Choose to Be Happy

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Choose to be Happy

Ephesians 5:18-19 18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord…

Many know the first part, so we will not spend time on the negative but on the positive, “be filled with the Spirit.”

One of the accomplishments of Calvary is the ability for our Lord to baptize with the Holy Spirit. Some think that this is a one time event but this admonition speaks of being continually filled with the Spirit. So the first step is to go to the Lord in prayer and asking Him to fill you. Will He do it? Of course! How does He do it?

First by helping you to love, read, understand and inwardly digest the word of God. Since the Holy Spirit was the author of the scriptures He is best able to enlighten your understanding. Feel free to ask the Holy Spirit to aid your intellect. (There is no jealousy in the Trinity. We can pray to the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit.)

Second involves your self-talk. Ask the Holy Spirit’s help as you talk to yourselves before talking to others. Often we speak to ourselves negatively as we judge our actions, motives and goals. When you speak to yourself, do not ways put yourself down. We do not get better by dwelling on past failures. Remember that even God, took 6 days to change nothing into His finished creation. Each day He looked at what he had done and said, “it is good” (enough). Give yourself encouragement while avoiding pride.

Third is the Holy Spirit as He encourages us to sing.

He starts us off by telling us to speak. After we have spoken to ourselves we need to speak to others. Singing is melodious speaking. But how do we sing when our hearts are so heavy? Don’t. Just begin by reading the Psalms until you can feel like singing.

In Psalm 103 we find an example of this. In the first verse he speaks to his soul but finds no song. In the second verse he tells us why there is no song. He is trying to remember all of his benefits. Then he explains that we are tempted to forget all of God’s mercies. Then he tells us how to find a song. Start with what God has done: He forgives, and he has healed. Then he finds much more to be thankful for.

Find a song that you have heard that expresses your gratitude. That may begin with the great Hymns of the Church and then spiritual songs or even make up a song from your experience.

I often find myself singing when there is no one nearby only to hear someone say, “There goes a happy man,” I say, ”No, but I am working at it.” We cannot always stay happy but we can become happy by using “Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs making melody in our hearts”. The tempter avoids a singing soul. Make this day different by changing it from just a day to a blessed day by the melody on your heart.

Singing I go along life’s road,
Praising the Lord, praising the Lord,
Singing I go along life’s road,
For Jesus has lifted my load.

Pastor George Van Sandt has his doctorate counseling and was Bill Welte’s pastor growing up.

God’s WORD for YOU:Proverbs 21; Joshua 7-9; Luke 1:21-28

Great Quote: God has called us to shine, just as much as Daniel was sent into Babylon to shine. Let no one say that he cannot shine because he has not so much influence as some others may have. What God wants you to do is to use the influence you have. Daniel probably did not have much influence down in Babylon at first, but God soon gave him more because he was faithful and used what he had.Dwight L. Moody

Don’t Ask for the Obvious

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Don’t Ask for the Obvious

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places …” Ephesians 1:3

Before I share today’s Freedom Fighter, I just want to make sure that I clarify something from yesterday’s devotional. Nobody wrote this to me, but just in case someone was thinking it … I am very proud of my son-in-law, Garrett. He is a great Dad and husband. I wasn’t trying to point out in my illustration regarding Emma that he was a bad Dad by doing the little ditty he did with her. I asked his permission to relate the story, but just in case one of the saints took it wrong — he’s a super Dad!

I have been thinking about this verse for years. My walking buddy asked me the other day what book of the Bible was my favorite. Without hesitation, the answer — the book of Ephesians! Dr. Douglas B. MacCorkle, former president of Philadelphia Biblical University taught a class on the Pauline epistles, and his love for this book set me on fire.

I find that sometimes in my prayer life, I ask God for the obvious. How many times I have asked God to bless this or that, whether it be a service, a project, a dream. And yet I haven’t taken the time to fully comprehend or grasp the things that He has already provided in blessing me!

Dr. Steve McVey, President of Grace Walk, and a speaker this summer at America’s KESWICK wrote this in his March 2009 newsletter:

The need is not that God should give us something that we don’t have. The need is that we should know what we do have. Paul didn’t pray for the church to receive more. He prayed that they would understand what they already had. In Ephesians 1:17-19 Paul prays, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.”

