“I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12)

“‘Abide in me’: These words are no law of Moses, demanding from the sinful what they cannot perform. They are the command of love, which is only a promise in a different shape. Think of this until all feeling of burden, fear, and despair pass away, and the first thought that comes as
you hear of abiding in Jesus is one of bright and joyous hope: It is for me; I know I will enjoy it. You are not under the law which is demanding DO, but under grace with its blessed BELIEVE what Christ will do for you. And if the questions is asked, ‘But surely there is something for us TO DO,’ the answer is, ‘Our DOING and WORKING are but the FRUIT of Christ working in us.’ It is when the soul becomes utterly PASSIVE, looking for and resting in what CHRIST will do, that its energies are stirred to their highest activity, and we work most effectively because we know that He works in us. It is as we see in the words ‘REMAIN IN ME’ (John 15:4) the mighty energies of love reaching out after us to have us and to hold us, that all the strength of our will is awakened to abide in Him.

This connection between Christ’s work and our work is beautifully expressed in the words of Paul: ‘I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.’ It was because he knew that the mighty and the faithful One had grasped him with the glorious purpose of making him one with Christ that he did his utmost to grasp the glorious prize.

Fix your eyes on Christ. Gaze on the love that shines in those eyes and asks whether you can trust Him, who sought, found, and brought you near, now to keep you. It is because Jesus has taken hold of me and because He keeps me that I dare to say, ‘Savior, I abide in You.'”

from the pen of ANDREW MURRAY — THE ANDREW MURRAY DAILY READER IN TODAY’S LANGUAGE published by Bethany House Publishers (Murray [1828-1917] was born in South Africa. After receiving his education in Scotland and Holland, he returned top South Africa and spent his life there as a pastor, missionary, and author of many devotional books. He
and his wife, Emma, raised eight children.)

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” — Psalm 37:4

“Your relationship with God ought to bring you more joy, satisfaction, and pleasure than any other relationship, activity, or material possession you have. Scripture exhorts you to delight yourself in the Lord, finding your greatest pleasure in God and the things dear to His
heart.

How can you find pleasure in what God enjoys? Only as you spend time with Him will you begin to take delight in the things God loves. As you spend intimate time with God allow Him to show you your situation from His perspective, you will begin to see things as God sees them. As you
adjust yourself to God, your heart will begging to desire the same things God’s heart desires. When you pray, you will find yourself asking for the very things God desires. Matters foremost on God’s heart will be preeminent in yours. Your first request in prayer will not be for yourself, but for God’s name to be exalted and His kingdom to be extended. (Matthew 6:9-10)

Have you been asking God to give you the desires of your heart without first seeking to understand what is on His heart? God places this important requirement for those who pray: that we will seek HIS priorities and make them our own. This great qualifier prevents us from
asking out of selfishness. As we find joy in the Lord, we will see what is truly important, and we will long for these things as the Father does.” from EXPERIENCING GOD DAY-BY-DAY by Henry Blackaby — Broadman & Holman

Good words to ponder.

From the book — THE VALLEY OF VISION — Prayers of the Puritans — published by Banner of Truth

O God, the Author of all good,
I will come to You for the grace another day will require for its duties and events.
I step out into a wicked world,
I carry about me an evil heart,
I know that without You I can do nothing,
that everything with which I shall be concerned
however harmless in itself,
may prove an occasion of sin or folly,
unless I am kept by Your power.
Hold me up and I shall be safe.
Preserve my understanding from subtitly (skill) of error,
my affections from love of idols,
my character from strain of vice,
my profession from every form of evil.
May I engage in nothing in which I cannot implore Your blessing,
and in which I cannot invite Your inspection.
Prosper me in all lawful undertakings, or prepare me for disappointments;
Give me neither poverty or riches;
Feed me with food convenient for me, lest I be full and deny You
and say, Who is the Lord?
or be poor, and steal, and take Your name in vain.
May every creature be made good to me by prayer and Your will;
Teach me how to use the world, and not abuse it,
to improve my talents,
to redeem my time,
to walk in wisdom toward those without,
and in kindness to those within,
to do go to all men,
and especially to my fellow Christians.
And to You be the glory. Amen.

