Don’t think about that big piece of chocolate cake …

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Don’t think about that big piece of chocolate cake — the one that has the wonderful fudgey icing. It’s got several gooey layers that are just oozing with delicious icing. Don’t think about that chocolate cake.

Before you read today’s Freedom Fighter, hear me — it’s not about chocolate cake, so don’t even think about enjoying a piece with your favorite java. A really big piece of chocolate cake isn’t a good way to start off your day. But maybe for a mid-morning snack? Oh yeah — let’s stop talking about the chocolate cake.

Now that I have your attention on, let’s move to what the Lord has been showing me. What are you thinking about right now? My guess is that I have you duped into thinking about … chocolate cake.

The mind is a powerful tool. Did you ever have one of those sleepless nights where you just couldn’t turn your brain off? What occupies your mind? Throughout the day? When you have a free minute or two, what do you think about? What do you think about as you lay down at night to fall asleep?

Studies suggest that men do have one-track minds. I recently read a study that the average man thinks about sex at least 20 times a day. I read the response from a wife who was asked how many times a day her husband thought about sex. Her response? “Too often!”

Seriously, as men we need to think about what we think about. Our thoughts define who we really are. Solomon wrote, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he …” (Proverbs 23:7) Listen to what A. W. Tozer wrote about our thoughts:

What we think about when we are free to think about what we will — that is what we are or will soon become … Anyone who wishes to check on his true spiritual condition may do so by noting what his voluntary thoughts have been over the last hour or days. What has he thought about when free to think of what he pleased?

Toward what has his inner heart turned when it was free to turn where it would? … Such a test is easy to run, and if we are honest with ourselves we can discover not only what we are but what we are going to become. We’ll soon be the sum of our voluntary thoughts …

The best way to control our thoughts is to offer the mind to God in complete surrender. The Holy Spirit will accept it and take control of it immediately. Then it will be relatively easy to think on spiritual things, especially if we train our thoughts by long periods of daily prayer. Long practice in the art of mental prayer (that is, talking to God inwardly as we work or travel) will help to form the habit of holy thought.”

So brothers — what are you thinking about? What are the major themes that occupy your mind? Are you dwelling on areas that you need to surrender to him? The grand connect for us is that fearing God reminds us that HE knows and weighs not only our deeds, words, and actions, but our thoughts!

By the way, what about that chocolate cake? Remember the principle: what we think — we become! That’s why we want you to THINK VICTORY! — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 28; Exodus 19-20; Matthew 18:21-35

Great Quote: What then are we to do about our problems? We must learn to live with them until such time as God delivers us from them…we must pray for grace to endure them without murmuring. Problems patiently endured will work for our spiritual perfecting. They harm us only when we resist them or endure them unwillingly. A. W. Tozer

Adequacy for Inadequacy

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ADEQUACY FOR INADEQUACY

Today’s devotional was written by my Dad-mentor-friend, Pastor Bill Raws. I still miss him so much. His ministry continues through the printed page. This is a keeper!

“God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, having all sufficiency in all things may have an abundance for every good work.” (1 Corinthians 9:8)

The more we learn about the Christian life, the more we sense our inadequacy for living it. If we were to cease our learning at that point, we would become gripped by hopelessness. But God never requires anything of us for which He has not made full provision. One of the Bible books which speaks to the issue of sufficiency or adequacy is 2 Corinthians. Our theme verse gives believers perspective on the resources available and the results anticipated.

Four elements are pointed out by Paul which provide hope. First, the author of our adequacy is God. In assessing the demands for Christian living and ministry we must begin with God (not with ourselves and our resources). Second, His ability to compensate for our inadequacy. One of the most blessed clauses in the scriptures is “He is able.” It is used in giving hope and confidence to God’s people under any type of situation. One of God’s Old Testament names is God Almighty – El Shaddai, the God who is enough. Third, the avenue through which adequacy is provided – “all grace abound.” The Bible presents a number of types of grace provided by God. Included are saving, serving and suffering grace. These are incorporated in the “all grace.” The words all and abound indicate the limitless supply available. Fourth, His aim in extending grace is that believers be fitted for every good work.

In order to emphasize the completeness of the adequacy provided, Paul uses terms of totality – always, all and every. God’s grace is made always available at all times, providing all sufficiency, in all things, so that the believer will have an abundance for every good work.

As reinforcement for our theme verse, we should be reminded of chapter 3, verse 5: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.”