I am purposing to think through the blessings that I already have received because I am IN CHRIST, and asking God this year to help me understand the depth of the blessing He has already bestowed on me. How about you? Will you join me in the process? Take some time today to read through the first chapter of the book of Ephesians. You might be shocked to find out how He has already blessed you. — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU — Proverbs 20; Joshua 4-6; Luke 1:1-20

Great Quote: We are supernatural people, born again by a supernatural birth, kept by a supernatural power, sustained on supernatural food, taught by a supernatural Teacher from a supernatural Book. We are led by a supernatural Captain in right paths to assured victories. The risen Saviour, ere He ascended on high, said: ‘All power is given unto Me. Go ye therefore.”James Hudson Taylor


I Am a Child of the King!!!

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I Am a Child of the King!

He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ Himself, according to the kind intention of His will. Ephesians 1:5 NASB

My son-in-law Garrett and his daughter Emma, started playing this little word game. By the way, Emma is 2 going on 20!

Garrett likes to remind her that he’s the boss. And Emma responds, “And I’m the loser.” I didn’t think much about that until this weekend when we were babysitting for Julie and Garrett overnight. Garrett told Emma when he dropped her off that Pop-pop was the boss for the weekend.

When I arrived home, I jokingly said to her, “Emma, Pop-pops the boss this weekend.” And she quickly responded, “And I’m the loser.” At first it was funny, but then after playing this two or three times, it hit me that maybe this wasn’t quite the right idea.

I tried to get her to say, “I’m the princess.” Well it didn’t work. She declared very adamantly, “Pop, I am a LOSER. I am a BIG loser.” Ouch!

We persevered and finally was able to get her to say, “I am a princess!”

I have been thinking about that. For some of us, we have been called all kinds of names. In fact, there might be some guys who heard in the early days, “You are a loser!” I can remember when I first started dating Jan, and I was not the apple of her mother’s eye. She sat me down one night with Jan and said, “You are an irresponsible young man!” I can’t tell you how that hurt, and it took many years to get over the pain from that remark.

Praise God that while we deserve hell, we’ve been given heaven. If we have trusted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we are no longer orphans. We have been adopted into the family of God, and we have been declared righteous (not our own, but clothed in the righteousness of Christ) and have been declared his sons (and daughters …)! Instead of being a loser, we’ve gained EVERYTHING! You can declare, I AM A CHILD OF THE KING!

I don’t know about you, but I like that. It’s good! Don’t wallow in the enemy’s pool of destructive labels. Remember WHOSE you are and WHO you are IN CHRIST! You are a prince or a princess of THE KING! — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 19; Joshua 1-3; Mark 16

Great Quote: To doubt the good will of God is an inborn suspicion of God with all of us. Besides, the devil…goes about seeking to devour us by roaring: ‘God is angry at you and is going to destroy you forever.’ In all these difficulties we have only one support, the Gospel of Christ. To hold on to it, that is the trick. Christ cannot be perceived with the senses… The heart does not feel His helpful presence. Especially in times of trials a Christian feels the power of sin, the infirmity of his flesh, the goading darts of the devil…the scowl and judgment of God. All these things cry out against us, death thunders at us, the devil roars at us. In the midst of the clamor the Spirit of Christ cries in our hearts, ‘Abba, Father.’ And this little cry of the Spirit transcends the hullabaloo of the Law, sin, death, and the devil, and finds a hearing with God. The Spirit cries because of our weakness…(and) is sent forth into our hearts…to assure us of the grace of God.” Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians

How Do I Spend Time With the Lord

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How Do I Spend Time with the Lord?

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18 (NIV)

I am often asked what I do when I spend time with the Lord. I thought I would share just a few practical insights with you. By the way, I would also enjoy hearing what you do too!

1. For me, the best time to spend time with the Lord is first thing in the morning. I am a morning person (mostly) and my mind is the clearest right after I get up. I have my time with the Lord most days before I even shower or eat breakfast.

2. I have my quiet time in my third floor office. I think it is important for you to find that special place where you can meet with God away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house.

3. Over the years I have used many wonderful resources to aid in my time with the Lord. This year I have tried a new/old approach. The approach is not really new, but for me it has been a breath of fresh air.

a. I read the morning and evening Scriptures from The Daily Light on the Daily Path. You can do this by purchasing the actual book, but you can also read in online (http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/daily.light/?date=2009-03-18). I like using the hard copy because I write notes to myself in the margins. I first started using this tool in 1999. I highlight and underline key words that speak to my heart. The Daily Light is JUST Scripture, no commentary.

b. In addition to the Daily Light on the Daily Path, this year I am reading through the Bible using the One Year Bible — ESV Version. I recently discovered that there are several reading plans from the ESV online:

This one takes you through the Old and New Testaments, Proverbs and Psalms http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/one.year.tract/

