The Joy of His Presence

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Our Spiritual Enrichment week begins tonight at 7:00 PM and runs through Thursday evening. Morning sessions are at 9:30 AM. Come and join us as we DIG DEEPER INTO God’s WORD — Exploring the Book of Psalms. The sessions will be held at the Colony of Mercy Chapel. Call for information: 732-350-1187

The Joy of His Presence

Here is a powerful reading from HYMNS FOR THE FAMILY OF GOD. The reading was compiled by Gloria Gaither. It is a great reading for this Lord’s Day:

I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.

Calm my spirit, Lord. Stop the churning inside of me caused by the rush of getting everyone fed and here on time. Quiet my confusion, Lord. In all the tension of getting here, I know I made the effort because I really do need You. Lord, speak to me in the quietness.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him and bless His name. For the Lord is good.

I am thankful, Lord, for what we have. But this week has been so hectic, and it seems that no matter how hard I work and how well I plan, there is always something I didn’t plan on, and there isn’t enough time to go around. Forgive me, Lord, for letting worry get in the way of my gratitude. You are good to us, Lord. We do have so much to praise you for.

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all lands. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.

It’s hard to sing so early in the morning. And it’s hard to come here with gladness too sometimes. It was not so easy serving You this week at school — and especially hard to keep the joy. This world is not very fair and it seems like I can’t do much to change things. But I know that it’s just hard because the problems are so close to me that I can’t seem to see the answers. But I do know that You’re the answer — and for that I will sing to You with my whole heart.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He restores my soul.

Restore my soul, O Lord, and renew a right spirit within me. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which You have broken may rejoice. Cast me not away from Your presence; and take not Your Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with Your free spirit.

Good reading to set your heart in the right direction as you worship Him today — your audience of ONE! — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

Digging Deeper: Proverbs 18; Psalm 20-22; Acts 21:1-17

Dig This Quote: Give Him time to do great things. The greater the work He plans, the greater the prayer preparation that may be necessary, including prayer for guidance. God often waits so that He can be even more gracious (Isa. 30:18). Wesley L. Duewel

Determined Digging: Level 1: Isaiah 1:18; Level 2: Psalm 103:1-5

Determined Praying: Our churches [and ministries] are powerless because they are prayerless. We generally do a lot WORRYING on our knees than praying, then, we get up and continue to worry. — Michael Catts

The Concept of Divine Control

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The Concept of Divine Control

” … how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” —Matthew 7:11

This is a classic devotional written by Oswald Chambers. I first shared this with our Freedom Fighter family in 2008!

Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct in this passage for those people who have His Spirit. He urges us to keep our minds filled with the concept of God’s control over everything, which means that a disciple must maintain an attitude of perfect trust and an eagerness to ask and to seek.

Fill your mind with the thought that God is there. And once your mind is truly filled with that thought, when you experience difficulties it will be as easy as breathing for you to remember, “My heavenly Father knows all about this!” This will be no effort at all, but will be a natural thing for you when difficulties and uncertainties arise.

Before you formed this concept of divine control so powerfully in your mind, you used to go from person to person seeking help, but now you go to God about it. Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct for those people who have His Spirit, and it works on the following principle: God is my Father, He loves me, and I will never think of anything that He will forget, so why should I worry?

Jesus said there are times when God cannot lift the darkness from you, but you should trust Him. At times God will appear like an unkind friend, but He is not; He will appear like an unnatural father, but He is not; He will appear like an unjust judge, but He is not.

Keep the thought that the mind of God is behind all things strong and growing. Not even the smallest detail of life happens unless God’s will is behind it. Therefore, you can rest in perfect confidence in Him. Prayer is not only asking, but is an attitude of the mind which produces the atmosphere in which asking is perfectly natural. “Ask, and it will be given to you . . .” (Matthew 7:7 ).

