The One Who Is …

06/13/201606/12/2016Leave a comment

Male

And without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please Him, for he who comes to God must BELIEVE that HE IS and that HE IS a REWARDER to them that DILIGENTLY seek Him. ~Hebrews 11:6

Recently I shared a message with my brothers at the Colony of Mercy based on Paul’s benediction found in Ephesians 3:20. I did a journey through my concordance to see what the Bible had to say about this God who IS and was blessed with my findings. I thought maybe it would encourage your hearts today and next week.

Think with me through these wonderful reminders of our great God – the One who is:

1. God IS with you in all you do. (Genesis 21:22)

2. The Lord IS my strength and my song and has become my salvation. He IS my Father’s God, and I will praise Him . . .” (Exodus 15:2)

3. God IS near us. (Deuteronomy 4:7)

4. The Lord your God IS a consuming fire — a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 4:24)

5. God IS merciful. (Deuteronomy 4:31)

6. The Lord your God IS one! (Deuteronomy 6:4)

7. God IS a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 6:15) 8. He IS the faithful God! (Deuteronomy 7:9)

9. God IS great and awesome. (Deuteronomy 7:21)

10. God IS among you. (Deuteronomy 7:21)

11. The Lord your God IS He who goes before you. (Deuteronomy 10:17)

12. He IS our God who has done awesome things. (Deuteronomy 10:21) 13. He IS your praise. (Deuteronomy 10:21)

14. He IS your life and the length of your days. (Deuteronomy 30:20)

15. He IS the One who goes before you. (Deuteronomy 31:6; 8)

16. He IS the Rock, His work IS perfect. (Deuteronomy 32:4) 17. God IS with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

18. God IS in heaven and on earth below. (Joshua 2:11)

19. God IS a holy God. (Joshua 24:19)

20. God IS greater than men. (Joshua 33:12)

21. God IS exalted by His power. (Job 36:22)

22. He IS the God of all knowledge. (1 Samuel 2:3)

23. He IS your strength and power. (2 Samuel 22:23)

24. He IS gracious and merciful. (2 Chronicles 30:9)

25. He IS a just judge. (Psalm 7:11)

I am thankful today for a God who was for me in the past. I am thankful and encouraged that I have a God who will be for me in the future. I am very thankful this morning for a God who IS today!!!

As you look at this first list of 25 – how has God demonstrated His daily presence in your life?

Written by Dr. Bill Welte is President/CEO of America’s Keswick: He has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years, and has three married kids, one that is engaged, and 10 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 12; Proverbs 13

Daily Quote: “God is . . . “Most high, most excellent, most powerful, most almighty, most merciful, and most just; most hidden, yet most present; most beautiful, and most strong; stable, yet mysterious; unchangeable, yet changing all things; never new, never old; making all things new; always working, yet always at rest; still gathering, yet lacking nothing; sustaining, fulfilling and protecting; creating, nourishing, and maturing, seeking, yet possessing all things.” – St. Augustine

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

²⁶Lift up your eyes on high,
And see who has created these things,
Who brings out their host by number;
He calls them all by name,
By the greatness of His might
And the strength of His power;
Not one is missing. ~Isaiah 40:26

Another Hero in Glory – Dr. J. Robertson McQuilkin

06/06/201606/05/2016Leave a comment

But none of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

Last week another dear friend/brother/mentor went home to be with Jesus. He finished his race with joy.

I first met Dr. Robertson McQuilkin when I served on the staff at Sandy Cove. My friend, Dr. B was instrumental in getting him to speak. His messages 25+ years ago had a huge impact on my life and ministry.

Little did I know that when I would come to serve at America’s Keswick, that our paths would cross again, and at a whole new level.

Dr. Robert C. McQuilkin, former President of Columbia Bible College, now Columbia International University, was a key player in our Keswick history. We was a very popular speaker at summer conferences.

Dr. Robertson McQuilkin, who served as President of CIU, resigned at the height of his career to become the full-time care-giver for his precious wife, Muriel, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. His powerful resignation speech has been heard by tens of thousands of people around the world. While McQuilkin cared for his wife for the next 12 years, he continued writing journal articles and books and preaching worldwide. Among the most popular of 19 books written by McQuilkin is “A Promise Kept” detailing his care for Muriel, who passed away in 2003.

