Recreating Creation

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Recreating Creation 

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Job 38:4-7 (ESV) 

4.5 Billion years ago a great big sphere was created from a whole bunch of gases swirling around in a circle. Then from overhead the magician Merlin lifted his staff and said those secret magic words, “Abracadabra.” This started a chain of events known as “The Great Osmosis.” In that great moment, there in a pool of really nasty rain water two amino acids looked at each and said, “What the hey, let us create some really cool things that we could call fossils and people will think they are like millions of years old. They will spend millions of dollars and a great deal of time trying to figure them out. All the while never once looking towards the real Creator of the Universe. This will be a really cool joke to play on God’s creation.” 

Sometimes I think this is how the History Channel should really tell us how the earth was made. I have been involved in some great debates over the Creation moment and the notions of a young earth versus an old earth but when I watch “How The Earth Was Made” I just gotta stop and wonder. Even the notion that we are really some sort of “Extraterrestrial” experiment gets discussed on some nights. I have previously joked about how we are all related to “Marvin the Martian” of Looney Tunes fame but even in that some men seem to be content with entertaining those thoughts and not resting in what we find in the Genesis account. Whether mankind wants to admit or not, he rewrites history to satisfy his most recent theory and all the while God’s Word hasn’t changed one iota. 

Sometime ago, the Men’s Bible study I am involved with decided that we needed to take a look at Lee Strobel’s study titled, “A Case for a Creator.” That study took us to the farthest outlook into the universe’s beginning to the farthest in look at the cells that make us up. There was such an in-depth look at the whole of creation that I was becoming quite content that how God did it was just going to be none of my business. The thing that gets me is how important it really is to some of my Christian brothers. So important, that I think it takes away from the Gospel message. After all doesn’t the Book of Genesis really give us a look at why we need to be reconciled to Him rather than how He made a tree? 
The thing to really note here is that there is only two chapters of one book totally dedicated to the Creation moment but we got oodles of stuff written concerning prophecy. And even with all that prophecy stuff we still seem to constantly get tainted information that has lead us to some sort of ruin. I wonder if the thing that needs to be understood amongst our Brethren, and even the world as a whole, is that in all things God creates. And we are called, as Christian men, to insure that the general call goes out into an unsaved world. And that means for us to be that walking Bible that the world has chosen to read rather for them to pick the Book up itself. 

As much as it is seemingly necessary to involve ourselves with the debates over the Creation moment, Nebuchadnezzar’s dream or why those seven letters had to be written to those particular churches, the one fact remains clear…at least to me. And that is no matter if it was intelligent design or a big bang, I think God is more interested in what you are going to do with His Creation rather than trying to figure out how it came into being. We should remain the simple beings we were meant to be and just glorify Him like we were created to be and not try to solve the mysteries of the universe. Would understanding why a star exploded help you get into glory? Probably not!! Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a member of the Freedom Fighter writing team 

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Mark 2; Psalm 87; Proverbs 3
Compass Pointers: “For the humbling of Job, God here shows him his ignorance, even concerning the earth and the sea. As we cannot find fault with God’s work, so we need not fear concerning it. The works of His providence, as well as the work of creation, never can be broken; and the work of redemption is no less firm, of which Christ himself is both the Foundation and the Corner-stone. The church stands as firm as the earth.” Matthew Henry Concise

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 13:34-35; Level 2: John 13:31-35
Anchored to the Rock: It is better … that the hearers should wish the prayer had been longer, than spend half or a considerable part of the time wishing it was over. John Newton

Psalm 113 — A Paraphrase

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Psalm 113 – A Paraphrase
Here’s a paraphrase of Psalm 113 to help you start this Lord’s day:
How great and glorious is our God!
From hour to hour, from day to day
   our lives ought to overflow
   with praise and gratitude.
It is amazing, even fantastic,
   how our God permeates every facet of our lives
   and can work out His purposes through them
   despite our human faults and failures.
He creates beauty out of dust
   of fallen natures.
Out of the ashes of our failures
   He brings forth meaning and purpose.
He exalts the humble and enriches the poor.
He transforms our weaknesses into channels of strength.
Our emptiness becomes a vessel of His fullness,
   our spiritual poverty the basis for His eternal grace.
Our errors and mistakes are stepping stones to success.
Our defeats are but incidents on the road to victory.
But this is God’s doing – not ours!
How great and glorious is our God!
(Adapted from Psalms Now by Leslie F. Brandt – Concordia Press)

