JJ DID TIE BUCKLE

“He has showed you, O man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Good morning, brothers. For the next five days, my good friend and co-worker, Pastor Mike Woods will be sharing our devotional thoughts to kick-start your day in THINKING VICTORY. Pastor Mike is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries for Men at America’s KESWICK.

I recently spent 3 days canoeing 28 miles and camping along the banks of the Delaware River with men from my church. It was a retreat unlike any other. We looked at the character qualities of leadership and what it would take for us to be the men of God that we are called to be. One thing that impressed me while out there was the way all of us looked out for one another. We helped each other with setting up camp, breaking it down, loading the canoes, making sure the dads with their young sons (we had 3 boys under 10 yrs. old with us) were able to make it down the river.

In preparing for the trip, each canoe had three colored cards. Red was that there was a problem with one of the canoes and that we needed to stop and help the canoe in trouble. Yellow was to indicate a “Rally Point.” A rally point is a place on the bank of the river that if any canoe lagged behind and lost the rest of the group, they were to wait at the rally point for the other canoes to find them. Green meant that there were no problems and that the group was together. The next series of Freedom Fighters will focus on the character qualities of leadership that that were explored over those Three days as well as the Spiritual applications of the three cards.

To aid in remembering the qualities of leadership that men of God must build into their lives, Our lead Pastor Bob Nash shared an acrostic that covers each aspect – JJ DID TIE BUCKLE. Bob learned this from his days serving in the US Marine Corps. The first letter J stands for Justice.

Justice implies that which is right or righteous. The Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines Justice as the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness. If you think about it, Jesus called those who hungered and thirsted for righteousness blessed (Matt 5:6). Those who practice justice do what’s right because it’s the right thing to do – and this is what is pleasing to God. There is not even a hint of favoritism because he deals equitably with everyone he comes in contact with. Micah 6:8 reminds us that “He has showed you, O man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” One of the men I had the privilege of serving with was John Caruthers. This was his life verse. He would preach with passion to us to “Be Right.”
“Be Reasonable.” “Be Real.” John had an uncanny way of getting your attention in his teaching. He is currently walking the streets of Gold at home with our Savior. John modeled this quality of Justice while he served at the Colony.

Well, how about you? Are you hungering and thirsting for righteousness? Do you act justly? Perhaps there may be someone who has impacted your life with this quality. If you were to attribute this quality to someone (whether it be a bible character, friend, co-worker, etc) who would it be? Ask God to build this quality into your life with increasing measure.

Great Quote: The soul that waits upon the Lord is the soul that is entirely surrendered to Him, and that trusts Him perfectly. Therefore we might name our wings the wings of Surrender and of Trust. If we will only surrender ourselves utterly to the Lord, and will trust Him perfectly, we shall find our souls “mounting up with wings as eagles” to the “heavenly places” in Christ Jesus, where earthly annoyances or sorrows have no power to disturb us.– Hannah Whitall Smith

ACCEPT THE CIRCUMSTANCES
“And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purposes.” Romans 8:28

Following through yesterday’s devotional, PRESSED OUT PRESSED IN – this is a good follow-up story:

“The reason why you are in that “place” today is simply in order that you might trust God. Do not pull strings. Do not hold committee meetings. Do not wangle things. Do not manipulate. Do not scheme, and do not plan. Sit still and trust God, and He will deliver you from your self-despair, from the sentence of death. Then the second thing is that we must be willing to ACCEPT THE CIRCUMSTANCES of the hour, and believe that ALL things work together for good to them that are called of God. We must be prepared to accept our circumstances as they are. I believe that quite a lot of people grieve the Spirit of God just at this particular place. They are not prepared to accept the circumstances of their lives, as God has given them, and allowed them to come.

I remember meeting a lady during the war, and I said, ‘How are you getting on?
‘Well,’ she said, ‘I am very well UNDER the circumstances.’And I asked, ‘How is your husband?’‘He’s in the Armed Forces and under the circumstances he’s all right.’‘And how’s your daughter?’‘She is in the army, and what can you expect under the circumstances?’

This dear lady had the whole family ‘UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES!’ And circumstances are like a feather bed: if you are on top you are comfortable, but if you are underneath, you are smothered.

I have in my office some words which were written by Samuel Rutherford, which, apart from the Scriptures, mean more to me than any other words. The words are simply these: “EXPOSE YOURSELF TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HIS CHOICE!”

