“You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” — 2 Timothy 2:1-2

Good morning. We are starting a new week, and I want you to know I appreciate you.

Today’s topic is a hot button in our world, but one that is so important particularly in the body of Christ.

Growing up in Philadelphia, I had the privilege of attending a church where knowingly or unknowingly, the men of the church were committed to mentoring young men.

In the Primary Department, I had a Sunday School teacher who each week made every Bible lesson come alive because he took the time to draw us guys in. He was an artist, and as he taught his lesson, he would sketch out the lesson on his pad so that we had a cool visual of the lesson he was going to teach.

But beyond that, he would take the time to invite us over to his house to play games to get to know us better. He did this with hundreds of kids, and some of those kids went on to be major leaders in Christian circles. In fact, many of the kids he mentored, he also had the joy of leading to Christ.

One young kid in particular, who was then known as the church terror, and someone much older than me, was in his Sunday School class. If you have ever heard his story, and hundreds of thousands of men and women across the globe have heard his story – Dr. Howard Hendricks (former Prof at Dallas Theological Seminary) said that Walk Rieman was the one who introduced him to Christ and taught him the value of mentoring.

During my years in that church, there were men who took the time to build into my life. I didn’t know at the time they were doing that. There was no formal curriculum – just a willingness to get into my world and ask questions to help me grow.

Bill Winterberg was one of my heroes. He would sit down with me and ask me what I was thinking. What books was I reading? Even as a married adult in full-time ministry, he would call me on the phone and ask me to find out what I was reading.

Les Crumley was the Executive Director of the Sunday Breakfast Association. He would visit our home church, and though short and stocky, he would come up to me, put his mitts on my shoulder and say, “Young man, what did God teach you today in your morning quiet time?”

Carl Shoemaker would come to me and say, “What are you doing on Friday night? We have a kids ministry, and I need a song leader. Can you help me out? At 14 years of age, I was leading the singing with a bunch of kids.

And the list goes on and on.

My guess is that if you just open your eyes and get out of your comfort zone, there are young men in your circle who could use a mentor. In fact, in our society where there are so many absent dads, just think of the impact you could have on their lives?

Next week I will share some questions you can ask someone you are mentoring.

Overflowing and abounding with hope,

Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

The Daily Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 3-4| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Think About This: “Knowing we will be with Christ forever outweighs our burdens today. Keep your eyes on eternity.” Dr. Billy Graham

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance. Psalm 42:5

 

 

 

“One great tragedy of our existence is that often, the Devil, the liar, the Satan, the divider, believes more in our identity in Christ Jesus than we do.” ~ Makala Barnabas Doulos

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ… Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory… And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” ~ Paul, The Least of The Apostles, in Ephesians 1

Oh beloved, it is true.

We live our lives in such small ways. We become interested over the tiniest of things. Tiny little bits of tiny little nothings take our attention away from the eternity we already inhabit, and that yawns out ahead of us in epoch canyons that span beyond time, and beyond even our wildest imaginations to even begin to comprehend.

And, the weirdest part about all of this? The one who wants to make sure you don’t experience the truth, is one of those who is most aware of who. you. really. are.

So, here we are, arguing over politics, money, and fame – while missing the real game that is going on in heavenly places. Oh beloved, it is time that we understand something. It is vital that we do. We have fallen for the lie that to be too heavenly minded is to make us of no earthly good.

But, the truth is (and most of us know it, if we get even a tiny bit honest) is that it is only when our vision is expanded beyond our little screens and dramas, that life becomes really real for us. It is when we taste of the Ages to Come, that we begin to feel it….

Can we see it?

Read the passage again, beloved. It is drenched with truths that make the devil shake in his boots.

You are blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing that exists within The Beloved (Jesus). Don’t miss this. DO NOT MISS THIS. You, dear brother or sister in Christ, have EVERYTHING that Jesus has to get through life.

What?

Yeah.

And you (and this fool of a writer) get upset and worried about things?

Then it gets better!

He has made us holy and blameless before G_d. … Kinda makes the shame and doubt fall away, eh?

He has adopted us as sons and daughters into the very Royal Family of creation. … Feel the falseness of our feeling alone?

He has given all of this to us FREELY and LAVISHLY. … Suddenly our sensations of “religious duty” seem a bit silly, don’t they?