Today is HIS day – well every day is HIS day. But today our corporate worship is all about Him – not about us! Worship HIM today – How great and glorious is our God! – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick
GPS – God’s Positioning System: John 2-4; Psalm 86; Proverbs 2
Compass Pointers: Christ is the meat, the bread, the food of our souls. Nothing is in him of a higher spiritual nourishment than his love, which we should always desire.
John Owen
Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 13:34-35; Level 2: John 13:31-35
Anchored to the Rock: God looks not at the pomp of words and variety of expression, but at the sincerity of the heart. The key opens the door, not because it is gilt but because it fits the lock.

Don’t Shoot the Messenger Part 3

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Don’t Shoot the Messenger (Part 3)
I want to suggest to you that as brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to think carefully when it comes to the area of social drinking.
Suppose Dr. Charles Stanley were to announce on his radio and TV programs that he has now decided from Scripture that because he does not struggle with an addiction to alcohol, he is free to drink to the glory of God?

There would be several things that would happen. First, there would be people who would be offended by his position and stop supporting his ministry. But there would be another group who would say, “if it is ok for Charles Stanley, it must be ok for me!” In that crowd would be people with a pre-disposition to alcoholism which could lead them into a life of disaster. Talk to any struggling alcoholic and their story is the same: “my addictions started with the first drink!”

I want to encourage you to think about how what you do can impact a weaker brother or sister. Paul addressed this issue in 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. The passage is too long to post here, but I encourage you to study it in detail. The illustration that Paul used was whether or not it was ok to eat food that was sacrificed to idols. While he clearly states that there is not a problem to do so, he makes it very clear that we need to take the high road and not become a stumbling block to those who are weak in the faith.
He says, “But take care lest this liberty of yours somehow becomes a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone sees you, who have no knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols? For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. And thus, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, that I might not cause my brother to stumble.” (1 Corinthians 8:9-13)

Can I make several suggestions?
1.     Be sure that we don’t selfishly use our liberties to willfully offend and hurt weaker brothers and sisters.
2.     If there are others who don’t hold your position, don’t make others feel guilty if they don’t hold your same position. In the same way, those of us who are “total abstainers,” we need to be respectful of those who see liberty from a different perspective.
3.     Be mindful of the fact there is a thin line to cross from social drinking to alcoholism. Don’t say it can’t happen to you. We have history of 114 years that validates the slippery slope.
For those of you who have been offended by my position, know that I share it with humility and love, and out of great concern for the body of Christ. Offended? Then be like the Berean’s and search the Scriptures. Before shooting me, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you HIS thoughts on this difficult topic. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick
GPS – God’s Positioning System: John 1:15-51; Psalm 85; Proverbs 1
Compass Pointers: The best way to drop a habit is to drop it. D. S. Yoder
Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 12:24-25; Level 2: John 12:24-27
Anchored to the Rock: Prayers are the leeches of care.