What does this mean? It means that when you and I present ourselves to God in the morning, and present the day to Him, nothing can come into your day that is not allowed by the PERMISSIVE will of God. Everything has its place, and everything has its purpose. Such things may come in as cut right across our own little plans; such things might disturb, as might change: but if we have committed our way to God, everything that comes into that day is allowed by His permissive will.

We do not rebel against it, because that only embitters the soul, and loses the very blessing that God wants to give us; but we expose ourselves to it. We say, ‘O God, I accept this, and I accept it cheerfully; in fact, I rejoice IN it, because there is some lesson that You want to teach me. And I believe that the greatest lesson of all that YOU want to teach me, is just to trust YOU when I can’t see you. Accept the circumstances, then, as they are.” From HIS VICTORIOUS INDWELLING (Zondervan)

So how about you, today? Are you pressed out? Living UNDER the circumstances? How about learning with me today – ACCEPT THE CIRCUMSTANCES knowing that Romans 8:28 is indeed true!

Great quote: Any victory that does not more than conquer is just an imitation victory. While we are suppressing and wrestling, we are only imitating victory. If Christ lives in us, we will rejoice in everything, and we will thank and praise the Lord. We will say, “Hallelujah! Praise the Lord” forever. Watchman Nee

PRESSED OUT OR PRESSED INTO

“And we know that in ALL things GOD works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purposes.” Romans 8:28

This has been a week of intense “stuff,” not just for me but for my staff. Several of our staff families have been going through some very difficult times. I know of several men in ministry right now that have been going through “stuff” where they serve and it is difficult. And my guess is that some of you may be there … Well may these words comfort and encourage you this morning:

“Let me ask you a question: Are you pressed beyond measure? Are you pressed above strength? Have you come to the place in your life where you say, ‘It’s all right for other people, but somehow it won’t work in my case … What’s the use of me talking about a holy life? … What’s the use of me talking about full surrender? … What’s the use of me talking about the dedicated life of a the ministry of Jesus Christ? I am in a particular situation for which there is no way out; there’s no way back; there’s no way through. I can’t find the answer!”

The answer is to trust God JUST WHERE YOU ARE:
Pressed out of measure and pressed to all length;
Pressed so intensely it seems beyond strength;
Pressed in body, pressed in the soul,
Pressed in the mind till the dark surges roll;
Pressed by foe and pressure from friend,
Pressure on pressure till life nearly ends.

Is that it?
Then listen. If you are pressed out … you are PRESSED IN!

Pressed into knowing no helper but God,
Pressed into loving the staff and the rod,
Pressed into faith for IMPOSSIBLE things,
Pressed into living a life in the Lord,
Pressed into living a Christ-life outpoured.

So where are you this morning? Pressed out or Pressed in? More on this tomorrow.

Great quote: “The promises of God are the powerhouse of blessing, the eternal tools of God whereby victories are won and character is carved out of the bedrock of human experience. And remember, every promise is available. Nothing is withheld, because the Lord Jesus Christ is God’s “YES” to every question arising from the promise of His Word.” John Hunter

NO PRIVATE CLOSETS
” ‘Yet even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘Return to Me with ALL your heart, and with fasting, weeping and mourning'” (Joel 2:12)

Years ago I read a powerful little book MY HEART, CHRIST’S HOME that had significant impact on my life. The message of the book is this – we need to invite the Lord Jesus into every nook and cranny of our lives. Our heart is like a house – filled with rooms. We will invite him into the living room, dining room, and the kitchen – but He wants access to the closets, the hidden spots in the house.

I read this devotional this morning and I thought it was worth your consideration this morning:
“God’s desire for His children is that they be wholly set apart for Him. God must not be confined to Sundays, quiet times, or deeper life conferences. He is the God of the every day, the kitchen as well as the sanctuary, the golf course as well as the altar. Similarly in my life there can be NO PRIVATE CLOSETS to which the Lord has no access. If I make a separation between my God and my business, I am making a sorry mistake.

I must not repeat Saul’s mistake of keeping a part of God’s property for myself (See 1 Samuel 15:9). The sanctification must be whole, complete, even down to the ‘pots and pans’ of the kitchen. I cannot say, ‘Lord, save my soul, but leave my mind and heart alone.’ I cannot offer Him my spirit but retain the full right to use my body as I wish. I cannot seat Jesus in the parlor of my life but shut Him out of my study, my family room, or my bedroom.

Paul prayed for the Thessalonian believers: ‘May your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete’ (1 Thessalonians 5:23). That is all of us, complete and entire! F. B. Meyer kept the key to one closet of His life that was off limits to God. Not until he surrendered the key did he have peace, and not until the closet was cleansed did he have power.