In all of this, we have not just been adopted – we have inherited all that is Christ Jesus’s. … And we still feel impoverished? Huh?

And NONE OF THIS CAN EVER BE TAKEN AWAY. You (and I) have been given the very seal of His Very Holy Spirit on the deal. … Kinda makes our fear of losing our relationship with G_d look silly, eh?

So, have you been feeling the doubts and fears? The dagger of The Spirit, the Word of G_d, is able to cut through that stuff and bring you to the truth that the devil is trying to hide from you. Because, he knows that if you actually begin to walk in the reality and identity of who you already really are – you become a definite problem for evil.

Tonight is your night, beloved. Time to realize exactly who you are. Take up your eternal mantel dear believer. Stand as an eternal warrior, friend, son, and co-regent of creation. Your LORD Jesus Christ has already made this so. Stand! Stand! Stand!

Written by Makala Doulos: Makala Doulos is a child of G_d, a husband to his wife, a father to his children, and a teacher to his students. But mostly, he is a prisoner set free by Jesus. Love has invaded his life, crushed it, and made it new. Now, G_d’s Love is what constrains him to live in full surrender to the freedom The Father and Son and Holy Spirit have bought for us all. Grace and Peace to you all.

The Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 33-34| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Think About This: Wherever there is fear, you can always be assured the enemy is nearby, strategically seeking to stall you or paralyze you from what he knows is God’s best for you. ~ Priscilla Shirer

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. Psalm 39:7

 

 

“But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant,’ (Matthew 21:15)

After receiving the call that my wife’s father died, we sat for a minute in our living room and I decided not to say anything right away. So, I sat our 4-year-old down and shared the news about Papa, as her mother cried. And without missing a beat, my daughter blurts out that everything is going to be okay because Papa is in heaven with Jesus and he is fine.

Many would explain it away as she is repeating what she hears in Sunday School. I believe God was speaking through her at that moment. In addition, she told her teacher the next day “My Papa died, and mommy had happy tears.”

After Jesus tears down the tax collectors in the house of the Lord. We see that the children were in the right position and praised Him. And some were indignant about the works of Christ while the children were the light.

Many times, religious leaders (or should we say seasoned Christians) question what is contrary to our comforts. We can be so caught up in our thinking, selfishness, so set on our theological positions, or even consumed with sin, that the zealous children or the new believer will be the example of how to Praise God.

“and they said to him, ‘Do you hear what these are saying?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Yes; have you never read, Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies
 you have prepared praise?’” (Matthew 21:16)

“Worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness, the nourishment of the mind with His truth, the purifying of the imagination of His beauty, the opening of the heart to His love, the surrender of the will to His purpose.” William Temple

I remember the old saints used to sing; “In the storms praise Him, in the valley Praise Him, in the trials Praise Him. He is worthy of our Praise.”

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 31-32| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Think About This: “A simple, childlike faith in a Divine Friend solves all the problems that come to us by land or sea.” – Helen Keller

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. Psalm 39:7

 

Don’t Forget – Men’s Fellowship Night is THIS Thursday, March 8 at 6:15PM. Only $12 per person. Join us!

“And they shall not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the LORD, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” — Jeremiah 31:34 (NASB)

Hands up, who agrees that forgiveness is at the core of Christianity? Okay, put them down. Hands up, how many of you actually forget the offense that you forgave? Now don’t get “Spiritual Amnesia” on this one, I’m sure there are many, possibly 99.99% of us, who hold on to that offense like luggage. Now…hands up, how many of you think God forgets your offense and then back it up with “as far as the east is from the west?” Now, don’t reach down for those stones yet or I might have to back it up with “let him without sin cast the first stone.” I am going somewhere with this.

However, I can’t really give this somewhere a name but if I could borrow a quote from Larry Osbourne, “Some of us have been taught that forgiveness is pretending nothing happened—a head-in-the -sand posture that ignores the obvious. Some of us think of it as a never-ending series of second chances. Others view it as a fresh start with all the consequences and old baggage removed. Still others imagine it as the immediate and full restoration of a broken relationship, complete with the same level of trust and privileges that preceded the wrongdoing.” And then he goes to say… “But the goofiest idea of all is the widely held belief that genuine forgiveness means literally forgetting what happened—wiping the slate so clean that every memory of the transgression disappears.”