Good reminder for all of us today. Have a great Saturday, brothers. — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

Digging Deeper: Proverbs 17; Psalm 18-19; Acts 20:17-38

Everywhere and always God is with us, near to us and in us. But we are not always with Him, since we do not remember Him; and because we do not remember Him we allow ourselves many things which we would not permit if we did remember. Take upon yourself this task – to make a habit of such recollection. Make yourself a rule always to be with the Lord, keeping your mind in your heart, and do not let your thoughts wander; as often as they stray, turn them back again and keep them at home in the closet of your heart, and delight in converse with the Lord. Theophan

Determined Digging: Level 1: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Psalm 103:1-5

Determined Praying: Prayer honors God, acknowledges his being, exalts His power, adores His providence, secures His aid. — E. M. Bounds

No Alternative

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NO ALTERNATIVE

“But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’” (John 6:68)

Some years ago a man blamed God for the death of his wife. Consequently, he renounced his faith in Christ. He tried several other religions and for a while became convinced that the universe contained two opposing powers, one good and the other evil, neither of which is all-powerful. To him this explained why evil could be so prevalent. Then he decided that God had to be good but co-existing with other impersonal forces over which He does not have absolute power.

Sometime later he met a Buddhist and was drawn to the idea that all evil is illusion and he could escape this world through meditation. But when things continued to go wrong he sensed he was just kidding himself. Eventually the man came back to the Christian faith. When asked what brought him back, he said, “It’s simple. I came back to the Bible and rediscovered it’s power, simply allowing myself to trust God.” He searched in vain for answers and finally he decided simply to trust God because he could not identify an acceptable alternative.

Have you had difficulty explaining God, or even understanding Him? Maybe you’ve thought to yourself, There just has to be another explanation for why things are the way the are. Maybe God doesn’t even exist. Perhaps you’ve searched for an alternative to the God of the Bible but, like this man, have come up empty.

Often Jesus’ disciples didn’t understand either. Frequently they were riddled with doubts about the Savior. When some of Jesus’ followers deserted the Savior He turned to the Twelve and asked, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” In a moment of singular insight Peter responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

When you find it difficult to comprehend the way of Christ, consider the alternative. God doesn’t ask us to understand everything the Savior taught, but He expects us to obey what we do understand. Don’t worry about what you cannot explain. Just obey what you can explain. There is no alternative to Jesus. Only He has the words of eternal life. Dr. Woodrow Kroll is the President of Back to the Bible, and will be speaking at America’s KESWICK Labor Day Weekend.

Digging Deeper: Proverbs 16; Psalm 16-17; Acts 20:1-16

Dig This Quote: Prayer is not incidental to the work of God — it is the work!

Determined Digging: Level 1: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Psalm 103:1-5

Determined Praying: The strength of the church has never been in programs, numbers, or events, but in prayer and obedience. God is not interested in our innovative methods. He is not impressed with our twenty-first century technology. God is still moved by the prayers of the simple saints who learn in the quiet place to lay hold of the throne of grace. — Michael Catt

How Does God Use Money in My Life

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How Does God Use Money in My Life