God wants to become very personal with you and me. He wants to socialize with me, ‘eating and drinking’ with me, as Jesus did with the people. He wants to make every area of my life ‘awesome,’ as He made Bethel for Jacob (Genesis 28:17). He wants to be the Master of my thoughts as well as my emotions, instincts, and even my subconscious. When HE becomes all that, my life will become radiant with His abounding presence.” From DAILY WITH THE KING (Moody Press)

So what about you today? Have you given HIM every part of your heart-home? Or are you holding on to a closet? Drawer? Corner of the garage? Why not give Him COMPLETE access. It is worth it! Think about it!

Great quote: If you…come to Christ, he will appear as a Lion, in his glorious power and dominion, to defend you. All those excellencies of his, in which he appears as a lion, shall be yours, and shall be employed for you in your defense, for your safety, and to promote your glory; he will be as a lion to fight against your enemies. He that touches you, or offends you, will provoke his wrath, as he that stirs up a lion. Unless your enemies can conquer this Lion, they shall not be able to destroy or hurt you. Unless they are stronger than he, they shall not be able to hinder your happiness. Jonathan Edwards

A MAN’S INTEGRITY
“Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, FIX YOUR THOUGHTS ON JESUS, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.” Hebrews 3:1

I want to first of all tell you how grateful I am that you are on this journey with me in desiring to be a FREEDOM FIGHTER. I realize everyday how important it is for us to walk in the victory that has been made possible for us through Jesus Christ. Every day I also am aware that there is one who desires to take us out. That is why it is important for us to be encouraging each other to THINK VICTORY!

Here is a powerful word on INTEGRITY. A message that we need to hear often …

“Integrity is an inner quality that affects our OUTER deeds. It brings together all that a man is, from the INSIDE out. In the compartmentalized, fragmented, and superficial culture, where men have learned to hide their feelings, carry incredible burdens, and stand alone in the face of a hostile world, integrity has taken a back seat.

In nearly every business in this land, including the institutionalized church, power is often more highly prized that integrity. On the outside we are building our walls, boundaries, and kingdoms, but on the inside we are running as fast as we can just to keep up.

Our sons, however, deserve better than to be handed a legacy of deceit, fear, compromise, and isolation. They must be taught that weakness is not failure and that even failure is a gift in the journey of life. To need relationships, to cry out for help, to weep at pain and sorrow, to share honestly with others the condition of a wounded heart is not to be any less of a man. These are the marks of a man of integrity, a man who recognizes that failure and loneliness and need and fear are the building blocks of faith.

A man of integrity is man enough to admit that he doesn’t have all the answers. A man of integrity makes a promise intending to keep his word, even if it costs him dearly. A man of integrity admits failure and asks forgiveness when even his best intentions cannot or are not fulfilled; he picks himself right up in the light of grace and forges ahead, learning from his defeats.

A man of integrity is committed to the law of loving his neighbor as himself, WHOEVER that neighbor happens to be. Most of all, a man of integrity loves Jesus Christ with passion, trusts Jesus Christ with fervor, and follows Jesus Christ with focused dedication.

Call your son to integrity. Invite him into the turbulent waters of faith as he grows up. Allow him to see you struggle with compromise and failure and arrogance and fear. Grant him permission to care for you when you are in need, without burdening him beyond what he can bear. Give him the gift of a father who is authentic, a dad more concerned with truth that personal acclaim. Pass on to your son the torch of faith in Jesus Christ, the ‘high priest whom we confess.'” (Hebrews 3:1) – Steve Lee and Chap Clark – Boys to Men

That was a powerful word for me today and I hope it will be another building block in your life and mine as we THINK VICTORY! Thanks for being my friend.

Great quote: O how near are we to each other when we are all united in God! How well do we converse when we have but a single will and a single thought in Him who is all things in us! Would you find your true friends, then? Seek them only in Him who is the single source of true and eternal friendship. Would you speak with or hear from them? Sink in silence into the bosom of Him who is the word, the life, and the soul of all those who speak and live the truth. You will find in Him not only every want supplied, but everything perfect, which you find so imperfect in the creatures in whom you confide. Francois Fenelon

THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH
“Summon your power, O God; show us YOUR strength.” Psalm 68:28

Did you ever find yourself so overwhelmed with life that you want to just crawl back into bed and pull up the covers? I am still trying to learn the lesson that I can’t do ANYTHING in my own strength – but with His strength – wow! This is what I read about HIS strength this morning from STREAMS IN THE DESERT (Zondervan):

“The Lord imparts to me the underlying strength of character that gives me the necessary energy and decision-making ability to live my life. He strengthens me ‘with power through his Spirit in my inner being.’ (Ephesians 3:16) And the strength He gives is continuous, for HE is a source of power I cannot exhaust.