Now you’re probably thinking that those are exactly the things that forgiveness is about, but when you apply them to The Almighty I don’t think we hit the mark. It’s almost saying that even He gets “Spiritual Amnesia” when it comes to our wrong doings. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but an omniscient God just doesn’t forget stuff. If that were the case, Noah might still be floating around on The Ark somewhere wondering if he’ll ever be rid of these animals he’s carrying as cargo. Pets are nice to have around the house but two of everything is a bit much, isn’t it?

And I’m sure that the reason we think that when our wrongs are forgiven we are escaping consequence. AH-HA!! Now we’re getting somewhere. You see, I’m a guy who realizes that most of the rules that are made by men can be broken and the punishment for them can be “negotiated.” That’s why I entered into a “Plea Deal” or two in my past. I’d admit my guilt and the judge would be lenient with his sentencing. It may have gotten me outta some serious stuff back then, but it left a residue of consequence to the life I live today, none the less. And that’s how it really goes with God.

Most Christians know about King David’s little fling with Bathsheba. Once he confessed what he had done to God, God assured him that he was forgiven and David’s life would be spared but the residue of consequence wasn’t wiped away completely. The sword would never depart from David’s house and he would always be at war. He would not be allowed to build the Temple he desired to construct. The child that Bathsheba had as a result of this occurrence would die soon after its birth. An ugly calamite would happen with Tamar, his daughter, and Amnon, his son that would eventually lead to murder and David’s son, Absalom, to boldly revolt against his father’s rule over Israel.

Ya see, God can say to us, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more” and we should hold on to that promise, but I can’t find anything in Scripture that says He’ll remove the residue of consequence from us. On the contrary, even He will show us that He isn’t above consequence. How can I say that? Look at The Cross of Christ and tell me that God the Father isn’t above consequence. As the Son of David hangs on a Roman Cross as an atonement for the iniquity of man, He will repeat what David wrote in Psalm 22:1, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” [“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”] (Matt 27:46)

So, in the big scheme of it all, does forgiving mean forgetting? Not really, but unless someone is willing to go the distance that God the Father did, we better look at the subject a little better. When God forgives and says He won’t remember, it doesn’t mean He’ll just get “Spiritual Amnesia” about what we’ve done. It just means that, through Jesus, He is willing to look past our guilt and begin things anew. And as we handle the residue of consequence we need to keep this in mind, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Amen?

Written by Chris Hughes: Chris, a graduate of The Colony of Mercy (11-2003) is married (Kathy) with two grown children (Kevin and Karen) and has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008.

The Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 26-27| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “When we offer forgiveness to those who have no excuse—and for things most of the world would consider unforgivable—we become most like Jesus.” — Larry Osborne

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. Psalm 39:7

 

 

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

It is almost hard to imagine our world without Dr. Billy Graham. He almost made it to his 100^th birthday – but God had other plans.

Through the years he has impacted this world with his life and ministry. His preaching and passion for sharing the gospel took him to countries around the globe, some that were even hostile to the gospel.

He has sat with Presidents and world leaders, many who have referred to him as their Pastor and friend. When there was international crisis abroad and tragedy at home, Dr. Graham was often called on for his wisdom, insight, and counsel. This generation will not forget his presence right after the horrific events of 911 as he climbed the steps in the National Cathedral to call the nation to prayer and repentance as a nation.

His life was not without criticism, but his life and ministry were one of integrity on every level. While some might have questioned his inclusion of men from different denominations sitting on his platform at a crusade or questioned his gospel invitations, one cannot certainly criticize his passion to share the Gospel at home and abroad and his commitment to preach the inspired Word of God. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has been impeccable as an organization and has operated with transparency and integrity especially in the area of finances.

He developed a team of leaders that served together for decades, including his platform team comprised of Cliff Barrows and George Beverly Shea. There were hundreds of other leaders that he developed that were not necessarily recognized by the world, but who had a huge impact in fulfilling Dr. Graham’s vision to reach the world with the gospel.

One of the interviews played during the week of his death was with Cliff Barrows. During the London crusades there was criticism that people were coming forward at the end of the message because the choir’s singing “Just As I Am” was an emotional manipulation of the crowd. Dr. Graham decided not to have music during the invitation. Cliff shared that at the moment the gospel was shared there was a holy hush over the arena. No one moved. But then there was the squeak of the first seat, then the next, and thousands came forward to trust Christ as their Savior that first night. In fact, the crusade was only to last for a week but ended up lasting for several weeks and night after night when the invitation was given people came forward.