Good words to ponder as you pray through today!

Here is one more snippet from THE CRIMINALIZATION OF CHRISTIANITY for your consideration:

“A survey released by the Society for Adolescent Medicine indicates that ‘about 84 percent of parents do not believe that their teenage children have ever had sex, but CDC data show that almost 50% of ninth through 12th graders age 14-18 are sexually active.’

Parent Lisa Gallego said that when her 15-year old daughter balked at putting a condom in her mouth, instructor Tony Escudero told her, ‘Come on, sweetie, have a little fun.’ The New Mexico Health Department is standing behind a sex education teacher in Santa Fe who encouraged ninth graders to taste flavored condoms . . . Also, Gallegos quotes her daughter as saying when a male student expressed his disgust with homosexual activity, Escudero said, ‘Never say never, because you never know. Someday you might like it that way.’

Tennessee Sexuality Information and Education Council urged educators to prepare children to step into a new world: ‘to do this they must pry children away from old views and values, especially from biblical and other traditional forms of sexual morality.’

The Center for Disease Control produced a book entitled REDUCING THE RISK for the public school system. Here is how they present the option of abstaining from sex:

“You could become a hermit, or so unpleasant that everyone stays clear of you. Or you could never become involved in a romantic relationship.””Abstinence-only programs force-feed students religious ideology that condemns homosexuality, masturbation, abortion, and contraception. In doing so, they endanger students’ sexual health.” — Planned Parenthood

“No matter how much we guide our children within our families and within our churches, we are not stranger than the power of sexuality. The solution is to have parents of teens buy a box of 200 condoms and put them at a little-used location of the house . . . but where the teens
can find them. That way the kids won’t be afraid to ask, and the parents won’t know.” — Sharon Stone — United Nations Conference on AIDS “Social workers in Winnipeg have begun handing out ‘high-quality’ crack pipes and instructions to addicts on the city’s streets, part of a
harm-reduction strategy put in place by local health officials . . . The kits are not handed out to just anyone who asks, she stressed, but are given to crack cocaine users who have been assessed by trained social workers, who in many cases have had multiple interactions with those users . . .” According to the story, your “Safe Crack Use Kit” comes complete with metal screens, alcohol swabs (for those who do end up sharing), pipe cleaners, matches, lip balm, at least one condom, and information about where an addict can get help. Yes, smoking crack is illegal and dangerous. But some people are going to do it anyway . . . so why not help them commit illegal, self-destructive acts.”

from “THE CRIMINALIZATION OF CHRISTIANITY . . . READ THIS BEFORE IT BECOMES ILLEGAL!” by Janet L. Folger, published by Multnomah.

The prophet Ezekiel warned: “If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes the life on one of them, that man will be taken away because of his sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.” —
Ezekiel 33:6

I strongly urge you to get a copy of this book so that you will be aware and informed of what is taking place in our country. We cannot afford to be ostriches with our heads in the sand. It is not too late — we can make a difference. The book sells for $19.95 — but I am making it available to our Freedom Fighter family for $15. To order a copy, respond to this email. We will mail your book and you can mail your check to my attention.

“On April 7, 1933, laws were passed in pre-World War 2 Germany . . . 400 hundred separate pieces of legislation enacted between 1933 and 1939 that defined, isolated, excluded, segregated, and impoverished German Jews.

Does this sound familiar? “Hitler turned Christmas and Easter into pagan holidays. Christmas became a pagan festival, and at least for the SS troops, its date was changed to Yuletide. Crucifixes were eliminated from classrooms, and Easter was turned into a holiday that heralded the arrival of spring. Carols and nativity plays were banned from schools. Sound vaguely familiar?

Signs saying ‘Jews Unwelcome’ were posted in public facilities, shops, theaters, restaurants, hotels, and pharmacies. Jews were forbidden to sit on public park benches and relegated to benches marked ‘FOR JEWS ONLY.’ . . . Christians today are becoming the subject of negativity.
A political cartoon pictures Christians as rats pulling the Republican elephant into the ‘faith mission’ with the quite, ‘You’re becoming saved, like it or not.’ If only those pesky Christian rats would leave the Republican Party alone. Ted Turner refers to people of faith as ‘one of the great world evils, comparable to the smallpox virus but harder to eradicate.’

