How to Be Perfectly Miserable

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How to Be Perfectly Miserable
Hey brothers – the ladies are way ahead in pledging funds for the Family Freedom Walk. To help us get ahead either us this link — www.americaskeswick.org/givenow or call –732-350-1187! Thanks for your help.
Rejoice always 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Have you ever been around miserable people? Unfortunately I already know the answer. Gordon MacDonald refers to these people as “joy-suckers” or “joy-robbers.” If everyone else is having a good day – guess what – count on that person to be miserable. 

I came across this this of 20 ways that you can be perfectly miserable:
1.     Think about yourself.
2.     Talk about yourself.
3.     Use “I” as much as possible.
4.     Mirror yourself continually in the opinion of others.
5.     Listen greedily to what people say about you.
6.     Expect to be appreciated.
7.     Be suspicious.
8.     Be jealous and envious.
9.     Be sensitive to slights.
10.  Never forget a criticism.
11.  Trust nobody but yourself.
12.  Insist on consideration and respect.
13.  Demand agreement with your own views of everything.
14.  Sulk if people are not grateful to you for favors shown them.
15.  Never forget a service you may have rendered.
16.  Be on your lookout for a good time for yourself.
17.  Shirk your duties if you can.
18.  Do as little as possible for others.
19.  Love yourself supremely.
20.  Be selfish.

I know that these won’t be characteristics of you, my brother! Paul nailed it – rejoice always! Evermore! Even on April 15th!  — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick
GPS – God’s Positioning System: 1 Samuel 25-27; Psalm 97; Proverbs 15
Compass Pointers: The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety. George Muller
Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: Proverbs 15:1; Proverbs 15:29-33
Anchored to the Rock: The cardinal element in true prayer is no mere outward ritual but the inward, moral state of the one who prays. James Philip

Faith in God’s Faithfulness

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FAITH IN GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
“Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4)
           
            This verse seems to form a principle that is expounded and illustrated throughout scripture.  The latter part of the verse is quoted by Paul in two portions, Romans1:17 and Galatians 3:11, and occurs in Hebrews 10:38.  In its original context in Habakkuk, there is a contrast between a person with a heart of boastful pride and the person who has been declared righteous on the basis of faith.  As far as the righteous person is concerned, there must be continued implementation of the faith principle in is life.
            There is a striking marginal rendering of that statement, “The just shall live by faithfulness.”   In other words, this faith must be focused on the faithfulness of God rather than being conscious of itself.  There are some people who become so obsessed with evaluating their faith that they lose sight of the proper object – His faithfulness.  My need is not so much the development of greater faith but the placement of that faith upon the proper object – the Faithful One.
            This concept is contained in the instructions given through David in Psalm 37.  Verse 3 says, “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.”  There may be a variation and fluctuation in my faith, but there is no variableness with Him.  Paul speaks to this issue when he writes, “For what if some did not believe?  Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?”  (Romans 3:3).
            A living faith is to be a characteristic in the spiritual walk of every child of God.  “For we walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).  This faith can only be effective if it is placed in the Faithful One.  Whenever faith is demanded, we must bring Him into the situation, asking ourselves, “Is He faithful in a crisis like this?”Today’s devotional was written by the late Dr. William A. Raws and from our daily devotional, Real Victory for Real Life
GPS – God’s Positioning System: 1 Samuel 21-24; Psalm 96; Proverbs 14
Compass Pointers: I am spellbound by the intensity of Jesus’ emotions: Not a twinge of pity, but heartbroken compassion; not a passing irritation, but terrifying anger; not a silent tear, but groans of anguish; not a weak smile, but ecstatic celebration. Jesus’ emotions are like a mountain river cascading with clear water. My emotions are more like a muddy foam or a feeble trickle.G. Walter Hansenin, Christianity Today

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: Proverbs 15:1; Level 2: Proverbs 15:29-33
Anchored to the Rock: It is what we are when we pray our prayers that counts with God. James Philip

Evaluating in Light of Eternity

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EVALUATING TIME IN THE LIGHT OF ETERNITY
“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.” (Psalm 73:23)