Finally, the press said, “Please bring back ‘Just As I Am’ as the silence is deafening.”

Dr. Billy Graham was laid to rest in a beautiful prayer garden next to the love of his life, Ruth Bell Graham. One of my favorite Graham quotes is this one: “Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone on into the presence of God.”

As I have reflected on his life, Acts 20:24 seems to describe his life: But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

Thank you, Dr. Billy Graham for finished well. Thank you for your impact on millions who will be in heaven because you were a preacher of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Overflowing and abounding with hope,

Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

The Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 23-25| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Think About This: “The three secrets to successful ministry are: prayer, prayer, and more prayer.” — Billy Graham

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. Psalm 39:7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Next to the wonder of seeing my Savior will be, I think the wonder that I made so little use of the power of prayer.” ~ Moody

The thing we confuse the most in Christianity is that God has offered us a relationship and not a religion. At the very start, we find God in the garden desiring to walk and talk with man. Why after creating all the different animals did He create man? Because there was no conversing with the animals, there was no true love shared on the rational level that man is capable of. Love is revealed in the time shared or invested with another. It is easy to give money to someone to meet a need, but there is something sacrificial about the time spent in intimate conversation with another person. Money I can make more of, the time I give I can never get back.

Paul writes to the Philippians that he wants his life to be so invested in his relationship with Christ, that he “may be found in Him [believing and relying on Him], not having any righteousness of my own derived from [my obedience to] the Law and its rituals, but [possessing] that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith” (Phil 3:9). Paul goes on to say He wants to ‘know’ Christ, not by some personal knowledge that he heard or read about, but by direct personal communion with the Lord; a communion so intense that you cannot tell the difference between him and Christ. Paul is describing this relationship in a way that makes him as vulnerable as Christ made himself for our sake on the cross. There being striped, beaten, and hung before the world in humiliation… All while bearing our guilt and drinking the cup of God’s wrath towards all sin. Jesus invested His life this way so we could drink the cup of God’s grace and love. Is this not someone you could entrust your heart too? Our opportunity to commune with our Lord this way is by prayer and Bible study… yet these are the least on our priority list. Honestly, how much other stuff comes before these two opportunities on your list of things to do today?

God desires a relationship with you… the whole redemption story of the Bible is about redeeming you back into His presence to commune with Him for all eternity. God waits day after day to pour His blessings into your life, but because He loves you He will not force Himself upon you, you must ask… freely choosing Him. And O the blessings that flow then!

Love is revealed by where you invest your time; I pray that it be in prayer and the study of God’s Word today… in communion with Him.

Choose wisely….

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor….” – James 4: 8-10

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33

Praying U choose Christ today

Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, and grandfather with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is a member of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church.

The Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 16-17| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “To be loved by God is the highest relationship, the highest achievement, and the highest position in life.” – Henry Blackaby

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“For in You, O Lord, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God.” — Psalm 38:15

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:12 KJV

One of the difficulties in evangelism is that people want to know all the facts about Christianity before they’ll commit. “What about this” and “Why that”  is usually the start of most questions. This concept of wanting to know before you buy is a general rule of thumb and normally a wise basis for making a decision. “Know before you buy” is good advice to a person seeking to make a decision. Not when it comes to Christ, there seems to be an invitation that comes without any understanding. The truth is, we are the apprehended.

The walk of faith can lead us to a belief that we can’t always comprehend, so we apprehend before we comprehend. The answer I give people who have questions is “You know that you know.” The “knowing doesn’t come until the ‘follow’”, that’s why we say it’s a walk of faith, God is pleased when we trust before we know (But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:5).

The difficulty for me sometimes is trying to convince people of the “what” instead of the “Who.” We come to Jesus, not Christianity, and it’s a “Who” before a “what.” The “what” is a benefit that comes with the “Who” (you may want to read that again.) When they see the “Who” the only thing left is to repent and be saved. Our first knowledge is His ways are higher than mine, I am in need of a Savior.

This is not only important to remember when it comes to evangelism, it’s important to know in our daily walk. Too many times I see a great “knowledge” of Christianity and no representation of Christ. It’s important for us to attain knowledge but as in our walk, knowledge comes after the apprehension, we walk in light, not in knowledge. Again Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” John 8:12. The illumination that leads us comes from scripture and is directed by prayer, when our walk lines up with the Bibles teaching, we sometimes walk blindly, not knowing what God is doing.