In the light of these passages the believer has no basis for claiming inadequacy for following the will of the Lord. In order to have God’s provision become a reality, appropriation by faith must be exercised on a continuing basis. — Rev. William A. Raws

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 27; Exodus 16-18; Matthew 18:1-20

Great Quote: Prayer changes things–and people. I have found that out so many times but I often wonder how God puts up with me with all my faults and failures. Surely He must have INFINITE patience to put up with all of us who make such blunders as we try to represent Him in this hell-raising world, and to be perfectly frank, ‘We ain’t seen nuthin‘ yet’. –David Otis Fuller

1847 and My Heroes

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1847 and My Heroes

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)

What does the year 1847 and my heroes have in common? Well yesterday we took a road trip to visit Calvary Baptist Church in New York City. The church was founded in 1847 and is located not in a traditional church building. The church is located in the Salisbury Hotel, which is located across the street from Carnegie Hall. The church has had a wonderfully rich heritage of pastors. The preaching of the Word of God has had major significance since 1847.

It has been my privilege to know the last four pastors on a personal level: Dr. Stephen F. Olford, Dr. Donald R. Hubbard, Dr. Jim Rose, and Dr. David Epstein. All four of these great expositors have preached from the pulpit of America’s KESWICK, and are men of integrity and lovers of God and His Word. We attended the contemporary service at 9:30 AM and the traditional service at 11:00.

My new friend, Dr. David Epstein shared a powerful word on NEW BEGINNINGS from 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Isaiah 6. The worship was wonderful at both services, but the second service was my all-time favorite. Colin Fowler is the organist and choir director, and did an amazing job in leading worship from the organ. I have to tell you during the singing of “I Sing the Mighty Power of God,” it was hard to even sing. It was one of those WOW moments.

There were many things that impressed me about our visit to Calvary, but here is one of the major things that I observed: the unity of the body. Every race was represented in the service today. One of the things that the Lord has enabled Calvary to do is break down the walls, and racial reconciliation has obviously been successful. To worship as “one body” this morning was just way too cool.

The other thing that impressed me was Pastor Dave and Sandy’s love for their people and the love the people have for their pastor and his wife. Dave loves the Lord, the Word of God, and the people of his congregation. At times it seemed that he was going to burst. Staying the course is not always easy, especially when you are 162 years old. Today was a good example of Paul’s admonition to the church at Corinth: “BE STEADFAST, IMMOVABLE — ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD — KNOWING THAT IN THE LORD YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN.”

To Pastor Dave and Sandy, and our many new friends at Calvary — keep at it. Stay the course. It is worth it. To my brothers (and sisters) who read Freedom Fighters — stay at it. IT IS WORTH IT! — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

For more information about Calvary Church, check out their website: http://www.cbcnyc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=3

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 26; Exodus 14-15; Matthew 17

Great Quote: But have we Holy Spirit power – power that restricts the devil’s power, pulls down strongholds and obtains promises? Daring delinquents will be damned if they are not delivered from the devil’s dominion. What has hell to fear other than a God-anointed, prayer-powered church? — Leonard Ravenhill

A Disciple’s Renewal

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A Disciple’s Renewal

I have been very fascinated with the prayers that are recorded for us by some of the Puritans. There is a depth to the prayers that are so missing today. If you’ve never seen it, there is a collection of prayers called “The Valley of Vision”, which is available from Amazon.com or CBD.com. It is a worthwhile investment for a Freedom Fighter!!!

Here is a prayer to help focus our thinking on this Lord’s Day:

O my Savior,
Help me.
I am slow to learn,
so prone to forget,
so weak to climb;
I am in the foothills when I should be on the heights;
I am pained by my graceless heart,
my prayerless days,
my poverty of love,
my sloth in the heavenly race,
my sullied conscience,
my wasted hours,
my unspent opportunities.
I am blind while light shines around me:
take the scales from my eyes,
grind to dust the evil heart of unbelief.
Make it my chiefest joy to study You,
meditate on You,
gaze on You,
sit like Mary at Your feet,
lean like John on Your breast,
appeal like Peter to Your love,
count like Paul all things dung.
Give me an increase and progress in grace
so that there may be
more decision in my character,
more vigour in my purposes,
more elevation in my life,
more fervour in my devotion,
more constancy in my zeal.
As I have a position in the world,
keep me from making the world my position;
May I never seek in the creature
what can only be found in the Creator.
Let not faith cease from seeking You
until it vanishes into sight.
Ride forth in my, thou King of kings
and Lord of lords,
that I may live victoriously,
and in victory attain my end.
Amen

Powerful prayer for you and I to pray today as we celebrate this wonderful Lord’s day. — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 25; Exodus 12-13; Matthew 16

Great Quote: “A Christian’s life is full of mysteries: poor and yet rich; base and yet exalted; shut out of the world and yet admitted into the company of saints and angels; slighted, and yet dear to God; the world’s dirt, and God’s jewels.”
– Thomas Manton

God Answers Prayer

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God Answers Prayer

“When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; and my prayer went up to You, into Your holy temple.” Jonah 2:7

I grew up in a home where I had parents who believed God answers prayer. My childhood was filled with people from our home church that prayed with great fervency and trusted that God would answer prayer.