In the last post I made the statement that part of true Financial Freedom includes allowing God to use money in our lives. What exactly does that mean and how does God use money in our lives? That is what I would like to discuss over the next few weeks. I would really appreciate hearing from you how God has used money in your life.
Let me begin by saying that I believe that one of the main ways that God will use money in our lives is to demonstrate His faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 says “The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail, They are new every morning: Great is Your faithfulness.”
I am sure that I was not alone this week as I was reminded of this truth along with other “first wave baby boomers”. It was a shock when I opened my retirement portfolio statement and saw the personalized affect of an 11% drop in the Dow Jones Industrial average during May and June. I quickly need to reacquaint myself with Deuteronomy 8:17-18 where Moses reminded Israel that it was God who would give them the power to make wealth. Not my financial adviser or the stock market or anything else other than God. Our security rests in God and not in a bank account or a retirement portfolio.
Over the last 20 years, I have had the privilege of looking at many families and individuals personal finances. I must say that many times from a human perspective, I have come to the conclusion that there was no way that some of these folks could make financial ends meet. But time and time again, I have seen God prove Himself faithful and meet these needs through means that could only be explained only as God’s faithfulness.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that God will ignore the consequences of violating His financial principles that He clearly outlines in the Bible. We have discussed many of these principles such as the stern warning of careless debt. I have seen many Christians (and non-Christians) continue to struggle with the consequences of too much debt as well as the consequences of violating other biblical principles. But what I am saying is that if we commit ourselves to following Christ and living by His principles He will be faithful. And many times He will use money to demonstrate His faithfulness.
I have seen families and individuals committed to the Lord see financial needs met in ways that can only be explained by God’s faithfulness. I would love to give you some of the names
of these people that are a living testimony to God’s faithfulness in meeting their financial needs.
One of the most precious examples of God’s faithfulness was my father in law.
The more I got to know my father in law, the more I realized that his one desire in life was to share the Gospel. I am ashamed to say that sometimes I would be embarrassed to be with him as he would witness to every person that would come across his path. When my father in law retired, I remember thinking that my in-laws did not have near enough money to last through their retirement years.
Pop-Pop went home to be with the Lord (and reunited with many brothers and sister in Christ) in 2001. My mother in law is still alive and in relatively good health. They both enjoyed a retirement that exceeded their expectations and also the standard of living they enjoyed while working. The details of how God provided for this can only be explained as God’s faithfulness.
Yes, God is faithful and He will use money to demonstrate His faithfulness. — George Hutchison serves on the Board of America’s KESWICK and is an instructor with Crown Financial. You can sign up to receive his blog, STEWARDSHIP INSIGHT from our website: www.americaskeswick.org
Dig This Quote: Following the Lord’s commands is more than dutiful doing. Through actively walking with God, we are conformed to His will; and as we walk, our faith to follow Him increases. by freely responding to the grace of obedience with our whole hearts, we enter a realm of trust in God. Debra Evans
Determined Digging: Level 1: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Psalm 103:1-5
Determined Praying: When we pray, we partner with the supernatural. We change the ordinary to the extraordinary and the mundane to the miraculous. — Michael Catt

Does Your Mind Wander When You Pray?

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Does Your Mind Wander When You Pray?

O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. Psalm 5:3

I find myself so easily distracted — especially when I am praying. If I am not careful, I am thinking about other things rather than concentrating on my conversation with the Father.

I recently read a teaching on how to discipline the mind from wandering. It’s from the pen of Puritan preacher, Thomas Manton, who wrote these words in the late 1600’s. They are as practical today as they were back then:

1. We must wait on HIM for the power of His grace.

2. Meditate on the greatness of God. He writes: “When you pray … imagine yourself in heaven in the midst of the blessed angels standing before all — seeing God. O with what reverence, with what fear, should a poor worm creep into His presence! Wow!

3. Seek to put to death the lust that are apt to draw away our minds.

4. Prepare for prayer. Resolve to shut your heart against God’s enemy and direct it only to God.

5. Focus on your purpose. The devil’s policy is to cheat us of the present duty by casting a thought of blasphemy; that should make us quake and shake!

6. Develop spiritual affections and you will find it more delightful to converse with God. Is there any better company than God’s when we seek our soul’s good?

7. Consider the weight of responsibility. Are we not dealing with life and death issues?

8. Promote solemn meditation in the things of God. As a man entertains truth in his heart, he will be ready in word and affection to avoid so frequent distractions. — adapted from Voices from the Past … Puritan Devotional Readings — Banner of Truth — This book is available from the Keswick Online Store

I trust that these eight principles will help you if you struggle with wandering thoughts when you pray. — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

Digging Deeper: Proverbs 14; Psalms 7-9; Acts 18

Dig This Quote: His presence is known when we meditate on the fact that the sands of the sea are numbered by Him, that He keeps a count of the waves. Astounded, we reflect that every drop of rain, every day and every hour of all the centuries, everything past and everything to come are all facts of which He is aware. John Cassian

Determined Digging: Level 1: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Psalm 103:1-5

Determined Praying: Who ever wants the next generation most, gets them. — Michael Catt. So who do you want to capture the hearts of your kids and grandkids? Pray for them!

