Some of you have heard that the IRS has been cracking down on churches, some have even had their tax exempt status questioned. Well wait until you hear this . . . “In 1954, Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, was angry at some churches who opposed him. He thought he would teach them a lesson by legislating a gag rule for them and every other church in America. He offered an amendment that permanently extended the reach of the IRS into our nation’s churches, parachurches, and nonprofit organizations. The amendment was accepted unanimously without debate.

‘Since that time,’ said Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC), ‘the IRS has turned the 501(c)(3) code-section on its head in an attempt to punish pastors for communicating the principles of their faith during an election period.’ So Congressman Jones, along with former House Majority
Whip, Tom Delay, introduced the House of Worship Political Speech Protection Act, which would free churches their First Amendment freedoms just like everyone else. If you care about restoring freedom to our churches, this bill MUST BE PASSED.

Barry Lynn of the Americans United for Separation of Church and State is sending people to churches to videotape sermons for any irregularities and report them to IRS. Lynn is joined by the so-called Mainstream Coalition, which has about a hundred volunteers monitoring churches to see whether pastors are abiding by federal laws governing political activity by nonprofit institutions.” from THE CRIMINALIZATION OF CHRISTIANITY published by Multnomah.

Sound familiar? Remember Daniel? Daniel refused to bow and worship the pagan Gods. He stood firm for his convictions. And the result? Tossed in the lions den. THEN GOD SHOWED UP and honored David for his obedience and faithfulness. The King repented and declared: “I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the
God of Daniel; FOR HE IS THE LIVING GOD AND ENDURING FOREVER. AND HIS
KINGDOM IS ONE WHICH WILL NOT BE DESTROYED. AND HIS DOMINION WILL BE
FOREVER. HE DELIVERS AND RESCUES AND PERFORMS SIGNS AND WONDERS IN
HEAVEN AND ON EARTH, WHO HAS ALSO DELIVERED DANIEL FROM THE POWER OF THE LIONS!” (Daniel 6:26-27)

Friend, it’s not too late. Dare to be a Daniel! Good words to consider. Special for Freedom Fighter members: order THE CRIMINALIZATION OF CHRISTIANITY by responding to this email. Regular price $19.95 — Freedom Fighter price — $15.00.

Hurricanes? Fires? Rising fuel prices? Could it be that God is trying to get America’s attention? The prophet Habakkuk said: “Look among the nations! Observe! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days — You would not believe if your were told.” (Habakkuk 1:5)

These are days were I believe God IS trying to get our attention. In a recent article on China, a Chinese Pastor said that he was praying that the American church would wake up and see how far we have drifted from the foundations of our faith. The only way he sees that happening is for
the church to face persecution.

During my vacation this week, I read a book that startled me. The book? THE CRIMINALIZATION OF CHRISTIANITY by Janet Folger, President of Faith 2 Action (Published by Multnomah). THIS IS A MUST READ BOOK FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN!!!

The bottom line is that we have sat back and have been silent on most every issue and our freedoms are being taken away. What we have seen in recent days is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we are going to face in America. We are rights as Christians are slipping through our fingers and many of the church have been lolled to sleep that they don’t even see it happening. Over the next couple of days, I will give you several illustrations of how this is happening. We need to wake up, my friend, and discern the times.

Dr. Tony Evans earlier this week shared a message on the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I would encourage you to visit his website and listen to the message. I believe, along with Dr. Evans, that God is trying to get our attention as a nation, as a church, as men who say we
belong to Him.

If you’d like to order a copy of THE CRIMINALIZATION OF CHRISTIANITY, please respond to this email. The book normally sells for $19.95, but we will make it available to our Freedom Fighter family for $15.00.

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17.

“Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:27).

A few hundred years before Christ, there was a man who rose to power in the world. He ruthlessly conquered many people and it is said that he sat down and cried when he had no more people to conquer. They called him Alexander the Great. When Christ was born there was a king ruling in Judea called Herod. He was so cruel that he knew there would be rejoicing
over his death. Thus, he planned to have some people put to death so that at least not everyone would be rejoicing over his death. They called him Herod the Great. One Christmas Day in the year 800, a man was crowned as emperor of the Holy Roman Empire; they called him Charlemagne, which means Charles the Great. More recently, in our own time, there was a boxer who earned his living by defeating other boxers. He referred to himself as The Greatest. And then there is the best hockey player, Wayne Gretzky, who the media referred to as The Great One.

Is it not odd how the world evaluates greatness? Those who followed Jesus were also interested in the matter of greatness. In fact, they asked Jesus who would be the greatest in his kingdom. Also, the mother of two of His disciples came and asked if her two sons might have the most
prominent place in His kingdom. Jesus therefore explained that, while the rulers of the nations count it greatness when they exercise control over people, His way of greatness is much different. It was then that Jesus explained that in God’s kingdom the great people are the ones who serve others. This is a dramatic reversal from the concept of the world. As His disciples, Jesus therefore commands and expects us to be servants of others. \

In most of life’s endeavors, most people do not subscribe to this radical teaching on greatness. However, if we are to please and serve Him, then we must be willing to serve others.