Years ago, Dr. McQuilkin penned the words to this prayer that I have read hundreds of times, LORD GET BE HOME BEFORE DARK:

It’s sundown, Lord. The shadows of my life stretch back into the dimness of the years long spent. I fear not death, for that grim foe betrays himself at last, thrusting me forever into life; life with You, unsoiled and free. But I do

fear the dark scepter may come to soon – or too late? I fear that before I finish I might stain Your honor, shame Your name, grieve Your loving heart. Few, they tell me, finish well. Lord, let me get home before dark.

Will my life show the darkness of a spirit grown mean and small, fruit shriveled on the vine, bitter to the taste of my companions, a burden to be borne by those brave few who love me still? No, Lord, let the fruit grow lush and sweet, a joy to all who taste, a Spirit-sign of God at work, stronger, fuller. Brighter at the end. Lord, let me get home before dark.

Will be the darkness of tattered gifts, rust-locked, half-spent, or ill-spent, a life that once was used of God now set aside? Grief for glories gone or fretting for a task God never gave? Mourning in the hollow chambers of memory, gazing on the faded banners of victories long gone? Cannot I run well unto the end? Lord, let me get home before dark.

The outer me decays – I do not fret or ask reprieve. The ebbing strength but weans me from mother earth and grows me up for heaven. I do not cling to shadows cast by mortality. I do not patch the scaffold lent to build the real eternal me. I do not clutch about me my cocoon, vainly struggling to hold hostage a free spirit pressing to be born.

But will I reach the gate in lingering pain – body distorted, gro-tesque? Or will it be a mind wandering untethered among the light phantasies or grim terrors? Of Your grace, Father, I humbly ask … let me get home before dark.

I will be eternally grateful for the privilege of having several lengthy one-on-one chats in my office with this gentle giant. He was a dear friend and brother and I will miss him.

And God answered his prayer – He got home before dark.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 5; Proverbs 6

Daily Quote: “I think God has planned the strength and beauty of youth to be physical. But the strength and beauty of old age is spiritual. We gradually lose the strength and beauty that is temporary so we’ll be sure to concentrate on the strength and beauty that is forever. And so we’ll be eager to leave the temporary deteriorating part of us and be truly homesick for our eternal home. If we stayed young and strong and beautiful we might never want to leave.” ― J. Robertson McQuilkin

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

¹¹He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young. ~Isaiah 40:11

So What Have YOU Done About it

05/23/201605/22/2016Leave a comment

There is outrage at the President’ recent decision to mandate that schools provide rights that are putting our kids in jeopardy.

You’ve read it about it on the news. You have seen the posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is serious stuff and we are seeing another freedom taken away from us and once again, we see Christianity under attack.

But let’s step back for a minute.

I agree that we need to let our voice be heard. But I am tired of people getting all up in arms and still never doing anything.

Can I be bold enough to ask you this question? Did you take the time to write to President Obama? Your Senator? Your Congressman? Your local officials?

If we are honest, really brutally honest, many Christians are lashing out on social media. Some are saying some really ugly, hurtful things. But my guess is that they didn’t make one phone call or send a letter to let their voice be heard.

Some of you will say, “It really doesn’t matter. The decision has been made!” Wrong! Pastor Jamie Mitchell shared last summer that for every call or letter made or written, it’s like getting a 100 calls or letters.

When prayer and Bible reading was taken from the schools, one lady mounted that campaign and made a difference. But we didn’t let our voices be heard until it was too late.

The rights that are being questions are being questioned by a small minority. But this small minority is letting their voices be heard. They are calling, writing, protesting, making a stink. It’s that old saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the oil.”

So I want to encourage you – it’s not too late to let your voice be heard. You can easily google the address and phone number for our political leaders. When you call and write, be straightforward and direct. Let the person answering the phone that whether they agree with your position, you want it to go on record that you called to voice your opinion and that you expect it to be recorded and reported accurately and fairly.

If you are going to use social media as a platform, then I would plead with you to do so in a Christ-like way. You can address issues without attacking someone’s character. Boldness is not the same as character assassination.

This year our theme has been FACING THE FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE and I have been reading through the book of Daniel, amazed at the parallel to our current events.

We can take a stand. We can trust God to help us be courageous and strong. We can look for God to show up with the same power that He demonstrated to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

I love this verse: Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the King’s command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God.” Daniel 3:28

And I challenge you to read verses 29-20! God is able! So what are YOU going to do?

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 141; Proverbs 23

Daily Quote: “Only God can turn a mess into a message. A test into a testimony. A trial into a triumph. A victim into a victory.”