1. “Your strength will equal your days” (Deut. 33:25) – my strength of will, affection, judgment, ideals, and achievements will last a lifetime.

2. ” The LORD is MY strength” (Exodus 15:2) to GO ON. He gives me the power to walk the long, straight, and level path, even when the monotonous way has no turns or curves offering pleasant surprises and when my spirit is depressed with the terrible drudgery.

3. “The Lord is my strength” to GO UP. He is my power to climb the straight and narrow path up the Hill of Difficulty, as Christian did in Pilgrim’s Progress, and not be afraid.

4. “The Lord is my strength” to GO DOWN. It is often once I leave the invigorating heights, where the wind and the sunlight have surrounded me, and begin to descend to the more confining, humid, and stifling heat of the valley below that my heart grows faint. In fact, I recently heard someone say, referring to his own increasing physical frailty, ‘It is coming down that tires me most!’

5. “The Lord is my strength” to SIT STILL. And what a difficult accomplishment this is! I often say to others during those times when I am compelled to be still, “If only I could do something!” I feel like the parent by his sick child but is powerless to heal. What a severe test! Yet to do NOTHING except to sit still and wait requires tremendous strength. The LORD is my strength! Our competence comes from God. – 2 Corinthians 3:5

So what about you, today? Whatever it is you are facing, my friend – HE IS YOUR STRENGTH – whether it is to GO ON, GO UP, GO DOWN or to SIT STILL – Be encouraged – HE IS YOUR STRENGTH. You will be like Nehemiah that can say even in the midst of the struggles of life – “THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH!”

Great Quote: A man broken by God, is an obedient man. Further, he is a vulnerable man, vulnerable to feeling the hurts, pains and grief’s of the people he must serve. God breaks a person, not to let goodness OUT, but to let goodness IN. Something enters him that flavors his whole being, tenderizes his heart, and makes him able to empathize with others.” – Glynn Evans

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
“And let us consider one another to provoke to love and good works.”
Hebrews 10:24

I believe in the local church. God has ordained it and there is no getting around it friend – we need to be a part of a local church. One radio preacher has said that the church is dead and no longer at work there. I can’t figure out how an intelligent man can say that, but know this – no church is perfect. And if you found one, you just ruined it!

The church isn’t about a building, pews, chairs, pianos, organs or drums. It’s about people. It’s a place for people to grow in their relationship with God and each other. As members of the body of Christ we are to be a part of each other’s lives. In fact, the writer of Hebrews says that we are to “PROVOKE” each other, not in a bad way, but in a positive way.

Two words in this verse for your consideration this morning. 1) “Consider” – I learned this morning that this word means “to thoroughly think something through or to ponder something from the top all the way to the bottom. It is mulling over something over; carefully contemplating a matter; pondering and carefully looking at a particular issue; examining and fully studying a subject.

One commentator says that “this word pictures someone who is so concerned about someone else that he has taken the time to really consider that other person. He has observed that person’s ups and downs and his highs and lows. He has studied to find out what helps that person feel encouraged and what events tend to pull him down. Because he has determined to really know and understand that other person, he invests a great deal of time and concentration into studying and getting to know that other person. This kind of knowledge doesn’t come by accident, but by determined pursuit! The writer of Hebrews uses this word to convey a picture of a loving community where people are concerned about each other’s welfare. In fact, they are constantly observing and contemplating each other to know how to encourage and provoke each other to love and to good works.”

The second word is “provoke” – not in a bad way, but in a positive way for the purpose of prodding and impelling a person to do something. How do we accomplish that? One writer says “you sharpen a brother, prod him, impel him, and inspire him to keep on fighting the good fight of faith … We are to get involved in the local church, not just for our own benefit, but to be benefit to others as well. We need people who will love us, observe us, and support us when we are struggling or standing on a word from God. But at the same time, others need that assistance too … The local church should be a place of victory where faith is built up, the soul is encouraged, and wisdom and strength are imparted. It’s a community where faith lives and triumphs through a family of believers’ love and concern for each other.” -Rick Renner – Sparkling Gems from the Greek

My question to you is this … have you considered how you can make that kind of a difference in someone’s life today? Don’t get wrapped up in the culture of “it’s all about me!” Find another brother in your community of believers and do what Hebrews suggests: “And constantly be observing one another; seriously contemplating, studying, and examining each other, until you know exactly how to incite and stimulate each other to love and to good works!”