Historically, after ridicule, deionization, censorship, and discrimination comes persecution. In Germany, the call came for a final solution. There are lots of ways to implement a final solution. Gas chambers are one. Lions are another. Here is a chilling comment by Reggie Rivers of the Rocky Mountain Times: ‘I can periodically understand the frustration and general fatigue that compelled the Romans to throw select Christians to the lions. Its not just that the lions were hungry; it was that the Romans were tired of listening to the self-righteous babbling of Christians who claimed to be experts on everything and had egos the size of . . . well, God.'” from THE CRIMINALIZATION OF CHRISTIANITY by Janet Folger.

We need to be men and women like the children of Issachar who had “an understanding of the times.” (1 Chronicles 12:32). That is why you need to be a student of THE BOOK — GOD’S WORD.

I have copies of this compelling book for our Freedom Fighter family. It is a must read for every Christian. Regular price $19.95 — for our FF family $15. To order a copy, respond to this email.

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light in accessible hid from our eyes.
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious — Thy great name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains, high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all, life Thou givest — to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest — the true life of all.
Thy wisdom so boundless, Thy mercy so free,
Eternal Thy goodness for naught changeth Thee.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All praise we would render — O help us to see
‘Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee!

This morning as you gather to worship — we worship our great God! Worship is all about Him!

Some of you have heard that the IRS has been cracking down on churches, some have even had their tax exempt status questioned. Well wait until you hear this . . . “In 1954, Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, was angry at some churches who opposed him. He thought he would teach them a lesson by legislating a gag rule for them and every other church in America. He offered an amendment that permanently extended the reach of the IRS into our nation’s churches, parachurches, and nonprofit organizations. The amendment was accepted unanimously without debate.

‘Since that time,’ said Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC), ‘the IRS has turned the 501(c)(3) code-section on its head in an attempt to punish pastors for communicating the principles of their faith during an election period.’ So Congressman Jones, along with former House Majority
Whip, Tom Delay, introduced the House of Worship Political Speech Protection Act, which would free churches their First Amendment freedoms just like everyone else. If you care about restoring freedom to our churches, this bill MUST BE PASSED.

Barry Lynn of the Americans United for Separation of Church and State is sending people to churches to videotape sermons for any irregularities and report them to IRS. Lynn is joined by the so-called Mainstream Coalition, which has about a hundred volunteers monitoring churches to see whether pastors are abiding by federal laws governing political activity by nonprofit institutions.” from THE CRIMINALIZATION OF CHRISTIANITY published by Multnomah.

Sound familiar? Remember Daniel? Daniel refused to bow and worship the pagan Gods. He stood firm for his convictions. And the result? Tossed in the lions den. THEN GOD SHOWED UP and honored David for his obedience and faithfulness. The King repented and declared: “I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the
God of Daniel; FOR HE IS THE LIVING GOD AND ENDURING FOREVER. AND HIS
KINGDOM IS ONE WHICH WILL NOT BE DESTROYED. AND HIS DOMINION WILL BE
FOREVER. HE DELIVERS AND RESCUES AND PERFORMS SIGNS AND WONDERS IN
HEAVEN AND ON EARTH, WHO HAS ALSO DELIVERED DANIEL FROM THE POWER OF THE LIONS!” (Daniel 6:26-27)

Friend, it’s not too late. Dare to be a Daniel! Good words to consider. Special for Freedom Fighter members: order THE CRIMINALIZATION OF CHRISTIANITY by responding to this email. Regular price $19.95 — Freedom Fighter price — $15.00.

Hurricanes? Fires? Rising fuel prices? Could it be that God is trying to get America’s attention? The prophet Habakkuk said: “Look among the nations! Observe! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days — You would not believe if your were told.” (Habakkuk 1:5)

These are days were I believe God IS trying to get our attention. In a recent article on China, a Chinese Pastor said that he was praying that the American church would wake up and see how far we have drifted from the foundations of our faith. The only way he sees that happening is for
the church to face persecution.