            In Psalm 73 we find a history of the Israelites – a record of God’s goodness.  In verses 1 and 2, we see Asaph acknowledges that God is and that God is good.  This will help him as he looks around.  What does he see?  In verse 3 he wonders why the ungodly are prospering and he is envious.  In verses 6 to 9, he is upset because of their pride and how they don’t give God credit.  He is even envious of their popularity (in verse 10) and dares to ask where is God (verse 11).
            And all this looking around gets him nowhere.  Rather, it causes him to look within and all he finds is turmoil and unrest (verse 13).  Will he abandon his faith?  Will he run with the crowd?  Will he hold out or just quit and say this walk with God is not worth it?
            Look at verse 16.  Theology can never substitute for a personal relationship with the Lord.  You see, your outlook determines your outcome.   Wrong evaluations lead to wrong decisions and wrong thinking leads to wrong living.  What’s needed is sharpened vision (knowing God will take care of the godless) and the sharpened insight into the destiny of the unbeliever.  

            Asaph encourages by looking ahead in verses 23 to 28.  Because he worshipped he was able to evaluate time in the light of eternity.  And as he worshipped he saw his present being taken care of – being continually kept by God (v. 23).  He saw his past and could say, “He has held me with His right hand.”  He was able to evaluate earth in the light of heaven.  Does this not tell you that if you spend time with God and if your worship is right then your evaluations will be right?  Remember God doesn’t owe us explanations.  Just trust that His Word is true and when you look at the godless you’ll thank God again for His assurance, as His child, of Heaven with Him for all eternity.  There will be no need for envy! Rev. John Hibbard serves on the Board of America’s Keswick, teaches each Sunday morning at the Colony Chapel, and is the Chaplain for the Lakewood Blue Claws
GPS – God’s Positioning System: 1 Samuel 18-20; Psalm 95; Proverbs 13
Compass Pointers: Gethsemane is simply that hour when you finally align your will with the will of God. It is when you agree, accept, embrace…your crucifixion. Any human daring to follow a divine path will come upon a Gethsemane. Each will tarry there until he realigns his will with divinity, or he will completely miss the divine way of things. Acquiescence to destruction. That is Gethsemane. Gene Edwards

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: Proverbs 15:1; Level 2: Proverbs 15:29-31
Anchored to the Rock: If we are not right, our prayers cannot be. James Philip

Prayer — Yeah, I Am a Slow Learner

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Prayer – Yeah, I Am a Slow Learner
Through Him (Jesus) … we have our access in one Spirit to the Father. Ephesians 2:18

I am amazed at just when I think I have figured it all out, that the Lord shows up and shows me another amazing truth for me to grasp in my heart and life. To most of you, you have already figured this out … I have told you before, I am a very slow learner.
Learning to pray and to be a man of prayer is an interesting journey. The Holy Spirit continues to unpack truth upon truth to teach me how to pray. This morning I was reading the Scriptures that are grouped together for the daily reading in Daily Light, my most favorite devotional tool. Hebrews 4:16 was the verse at the end of the morning reading:

Let us therefore draw near with CONFIDENCE to the throne of grace, that we may receive MERCY and may find GRACE to help in TIME OF NEED. Hebrews 4:16

I looked back into some notes I had on this verse and was reminded that the phrase, “time of need.” It is the only time this phrase appears in the Bible. The literally meaning of the phrase is “well-timed help” or “in the nick of time.”

As I was processing this truth, my eye went back to the first verse for this day’s reading:

HE always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

It’s not rocket science. I go to Him in prayer. I can enter HIS throne room BOLDY, with confidence through the Lord Jesus (Ephesians 2:18) and HE (Jesus) is already there – doing what? Interceding for you and me at His Father’s right hand! Before I get there – He’s already there praying for me and you! Wow. You have a need and He desires for you and me to come to Him in prayer. When we get there – He’s already praying. How cool is that.