Great quote: “If only one believer with total faith rises up, the history of the world will be changed. Will YOU be that one to rise up, submitting yourself to the sovereignty and guidance of God our Father?” A. E. Mc Adam

BRINGING CORRECTION IN SOMEONE ELSE’S LIFE

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient. That means you must put up with those who don’t act thrilled when you sit down to correct or instruct them. You have to be patient and tolerantly bear with them and their reactions until they finally hear what you are trying to express to them.” 2 Timothy 2:24

Yesterday I shared the phrase: “Your greatest strength is your greatest weakness …” in the context that the enemy will also go after us at our greatest strength point, not just in our areas of weakness. If you missed yesterday’s Freedom Fighter, you can visit either www.keswickfreedomfighters@blogspot.com or go directly to the Freedom Fighter corner of our website: www.americaskeswick.org.

Today I have to do some that I am not very comfortable with – CONFRONTATION. One of my greatest strengths is that I am a people person! But one of my weaknesses is that when it comes to having to do the tough stuff – man, I am a chicken with a capital “C!” I know this is a part of my role, but it sure ain’t easy!

Today’s reading from SPARKLING GEMS FROM THE GREEK was a timely word from God to my heart …

“Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are trying to help someone who isn’t listening or paying attention to what you are trying to tell him? Should that happen to you in the future, don’t allow yourself to get so angry that you lose your temper and say something you will regret later!

It’s frustrating to help someone who stubbornly sits across the table, peers at you in total defiance, and reacts to your counsel as I you don’t have an idea what you are talking about. But from time to time, everyone faces situations like this. Perhaps it happens when a parent tries to speak to his rebellious child; when an employer tries to bring correction to an employee; when a pastor speaks the truth that a church member doesn’t want to hear; or when someone tries to lovingly communicate his concern to a friend who he believes is making a mistake in his life.

As you begin the process of bringing correction into a person’s life, PUT YOURSELF IN HIS SHOES. If you were the one sitting there, would it be easy or difficult for you to hear what is about to be said? Would you feel wonderful about receiving correction, or would you feel a little embarrassed?

If the person you are correcting acts closed or puts up a wall of defense first, it may be that he’s just embarrassed or reacting out of insecurity. Therefore, don’t stop the conversation unless you can see that he’s definitely just being combative and is completely closed to your input. In order to discern the true situation, you need to be patient and slow in judging his reaction to your correction.

When Paul wrote and instructed Timothy how to bring correction into someone’s life, he stressed the need to be ‘PATIENT’ when giving correction. In 2 Timothy 2:24, he wrote, ‘And the servant of the Lord must not strive, but be GENTLE to all men, apt to teach, patient!’ The Greek word for “patient” is aneksiskaso. This is a compound of the words anechomai and kakos. The word anechomai means to endure patiently, to bear with, or to have a tolerant attitude toward someone or something.

When these two words are compounded as they are in this verse, it portrays an attitude that is tolerant and that bears with a bad, depraved, or an evil response. Paul was telling us that when we attempt to bring correction into a person’s life, and his response is wrong or even terrible, we are not to get all flared up about it! Getting upset won’t make the situation any better. Instead we are to grab hold of the power of God, look that person in the eyes, and bear with him until he calms down and hears what we are saying. In other words, sometimes we just have to put up with a person’s reaction, whether it is good or bad.

Paul tells us in Galatians 6:1: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of MEEKNESS; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted!” When I am about to give correction, it has always been helpful for me to remember how difficult it might be to sit on the other side of the table and hear a superior correcting ME. So before I correct someone, I first consider how I would want to be told if I had done something wrong, just as Paul suggested … ‘considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.’

Before you charge into a room to correct someone, first take time to pray and really THINK about the best, the most PEACEFUL, and the most POSITIVE way to speak those words of correction of even words of rebuke. Do it in the right spirit, and don’t permit yourself to get upset if you see a response that isn’t exactly what you had hoped for. Just hold tight, be calm, and BEAR WITH the person you’re talking to a little while as he adjusts to the idea of being corrected. If he ultimately refuses your correction and remains defiant, you may have to take a different route. But at least in the beginning, be patient with that person if he doesn’t respond the way you hoped.

Why not ask the Holy Spirit today to help you become more temperate when people under your authority don’t respond exactly as you had wished? Be patient and believe that they will eventually come around.”