During my vacation this week, I read a book that startled me. The book? THE CRIMINALIZATION OF CHRISTIANITY by Janet Folger, President of Faith 2 Action (Published by Multnomah). THIS IS A MUST READ BOOK FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN!!!

The bottom line is that we have sat back and have been silent on most every issue and our freedoms are being taken away. What we have seen in recent days is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we are going to face in America. We are rights as Christians are slipping through our fingers and many of the church have been lolled to sleep that they don’t even see it happening. Over the next couple of days, I will give you several illustrations of how this is happening. We need to wake up, my friend, and discern the times.

Dr. Tony Evans earlier this week shared a message on the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I would encourage you to visit his website and listen to the message. I believe, along with Dr. Evans, that God is trying to get our attention as a nation, as a church, as men who say we
belong to Him.

If you’d like to order a copy of THE CRIMINALIZATION OF CHRISTIANITY, please respond to this email. The book normally sells for $19.95, but we will make it available to our Freedom Fighter family for $15.00.

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17.

“Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:27).

A few hundred years before Christ, there was a man who rose to power in the world. He ruthlessly conquered many people and it is said that he sat down and cried when he had no more people to conquer. They called him Alexander the Great. When Christ was born there was a king ruling in Judea called Herod. He was so cruel that he knew there would be rejoicing
over his death. Thus, he planned to have some people put to death so that at least not everyone would be rejoicing over his death. They called him Herod the Great. One Christmas Day in the year 800, a man was crowned as emperor of the Holy Roman Empire; they called him Charlemagne, which means Charles the Great. More recently, in our own time, there was a boxer who earned his living by defeating other boxers. He referred to himself as The Greatest. And then there is the best hockey player, Wayne Gretzky, who the media referred to as The Great One.

Is it not odd how the world evaluates greatness? Those who followed Jesus were also interested in the matter of greatness. In fact, they asked Jesus who would be the greatest in his kingdom. Also, the mother of two of His disciples came and asked if her two sons might have the most
prominent place in His kingdom. Jesus therefore explained that, while the rulers of the nations count it greatness when they exercise control over people, His way of greatness is much different. It was then that Jesus explained that in God’s kingdom the great people are the ones who serve others. This is a dramatic reversal from the concept of the world. As His disciples, Jesus therefore commands and expects us to be servants of others. \

In most of life’s endeavors, most people do not subscribe to this radical teaching on greatness. However, if we are to please and serve Him, then we must be willing to serve others.

When William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, was too weak to attend their annual conference, he was asked if he had a word for the people attending the conference. His reply was in one word, “others.” Think about his and tell God you want to be a blessing to someone today.

Rev. Thomas D. Murray (Pastor Murray was a dear friend of America’s KESWICK and went home to be with the Lord earlier this year.) Taken from REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE.

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 3-5; 1 Timothy 4

“As long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper.” (2 Chronicles 26:5)

Illustrations abound in the scriptures of those who learned the secret of spiritual victory and prosperity. Woven through these accounts is a factor which clarifies the reason for their success. This connecting thread can be identified in terms such as believed, obeyed, or sought the Lord.

One example can be found in the early days of the life of Uzziah. As a sixteen year old, he became king in place of his father, Amaziah. Apparently there was a godly influence in the home which helped to form his character. He was also guided by a godly advisor, Zechariah. Twice in one verse testimony is given of his seeking God or seeking the Lord. This was the key to God’s blessing, spiritually, economically and militarily.

Seeking the Lord does not imply that the Lord is lost. Actually God is not lost, but mankind is. Jesus said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). To seek the Lord is to desire fellowship with Him and to long for His grace, glory and guidance. These things cannot be fully realized without having a seeking heart. The Lord spoke through Jeremiah concerning the requirement for successfully seeking Him. “And you will seek for Me and find me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

Two time periods in the life of Uzziah are recorded. First, “As long as he sought the Lord.” This marked a period of prosperity and success. The second forms a marked contrast, “But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction” (2 Chronicles 26:16).

The priority of seeking the Lord is set forth by Jesus, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Rev. William A. Raws from REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE published by America’s KESWICK. Order your copy today — 732-350-1187 ext. 31