRIST, may your heart
be full and running over.

22. You have Christ within you! (Colossians 1:27)

23. You are firmly rooted IN CHRIST and now are being built up in Him!
(Colossians 2:11)

24. You have been spiritually circumcised! (Colossians 2:11)

25. You have been made complete in Christ! (Colossians 2:10)

26. You have been buried, raised, and made alive with Christ.
(Colossians 2:12-13)

27. You died with Christ and you have been raised up with Christ. Christ
is now your life! (Colossians 3:1-4)

28. You have been given a spirit of power, love and self-discipline. (2
Timothy 1:7)

Praise God today, my friend for who you are IN CHRIST.

Struggling with internet pornography or know someone who is? Listen
today today’s edition of KESWICK TODAY on our website as Mark Fisher,
President of Sandy Cove Ministries, shares his story —
http://www.americaskeswick.org.

Our Spring semester of the Keswick Institute of Biblical Studies begins
in a few weeks. Consider joining us to study God’s Word. We have
partnered with Lancaster Bible College to provide CEU’s towards a degree
in Bible. For information, please visit our website —
http://www.americaskeswick.org.

WHO I AM IN CHRIST (Part 3)

Paul wrote these words . . . “Finally brothers, whatever is true,
whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy — think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Understanding WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST is a great application to that verse
. . . this morning as you read these truths, allow the Holy Spirit to
speak to your heart and transform your life . . .

15. You have been redeemed and forgiven and you are a recipient of His
lavish grace. (Ephesians 1:7)

16. You have been made alive together with Christ. (Ephesians 2:5)

17. You have been raised up and seated with Christ in heaven. (Ephesians
2:6)

18. You have direct access to God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18)

19. You may approach God with boldness, freedom and confidence.
(Ephesians 3:12)

20. You have been rescued from the domain of Satan’s rule and
transferred to the kingdom of Christ. (Colossians 1:13)

21. You have been redeemed and forgiven of all your sins. The debt
against you has been cancelled. (Colossians 1:14)

Well my friend — if that doesn’t cause you to rejoice this morning —
something ain’t right!!! Or as one of our speakers says — “if that
doesn’t light your firewood — you’ve got wet wood.” Look up the the
Scriptures today and THINK ON THESE THINGS.

Give a listen to today’s edition of KESWICK TODAY radio on our website
— http://www.americaskeswick.org. Mark Fisher, the new President of Sandy Cove
Ministries, and our speaker for FREEDOM FIGHTER DAY will be sharing his
testimony. If Freedom Fighter is a blessing to you — share it with a
friend and encourage them to join today!

WHO I AM (Part 2)

“Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and
desires.” (Galatians 5:24)

Yesterday we started a journey to review our position in Christ! It is
good to review this often and I encourage you to look up the Scriptures
and make them a part of the fabric of your life.

8. You have been established, anointed and sealed by God in Christ! (2
Corinthians 1:21)

9. You have been given the Holy Spirit as a pledge guaranteeing your
inheritance in Christ! (Ephesians 1:13-14)

10. You have died with Christ and you no longer live for yourself, but
for Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

11. You have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer YOU who
live, but CHRIST lives in you! (Galatians 2:20)

12. You have been blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing! (Ephesians 1:3)

13. You were chosen in Christ BEFORE the foundation of the work to be
holy and blameless before Him! (Ephesians 1:4)

14. You were predestined — determined by God — to be adopted as God’s
sons (and daughters)! (Ephesians 1:5)

Remember that today the enemy of your souls wants you to FEEL worthless,
condemned, and without hope! Many of us have lived out that cycle which
leads us further into our sin! Well my friend, repent of your FEELINGS!
Focus today on the TRUTH of WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST!

Listen to today’s broadcast of KESWICK TODAY by visiting our website. I
will be interviewing Mark P. Fisher, the new President and CEO of Sandy
Cove Ministries, who is our speaker for our upcoming Freedom Fighter
Men’s Day. Mark has an incredible testimony. Check it out —
http://www.americaskeswick.org.

WHO I AM IN CHRIST . . .

“Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and
desires.” (Galatians 5:24)

Before I share some insights I have learned on the last part of this
verse, I want to remind you WHO you are IN CHRIST. Over the past year of
Freedom Fighter journaling’s, we have looked at this important phrase
numerous times — it’s good to review it often. The moment you trusted
Christ as Savior, you received a NEW identity. You were transferred from
the “kingdom of darkness” to the “kingdom of His dear Son.” You are no
longer of this world — you are IN CHRIST!

With that new identity comes some mind-boggling truths that you need to
hold on to as you navigate life in this ever-changing crazy world.
Believe me — Satan does not want you to grasp or understand this truth
— He’d rather you live in bondage to the old identity and live a life
of defeat rather than a life of victory.

I remind you of who you are IN CHRIST — (and it will take a few days to
scratch just the surface . . .) Don’t just take MY word for it — Check
out the Scriptures with each truth!

1. You are justified — COMPLETE forgiven. (Romans 5:1)
2. You died WITH Christ and died to the POWER of sin’s RULE over your
life. (Romans 6:1-11)
3. You are free from CONDEMNATION! (Romans 8:1)
4. You have been placed into Christ by God’s doing. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
5. You have received the Spirit of God that you may KNOW the things
freely given to you by God. (1 Corinthians 2:12)
6. You have been given the MIND of Christ. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
7. You have been bought with a price; You are NOT your own; You belong
to God. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

This is just the beginning my friend. Over the next several days we want
to rehearse who we are IN CHRIST. It is when you understand this AMAZING
truth — that you will live life to the fullest. Rejoice today, my
friend at your NEW identity!
“Grace binds you with far stronger cords than the cords of duty or
obligation can bind you. Grace is free, but when once you take it you
are bound forever to the Giver, and bound to catch the spirit of the
Giver. Like produces like, Grace makes you gracious, the Giver makes you
give.”E. Stanley Jones

LATE BREAKING NEWS: — KESWICK Today daily (Mon – Fri) 5 minute radio
program is now available LIVE on the Internet. Today’s broadcast, and
over time the past 30 days will always be available. It is available in
Windows Media format, Real Audio format, or as a FREE download in MP3
format. It will also be available in a few days in a podcast
(subscription form – those of you who have MP3 player can subscribe to
it and have it automatically downloaded when you turn your computer on
each day).

Please visit our webpage to give it a try:
http://www.americaskeswick.org/