Reminder – Men’s Fellowship Night is coming up on Thursday, January 11 at 6:15PM! Hope to see you there – visit our website www.americaskeswick.org for more information.

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” — 2 Timothy 2:1-3 (NKJV)

Those of us who join the march to defend the faith tend to get pretty battle scarred, and I have been no exception. For a decade I’ve been blessed to be able share my thoughts, opinions, and life story with all of you as a member of the Freedom Fighter writing team. Sometimes I’ve hit the mark with you and sometimes…I’ve not. During my time at the Colony of Mercy, it would be fellow writer Rob Russomano who would ask me that, “This new creation stuff doesn’t really come with an easy instruction book does it?” I still have the picture of that moment hanging on the wall as part of a collage of my time at Keswick. None the matter, the bottom line for me will always be “Iron Sharpens Iron!!” C’est la guerre…

But has all this writing really helped me effectively grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ? Well, when I go back through what has been written I see times of conflict, church changes, relationships that were a strain and two job changes. I got enough written for a book full of stuff, and perhaps if my last name was Tozer, Spurgeon, or Wesley I could get some printing done, but these days there are self-publishing opportunities that require a couple thousand dollars up front (maybe when I retire from the work force). I did, however, stumble upon the first Freedom Fighter I wrote. It was titled “Defender of the Faith” and I see that my subject was having true zeal. Here’s an excerpt…

“In 98 A.D. people were shouting “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” in Ephesus. The people were celebrating the feast of Catagogion. It was major money-making feast. And even though Timothy tried to avoid the merriment, he wound up right in front of its procession. He made a stand and was called a blasphemer. He was beaten and died of wounds a few days later. That is true defense of faith. That is true zeal. In front of the crowd, Timothy was quoted as saying, “Do as you please! And what if pleases you is a trap? What if it is a bond that will take your life from you before you have even lived and chain you to regret and dissatisfaction? Jesus came that you might have life and life abundantly! Why accept the chains of sin when you can live free in His Spirit!”

I still agree with Timothy to this day and just might have been standing at his side if given the chance. I used the same verse that day that I am using today, and I think it can sum things up for the last ten years gone by. I have been able to endure hardships because I know all I gotta do is look at The Cross of Christ and see my freedom in all things. No matter what man tried to do to me to discourage my faith in Jesus, it was all turned into me finding strength in Jesus. And as a side note, I always admired those men God put in my life that displayed meekness. Men who told me truth no matter how much hurt was gonna happen.

And even if Psalm 27 is my wife’s “go to” Psalm, I find myself nodding in agreement to what has been written, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; Though war should rise against me, in this I will be confident. One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.” (Psalm 27:1-5)

The one thing that comes out in the ten years of writing is the victory that was found in Jesus Christ in all those circumstances. This is what must have been running through Paul’s head when he charged Timothy. It wasn’t gonna be of anything Timothy could be clever in thought or deed, it was gonna be all of Jesus or it wasn’t gonna work out at all. So, it has been a decade, have I grown? I think I’ll just be content in knowing that the question doesn’t get answered until I hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your LORD.” Until then I think I gotta stuff to write about…and God keeps filling the ink well so stayed tuned. Amen?

Written by Chris Hughes: Chris, a graduate of The Colony of Mercy (11-2003) is married (Kathy) with two adult children (Kevin and Karen) and has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008.

The Daily Bible Reading: Job 24-28| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “Jesus calls us to His rest, and meekness is His method. The meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth the effort.” — A.W. Tozer

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. — Psalm 16:9

 

Reminder – Men’s Fellowship Night is coming up on Thursday, January 11 at 6:15PM! Hope to see you there – visit our website www.americaskeswick.org for more information.

“I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.” Psalm 3:4-5

Good morning on this January Monday. Recently I read a post on a friend’s Facebook wall that had this powerful prayer. At first, I thought he had written it himself, and thought to myself, wow – that’s a bold prayer to put on Facebook.

It was very convicting and a prayer that I thought I want to pray. When I got to end it, it is a prayer written by one of my leadership mentors, Craig Groeschel.