Check out this site for other plans that you can read online or have sent as an RSS feed: http://www.esv.org/biblereadingplans

c. I have a journal that I use which is simply the old fashioned Composition book. In my journal I record things that have happened during the previous day, special events, funny stories, things about the kids, and answers to prayer. This is YOUR journal for YOUR eyes only. So be flexible and let the words flow. Some people like to use their computer, I prefer to write it out.

d. This year I am not using any additional devotionals. There are hundreds of excellent ones. What I am doing is using an approach that many have used called SOAP — Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Look for a Scripture passage as you are reading through your “plan” and allow the Holy Spirit to bring a particular passage to your attention. I am putting a title to that Scripture, then I write the verses out. Some days it is just one verse, or may even be a phrase. Other days it is several verses.

Next I write observations about that text. Let the text speak to your heart. Go on a mining expedition and see what the Lord will show you from the text, and the text alone. I will often ask the Holy Spirit to guide me as I study.

Then I take that passage and write an application to my personal life. How did this passage speak to my heart and how can I apply that to my life.

I conclude by writing out a prayer that summarizes what I believe God wants me to do with that passage.

It has been quite refreshing for me to use this approach. It has given me some Freedom Fighter material as well as fodder for messages.

The bottom line is: the more you do it, the more hungrier you become. He wants to speak to your heart. Make an appointment each day with Him. Now what do you do? I’d love to hear from you. — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 18; Deuteronomy 32-32; Mark 15:26-47 (You can follow this plan as well. By reading these passages each day, you will have read through the Bible in a year.)

Great Quote: To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God. William Temple

God Uses Burned Up Stones

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Just a quick word from Bill … When I started the ministry of Freedom Fighters several years ago, my goal was to encourage you to walk in victory, and to share with you from my heart what God was/is teaching me from His Word. My intention for this tool was not to have it be a platform for political or divisive issues. In yesterday’s Freedom Fighter I used an illustration concerning a matter that our Board has been wrestling with, particularly, the Executive and Finance Committee. It was inappropriate for me to use this illustration in the context of a Freedom Fighter without first asking for approval to share that situation. I apologize for any confusion that the illustration might have caused. Thank you for your daily partnership in spreading the message of victory to other men around the globe.

GOD USES BURNED UP STONES

“And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish–stones that are burned?”
(Nehemiah 4:2)

A practical lesson that we learn from Nehemiah is that God used burned stones to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem. Even though Sanballat tried to discourage him, Nehemiah was faithful and obedient, allowing God to clean up the stones and build with them a beautiful and safe wall. From this example we should learn that when we do God’s work, with God’s strength and God’s
materials, we are bound to succeed.

Something similar happens in our lives when we come to Christ, accept His sacrifice and make Him our personal Savior and Lord. In my case, the first few weeks of my new life in Christ were very difficult. I came to Christ through the wonderful testimony and spiritual concern of two beautiful ladies who attended the Hawthorne Gospel Church (NJ).

Even though I began to grow spiritually very quickly (attending Monday Evening Bible School, Wednesday’s prayer service, Friday’s young people’s group and choir, Saturday’s ministries with the Pastor, Sunday services, etc.) I still had some contracts (singing with my guitar) to fulfill at some night clubs in Paterson (NJ), a television presentation in Newark and a theater in New York. It was very clear that I had to decide to seriously welcome the blessings of my new relationship with Christ. I did. And when that happened, every one of my friends in Paterson expressed concern about my sanity, about losing their friendship due to the incompatibility of goals, about the death of my social life, etc. I know now that these were the burned stones that God had to clean and use to reconstruct my new life in Christ.

My pilgrimage in Christ began in May, 1965. I do not know the date when you are reading this testimony but I can assure you that when we do God’s work, with God’s strength and God’s materials, we are bound to succeed. –Jorge and Denise Zambrano serve with HCJB. Jorge is battling cancer and chemo treatments. Please add this special couple to your prayer list.

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 17; Deuteronomy 30-31; Mark 15:1-25

Great Quote: Living in the present means squarely accepting and responding to it as God’s moment for you now while it is called “today” rather than wishing it were yesterday or tomorrow. Evelyn Underhill

Sometimes I Miss the Obvious

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Sometimes I Miss the Obvious

“And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, ‘If the men have come to call you, rise, go with them; but only do what I tell you.” Numbers 22:20

I am reading through the book of Numbers! Wow! Most of the book — well let’s just put it this way — I am really trying to plow through. I must confess that in year’s past, I have not plowed through — but skimmed through — and obviously missed some pretty amazing insights that I needed to hear.