Don’t Shoot the Messenger Part 2

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Don’t Shoot the Messenger (Part 2)
If you missed yesterday’s blog, you need to go back a read it in order for this one to make sense. I have been addressing the concern of social drinking.
My third point is the lack of consideration of the weaker brother. What I have observed for the past 30 years (15 of those years before coming to America’s Keswick) is the growing militancy on the part of those who hold a position that it is acceptable for Christians to drink socially.
Jan and I were confronted with this issue at the second church were we served in the music ministry. We were blessed with a group of Christian friends who did many things together socially, and we had many wonderful times.
One night at dinner, I was asked if we’d be offend if people in our group would have wine with their meals. My “green-behind-the-ears” answer was this: “if you feel that is ok for you, we are fine with it. However, Jan and I choose not to drink.” At the next dinner, most everyone around the table ordered wine with their meal. The next meal people began to order mixed drinks. Drinking became the focal point at all of our social gathering.
Two tragic situations occurred that help to solidify my position. The first was in a setting with these friends where everyone was drinking except for me and Jan. The group was putting pressure on us to enjoy at least a glass of wine with our meal. We kept refusing, but they kept insisting. Sitting at the table was an unsaved couple that the group wanted to see come to Christ. After listening to the rest of the group putting the pressure on us to drink, the unsaved wife spoke up and said, “Why are you forcing your convictions on them? If they say, “no” you should respect their conviction. Are they making you feel guilty for drinking?” Ouch!
The second situation occurred after an incredible concert at the church. Many people had trusted Christ as Savior during the concert. Jan and I stayed around to talk with those who made decisions, but many of the choir was already at the home of where the choir was going to have a “get-together.” By the time we arrived, the alcohol was already flowing and several people were already feeling the effects of it. Two people were in the pool without their clothes on, and there was another situation of impropriety that occurred that resulted in us leaving the get-together broken-hearted.
What took place that night was a lack of respect for weaker brothers and sisters who being young in the faith, were very confused and harmed by the actions of many who professed to be mature in their faith.

I will finish this tomorrow. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Luke 4-5; Psalm 84; Proverbs 30
Compass Pointers: The best way to stop a bad habit is never to begin it. J. C. Penney
Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 12:24-25; Level 2: John 12:24-27
Anchored to the Rock: If your day is hemmed with prayer it is less likely to become unraveled. 

Don’t Shoot the Messenger

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Don’t Shoot the Messenger
Well I am going to really stick my neck out on a limb to address another area of concern that I believe is an increasing problem in the church today. This is a very difficult issue to discuss, but it is enough of a concern and problem that I feel that I need to weigh in on it with humility and love.
The topic? Social drinking. It is something that has taken the church by a storm and is becoming a very dangerous problem. We are finding more and more Christian men (and women) needing help because they have moved from casual drinking to being addicted to alcohol.
Before you write me off, would you allow me to share my heart with you, and then I encourage you to pray it through.
I have read all the articles and books that talk about alcohol and Christians. I can already hear the comments, “Come on Bill … you can’t prove total abstention from Scripture.  Jesus turned the water into wine and Paul said that ‘a little wine’ for the stomach’s sake” is ok, and an elder is not to be addicted “to much wine.”
Let me address those three statements:

  1. While I can’t argue with any of those statements at face value, we do need to be familiar with the whole counsel of God. The Bible does address in great detail the dangerous effect of drinking and its harmful effects especially when done in excess.
  2. The National Alcohol and Drug  council give information on their website about how much alcohol one can consume before considered being “under the influence.” Based on how I have observed my Christian friends who drink in a social setting, most of them, if pulled over by the police would be issued a citation for “driving under the influence.” I do think that it is important for us to look at the words “not much” and “a little.”
If you have a stomach ache and go to the pharmacy to get a bottle of Pepto-Bismol, you will observe when you read the back of the bottle that there is a prescribed dosage. You don’t drink the whole bottle! The same is true if you have a cough. Pick up a bottle of Robutussin and you will see a prescribed dosage. You don’t drink the entire bottle. By the way, people do drink the whole bottle a and then get highly addicted. It’s called “Robo-tripping.”

  1. The greatest area of concern for me in this area is the biblical concept of the “weaker brother and sister.” I will continue this tomorrow

     I hope you will at least hear the rest of my comments before writing me off. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick – home of the Colony of Mercy

    GPS – God’s Positioning System: Matthew 4; Psalm 83; Proverbs 29

Compass Pointers: The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken. Samuel Johnson
Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 12:24-25; Level 2: John 12:24-27

Anchored to the Rock: He stands best who kneels most!