Here’s the prayer:

God, I’m so sorry. I’ve been living my life for myself. I made everything about me. I’ve been trying to be the hero of my own story. I’ve been squandering the gifts you gave me. Even when I have used your gifts, I’ve tried to use them for selfish gain. That was my choice and my fault. I accept the responsibility for all that I’ve done. And I repent, God.

Please forgive me. You promised in your Word that if I confess my sins, you’ll be faithful and just, you’ll forgive me of my sins, and you’ll cleanse me from my unrighteousness.

Remember me, God. Show me all of the pillars in my life, the things that have been keeping me from being your man. Then please give me the strength to push them down. My life isn’t about me anymore. I surrender my heart to you, Lord. I want to be your man, telling your story.

Your Word says that you adopted me as your son. Thank you that I am not what I have done but that I am who you say I am. Please make my outward life show other people that I’m your man.

Father, teach me how to live my life in a way that pleases you, that brings you the glory that only you deserve. Show me how to be the man you created me to be. I am your man. Show this world what you will do through me. Here I am, Lord. Send me. Use my life as you see fit. Show me what battles to fight. I am your man.

Thank you so much for all the ways you’re going to use me to accomplish your purposes in this world. Thank you for making me a warrior. In Jesus’ name, Amen. – Craig Groeschel

When we are daring enough, courageous enough, bold enough to pray a prayer like that – be prepared for God to hear it and answer it.

I don’t know about you, but I am going to start praying this prayer on a regular basis. Will you join me?

Will you email me if you plan to pray this prayer too? (bwelte@americaskeswick.org)

Overflowing with hope,

Bill Welte
President/CEO America’s Keswick

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

The Daily Bible Reading: Job 17-20| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

A Nugget of Hope: Pray both defensively and offensively. Stand on the Word of God when under attack, but also ask God specifically for good things to happen in your life and in the lives of those you are praying for. From Living the Battle Plan

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. — Psalm 16:9

 

 

 

 

Reminder – Men’s Fellowship Night is coming up on Thursday, January 11 at 6:15PM! Hope to see you there – visit our website www.americaskeswick.org for more information.

‘Our minds are the battleground of spiritual warfare’

What we think determines what we believe; what we believe determines how we live.  It is in our minds that we think, reason, discern, and live out the rational aspect of our faith in God.  Our minds, soul, and spirit are so closely connected as to be virtually indistinguishable.  Therefore, the mind plays a foundational role in every aspect of our existence, especially in our relationship with God. It is for this reason God has provided you with the Helmet of Salvation.

When Jesus says we are to, ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your entire mind’ (Matt 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27), He is referring to the choices we make from the core of our being (heart, soul, mind), and the intent underlying the choices; i.e. ‘If you love me you will keep my commands’ (John 14:15-31). It is for this reason God has provided key armor pieces to protect these areas, i.e. Breastplate, Shield, and Helmet. Each of which is forged in the caldron of Christ’s sacrificial work of redemption.

Consider the events of our day… we attack statues representing events of our past and in tearing them down, we claim a self righteousness as if we have become better people; when in reality all we have done is displaced blame on a inanimate object that had no ability to choose right from wrong. In doing so, we have failed to recognize that the real problem is in our own hearts and that we have failed to protect it with truth, righteousness, and discernment anchored in reality. The Bible tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who really knows (discerns) how evil it is?” (Jeremiah 17:9) It is for this reason Paul pleads with us, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think (at your core). Then you will learn to know (discern) God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

(Romans 12:2); and that ‘our old self, with its cravings for lust, greed and, selfishness, must be crucified with Christ. In so doing, It is no longer I (the old self) who lives (controlling how I think), but Christ lives in me (renewing my mind and producing the capacity to discern correctly). So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) Once we have put off our old self and renewed our ‘minds’, orienting it to be filled with God’s Word and in sync with His Spirit, we must put on the Breastplate of Christ’s righteousness, and take up the Shield of Faith and the Helmet of His Salvation to protect our heart, soul, and mind from being corrupted by this world and the evil forces again.

Many have fallen because they did not do this… leaving themselves to be target practice for the evil one. I pray you not be one of them.

Choose wisely….

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”

(Ephesians 6:13)

Praying U choose Christ today

Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, and grandfather with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is a member of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church.