When William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, was too weak to attend their annual conference, he was asked if he had a word for the people attending the conference. His reply was in one word, “others.” Think about his and tell God you want to be a blessing to someone today.

Rev. Thomas D. Murray (Pastor Murray was a dear friend of America’s KESWICK and went home to be with the Lord earlier this year.) Taken from REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE.

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 3-5; 1 Timothy 4

“As long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper.” (2 Chronicles 26:5)

Illustrations abound in the scriptures of those who learned the secret of spiritual victory and prosperity. Woven through these accounts is a factor which clarifies the reason for their success. This connecting thread can be identified in terms such as believed, obeyed, or sought the Lord.

One example can be found in the early days of the life of Uzziah. As a sixteen year old, he became king in place of his father, Amaziah. Apparently there was a godly influence in the home which helped to form his character. He was also guided by a godly advisor, Zechariah. Twice in one verse testimony is given of his seeking God or seeking the Lord. This was the key to God’s blessing, spiritually, economically and militarily.

Seeking the Lord does not imply that the Lord is lost. Actually God is not lost, but mankind is. Jesus said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). To seek the Lord is to desire fellowship with Him and to long for His grace, glory and guidance. These things cannot be fully realized without having a seeking heart. The Lord spoke through Jeremiah concerning the requirement for successfully seeking Him. “And you will seek for Me and find me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

Two time periods in the life of Uzziah are recorded. First, “As long as he sought the Lord.” This marked a period of prosperity and success. The second forms a marked contrast, “But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction” (2 Chronicles 26:16).

The priority of seeking the Lord is set forth by Jesus, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Rev. William A. Raws from REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE published by America’s KESWICK. Order your copy today — 732-350-1187 ext. 31

I must realize that the closer I walk with God, the more subtle sin will become. The natural man does not hate sin as sin; he only hates the mess he has gotten himself into. But the disciple soon discovers that sin has great undoing power, the power not only to neutralize the present but also to cancel the past.

Israel made a calf of gold and said, “This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt” (Exodus 32:4). This was a direct contradiction to what Israel said earlier, “Thou hast led the people whom Thou hast redeemed” (Exodus 15:13).

Sin is always contradiction. It is the great no to every manifestation of God’s truth and power. Even more, it destroys the present benefit that past blessings have brought us. The great strength occasioned by the song of Moses was wiped out by the creation of the calf.

God answered prayer for me yesterday, and I found that it still nourished me today-until I made my calf of gold. Yesterday’s blessing is dissolved by today’s idolatry.

The subtle power of sin is that it prevents me from relying on my spiritual savings account. Sin not only defeats me but it also strips me of my armor.What is my defense against the insidious thing? Only my bedrock relationship with God. That is one thing sin cannot change, remove, or
dissolve. God has vowed my salvation, not on the basis of what I experience, but on what His Son experienced for me. While sin can eliminate a day’s or a year’s growth in my soul, it cannot eliminate the thing that made that growth possible-the vibrant, pulsating life of God.

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death” (Romans 8:2).

From Daily With the King, Moody Press

September 25, 1897

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Someone once said to Dwight L. Moody “that the world has yet to see what God will do with and for, through and around the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him.” That statement is certainly true of the life of William Raws, founder of the Colony of Mercy.

William Raws’ life was radically changed on February 17, 1886 when he trusted Christ as his personal Savior in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. His bondage to alcohol was broken and Raws was gloriously saved. In his own words William Raws said, “One day, fairly dying from the effects of rum, unable even to keep hot rum brandy on my stomach, I staggered penniless too my room and fell against an old arm chair.Although under the influence of drink, a poor dying drunkard, a swearing, lustful, sinful man, I cried unto God. He heard my cry and save me. For days and nights thereafter I could neither eat nor sleep. I was on the verge of delirium tremens.But peace came at last and victory through our Lord and Savior.”

Raws went on to begin the Whosoever Gospel Rescue Mission in Philadelphia but was burdened years later to begin a work in the country for men to escape city life and get alone with God. On September 25, 1897, the family and some friends met around an old pump organ and sang ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME. The crowd pooled their resources of $1.87 and claimed
the promise from Philippians 4:19 — But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God birthed the ministry of THE COLONY OF MERCY. And the rest is history.Thousands of lives have been transformed by the power of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the transformed life of William Raws. The ministry continues over a hundred years later with the good news that Christ can set men and women in bondage to sinful addictions and through Christ, can live victoriously.