So drop to your knees, my friend, and meet Him at the throne of grace. He longs to meet us there! – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: 1 Samuel 15-17; Psalm 94; Proverbs 12
Compass Pointers: Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees. Corrie Ten Boom

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: Proverbs 15:1; Level 2: Proverbs 15:29-33
Anchored to the Rock: It is impossible for a believer, no matter what his experience, to keep right with God if he will not take the trouble to spend time with Him; let other things go, but don’t neglect Him. – Oswald Chambers

Bulldogs in the Spirit

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Bulldogs in the Spirit
“The righteous perishes, And no man takes it to heart; Merciful men are taken away, While no one considers that the righteous is taken away from evil. He shall enter into peace; They shall rest in their beds, Each one walking in his uprightness.”  Isaiah 57:1-2 (NKJV)
On March 18th of this year my Aunt Patricia passed away suddenly. She was my father’s sister and after my grandmother died she had taken over the matriarchal duties of the family. I remember while growing up being at her and her husband’s, Uncle George, house for the “whatever and anytime” occasions. Those times really drew a crowd. My father’s side of the family is sorta large and I have about 29 cousins, give or take. Uncle George and Aunt Patricia had adopted a child and gave him the name George. Young George died in a car crash some time ago. I was knee deep in my addiction so I don’t even remember the whole story. After his passing life changed for us cousins as we grew up and grew apart.
As my immediate family were sitting (way in the back) in a Catholic church during Aunt Patricia’s viewing and funeral I noticed my cousin, Shaun, even further in the back. I decided to stray on back and tell him that we were the ones really in the back and he needed to change his seat. He did and I found him sitting right next to me. As the service began some of what goes on in a Catholic Church came back to my mind, as it did with Shaun. But at one point everyone else seemed to forget how to, stand, sit and kneel during the service…except for Shaun and I. He leaned over and said, “What did everyone else forget how to do this?” I responded that I really hadn’t but my path has changed and I don’t need to worship in this way anymore.
On March 31st of this year a dear sister in Christ, Barbara Sanders, passed away (it seemed) suddenly. She was the wife of Pastor George Sanders, who is the Pastor for Babcock Community Church. They also were co-workers in the Addictions Victorious ministry. I will always remember her for having and showing the fruits of the Spirit during some of the toughest A.V. meetings that went on at their church. The meetings that went in that church drew quite a crowd. They were making sure everyone that came there understood that Jesus wanted to adopt them into His family. I called it the “Happiest Church in Mays Landing, NJ.” And after the meetings stopped and the church had to close its doors (for a season), I had found that I had formed friendships with some mighty people of God.
As I sat in the back of Shore Fellowship Church (Egg Harbor Township, NJ), where her Celebration service was, I couldn’t help to notice how the family of Christ rejoiced. Everyone there knew how this worship service was going to go. Barbara was an excellent worship leader (able to play the piano and violin) and the first half hour of her service was just plain singing. That got louder and louder as the songs she loved were being sung by the praise and worship band, her immediate family and us, the extended family of Christ that were privileged to be blessed in knowing her. As Pastor Ray Shannon (Good News Family Worship Center in Barrington, NJ) and his wife, Carol, shared a message with us a new phrase came up. Carol had called Barbara a “Bulldog in the Spirit”. And I thought to myself what a neat thing to be remembered for. Then I wondered, “Why Not?! Why not be remembered for being a “Bulldog in the Spirit” in these troubled times. Why not?!”
You know, it isn’t in the way we perform, in a church, in front of our family, during those kind of services that are meant to just bury the dead. It is in the rejoicing of Him who holds this all together during these kinds of services and how He allowed those who passed to leave their positive imprint in our lives. I hope that my Aunt Patricia knew Jesus before she left this earth. She was the “Wal-mart” of family memories and happenings. I know that Barbara Sanders did just by the way God’s family worshipped Him as we prayed that she was leaning over His balcony to listen to all of us sing,

“Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty.
Who was, and is, and is to come.
With all creation I sing,
Praise to the King of Kings.
You are my everything.
And I will adore you!!”
     —The Revelation Song sung by Kari Jobe—
Yep…Bulldogs in the Spirit. Thanking God for you, Pastor Ray and Carol Shannon, for giving me a new catch phrase.

“Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder
At the mention of your name
Jesus your name is power
Breath, and living water
Such a marvelous mystery
Yeah…”– Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a regular contributor to Freedom Fighter
An interesting follow-up to Chris’ story today. Ray and Carol Shannon are related to my family. Carol is one of 19 kids and is a second cousin. God brought our paths together several years ago, and we praise God that they are serving together in ministry. (BW)
GPS – God’s Positioning System: 1 Samuel 13-14; Psalm 93; Proverbs 11
Compass Pointers: As the self is cleansed of its false attachments, the Holy Spirit will set up shop. We will lose our old ways, but gain something new – the fruits of the Spirit such as joy, peace and patience. God will have begun to do serious work through us. Glen Argan
Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: Proverbs 15:1; Level 2: Proverbs 15:29-33
Anchored to the Rock: Neglect prayer. Neglect God. – O. Hallesby

An Overflowing Heart of Gratitude

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An Overflowing Heart of Gratitude
As you prepare your heart to worship the Lord today, here is a paraphrase of Psalm 9 from Leslie Brandt’s book, Psalms Now:
My heart overflows with gratitude to God,
I feel so exuberant … I simply must express or explode.
I will give voice to my exultations;
I will sing Your praises, O my God.
You helped me stand firm in spite of those who had it in for me,
And they were not successful in their successful in their efforts to discredit me.
You have destroyed great forces in history that rose up to oppose You.
You continue to rule over our fractured world, to sit in judgment over its
   nations and peoples.
You offer Your strong hand to those who are oppressed,
Your loving concern to those who are troubled.
You never hide from those who seek You or forsake those who cling to You.
Sing the praises of God; proclaim loudly His deeds to the people.
For while He judges evildoers, He hears and remembers the cries of those in the distant.
I need always Your gracious love.
You know all about my inner fears and doubts.
You hold me back from the brink of destruction..
You make it possible for me to sing Your praises
   And to rejoice in Your perpetual deliverance.
Ungodly nations sink in their own sewage,
Men who promote evil snare themselves in their own nets,
But those who recognize their needs of You shall be found by You.

Is it any wonder my heart overflows with gratitude to God?

Is your heart overflowing today as You think about ALL He has done for You? Take time today to tell Him how much You love Him! Worship Him! Adore Him!  — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick
GPS – God’s Positioning System: 1 Samuel  9-12; Psalm 92; Proverbs 10
Compass Pointers: Hallowed by Your name, Lord. Do whatever it takes to be holy in my life. Take your rightful place on the throne. Exalt yourself. Magnify yourself. Glorify yourself. You be Lord, and I’ll be quiet. Max Lucado

Navigation Rules to Memorize:  Level 1: Proverbs 15:1; Level 2: Proverbs 15:29-33
Anchored to the Rock: He who prays as he ought will endeavor to live as he prays. John Owen

Two reminders: we need your help with the Family Freedom Walk. The ladies are way ahead of us. Call today or use this link: www.americaskeswick.org/givenow (732-350-1187)


Join us this Thursday night for our Men’s Fellowship with special guest speaker Pastor Paul Ort, First Baptist Egg Harbor. Dinner starts at 6:15 PM followed by a great program. Please call for reservations: 732-350-1187

A Prayer for Greater Peace, Intimacy and Freedom

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     A Prayer for Greater Peace, Intimacy and Freedom

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 
Daniel 6:10-11

From time to time I have shared prayers with you written by Pastor Scotty Smith, Christ Community Church, Franklin, TN. He has a great blog, Heavenword:

     Heavenly Father, I’m so drawn to the heart which beat in Daniel’s breast—a heart filled with praise for you, not paranoia about his life. His love for you was magnetic, even contagious.
     He just learned about the decree that anybody praying to any other god or man but King Darius would become lions’ lunch. So what did he do? The same thing he’d been doing for decades in Babylon. The windows were open. His knees were bent. His gaze was set, and even before he asked you for help, he offered you thanks. He was neither paranoid nor presumptuous, but he was most definitely at peace.
     What freedom and intimacy this your aging son and servant enjoyed with you. But why am I surprised? Haven’t you promised, “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” (Psalm 92:12-14).
     You never demanded Daniel to get on his knees three times a day. You didn’t have to, for it was his delight. No government decree could keep your son from seeking your face and enjoying your grace, for he was much more committed to your eternal glory than to his personal survival.
     Father, may the same peace and freedom that defined Daniel’s life shape ours as well, no matter what Satan throws at us. For even as “the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour,” (1 Peter 5:8), he’s a defeated foe. We live in the victorious day Daniel anticipated from afar. Indeed, Jesus, “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed” (Revelation 5:5). Jesus is the main Lion with whom we want to be thoroughly preoccupied.
     As we get older, gracious Father, please keep us fresh and fruitful through the gospel. Deeper our intimacy with you. May your grace always be amazing to us. Continue to pour your transforming love into our hearts, and use us however you choose the rest of our days in this world. So very Amen, we pray, in Jesus’ magnificent and merciful name. – Pastor Scotty Smith