Saturday and Sunday’s readings were about Balaam and the donkey! If you remember the story, Balak want Balaam to curse the people who appeared to be more mighty than him and his people. Every time Balaam went to curse the people, God instructed him not to, and gave him the reasons why.

God made it very clear to Balaam not to cave into what Balak wanted him to do and instructed him to ONLY do what HE (the Lord) told him to do. Like most of us, Balaam decides to do things his way, and starts out on a journey riding his favorite donkey!

God stepped in and sent the angel of the Lord to stand in the way. Good old Balaam was so set on doing his thing that he missed the obvious. Not so for the dumb donkey! Actually the donkey had more smarts than Balaam because her vision was so clear that she saw the angel of the Lord and refused to move!!! (Now I could really get myself in trouble here — Did you ever notice that our wives are sometimes like the donkey? They have this God-wired discernment to be able to see things that we men just miss! Not that I am calling Jan a donkey — don’t get me into trouble!!!)

The first time the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she moved and walked away. The second time, she pushed old Balaam up against the wall to hurt his foot to get his attention. The old boy still didn’t get it. The third time, the old girl just laid down!!!

I bet the old boy was frustrated. Then all of a sudden the Lord opened old Balaam’s eyes! He immediately got down on his hands and knees. I bet he was muttering, “That stupid old mule had more sense than me. How could I have missed the obvious?

The angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me. Wow!!!

Can I ask you a question? Have you ever thought about how many times the Lord has brought something into your life to protect you from making a wrong choice, walking in the wrong direction, or providing that unique way of escape when faced with temptation. The answer is right in front on your face — except that we are so bent on doing it our way, or doing our own thing, that we miss the obvious!!!

Recently we have been faced with a very difficult decision as Board. From all appearances the desired outcome could have been phenomenal. But every way has been blocked with questions and confusion that I believe came from the Lord to keep us from making a wrong decision that could have had monumental implications. Many of us where praying, “Lord, show us the way. Make the path clear! Open our eyes so that we walk in the right way.”

As hard as it was to walk away from what could have been an amazing opportunity, there is peace because God showed up in very special way and made the way clear. We could have forged ahead and missed the signposts that the Lord was giving us.

Thankfully, Balaam was willing to say, “I blew it! I sinned. I did what was evil in Your sight, Lord.” And he turned back! I wrote in my journal today, that I want to be that sensitive to the Lord. When He shows me the way to walk — I want to be obedient to move forward, or turn around and walk in a different direction. How about you? Is there something in your life where you are missing the obvious? If so, repent! Preach the gospel to yourself, and turn around and walk HIS way! — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 16; Deuteronomy 28-29; Mark 14:54-72

Great Quote: Character is made up of small duties faithfully performed–of self-denials, of self-sacrifices, of kindly acts of love and duty. Anonymous

Worship — It’s Not Just for Sunday

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WORSHIP – IT’S NOT JUST FOR SUNDAY

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15)

Who should worship? Anyone who has placed their trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior has the privilege of worshipping the one true God. I Peter 2:9 says “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

Why should we worship? Because God desires to have a personal relationship with us, He created us for His glory that we might worship Him. Romans 12:1-2 says “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.

When should we worship? Hebrews 13:15 says “Through Jesus, therefore let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess His name.” A.W. Tozer said “It does not seem to be very well recognized that God’s highest desire is that every one of His believing children should so love and so adore Him that we are constantly in His presence, in Spirit and in Truth.” “True worship of God must be a constant and consistent attitude or state of mind within the believer.” I Thessalonians 5:17 says “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

How should we worship? Deuteronomy 6:5 says “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Colossians 3:16-17 says “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” I Chronicles 28:9 says “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” Robert Hayes is Director of Program Ministries at America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 15; Deuteronomy 25-27; Mark 14:27-53

Great Quote: It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to. C. S. Lewis

Reverse Phariseeism (Part 3)

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Reverse Phariseeism (Part 3)

Here are the last of Dr. Harold Vaughn’s observations on determining if you are struggling with “reverse Phariseeism.”

21. You believe that all the other attributes of God are eclipsed by His love.

22. You esteem feminism virtues, but become uneasy when masculine traits are exalted.

23. You would be offended if someone said you were just as prejudiced as the Pharisee!

Here is Harold’s concluding statement: “Overreaction is never corrective. In fact, overreaction is always destructive because it always creates its own set of problems.