The Daily Bible Reading: Job 6-9| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “If you are not thinking right, if your mind is not being renewed, if you are not God and His Word properly, it will show up in your emotional life.” – Neil T. Anderson

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13

Reminder – Men’s Fellowship Night is coming up on Thursday, January 11 at 6:15PM! Hope to see you there – visit our website www.americaskeswick.org for more information.

“‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.” — Zechariah 4:6b

“For such a time as this” is a quote made famous by Mordecai speaking to Esther when she was at a crossroad. A crossroad is a place where we come to in our spiritual journey many times in our life. As a New Year dawns upon us, we tend to reflect on our journey more so then usual. “What Do You See” as you look back at some of the crossroads of your life? I believe God is able to pick up where we left off and continue to use us in a powerful way. In the account of Zechariah we see God showing His people that He wants to use them to rebuild the Temple.

Sometimes our sight is blurred due to the way we see ourselves because we tend to judge things according to our own ability. In verse 6 of chapter 4, God’s message takes all the weight off of Zerubbabel by saying

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel:
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
Says the LORD of hosts.”

This is basically God speaking into our own lives and reminding us it’s not by our clever designs and new found schemes, nor by our own strength that God’s will gets accomplished, but by His Spirit. I see this as putting the cart before the horse mentality, we are to use our abilities but only under the direction of God’s Holy Spirit.

It seems to me there are a lot of programs and things that are designed to further God’s Kingdom, but I think it’s important to ask ourselves, “What Do You See?” Our vision should always be directed out of God’s Word and it should always line up with His precepts and according to His character.

So, there lies our resolution, to keep ourselves in proper alignment with the Spirit of God. I have to be careful at what I see, and ask God for true meaning and for His will to be done. Ephesians 5:15-21 says it best,

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.”

Happy New Year!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, and both serve as full time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.

The Daily Bible Reading: Job 1-5| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.” – Jonathan Edwards

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13

 

 

 

 

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” Philippians 2:3 NIV

News and social media have covered many life changing events over the last few months. During these latest events, I notice that individuals naturally get entangled and began to formulate various opinions. Commonly, believers and non-believers get themselves interwoven in many affairs that don’t help the situation but add to the already wreckage.

Out of our infinite resources in Christ; are we resting in the peace of God?

Having healthy relationships or dealing with conflicts with others ought to be a direct reflection the reasonableness of God. “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:5). This decree extends even when we a have huge disagreements. When we engage with others, do we consider thought, issues, concerns, heart, walk with Christ, above ourselves?

Compromise in the Christian circles gets a bad rap, but it can be essential to making peace with one another. Here are some synonyms to consider as we deal with each other – are we agreeable, understanding, resolved, middle grounded, balanced, participating give and take, conceding, and cooperative?

As we operate in wisdom, take initiative to be more intenative to others and speak the truth in love, with humility.

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 4-7| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “It now seemed that the deepest thirst within him was not adapted to the deepest nature of the world.” —C.S. Lewis

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13

 

 

 

 

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. — Luke 2:19

Happy New Year. Like last week, I am not sure if you will read this today. But if you do, today begins 2018.

Christmas was a week ago, and for many of us, we are done with Christmas. We’ve stopped listening to the music, and for some, you are done with the decorations – sometimes my kids have taken their trees down before New Year’s even gets here.

We tend to compartmentalize the Christmas story like we do life. It’s done, and we go on with life with business as usual. But for Mary and Joseph, it was all just beginning. In the midst of the narrative, Luke 2:19 is an interesting pause in the story.

Mary has had nine months to process the miracle of having the baby Jesus in her womb. The birth has occurred, and now life goes on. Had she even begun to process all that would occur in the life of Christ-child?

Sometimes we do the same. Life spirals out of control, and we need to stop and ponder so that we don’t miss all that God is doing in our lives and the lives of everyone around us.

Dr. Ray Pritchard says that the word “pondered” goes deeper than “wondering.” It means to take the events as you have laid them out in your memory and then to go beneath the surface to try to understand what it all means and why it happened the way it did.

In his book, Simple Christmas, Ray gives  a simple exercise that may help you do some serious pondering:

1. Set aside at least an hour of uninterrupted time.
2. Find a quiet place. Don’t forget to put your cellphone on silent mode.
3. Begin with a prayer asking God to show you the things he wants you to learn.
4. Focus on the Lord. What have you learned about God’s character in the last year?
5. What lessons seem to come up again and again? What have you learned about yourself (positively and negatively) this year?
6. Ask the Lord for insight as to where he might be leading you in the year to come.
7. Use all of this as the basis for some personal prayer requests for the next twelve months.