God used the ordinary life of William Raws to impact thousands. He wants to take your ordinary life and doing extraordinary things. Are you willing to allow your life to have a ripple effect on others? Surrender you ALL to Him today.

Bill Welte

Scripture Reading: Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4

from the KESWICK DEVOTIONAL — REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE

(Adapted from a message by our friend Dr. Stephen F. Olford . . . now with the Lord).

Text: Luke 18:1

“Pray when you feel like it; pray when you don’t feel like it; pray until you feel like it.” — Dr. W. Graham Scroggie

1. Pray in the Spirit (Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20)
2. Prayer the Scriptures. (John 15:7)
3. Pray with a system (Philippians 4:6; Matthew 6:9-13)
Adoration — “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name . . . ” Here is reverence and penitence in prayer.
Dedication — “Your kingdom come. Your will be done.” Here is allegiance and obedience in prayer.
Supplication — “Give us this day . . .” Here is trustfulness and thankfulness in prayer.
Intercession — “Forgive us our debts …” Here is confession and concern in prayer.
Preparation — “Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Here is contest and conquest in prayer.
Veneration — “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen!” Here is wonder and worship in prayer.
4. Have a prayer list for the saints, sinners, subjects and situations. (1 Timothy 2:1-7)
5. Pray to sensibilities:
A. Make sure you are physically ready for prayer. (Mark 4:34-37; 1 Corinthians 9:27a)
B. Make sure you are morally ready for prayer. (Psalm 66:18)
C. Make sure you are spiritually ready for prayer. (John 15:7)

Good words to ponder about your personal prayer life.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who has called us by His own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)

1. We have been given the MIND of Christ so we can THINK like Him. (See 1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
2. We have been given the WORD of God so we can know WHAT to do. (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 1; Psalm 119)
3. We have been given PRAYER so that we can realize the power OVER temptation. (Matthew 6:13; 26:41)
4. We have been given the HOLY SPIRIT so we can EXPERIENCE freedom. (Romans 8; John 15)
5. We have been given FAITH so we can face WHATEVER Satan sends our way. (Hebrews 11:6; 1 Corinthians 10:13)
6. We have been given SPIRITUAL ARMOR so we can experience VICTORY. (Ephesians 6:10-20)
7. We have been given the NAME of JESUS so we can win, not just endure. (James 2:19; Revelation 12:11)

Adapted from TAMING YOUR PRIVATE THOUGHTS

Good words to ponder today!

1. You’re blessed when you are at the end of your rope. With less of you, there is more of God and His rule.
2. You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
3. You’re blessed when you are content with just who you are — no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourself the proud owner of everything that can’t be bought.
4. You’re blessed when you worked up a good appetite for God. His food and drink is the best meal you’ll ever eat.
5. You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full’ you’ll find yourselves being cared for.
6. You’re blessed when you get your inside world — your mind and your heart — put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
7. You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of competing or fighting. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
8. You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you deeper into God’s kingdom.

These are the words of Jesus from THE BEATITUDES — from THE MESSAGE.

Good words to ponder today.

“I must avoid the popular and shallow form of Christianity that appears so prominently today. There is a kind of triumphant living trumpeted everywhere in which Jesus is simply the instigator or inciter of a flow of positive thoughts and ideas that bring me personal and material
success.

That kind of Christianity says I am a bundle of both negative and positive attitudes. Simply encourage the positive and discourage the negative, and lo, I am a victorious person. The problem is, however, that kind of victory is simply the victory of the NATURAL man. There is
nothing redemptive, remedial, or sanctifying about it.

Before a Christian can TALK about victory, he must talk about dying. As J. Gregory Mantle says, the first place the natural man has got to go is to the cross. If I want Jesus at all, I have to find Him ‘outside the camp’; and if I want to know His victory, I have to bear ‘His reproach’
(Hebrews 13:13). Once I get to the cross and experience the crucifixion of the natural man’s selfish greed’s, desires and attitudes, then I am in a position to rise with Christ ‘in newness of life’ (Romans 6:4) and allow HIS new life to become the POSITIVE thing that my natural self
could never be. That is more than positive thinking; it is POSITIVE LIVING!

Jesus Christ did not die on the cross to make me a confident super salesman but a normal mass of clay reflecting His power, glory, and personality. That does not mean I lose my identity; rather, I confirm it. The life of Christ flowing through my personality becomes a unique
miracle in God’s kingdom; I am authenticated by Christ. Thus, Jesus Christ is not only my Savior; He is the Establisher and Definer of my true self. Then it becomes sublimely and personally true that ‘in HIM we live, and move, and have our being’ (Acts 17:28).

‘. . . And raised us up with Him, and sealed us with Him in the heavenly places IN CHRIST JESUS, in order that in the ages to come HE might show the surpassing riches of HIS grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:6-7)

from DAILY WITH KING by Evans, published by our good friends at Moody Press.