Speak with Respect

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Speak with Respect
“Likewise urge young men to be … sound in speech which is beyond reproach …” Titus 2:6a & 8a
Yesterday I shared some thoughts that came from Pastor Jason’s message Sunday. As I have pondered some things he shared in his message, and looking at the Titus 2 passage that I shared yesterday, here are some additional thoughts to ponder.
We’ve really become very sloppy in our speech, and we have in many cases become very disrespectful. I am probably going to tick someone off, but at least give me a listen before you write me off.
  1. Where have all the “please” and “thank-you’s” gone? Notice how few people of all ages use those words these days? Dr. Richard Allen Farmer shared on Labor Day that we teach our little kids to use those “magic words” – but when we get to be seniors – what happens to the “magic words?” We need to get back to using these two powerful words.
  2. We have become very sloppy in the words we use. Each generation has their own slang and lingo, but I think if we want to have “sound speech which is above reproach,” we need to think about how we speak and think about the words we use. Notice how often we use “you guys” in conversation vs. addressing people using their names? What would happen if we went back to using “yes, sir” or “no, ma’am when speaking with people that are 10 to 20 years older than us?
  3. I am getting more and more frustrated at how we have felt the need to dumb down out speech to supposedly reach people who come to our churches? Why do we feel that in order to be effective communicators that we need to use words like “crap” and “suck?” Do people in the pew use those words when communicating to their superiors at work? Paul was certainly down in the trenches with people and yet I never have read that he used gross language to communicate truth? I realize that Jesus was pretty poignant in his speech, but if he talked trash to people, don’t you think one of the gospel writers would have recorded that for us?
  4. Our words can come back to bite us. Two illustrations come to my mind. We had friends who used vulgar speech around their three year old son. It was not uncommon for them to use the “s” and “f” words. One day Mom and son were in the grocery store and a lady in the aisle dropped a jar of spaghetti sauce on the floor. Our friend’s son looked at the lady and said, “S**t lady, you broke the jar.” The lady almost dropped her teeth to hear this little toddler speak profanity.
The other story occurred in the nursery of the church where we served. Jan was working in the nursery and the other worker was changing a baby. As the worker opened the door of the changing table, all the diapers fell out. Our daughter’s friend looked over at the worker and said, “S**t – all the diapers fell out!” The worker looked at Jan and said, “Well obviously she learned that at home!”

As men, we can be great role models to younger men by being “sound in speech which is beyond reproach.” Lord, help me to be more mindful of my speech. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

 GPS – God’s Positioning System: Mark 1 & Luke 3; Psalm 82; Proverbs 28

Compass Pointers: There will no longer be so many pleasant things to look at if responsible people do not do something about the unpleasant ones. Madeleine L’Engle
Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 12:24-25; Level 2: John 12:24-27
Anchored to the Rock: Time spent with God in the secret place is never the cause of spiritual inefficiency. Maurice Roberts

Lead By Example

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Lead By Example
See Titus 2:1-10
On Sunday morning at church, one of the elders made a comment before we read the responsive reading that hit a nerve with me. Because of my position at America’s Keswick I am on the platform often, and I have often, too often made a statement that I wished I had not said.
The brother who made the statement wasn’t at all being malicious with his statement. I understood where he was coming from – but I was glad that our Associate Pastor took the time to clarify the statement and make an appropriate application.
Now that I have your attention (we men love a juicy morsel just as much as the women), the statement made was in regard to Christian conduct. The elder was expressing his concern about the poor conduct of so many of today’s teens.
His statement is true – as parents and grandparents we should be concerned. But what Pastor Jason said was very true and needed to be said. We as “adults” have not always been the best role models in front of our teens.
Children learn best from what they observe. If you haven’t figured at that by now – if you have grandchildren, especially toddlers – all you have to do is LISTEN long enough and you will find out what is going on at home! J  Art Linkletter said it best: “Kid’s say the darndest things” and much of what they repeat and do is a result of what they see happen at home.
Paul instructed his son in the faith, Titus, to lead my example. Let me give you a couple of snapshots:
“OLDER men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.”(Titus 2:2) NASB

“ … urge the you young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be a good example of good deeds with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is BEYOND REPROACH, in order that the opponent may be put to shame, having NOTHING bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:6-8) NASB

Some of the recollections I have of “spiritual” leaders in my church experience are of men who could teach the Word with great skill, and yet at a congregational meeting act like a spoiled child because they didn’t get their own way.
My greatest hero was the man God allowed me to work under for three years as a high-schooler, and then years later, I worked under him for seven years. He was by no means perfect (well, I still think he walks on water) but he modeled for me the passages above. I sat in numerous situations and observed a man who loved God model for me how I need to act as a leader, as a husband, as a father, as a man of God.