If you do this exercise with an open heart, God will give you insight about the past and hope for the future.

So how about it? Will you take maybe one day each week to ponder? I would love to hear what God is teaching you.

Have you downloaded the 2018 Bible Reading Plan from our website? You can download from this link: 2018 Bible Reading Plan.

Unleashing hope,

Bill Welte
President/CEO America’s Keswick

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

The Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 1-3| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Think About This: “Ponder anew what the Almighty can do – if with His love He ordaineth.” From hymn, Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13

 

 

In battle, as also in any competition, having a firm footing is the key to standing fast against your opponent.

The next piece of your armor that Paul writes about is for your feet. He says, “and having shod the feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace;” What he is referring to is the calig, or sandals, of the Roman soldiers. These were heavy sandals studded with hobnails, to give a secure foothold to the soldier in battle enabling them to stand firm. The idea seems to be that the mind is to be steadied, or kept from fear, doubt, and anxieties by means of the Good News of peace… the truth that we are at peace with God because of Jesus’ completed work of salvation; and understanding that “if God is for us, who can be against us?” So, as the nails in the roman sandal gripped the ground firmly, even when it was sloping or slippery; so the Good News of peace keeps us steadfast and firm…unmovable by temptation, doubt, and fear.

The Gospel is ‘that Christ died for your sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the scriptures’ (1 Cor 15:1-4) This will never change.

God loves you… this is always true.

You call on the Name of the Lord, and you will be saved. That is always true.

Your faith is in Jesus Christ and His work of Salvation… no one can take that away from you.

Having chosen to believe God, He declares you justified in His sight and you are at peace with Him. This is an unchangeable truth.

These Gospel truths are like the nails in the roman sandal that keep you steadfast and firm in every confrontation. I pray you do everything possible to keep them firmly planted under you so that you will press on in this life… against every foe.

Choose wisely.

“My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. (for) He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.” (Proverbs 2:1-5, 8)

Praying U choose Christ today

Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, and grandfather with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is a member of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church.

The Daily Bible Reading: Esther 6-10| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings.” – George Mueller

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

 

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1:14

Merry Christmas from all of us from America’s Keswick and from your Freedom Fighter blog team.

Most likely you will not open this entry, and if you do, it will be after Christmas.

I recently read the words of a new Christmas carol written by the dynamic duo of Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. This carol is ripe with great theology for our consideration:

Joy has dawned upon the world, promised from creation –
God’s salvation now unfurled, hope for every nation.
Not with fanfares from above, not with scenes of glory,
But a humble gift of love – Jesus, born of Mary.

Sounds of wonder fill the sky, gazing at the glory;
Gifts of men from distant lands prophesy the story.
Gold—a King is born today, Incense – God is with us,
Myrrh – His death to make a way – by His blood, He’ll win us.

Son of Adam, Son of heaven, given as a ransom.
Reconciling God and man, Christ our mighty Champion!
What a Savior! What a friend! What a glorious mystery!
Once a Babe in Bethlehem, now the Lord of history!

© 2005 ThankYou Music

You can watch the YouTube video and be doubly blessed: Joy Has Dawned

On behalf of all of us from America’s Keswick, Merry Christmas and God bless you.

Rejoice! Pray! Give thanks!

Bill Welte, D.D.
President/CEO America’s Keswick

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

The Daily Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 32-34| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Think About This: God became man to turn creatures into sons; not simply to produce better men of the old kind, but to produce a new kind of man.
C. S. Lewis

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

 

 

Truth is not a thought, not a word, not a relationship between things, not a law. Truth is a Person. It is a Being which exceeds all beings and gives life to all. If you seek truth with love and for the sake of love, she will reveal the light of His face to you inasmuch as you are able to bear it without being burned.
~St. Nicholas of Serbia

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. … Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
~ Paul, The Least of The Apostles, in Romans 12

Oh beloved, it is true.