We had a dear friend who was an amazing prayer warrior, well into her 90’s. When she prayed, I am convinced she had God’s ear. One time we were struggling with a co-worker who was being a nudge. I shared my desire to see things rectified and she committed to pray. That night, our co-worker ended up in the ER of the local hospital and almost died.

The next morning I called her and said, “Ma, I asked you to pray that the Lord would change the situation, not take the guy out.” To which she replied, “If you don’t like the way I pray, don’t ask me to pray!”

Yesterday we had a day of prayer on behalf of a staff couple whose marriage is ready to end. We are not ready to give up, so we joined together to ask God to intervene in His way, in His time, for HIS glory. I don’t know HOW or WHEN God will answer the prayers of His people, but I believe HE WILL BE FAITHFUL and answer our prayers.

This morning I was praying with a co-worker who shared a burden he was bearing with another staff member. He prayed for this man and asked that he would have the courage to come and speak with me. We opened our eyes, and guess what — the man was standing outside my office ready to meet me! What an amazing answer to prayer.

Some of you know our dear friend, Calvin Hunt from the Brooklyn Tabernacle. His testimony is so amazing. I don’t have the space to share his story, but the day he was saved, the church and his family were meeting in the church crying out to God for His salvation. Calvin was on the other side of town stealing things from his own home. He shares how we was walking from room to room hearing crying and wailing. It was horrible. It so ticked him off that went to the church.

Upon entering the sanctuary, he heard the same crying and wailing from the hundreds of people. They were crying out to God on behalf of Calvin Hunt. That day, Calvin Hunt came to Christ.

Now I have to tell you that when I hear those kinds of testimonies, they don’t necessarily fit into my “theological box.” Does that kind of stuff really happen? It sure does. Dare I trust in a God who can answer my prayers in dramatic ways as well little ways? Am I willing to take the risk and cry out to God on behalf of those who are lost and dying without Christ? Am I willing to believe that the God who answered prayer in the Scriptures is the same God who can answer prayer today?

I want to be that bold in my praying. Prayer does change things. And most often, it changes me! — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 24; Exodus 9-11; Matthew 15:21-39

Great Quote: God can change our circumstances, but sometimes He waits for us to show
real desire for change as well as our faith in Him. Anne Graham Lotz

God is Our EVER PRESENT HELP

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GOD IS OUR EVER PRESENT HELP

“Why, O Lord, do you stand far off?” (Psalm10:1)

Admit it — sometimes life just doesn’t make sense. I my years in ministry I have seen some of the most bizarre situations develop in the lives of people I love that just doesn’t make any logical sense.

Seeing people go through sickness is hard enough, but when we see so many couples throwing in the towel — it is really hard to understand.

Right now we have two friends whose marriage is on the brink of disaster. Without a miracle from God, the husband is done. I am really struggling with trying to understand this mess and have cried out to God with many of our friends to plead, “God, please show up!”

Today’s reading from STREAMS IN THE DESERT, couldn’t be more appropriate and timely:

“God is … an ever present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1) But He allows trouble to pursue us, as though He were indifferent to its overwhelming pressure, so we may be brought to the end of ourselves. Through the trial, we are led to discover the treasure of darkness and immeasurable wealth of tribulation.

We may be sure that He who allows the suffering is with us throughout it. It may be that we will only see Him once the ordeal is nearly passed, but we must dare to believe that He never leaves our trial. Our eyes are blinded so that we cannot see the One our soul loves. The darkness and our bandages blind us so that we cannot see the form of our High Priest. Yet He is there and is deeply touched.

Let us not rely on our feelings but trust in His unswerving faithfulness. And though we cannot see Him, let us talk to Him. Although His presence is veiled, once we begin to speak to Jesus as if He were literally present, an answering voice comes to show us He is in the shadow, keeping watch over His own. Your Father is as close to you when you journey through the darkest tunnel as He is when you are under the open heaven!”