My model was my life-long friend and mentor, Neil Fichthorn. I will be eternally grateful that God put him in my life. As I approach the big 60, I am more and more mindful that people are watching me. I have the opportunity to mentor and train younger men to become leaders for the next generation.

YOU have the privilege too – you can lead my example. If more of us take up that mantle, just maybe we can see a new generation of young men who will catch the vision of what God wants them to be or how they can live life with integrity.

This went longer than I wanted to be – but I felt it was important to share it with you. Who has God placed in YOUR life to lead? Think about it! – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Matthew 3; Psalm 81; Proverbs 27
Compass Pointers: Our problems may stay, our circumstances may remain, but we know God is in control. We are focused on His adequacy, not our inadequacy.
Charles Stanley
Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 12:24-25; Level 2: John 12:24-27
Anchored to the Rock: Some people’s prayers need to be cut off at both ends and set on fire in the middle. D. L. Moody

Revenge

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Revenge
Beloved do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19
I am continually amazed at how many well-meaning “Christians” are angry, bitter, spiteful. I am amazed at how many times in the past years I have watched men and women who are a mission to get back at someone who has wronged or hurt them, totally ignoring the rest of the Word of God that talks about forgiveness and humility.
I can understand it in the “world” – but brothers, in the body of Christ – this just not ought to be!
Dr. Henry Blackaby addresses this subject in his daily devotional, Experiencing God – The Devotional:

One of the hardest areas in which to trust God is in the matter of justice. When we perceive an injustice, we want to see the guilty party punished. We want justice to prevail, especially if we are the victim. We become impatient if we are not avenged quickly. Yet God warns us that vengeance is not OUR prerogative. We are to do justice, but we are not to seek vengeance (Micah 6:8).
When someone offends us, our responsibility it to respond to the offense with FORGIVENESS (Matthew 5:44). God takes the responsibility to see that justice is done. God loves people too much to all sin to go unchecked.

Peter claimed that God is not slow about HIS promises to us, but He is patient and looooooooonnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggggggggg suffering before He brings about judgment
(2 Peter 3:9). Yet ultimately God has prepared for absolute justice.

There will be no sin committed that He will leave unpunished. Either the punishment will fall on His Son or it will be charged against the sinner, but everyone will ultimately give an account for everything they have done (2 Corinthians 5:10).

God is absolutely just, and only HE can ensure that justice is fully carried out. If we are impatient and seek revenge, we presume that we are wiser than God, and we reveal a blatant lack of trust that God will do the right thing.

Only by trusting God’s sovereign wisdom will we be free from our anger and preoccupation toward those who have committed evil. If we refuse to trust God’s justice, we become enslaved to bitterness and anger. We must guard our hearts and trust God to exercise His judgment against those who oppose Him. (You can order a copy of Blackaby’s devotional by calling (800-453-7942 ext. 21)

Is there someone in your life who you are seeking in your heart to get back out for a wrong committed? Maybe you have a laundry list of offenses. My guess is you aren’t a happy camper. My guess is that you probably have noticed that you beginning to show signs of bitterness and resentment in your life.
There’s not time like today to confess that to the Lord. Give Him your list. Humbly submit to Him and allow HIM to handle these difficult situations in your life. And guess what – YOU WILL BE FREE! – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Luke 22:39-52; Psalm 80; Proverbs 26

Compass Pointers: It is possible for a man to analyze the Bible and lose it in the process, to prepare a synthesis of the Bible and lose his soul at the work; to make himself perfectly familiar with the letter, and to find out that the letter kills because he has lost touch with the spirit. G. Campbell Morgan
Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 12:24-25; Level 2: John 12:24-27

Anchored to the Rock: The worth of prayer is not gauged by its dimensions. Robert Murray M’Cheyne

The Ripple Effect of a Transformed Life

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THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF A TRANSFORMED LIFE
September 25, 1897
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