Pray for Your Kids — It’s a Matter of Life and Death (Part 2)

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Pray for Your Kids — It’s A Matter of Life and Death (Part 2)

Yesterday I shared with you some insight on how to pray for your kids. Dads — it’s time we stepped up to the plate and prayed for our kids and grandkids. Don’t just let your wife be the one praying. WE NEED TO PRAY TOO!
Michael Catt, Senior Pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church, shares several additional ways that we can pray for our kids and grandkids:
1. Pray that they will know Christ early in life (Psalm 63:1; Isaiah 45:8; 2 Timothy 3:15).
2. Pray they will have a hatred for sin (Psalm 97:10; Romans 16:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:6).
3. Pray they will get caught whenever they sin (Psalm 119:71).
4. Pray they will be protected from evil influences in their lives (Proverbs 3:3; John 17:15)
5. Pray they will have a responsible attitude in all their personal relationships (Proverbs 1:10-11; 1 Corinthians 15:33)
6. Pray that your children will be kind (1 Thessalonians 5:15) and generous (1 Timothy 6:18-19).
7. Pray they maintain humility (Philippians 2:1-5; Titus 3:2) and a servant’s heart (Ephesians 6:7).
8. Pray they are pure in heart (Psalm 51:10; Matthew 5:8).
9. Pray for your kids to have courage to do the right things (Deuteronomy 31:6) with self-discipline (Proverbs 1:3).
10. Pray they will persevere and finish well (Hebrews 12:1).
11. Pray they will respect those in authority over them (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:17).
12. Pray they will be kept from the wrong mate and save themselves for the right one
13. Pray that your home will be a spiritual haven; a fortress, and a beacon of truth and abundant life (Psalm 19:10; 63:8; 96:3; 2 Peter 3:18).
These are very practical ways to pray for your kids and grandkids. Pray the Scriptures that are attached to each point. And here is the cool thing — my guess is as you pray for them, God will be doing something in our hearts as well!
Pray for your kids and grandkids — it is a matter of life and death! — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK
Digging Deeper: Proverbs 13; Psalm 7-9; Acts 18
Dig This Quote: You must stay upon the Lord; and come what may – winds, waves, cross-seas, thunder, lightning, frowning rocks, roaring breakers – no matter what, you must lash yourself to the helm, and hold fast your confidence in God’s faithfulness, His covenant engagement, His everlasting love in Christ Jesus. Richard Fuller
Determined Digging: Level 1: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Psalm 103:1-5
Determined Praying: When we work, we work. When we pray, God works. — Michael Catts

Praying for Your Kids and Grandkids — It’s A Matter of Life and Death

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Praying for Your Kids and Grandkids — It’s A Matter of Life and Death
I had a wake-up call this weekend. Emma Grace almost drowned in our kid’s pool. She decided to climb in the pool without her “swimmies” while Jan, and our two pregnant daughters were on the deck.
Our grandson, Tanner was in the pool, and he screamed for help. Thankfully, the wife of a Colony grad who was visiting Julie and Garrett literally took a flying leap, clothes and all, and jumped into the pool. Granny and two “preggies” felt helpless. God saved Emma’s life.
A week ago I was riding with Emma and Ethan on the golf cart and we witnessed the most incredible sunset. I made the comment that we were looking at the sunset from our perspective, but how was Lindsay (or CE CE as Emma calls her) seeing it from heaven’s perspective.

Emma said, “Pop, let’s go see Jesus and CeCe now. We can all go together.” I decided to share the gospel with her, but felt like I wanted Julie and Garrett to have the joy of leading her to Christ. I told Julie, and she said, “You should have gone for it!”

Thankfully, there is still time. I was stupid for not sharing the gospel with her little heart being so ripe for salvation.

On Sunday I finished reading a very powerful book on prayer. It is written by the Pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church, the producers of Facing the Giant and Fireproof. Pastor Michael Catt shares 5 practical tips when praying for our kids, and I add grandkids:

1. Pray according to the Word of God (1 John 5:14-15).
2. Pray as matter of lifestyle. (Luke 18:1) Catt says, “Don’t pray only when your kids are in trouble. Pray while they’re in the womb and throughout the rest of their lives.” Wow, we’ve got two in the oven!
3. Approach the throne of grace boldly. (Hebrews 4:16) — “Pray as a matter of faith and claim the victory. Some people pray like they’re scared of God. Other’s pray as if they’re approaching a vengeful judge. You are talking to your HEAVENLY FATHER who gave the best He had — His Son. So go before the throne — the veil has been torn — cast all your anxieties upon Him because He cares for you.
4. Pray believing that God hears your prayer. (1 Peter 3:12)
5. Recognize that standing in the gap for your children [and grandchildren] puts you on the front lines of spiritual warfare. (Ephesians 6:12)