Wow! I needed that this morning. Thank You, Lord, for this wonderful reminder. Please, Lord! Help my friends for YOUR glory and their good. — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 23; Exodus 7-8; Matthew 15:1-20

Great Quote: “Losses and disappointments are the trials of our faith, our patience, and our obedience. When we are in the midst of prosperity, it is difficult to know whether we have a love for the Benefactor or only for His benefits. It is in the midst of adversity that our piety is put to the trial.”
– John Fawcett

Check out this week’s STEWARDSHIP INSIGHT BY GEORGE:

http://www.americaskeswick.org/363836.ihtml#h_6406

Encourage One Another

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Encourage One Another

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Be restored, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 CSB

I am writing from the Chesapeake Lodge at Sandy Cove in North East, MD. I am attending the Christian Camp and Conference Association Mid-Atlantic Conference where almost 200 camp and conference personnel have gathered together for three days of learning, fellowship and encouragement. I was asked to lead worship for the conference, which is cool because I lead worship at this conference for the first time 21 years ago.

Quite honestly I came to the conference expecting to be more involved with encouraging other brothers serving in ministry. While that is exactly what I have been privileged to do, I was not prepared for the outpouring of encouragement that I received personally, especially from so many guys who are reading Freedom Fighters each day. It was almost comical at one point that four guys almost five minutes apart came to me to let me know how much the daily ministry has been in their lives.

Each of the men shared specific FF that ministered to them on a specific day. The fifth man shared about how God has used the teaching on “The Camels Are Coming.” I was blown away because recently I have found myself checking myself to see if this was a ministry that I should be doing or one that was being done in the flesh.

The Lord used the encouragement of my dear brothers to help me see that this was something I needed to continue to do. As I read 2 Corinthians 13:11, I was convicted yet again about the value of encouragement. Everyone of us needs to realize how important an encouraging word can be to our wives, kids, and fellow employees. Your Pastor may be starving from encouragement malnutrition.

As I reflected on what President Bush might be feeling today, I felt bad that he left office with so little encouragement. I was appalled to read the report that on the way to the Capital for President Obama’s inauguration, 1000 people greeted President Bush with the finger! That is very sad.

Are you a man who is known for being an encourager? I want to be known for being an encourager. With God’s help, I can do that for HIS glory. — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 22

Great Quote: “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” – Clarence Thomas (C.T.) Studd

A Threefold Victory

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…fashioned like unto his glorious body… (Philippians 3:21)

             The motto of America’s KESWICK states that it is a place and a ministry “where God speaks to hearts and transforms lives.”  Through the years thousands have come to KESWICK with such a desire, a need, and an expectation.  Many have heard the message of hope and have expressed hope in the message.  Some have asked, “What is the key to a transformed life?  Is there such a thing as a victorious life?”  Others have referred to “the formula” for such a changed and victorious life as “a secret.”

             For some the “victorious life”appears to be a mystery solved by only a few.  Yet “victory” is the theme of our Bible and the provision of our Lord.  Examine our verses for the day as an illustration.

             “For our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself” (Phil. 3:20-21).

             Here is a threefold victory.  First, our Lord shall “change our vile body.”  We may have difficulty in acknowledging that our body is vile, that it is humiliated to the degree of such serious need.  We may have the difficulty in understanding that our Lord can in fact change such a body.  We may call it a “key,” but it is certainly no “secret,” that acknowledging both our need and His provision are essential to victorious living.

             Secondly, our Lord shall “fashion” our new body “…like unto His glorified body….” The design of our life belongs to Him.  That must be our expectation and our willingness.  We must cooperate but not dictate.  When He begins to perfect the changes inherent in our redemption and along the lines of His design, we must give to Him our will but not our opinion.

             Thirdly, our Lord shall “subdue” our changed body – and “all things unto Himself.”  If we are to have victory now we acknowledge our de-crowning in submission to His subduing.  That is grace on His part, yieldedness on ours, and victory in all.

 Dr. Robert L. Alderman – from the KESWICK devotional Real Victory for Real Life – 365 Devotional Thoughts in the Spirit of America’s KESWICK 


 Scripture Reading:  Exodus 1-3, Matthew 14:1-21, Proverbs 21


“Promotion, publicity, personality, politics, popularity and even prosperity we have in abundance. But there is a dearth of God-empowered men and women with a deep love for the Savior, unconditional commitment to Him and complete indifference to their own well-being.”