            Someone once said to Dwight L. Moody “that the world has yet to see what God will do with and for, through and around the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him.”  That statement is certainly true of the life of William Raws, founder of the Colony of Mercy.
            William Raws’ life was radically changed on February 17, 1886 when he trusted Christ as his personal Savior in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. His bondage to alcohol was broken and Raws was gloriously saved. In his own words William Raws said, “One day, fairly dying from the effects of rum, unable even to keep hot rum brandy on my stomach, I staggered penniless too my room and fell against an old arm chair…Although under the influence of drink, a poor dying drunkard, a swearing, lustful, sinful man, I cried unto God. He heard my cry and save me. For days and nights thereafter I could neither eat nor sleep. I was on the verge of delirium tremens…But peace came at last and victory through our Lord and Savior.”
            Raws went on to begin the Whosoever Gospel Rescue Mission in Philadelphia but was burdened years later to begin a work in the country for men to escape city life and get alone with God. On September 25, 1897, the family and some friends met around an old pump organ and sang ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME. The crowd pooled their resources of $1.87 and claimed the promise from Philippians 4:19 — But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God birthed the ministry of THE COLONY OF MERCY. And the rest is history.
            Thousands of lives have been transformed by the power of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the transformed life of William Raws. The ministry continues over a hundred years later with the good news that Christ can set men and women in bondage to sinful addictions and through Christ, can live victoriously.

            God used the ordinary life of William Raws to impact thousands. He wants to take your ordinary life and doing extraordinary things. Are you willing to allow your life to have a ripple effect on others? Surrender you ALL to Him today. – Today is the 114th anniversary of the Colony of Mercy and the 12th anniversary of the founding of the Women of Character program. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Matthew 2; Psalm 79:40-72; Proverbs 25
Compass Pointers: If I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random circumstances of life, they become pinholes through which I see the face of God. Oswald Chambers
Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 12:24-25; Level 2: John 12:24-27
Anchored to the Rock: We may pray when we say least, and we may pray least when we say most.

One Choice At A Time

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One Choice At a Time
“I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore CHOOSE LIFE!” Deuteronomy 30:19
I have been working through Dr. Jerry Bridge’s devotional, Holiness Day By Day – Transformational Thoughts for Your Spiritual Journey [Nav Press], this year and I have learned so much about grace, holiness and the power of God.
The devotional today was one that I felt compelled to share with you. It really spoke to my heart:
The practice of putting off sinful attitudes and actions and putting on Christlike character involves a constant series of choices. We choose in every situation which direction we will go. Through these choices we develop Christlike habits of living. Habits are developed by repetition, and it’s in the arena of moral choices that we develop spiritual habit patterns.

We see this in Romans 6:19: “Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.” (NIV) The more the Roman believers sinned, the more they were inclined to sin. They were continually deepening their habit patterns of sin simply through their practice of making sinful choices.

What was true of them can be just as true of us today. Sin tends to cloud our reason, dull our consciences, stimulate our sinful desires, and weaken our wills. Because of this, each sin we commit reinforces the habit of sinning and makes it easier to give in to that temptation the next time.
Paul wanted the Roman believers, and us today, to turn in the other direction and develop habits of godly living: “So now offer [the parts of your body] in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness” (Romans 16:19, NIV). Righteousness in this passage refers to the ethical righteousness – the right conduct – we’re to practice every day. Whereas righteousness in this verse refers to our conduct, holiness refers to our character.

So it’s through righteous actions that we develop holy character. Holiness of character is developed one choice at a time as we choose to act righteously in each and every situation and circumstance we encounter during the day!

Pretty powerful. I need to be reminded of this truth daily! I would highly recommend adding this resource to your devotional library. It will be a great investment. To order a copy, call my Administrative Assistant, Ruth, at 732-350-1187 ext. 21. Be blessed today, brothers. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick
GPS – God’s Positioning System: Luke 2:1-38; Psalm 79:1-39; Proverbs 24
Compass Pointers: Sin will always take you further than you want to go; sin will always keep you longer than you want to stay; and sin will always cost you more than you are willing to pay. – Dr. John C. Maxwell
Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 10:10; Level 2: John 10:7-18
Anchored to the Rock: Surely the experience of all good men confirms the proposition that without a due measure of private devotions the soul will grow lean. William Wilberforce