I hope that word is helpful to someone this morning. I know I needed it today for several situations that I need to deal with. I am thankful for the timing of God’s messages to my ears!

Great quote: “It is a mystery how a saint, with the precious ointment of Christ poured upon His heart, could still have such a strong scent from the world. It would seem that the sweet perfume that comes from those beds of spices – God’s promises – would spoil the Christian’s desire for hunting earthly game. The breath from Christ in them should so fill the saint’s senses that gross earthly enjoyments would no longer be pleasing to him.” — William Gurnall

ATTACKING THE CITADEL’S STRONGEST PART

One of the principles of equipping people that I that I have learned during my twenty plus years of ministry is this: our greatest strengths can be our greatest weaknesses. I have found that principle to be true and one that is helpful to people that I work with.

The same is true in our spiritual lives. Today’s reading from DAILY WITH THE KING (Moody Press) sheds light on this principle:

“It is true that Satan attacks at our weakest point. But it is even MORE true that he attacks us at our strongest point. How did he cause Peter to fall? By striking him where the disciple thought he was strong – his ability to command leadership, to do the heroic, to be a ‘star.’ ‘I will lay down my life for You’ (John 13:37). But as with Samson, his strength was his weakness, and Satan knew it. Peter not only had DEPTHS of which he was unaware, there were also HEIGHTS; and it was on the heights that Satan caught him.

Have you not felt the same thing? In the place where you felt strong and bulwarked, Satan tripped you up? Where you felt secure, he stripped you naked. I think of Job. Satan trapped him in his INTEGRITY, his strongest spiritual asset. Perhaps Job thought too highly of his integrity, perhaps it became his pride; and where pride entered, we develop a blind spot.

I think of Jesus. It was in His very SONSHIP that Satan tried to dislodge Him. ‘If [since] You are the Son of God, command that these stones …’ (Matthew 4:3) Satan knew Jesus was God’s Son; acting on that knowledge, he tried to shrewdly twist Jesus’ strongest element into something devious. He attacked the strongest part of the citadel.

I must not think of Satan as only a wily serpent who sneaks around nibbling at my exposed parts. I must see him as a frontal foe who hammers hard at my very strengths. That means I must be careful to let my strengths simply be my strengths, but never my BOASTS! I am assured that because CHRIST is in me, I can be just as frontal with Satan as he is with me: ‘Resist the devil and he will flee from you’ (James 4:7). Then my strengths can remain my strengths through the Victorious One!”

Good food for thought as we begin another week that starts with this Lord’s Day!

Great quote: God shows us His love for mankind not only when we do good, but also when we offend and displease Him. How patiently he endures our transgressions; and when He chastises, how mercifully He chastises!
Seraphim of Sarov

PUT SIN TO DEATH

It’s not a popular topic in church any more. We dance (oops!) around it — try to sugar coat it, and even try to re-package it. But the Bible is pretty clear that God’s position on sin has been consistent – He hates it! It is the reason that He sent His Son Jesus to die to take it away once and for all so that we could have a right relationship with Him.

We need to remind ourselves of its pull and tug in our lives. You’ve heard me say it before but it does bear repeating:

1. Sin will always take your further than you want to go.

2. Sin will cost you more than you are willing to pay.

3. Sin will keep you longer than you want to stay.

Chambers nails it – “At the beginning of our lives we do not bring ourselves to the point of dealing with the reality of sin. We look at life through the eyes of reason and say that if a person will control his instincts, and educate himself, he can produce a life that will slowly evolve into the life of God. But as we continue on through life, we find the presence of something which we have not yet taken into account, namely, sin – and it upsets all of our thinking and our plans.
Sin has made the foundation of our thinking unpredictable, uncontrollable, and irrational.

We have to recognize that sin is a fact of life, not just a shortcoming. Sin is blatant mutiny against God, and either sin or God must die in my life. The New Testament brings us right down to this one issue – if sin rules in me, God’s life in me will be killed; if God rules in me, sin in me will be killed. The culmination of sin was the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and what was true in the history of God on earth will be also true in your history and in mine – that it, sin will kill the life of God in us.”

Get God’s perspective on the power and grip of sin. Why not read Romans 6-8 sometime this weekend. He died for it. He gives you the power to defeat it! Check it out.

Great quote: In the final analysis our greatest problem with holiness is not that our concepts of holiness are feeble, but that our hearts are rebellious. We are selfish, that’s our problem. And the fact that we often won’t admit our selfishness shows how deep the pride goes. Floyd McClung