James R. Graham

A Recipe of Motivation

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A RECIPE FOR MOTIVATION

“Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God…”
(1 Kings 18:37)

Throughout First Kings 17 and 18, we see Elijah quickly and courageously obeying the Lord. His obedience led him all the way to Mount Carmel to a showdown with the prophets of Baal. Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal, “If the Lord is God, follow Him, if Baal, follow him” (18:21).
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What motivated Elijah to stand so firmly on his convictions? What motivated him to go out on the limb and put God to the test? The answer is found in his prayer for God to send the fire to consume the sacrifice (18:36-37).

Elijah’s motive for ministry and service is revealed in his prayer. He was captivated by the majesty of God. Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let be known this day that you are God in Israel.” An accurate understanding of who God is will motivate us to serve Him obediently and courageously.

The prophet was genuinely excited about being on the Lord’s side. He declared, “…and that I am your servant.” Do you recognize what an awesome privilege it is to be a servant of God?

Elijah also was motivated by obedience to God, “…and that I have done all these things at Your word.” When you examine the life of Elijah you will find that when God spoke Elijah obeyed. Are you motivated by a desire to be an obedient Christian?

We also find in Elijah’s prayer that he was in communion with God, “Hear me O Lord, hear me…”. Courage and motivation to stand for God in the difficult times will be found in unbroken communion with Him. How is your communion with God?
Lastly, Elijah was motivated by a concern for others to know God, “…that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.” A desire for others to know God should compel us to be faithful to our Lord.

What motivates you? Dr.Roger D. Willmore is a member of the Board of Reference of America’s KESWICK and a popular speaker at our summer conferences. Today’s devotional is from REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE.

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 20; Genesis 49-50; Matthew 13:31-58

Great Quote:“Grace is totally alien to human psychology. We want to get our house in order and then let God love and accept us. The psychology of works-righteousness and self-certification is foundation to the human psyche and totally at odds with grace. The deep-seated way humans resist divine grace helps us understand something about the fear of love. While some people fear any love, what most of us resist in unconditional love—perfect love. The reason for this is that such love demands surrender…I am willing to accept measured doses of love as long as it doesn’t upset the basic framework of my world. That framework is built on the assumption that people get what they deserve…what humans want is to earn the love we seek. The Christian God comes to us as wholly other—so different from the gods of my imagination, so far beyond my control…God invites us to let him rid us for our fears and heal us by his love.” David Benner

Fighting the Good Fight of Faith

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FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race , I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim 4:7

I accepted Christ as my Savior , Lord , and eternal “Commanding Officer” late in my
military career but as I began to read the Bible I was immediately struck by how familiar
I was from my military experience with much of the Biblical terminology and concepts.
It was almost as if God gave military personnel a running start to help them quickly ”get
up to speed “ on the Christian life. Bible terms like “duty”,” honor”, “sacrifice”
“responsibility” , “hardship” and “discipline” are also a major part of all military
training and heritage.

Now after having been a “Christian soldier” for almost twenty years I have continued to realize that even though the spiritual battle is against a different enemy, the mindset and approach to defeating Satan is similar to defeating a military foe. Just like no warrior would think of going into battle unarmed , barefoot dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, I have learned how I need to put on the armor of God every day for the spiritual battles that I will face (Ephesinas 6).

This means putting on the sturdy belt of truth , the body armor of God’s righteousness, the special shoes of peace that comes from the Good News ,a shield of faith , a helmet of salvation, and armed with the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God . In short , I need to be dressed for battle in order to withstand the devil’s schemes.

Another similarity I have found between the spiritual life and the military is the
heritage of heroes and role models. Just like men and women who have distinguished
themselves militarily , the Bible has an honor roll celebrating heroes of the faith
(Hebrews 11) … people like Noah , Abraham , Sarah , Moses and Rahab , and then there
are the hundreds of “unknown soldiers “ and unsung heroes .Men and women who
carried a message , spoke an encouraging word, or simply prayed .

Yes there are certainly lots of similarities but there is at least one very important
difference . That is on how one can qualify to be a Christian soldier . While not everyone
can qualify for the military due to testing , physical issues , past records , etc there are no such qualifications to becoming a Christian. Becoming a Christian soldier is open to anyone who is willing to accept the free gift of salvation , to put off the old man and to get in step with his plan for your life.. The Lord desires any man who will stand in the gap on His behalf (Ez 22:30). The question is : will you be that man? — Tom Day is a minister in Memphis, TN and a friend and supporter of the men of the Colony of Mercy.

God’s WORD for YOU: Proverbs 19; Genesis 46-48; Matthew 17:1-30

Great Quote: I want the whole Christ for my Saviour, the whole Bible for my book, the whole Church for my fellowship, and the whole world for my mission field. John Wesley