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

²⁵I have been young, and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging for bread. ~Psalm 37:25

In case you missed them:

Her Life Is Still Touching Others

05/16/201605/15/20161 Comment

Today is a day that I will never forget. It will be forever etched in my mind. And as difficult as it was, I really don’t want to ever forget it.

On May 16, 2008, our precious granddaughter Lindsay Bear Groen slipped into the arms of Jesus at 1:00 PM.

It all started with a well check-up that resulted in the discovery of a leaky heart valve. Open heart surgery followed by a cardiac arrest and a second open heart surgery led to this momentous day.

On May 15th, the doctors decided that on May 16th she would have surgery to get a Berlin heart – a precursor to an heart transplant. These hearts were not FDA approved for kids, but that was the only option for her survival.

There were no statistics to give even a glimmer of hope for survival. Our kids had been valiant and brave through the tedious weeks facing each setback with confidence in God’s care despite the pain and suffering.

The night before led my daughter, Laura, and wife Jan to the same passage of Scripture. John 4 was the account of the man coming to Jesus begging him to come heal his son. Jesus told the man that He had already healed him at 1:00 PM. That was the time for Lindsay’s surgery. Could it be that this was the healing we all longed for?

Fast forward to that morning. Everything was wrong. No hope. Nothing more could be done. Everything was shutting down. For the next several hours, saying goodbyes consisted of our kids bathing their daughter, singing, weeping, praying and worshipping. Gut wrenching. Heart breaking.

Finally a doctor who was witnessing this holy moment realized that Lindsay was gone. No other physician or nurse mention His name during the entire time the kids faced this trial. But Dr. Green lovingly picked up Lindsay and say, “Laura and Jon, Lindsay is home with Jesus! Time of death 1:00 PM.”

Did he say what we thought he said? She’s home with Jesus! And with that, our brave daughter through her tears and ripped out heart faced all of and said, “Mom, God was true to His Word. He healed her at 1:00 PM and gave her a new heart!”

In the midst of intense grief, there was the comfort that only God can give in the mist of the storm.

Eight years later, it still hurts. It hurts just as bad today as it did in 2008. But we rest and trust in the God who knows best.

Eight years later, we still tell the story – her story. Every time that story is told it touches someone heart. It points people to Jesus. It gives a message of hope.

Today we will send up balloons. I don’t know if she’d see them or not. That isn’t the point. The balloons are a reminder of the faithfulness of our God even in the midst of the pain and suffering:

“This I recall to mind, therefore WE have hope. The Lord’s lovingkindnesses never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy Faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23

Pop loves you, Lindsay Bear. I hope Jesus gives you a big hug today!!!

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 134; Proverbs 16

Daily Quote: “In looking back on the way the Lord our God has led, we can sing of the beginning, and we can sing of the middle, and we believe we shall sing of the end. Through it all we have been supplied for the King’s palace in both earthly and spiritual things.” ~Charles Haddon Spurgeon

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

²³The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
²⁴Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.

~Psalm 37:23-24

In case you missed them:

Addiction Recovery Is What We Do

05/09/201605/08/2016Leave a comment

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.~ John 10:10

Last week I blogged about our 3rd Core Value which is our commitment to the ministry of addiction recovery.

This weekend we welcomed back men who graduated from the Colony of Mercy, women who have graduated from Women of Character, and our first graduates from Barbara’s Place.

It was the most incredible time of welcoming home these trophies of God’s grace. Most of the men and women who came are walking in victory. Some are struggling and reached out for help.

For those of us who serve on staff, we refer to this weekend as “pay day.” It’s the weekend that we reflect on what God has done in the lives of the men, women, teens and kids God sends our way.

Last week one of my staff emailed me this quote: “MINISTRY is not about the income. Ministry is all about the OUTCOME!” And for us on staff, this weekend was that reminder, that “AHA” moment of why we do what we do.

In addition to the Reunion Weekend we had our 2016 Family Freedom Walk. Our goal this year was $55,000. The weather forecast was ominous, but we cried out to God and guess what? At 3:10 PM the sky’s began to part and the blue sky started appearing. By 3:30 PM, the sun was out in all its glory.

We had a great turnout and the Lord wowed us once again with exceeding the goal for HIS glory — $66,646!!! This is all traceable back to HIS hand. We can’t take any credit. Did the staff work hard? Yes! Did we have people who really pounded the pavements? Yes! But we all know that it was God who provided. And I am so proud of my staff because they raised over $19,000 of the goal.