We think we know what love is. But truly, we don’t have a clue. Just as we think we understand G_d, our view is so small as to be silly, nearly even foolish in its shortsightedness.

The hard work in life is not when we are in the throes of excitement about a new job. No, the hard work is when we are bored with the rhythm – even the monotony. The hard work is in the dark, dark night before the dawn of a breakthrough in business.

The pain of romance is not in the butterflies we feel in our stomach about that new girl. The pain is when she starts to see that we really are not a prince charming. She sees that we are just another guy. And the anguish is in the moments before romance buds into a true courtship.

The difficulty of life is not in the early moments of our youth. The difficulty is in growing up. And the deepest pain is in coming to understand our true identity in Him.

The desire for completion is not in the beginning of the journey. The desire begins to grow after the miles have run out under our feet and wheels. And the real strain begins just as we near our destination.

Can we see it, though? Look at the passage!

Love is infinitely harder than this.

Love is this Infinite Reality that abhors evil, and is only Good.

Love actually has affection for His brothers.

Love yields to others that they might get a better view and more honor.

Love never gives out, and just keeps on going.

Love rejoices in hope.

Love is patient when things get hard.

Love keeps praying when no answer is in sight.

Love gives and gives. And then invites us into It’s home.

Love blesses the guy who just criticized you.

Love loves it when the other guy outplays you and wins.

Love cries with the loser you hoped would go down.

Love looks for the common threads of our existence.

Love says, “Nah, I would rather sit in the cheap seats.”

Love never says it knows better than everyone else.

Love never gives anyone what they deserve, when It is wronged.

Love seeks agreement on core truths, with everyone.

Love feeds the wicked, and gives a drink to his friends.

Love even warms the head and bosom of a loser who has hurt you.

Impossible, you say? Exactly. But don’t forget where love comes from. Love comes from Love Themselves.  The Father and Son, and Holy Spirit have been living in this Everlasting Life of Communion and Joy, forever. These Three, Infinite Beings are so in Love with each other that They are One.

So, yeah, it is quite impossible for us to truly Love one another. That is, unless we too have been invaded by this Same Holy Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. For, it is only then that we can even begin to take on the behavior and even nature of G_d.

So, are you having trouble loving people around you? EXCELLENT! You passed the test. You are NOT part of the Trinity. Well done. However, this same Godhead is ready to show this Love TO you, and THROUGH you, to others.

Will you allow The Holy Spirit to do this?!? Tonight is your night. Let Him Love you!

Written by Makala Doulos: Makala Doulos is a child of G_d, a husband to his wife, a father to his children, and a teacher to his students. But mostly, he is a prisoner set free by Jesus. Love has invaded his life, crushed it, and made it new. Now, G_d’s Love is what constrains him to live in full surrender to the freedom The Father and Son and Holy Spirit have bought for us all. Grace and Peace to you all.

The Daily Bible Reading: Revelation 12-17| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: Today’s mighty oak is just yesterday’s nut, that held its ground. ~ David Icke

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
Romans 12:12

 

 

 

“When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom” (John 2:9)

Many times on vacation, the most helpful people are the locals. Whether they are grounds keepers, cooks, housekeeping, doormen etc… because they know all the ins and outs of their community.

For instance, while in Puerto Rico, the resorts typically directed us to chain style, very established restaurants; very good. However, the housekeeping lady mentioned a guy who BBQs el pinchos (shish Kabobs), which exceeded our expectations. In addition, while in Florida we were able to acquire more affordable Disney tickets because of the grounds guy. Therefore, I’m actually inclined to gather information about attractions from the local servants.

Likewise, the servants, as well as His disciples, knew the heart of Jesus because they had an intimate relationship with Him. Here, the servants were one of the first to see Jesus transition into His earthly ministry. Side note: The masters had no clue.

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

The culture has divided us to the haves, and the have nots. But God’s kingdom is paradoxical to that principle. You might be quietly serving in ministry, maybe a lower level position, toilets at the church etc… God sees your sacrifice even if people don’t. And Jesus himself says, “even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Continue to serve Him.

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 146-148| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “Know your HOLY GOD intimately. (When you have seen His glory, His holiness and His love – by drawing close to Him in prayer – then you can usually see through any counterfeits because you know the “real thing” so well).” – Andrew Strom

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
Romans 12:12