GPS – God’s Positioning System: 1 Samuel 4-8; Psalm 91; Proverbs 9
Compass Pointers: A generation of Christians reared among push buttons and automatic machines is impatient of slower and less direct methods of reaching their goals. We have been trying to apply machine-age methods to our relations with God. We read our chapter, have our short devotions, and rush away, hoping to make up for our deep inward bankruptcy by attending another gospel meeting or listening to another thrilling story told by a religious adventurer lately returned from afar. The tragic results of this spirit are all about us. Shallow lives, follow religious philosophies, the preponderance of the element of fun in gospel meetings, the glorification of men, trust in religious externalities, quasi-religious fellowships, salesmanship methods, the mistaking of dynamic personality for the power of the Spirit; these and such as these are the symptoms of an evil disease, a deep and serious malady of the soul. A. W. Tozer

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: Proverbs 14:29; Level 2: Proverbs 14:25-30
Anchored to the Rock: “Pray constantly.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

My Redeemer is Faithful and True

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My Redeemer is Faithful and True


Don’t let the girls beat us. Have you made your gift for the 2011 Family Freedom Walk? join the fight by giving financially click the link below!  www.americaskeswick.org/givenow

But from eternity to eternity the Lord’s faithful love is toward those who fear Him, and His righteous. Psalm 103:17


I don’t know about what you are experiencing right now, but so many of our friends are struggling right now. We have friends whose 19 year old son was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident, a friend just diagnosed with breast cancer, and another who has ovarian cancer. He husband is also battling lymphoma. Two dear friends have had a major marriage crisis. And the list goes on and on.

Our friend, Bobby Michaels recorded this Steven Curtis Chapman song many years ago. It is a great reminder that we have a Redeemer who is Faithful and True. I have included the lyrics and the link. Bobby went home to be with the Lord two years ago. We still miss you, Bobby!

As I look back on the road I’ve travelled,
I see so many times He carried me through;
And if there’s one thing that I’ve learned in my life,
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.


Chorus:
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
Everything He has said He will do,
And every morning His mercies are new.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
My heart rejoices when I read the promise
‘There is a place I am preparing for you.’
I know someday I’ll see my Lord face to face,
‘Cause my Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.


Chorus
And in every situation He has proved His love to me;
When I lack the understanding, He gives more grace to me.

My Redeemer is Faithful and True Bobby Michaels

Maybe you are in the midst of a deep struggle. Be reminded of this truth today. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: 1 Samuel 1-3; Psalm 90; Proverbs 8

Compass Pointers: We must be willing to accept the bitter truth that, in the end, we may have to become a burden to those who love us. But it is necessary that we face this also. The full acceptance of our abjection and uselessness is the virtue that can make us and others rich in the grace of God. It takes heroic charity and humility to let others sustain us when we are absolutely incapable of sustaining ourselves. We cannot suffer well unless we see Christ everywhere, both in suffering and in the charity of those who come to the aid of our affliction. Thomas Merton

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: Proverbs 14:29; Level 2: Proverbs 14:25-30

Anchored to the Rock: Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. Hebrews 4:17 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Accountability is Tough By Necessary — Part 2

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Accountability is Tough – But So Necessary
Have you joined the 2011 Family Freedom Walk competition? We can’t let the girls win! Sign on and make your gift today! www.americaskeswick.org/givenow
And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. Ecclesiastes 4:13
I have heard it dozens of times: “I don’t answer to any man, I answer to God.” While we are to obey God and follow His commands, God has not created us to live in a vacuum. He created us to be a part of a family, and He still uses individuals in our lives.
He was a famous radio Bible teacher on the west coast. He and his wife co-authored many books, many one marriage. Publicly this man used the above statement – I am only accountable to God! My guess is that he is wishing now that he never said that. His felt into serious sin, lost his marriage and ministry, and most of you don’t even know him now even though he had such a public ministry.
An examined life if important. Here are some additional questions from Andy Stanley’s book, The Principle of the Path:

1. Has anyone approached you or, more to the point, confronted you about a relationship or lifestyle issue?
2. Does your spouse keep bringing up the same stuff over and over?
3. Have you heard something along the lines of, “I really think you are spending to much time with …?
4. Have you heard yourself getting defensive over stuff that you swear is “really no big deal?
If it’s no big deal, where’s all the emotion coming from?
5. Could it be there are people who more concerned about the direction of your life than you are?
6. Are you responding to their concerns about where you are heading with statements that simply describe where you are now?
Remember Andy’s point: Attention established direction, which determines destination!
Don’t run from the questions.  Find another man in your life who you trust and put your life under the microscope of accountability. It will be worth it in the end. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick
GPS – God’s Positioning System: Ruth; Psalm 89:30-52; Proverbs 7
Compass Pointers: This righteous free love has its origin in the bosom of the Father, where the only begotten has his dwelling. It is not produced by anything out of God himself. It was man’s evil not his good, that called it forth. It was not the drawing to the like, but to the unlike; it was light attracted by darkness, and life by death. It does not wait for our seeking, it comes unasked as well as undeserved. It is not our faith that creates it or calls it up; our faith realizes it as already existing in its divine and manifold fullness. Whether we believe it or not, this righteous grace exists, and exists for us. Unbelief refuses it; but faith takes it, rejoices in it, and lives upon it. Horatius Bonar
Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: Proverbs 14:29; Level 2: Proverbs 14:25-30
Anchored to the Rock: When we lose sight of God, we become hard and dogmatic. We throw our petitions at His throne and dictate to Him what we want Him to do. We don’t worship God, nor do we seek to conform our minds to the mind of Christ. And if we are hard toward God, we will become hard toward other people. – Oswald Chambers

Accountability Is Tough But So Necessary

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Accountability is Tough – But So Necessary
Don’t let the girls beat us. Have you made your gift for the 2011 Family Freedom Walk? join the fight by giving financially click the link below!  www.americaskeswick.org/givenow
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns in me; See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:24

One of the tools so necessary in our lives is accountability. Socrates said “the unexamined life is not with living.”
Many a man who has fallen into sin wishes he had put in place accountability in his life. None of us are exempt from straying from the path. If you don’t believe that, you need to immerse yourself in the book of Proverbs. Oh that King Solomon had followed his own words!
I just finished reading Andy Stanley’s book, The Principle of the Path. This is a must read for every Christian. It will help you connect the dots at why so many times we find it easier to stray from the path rather than stay on the path that God has marked out for us.
One of tools of accountability and examination is to ask questions. I want to share with you several of the questions that Andy asks in his book. I will share them with you today and tomorrow.

1. What has your attention now? Who has your attention now? Has anyone or anything captured your attention that has no business being a part of your life now?

2. Has anyone or anything captured your attention or affection in a way that is distracting you from the things or people that deserve your attention?
3. Are you giving an inordinate amount of attention to something that a year ago wasn’t even on your radar screen?
4. Is there anyone that you are giving your attention to that, if it were to become public information, would be a bit embarrassing … or worse?
5. Do your spouse or kids feel like they are competing for time that should be given to them anyway?
6. Is there a distraction that took a little more of your time at first but now consumes an inordinate amount of time?
7. Is there a hobby or pastime that began as a small expense but is now a significant line item in your personal finances?
8. Is there anything dividing your mind at work? Home? Church?

Andy Stanley says “the bottom line is that this: “Attention establishes direction which determines destination.

Are you bold enough to ask these questions of yourself? Are you even more bold to have a friend ask you these questions? Don’t be afraid of a examined life. More questions tomorrow. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick
GPS – God’s Positioning System: Judges 19-21; Psalm 89:1-29; Proverbs 6
Compass Pointers: He who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. Basil
Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1:Proverbs 14:29; Level 2: Proverbs 14:25-30
Anchored to the Rock: Open my eyes so that I may see wonderful things from Your law. Psalm 119: 18