Jesus was full of grace and truth and He warned us to be wary of the leaven of both the Pharisees and the Sadducee’s.

Someone said, ‘Compassion without conviction equals compromise. Conviction without compassion causes contention. But compassion plus conviction equals communication.’ Only through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT can we find godly balance and overflow with GRACE and TRUTH.” — Thanks, Harold for your insights into this timely subject. — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 13; Deuteronomy 19-21; Mark 13:21-37

Great Quote: “The mercy of God is that attribute which we, the fallen, sinful race of Adam, stand in greatest need of, and God has been pleased, according to our needs, more gloriously to manifest this attribute than any other. The wonders of divine grace are the greatest of all wonders. The wonders of divine power and wisdom in the making of this great world are marvelous; many wonderful things have happened since the creation of the world, but none like the wonders of grace. “Grace, grace!” is the sound that the gospel rings with, “Grace, grace!” will be that shout which will ring in heaven forever; and perhaps what the angels sung at the birth of Christ, of God’s good will towards men, is the highest theme that ever they entered upon.” Jonathan Edwards, Sermon “Glorious Grace”.

Reverse Phariseeism (Part 2)

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Reverse Phariseeism (Part 2)

Here is the next set of statements to help determine in you are struggling with “Reverse Phariseeism”

11. You believe there are many roads which lead to eternal life.

12. You view “grace” as a license to sin instead of the power to overcome it.

13. You believe God’s command to separate from error must be repudiated if we are to be effective in the modern world.

14. You have the identical disgust for the Pharisee that he has for you!

15. You think those who hold non-negotiable principles are the main problem.

16. You think the way to reach the world for Christ is to imitate it.

17. You see no significant doctrinal difference between the Apostle Paul and the Pope.

18. You can wink at all manner of compromise as long as it is slanting to the left.

19. You have zero tolerance for “excess” toward the right side of the religious spectrum.

20. You have an extremely generous conscience and great sympathy when it comes to “extravagance” among the left-leaning brethren. — Harold Vaughn — Christ Life Ministries

Well how are you doing? I will share the last five tomorrow and a powerful statement about “reverse Phariseeism” from Harold Vaughn — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 12; Deuteronomy 16-18; Mark 12:1-20

Great Quote: God sees with utter clarity who we are. He is undeceived as to our warts and wickedness. But when God looks at us that is not all He sees. He also sees who we are intended to be, who we will one day become. John Ortberg

Reverse Phariseeism Part 1

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Reverse Phariseeism Part 1

Now maybe you were pleased with yourself after reading through the lists provided the past several days to help determine if you might BE a Pharisee. But those of us who overreact to “Phariseeism” also need to take a look. Harold Vaughn gives some insight into this area:

You may be guilty of REVERSE PHARISEEISM if …

1. You think anyone with higher standards than you is a “legalist.”

2. You have stretched the “narrow gate” that leads to salvation to the point it is no longer “narrow.”

3. You believe those who hold non-negotiable convictions are all Pharisees.

4. You have more question marks than exclamation points when it comes to the authority of God’s Word.

5. You believe what’s “right for you” is true for you and … What’s “right for me” is true for me.

6. There is hardly anything so theologically or ethically bizarre that it would offend your sensibilities.

7. Foundational truths are debatable.

8. You understand how people could feel that referring to God as “Father” expresses a bent toward sexism.

9. You discount the Genesis account of creation because it is inconsistent with science.

10. You believe the criterion of “truth” is sincerity instead of the revealed Word of God.

Hmmmm — something to think about? — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

Check out this weeks STEWARDSHIP INSIGHT BY GEORGE http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/

Thanks for your input yesterday regarding Freedom Fighters. We have a new tool available — a business card size full color invitation to join the Freedom Fighter family. It’s a great way to introduce your friends to this ministry. If you like some, please respond to this email.

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 11; Deuteronomy 13-15; Mark 12:28-44

Great Quote: People talk about the curse of sin, but they do not understand that the whole nature has been infected by sin, and that the curse is one verything. My intellect, has that been defiled by sin? Terribly, and the curse of sin is on it, and therefore my intellect must go down into the death. Ah, I believe that the Church of Christ suffers more today from trusting in intellect, in sagacity, in culture, and in mental refinement, than from almost anything else. The Spirit of the world comes in, and men seek by their wisdom, and by their knowledge, to help the Gospel, and they rob it of its crucifixion mark. Christ directed Paul to go and preach the Gospel of the cross, but to do it not with wisdom of words. The curse of sin is on all that is of nature. Andrew Murray