Paul, in Philippians 3, reminds us, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind”.

Sometimes our best advice to people who need Jesus is to say, “Come and see.” Amen

 

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, and serves with her as full time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.

The Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 14-15 , Psalm 90| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “I hope in God, I pray on, and look yet for the answer. They are not converted yet, but they will be.” – George Mueller

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“For in You, O Lord, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God.” — Psalm 38:15

 

 

 

 

“And for many days Israel was without the true God and without a teaching priest and without law. But in their distress they turned to the LORD God of Israel, and they sought Him, and He let them find Him.” —  2 Chronicles 15:3-4 (NASB)

“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’” And the soldiers gambled for His clothes by throwing dice.” (Luke 23:34) I look at this passage of Scripture a lot when a great wrong has occurred within our society. As Jesus Christ hangs on a Roman Cross, every evil thing that man has done, is doing, or is gonna do, is cast upon Him and yet He still intercedes on our behalf to His Father. He’s close to His own death but in that, He shows the world that is watching that He is second…and to this day, we still don’t get it. Whenever evil rears it’s ugly head among us, who thinks we’re doing pretty good for the most part, we will race to the front of the line, to throw ourselves on the altar, and ask El Elyon to please save us. But isn’t that just being human, all too human? Hmmm…

To quote 19^th century German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, “On the political sickbed a people is usually rejuvenated and rediscovers its spirit, after having gradually lost it seeking and preserving power.” Now Nietzsche (who wrote a book titled “Human, All Too Human”) was pretty much anti-Christianity and considered our concept of “Agápe” an irony of thinking but by looking at this quote we can see that Nietzsche understood the corruption and depravity of man’s heart. Now he simply could have opened a Bible, went to the Book of Jeremiah, turned to chapter 17, scrolled down the text and read, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” But hey, what do I know?

So…where am I going with this? Well, to start with, a part of the Bible that is one full of all kinds of political and religious unrest and has us meet Asa, the king of Judah. Asa is recorded as doing good and right in the sight of the LORD his God and for commanding the people of Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers. You can read about him in 2 Chronicles 14-16, where you can see him make nine mentions of “seeking the LORD”. You will also find a prophet named Azariah encouraging Asa to continue his reforms in bring the people of Judah back to God.

Azariah will remind Asa of the period of Judges, where the people only did “what was right in their own eyes” and the great turmoil that had its never-ending wars. He then will encourage Asa by saying, “But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.” (2 Chron 15:7) Because of this, Asa would know 35 years of peace during his 41 years as king. Not Too Shabby!! But like all good things left unto man to take care of, this would come to an end and the chaos would eventually pick up where it left off. We could use an Asa right now, couldn’t we?

So, here we are in the 21^st century with all the chaos and disorder that can be mustered up (it seems to become easier to do these days) and even though God’s Word is rich with politics, America would choose to turn a deaf ear to it and do “what was right in their own eyes.” Kinda makes Christians just wanna wash their hands of politics and be done with the whole thing and go live in a fortified, walled city…but that not what we were called to do.

We’ve got a great divide going on and if we choose to keep God on one side, politics on the other and try to ride down the middle we’re headed for certain adversity from an outside force. (Can someone say Assyria? Babylon? Russia?) As Bible believing Christians, we need to prove Nietzsche wrong, and apply what we read in 1 Peter 2:17, “Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king.”

As I think about the verse (Luke 23:34) that I had opened with today, I see Jesus looking down, not just at a group of soldiers who don’t understand the folly of their actions, but I think Jesus is looking down at us all and seeing that we gamble away, so frivolously, those things of Kingdom matters. Our nation’s reverence of a mighty God is lost and we seem to behave as if it were the times before The Great Flood. This should be the motivation behind finding a way in making our Christian lives connect with our political position…without losing our “Agápe” for people, all for the glory of God. Amen?

Written by Chris Hughes: Chris, a graduate of The Colony of Mercy (11-2003) is married (Kathy) with two adult children (Kevin and Karen) and has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008.

The Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 11-13| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “The closer God is to a society, the more ordered the society will be. The further God is from society, the more chaotic society will be. So, if you want an ordered society, keep God close.” — Tony Evans

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“For in You, O Lord, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God.” — Psalm 38:15