Thanks, Pastor Catt’s for this reminder. And thanks, Lord, for giving me another opportunity to share the gospel with Emma Grace. — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

Dig This Quote: The Bible stands apart from all other books, and has survived and will survive all the attacks of its enemies. It is like the electric torch that shines over the water of New York Bay, struck by the wing of many a seabird that dashes against it in its reckless flight, but still shining on unmoved while the foolish and reckless assailant falls bleeding and wounded at its feet. It is an anvil which has worn out many a hammer of hostile criticism, while the anvil still remains unshaken amid the wreck of all that have assailed it. A. B. Simpson
Determined Digging: Level 1: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Psalm 103:1-5

How God is God

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HOW GOD IS GOOD?

“For the Lord is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures through all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5

This morning we gather to worship our great God. Psalm 100:4 reminds us that when we enter HIS gates and HIS courts to worship, we do so because HE IS GOOD.

Several years ago, a popular women’s speaker rebuked the ladies for responding improperly when asked the question, “How are you doing?” Most times we respond, “I am good.” While her rebuke was irritating to me at the time, she is right. There is no one good but God! We answer, “I am doing well.” I think about every time some asks me how I am doing! God is good! Good in the good times. Good in the bad times. Good all the time!

I recently read this paraphrase of Psalm 73: 1-3; 21-28:

How good is God for Israel,
for the pure of heart!

As for me, my feet had almost stumbled;
my steps had well-nigh slipped.
I was jealous of the arrogant
and envied the prosperity of the wicked.

My mind is embittered:
my thoughts, irritating.
I am so stupid, so ignorant!
I am but a dumb brute before You.

And yet I am ALWAYS before You:
You keep me in YOUR hand.
With counsel YOU lead me;
YOU take me by the hand behind YOU!

I have but YOU in the heavens
and nothing more on earth.
My flesh and my brain may fail
but my ROCK, the desire of my mind, is God evermore.

Those who avoid YOU will perish;
You exterminate all those who stray.
God’s presence is good for me;
I make the Lord my refuge
and I will witness to His deeds.

Powerful words for us as we gather together to worship HIM today — our audience of ONE! Worship HIM today — for HE IS GOOD — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

Digging Deeper: Proverbs 11; Psalm 1-3; Acts 17:1-15

Dig This Quote: He is a physician good to all diseases, especially at the binding up of a broken heart. He died that He might heal our soul with the plaster of His own blood, and by that death save us. Shall our sins discourage us when He appears only for sinners? Richard Sibbs 1630 Puritan Pastor

Determined Digging: Level 1: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Psalm 103:1-5

Six Bypasses That Were God Given

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Six Bypasses That Were God Given

“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments.” Psalms 103:13-18 (ESV)

Have any of you ever been to Ashville, North Carolina? How many of you would think to just suddenly pack up your stuff to include your medical records and go vacation in Ashville, North Carolina? Well I am not one of those who would think to bring along my medical records but I might go to Ashville, North Carolina to vacation. I do know of someone who did bring his medical records along with him during his vacation in Ashville, North Carolina and he wound up with congestive heart failure and it just happens that one of the best hospitals to deal with this was fifteen minutes away. And my former employer and family member got himself six…yes that’s right, six bypasses in one operation. And those of us who cry out, “ABBA Father” in our family know this was God’s doing.

Just the night before my sister and brother-in-law were having dinner with us and my sister-in-law’s father had been on the phone. (Just as a sidebar my former employer just happens to be my sister-in-laws father and the only guy who believed in me enough to give me a job when my time at the Colony came to an end.) Everything seemed to be okay but something went wrong during the night and Desi with her husband Ray (another sidebar Ray is my wife’s brother) drove to Ashville, North Carolina. When they arrived it seemed as if Hubert’s open heart surgery was immediate. Desi sent texts for prayer requests as soon as she hit the ground (Desi hates to text, she says they are cold and impersonal but my sidebar within this sidebar…they came in quite handy).

Desi recently gave her testimony on the experience at our sister church, Christ’s Wesleyan Church in Egg Harbor City, NJ. She used the aforementioned verses in Psalms and it has struck a chord. She asked her congregation if they had a healthy fear of the Lord. After what she went through even our house had this fear reinforced. My wife and committed to prayer more anxiously than normal. Desi also asked if we really understand that God knows we are but dust. Desi got her understanding elevated by knowing that she had to place her father in the hands of El Elyon. And then she had to put her hands around a qwerty board and text all of her prayer warriors to join her as she surrendered her dad to Jehovah-rapha.

She knew that her father was helpless before the Lord she serves but he was helpless in front of a merciful and loving God. The doctors said there were three options for her father. Not get this operation and die, die on the table during this operation or have the operation and live. I can relate with Desi at this point because my father had been given options but God had other plans. There was nothing I could do for my dad except place him in the hands of El Elyon. Our family praises that our loving and merciful God saw fit to use Hubert as an example of what His mighty hand can do when His people stop in their tracks to pray to Him and humbly yet boldly ask for Him to do a mighty work. SANTO!!

It was no coincidence that Desi’s dad was sent to Ashville. That’s right Hubert you were sent there by God (I know you read my Freedom Fighters, Brother). Mission Hospital is one of the top ten cardiac hospitals in the nation and for what seemed to be the most off the wall idea he ever had recently, God’s plan for him was not. Mission Hospital is located around Ashville, North Carolina. This story doesn’t end here. There is still the aftermath stuff from the surgery that is going on, but I ask all of the Freedom Fighter brethren to take a moment and pray for Desi, Ray, Daniel, Joan and Hubert. El Elyon is listening. AMEN!! — Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a regular contributor to Freedom Fighter

Digging Deeper: Proverbs 10; Job 41-42; Acts 16:22-40

Dig This Quote: “One of the reasons we don’t know God deeply is that we don’t venture much on His pledge to carry things for us. Knowing God with a sense of authentic personal reality is not merely a matter of study. It is a matter of walking with Him through fire and not being burned. It is a matter of not being crushed under a load because He carries it for you at your side.” Pierced By The Word John Piper

Determined Digging: Level 1: Psalm 30:5 Level 2: Psalm 101:1-5

Thought Control

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Thought control

2 Corinthians 10:5 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

Have you ever wondered why God blessed/cursed us with our imagination? I have. When I read Hebrews 2:9 I thought that it was a hyperbole but I now realize that it is a proper use of a saint’s imagination.

When you pray do you ever take the time to imagine where Christ is and what He is doing that He should stop to listen and to do what you desire? He does you know. The passage sees Jesus enthroned with his “servants” who are ready to do His bidding so:

“Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there”, Wrote the hymnist.
When we struggle with temptation we need to “bring every thought into captivity”.
Temptation only exists as long as our thoughts feed it. Use the thoughts that Paul mentions in Philippians 4:8 . You cannot not think! You can, however, use good thoughts to replace the evil ones, 2 Corinthians 10:5

To stop unwanted negative thought you must ignore the negative by concentrating on the positive. The feelings that we have that come from our thoughts will change almost immediately.
I remember my first boot leave in San Diego. I was alone in front of a night club. There was no one there to report my actions but Jesus was very real to me. I said to Him. “You can wait here and I will run in and come right back out. I just want to see what it is like.”

I felt that the Lord said, “No, that’s alright I will just go with you.” At that point I said, “No forget about it. I just won’t go.” When Christ is that real, temptation looses it power. — Pastor George Van Sandt will be our campus Pastor this summer at America’s KESWICK

Digging Deeper: Proverbs 9; Job 38-40; Acts 16:1-21

Dig This Quote: All during the day, in the chinks of time between the things we find ourselves obliged to do, there are the moments when our minds ask: ‘What next?’ In these chinks of time, ask Him: ‘Lord, think Thy thoughts in my mind. What is on Thy mind for me to do now?’ When we ask Christ, ‘What next?’ we tune in and give Him a chance to pour His ideas through our enkindled imagination. If we persist, it becomes a habit. Frank Laubach

Determined Digging: Level 1: Psalm 30:5 Level 2: Psalm 101:1-5