As I rubbed shoulders with the precious folks, I realized again that this ministry is all about God. It’s all about people. It’s all about you. Wait, you say. All about you?

Yes! Your prayers and financial support help us make a difference one life at a time. I met for the first time a man who graduated in 1976!!! With tears in his eyes and the biggest hug, he said, “From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!”

I hope and pray that I never lose the wonder of seeing God transform a life. We have 118 years under our belts, but who knows how many more God will give us. But until then, we will keep fighting and sharing the good news that Jesus Christ sets the captive free! Praise God, and thank you.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 127; Proverbs 9

Daily Quote: Make no mistake: to be at peace with your sin is to be at war with God. ~Kevin DeYoung

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

¹⁷The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
¹⁸The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

¹⁹Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

~Psalm 34:17-19

In case you missed them:

Core Value #4 Our Commitment to Addiction Recovery

05/02/201605/02/2016Leave a comment

It’s been the heartbeat of what we do at America’s Keswick for 118 soon to be 119 years. It is how our ministry started on September 27, 1897.

I hate addiction. Every day I hate it more and more. Sometimes I feel like we are casting a pebble in the ocean and question are we really making a difference.

Part of my frustration is because the enemy keeps upping the ante. 19 graduates have died since January 2015. Guys who were doing really well. Guys who decided to try a shot of heroin one more time.

Maybe they knew – maybe they were naïve. Heroin today is not like it was even two years ago. It’s dirty. It’s lethal. You don’t have a chance to get addicted. One injection = death!

I am tired of our government officials proclaiming concern over the drug problems in our country then turning around an legalizing the stuff to see more and more people than ever before.

Yesterday I heard a statistic that 17.5 million American’s are addicted to alcohol. And yet we joke about it – call ourselves legalists if we as believers choose not to drink socially.

The former Mayor of Philadelphia, decriminalized marijuana. Really? What that means is that you can have a small amount in your possession if you are caught without legal entanglements. Interesting. A famous drug Czar who served for several Presidents says that the marijuana on the streets today is five times more potent than it was 2 years ago. Connect the dots. Your smarter than most. The little you can have has five times more potency!!!

I am tired of getting calls about men who have committed suicide because they can’t handle their issues any more.

I am tired of seeing how addiction tears apart whole families.

IF I FOCUSED ON THE NEGATIVE – I WOULD RATHER BE FLIPPING BURGERS AT WENDY’S!!!

This value reminds why we exists and who we serve!!! The heart of the Keswick ministry is our addiction ministries. The conference ministry provides us the vehicle to raise the visibility of the addiction recovery ministries and tell the story of how God transforms lives.

So as long as God gives me breath and energy, I am going to keep fighting. I am going to keep us sharing the good news that Jesus Christ is the ONLY LASTING ANSWER to addiction. He wants to rescue, redeem and restore.

Am I discouraged? Sometimes. Am I hopeful! Absolutely. I have seen it work. I have seen it happen over and over in a man’s life and now, in the lives of women through Barbara’s Place.

But we need each other in this battle. Your prayers and financial support help us make a difference. On Saturday, May 7th, we have our Family Freedom Walk and our goal is to raise $50,000 towards the 1.5 million it costs to provide addiction recovery ministry at America’s Keswick.

Will you help me? You can call 800-453-7942 for information or visit our website at www.americaskeswick.org. Thanks for your consideration!

May God bless you.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 120; Proverbs 2

Daily Quote: “We can still see a difference in our churches and culture. Unless we decide not to pray. Unless we decide not to care. Unless we succumb to the enemy’s deceptions. God’s Word call to us across time, urging us to believe Him again for revival in our time.” ~From Living the Battle Plan

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them. ~Psalm 34:6-7

In case you missed them:

Core Value #3 Biblical Christian Living

04/25/201604/24/2016Leave a comment

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2

I have been sharing with you the Core Value statements for the ministry of America’s Keswick so that you can have a better understanding of WHO we are and WHY we are doing WHAT we do.

Our third core value is our commitment to teaching BIBLICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING which is the foundation of the teaching we have been presenting since 1897 from the founding of the Colony of Mercy to the present.

Our roots go back to the Keswick Convention in England and the “Keswick Message” is based on a sequence of messages that was presented at the their conferences.

In the late 20’s the Victorious Christian Testimony became a part of the Keswick ministry and our first conference was held in 1924. The rest is history.

The core message is summed up in this statement that was crafted by the late Pastor Bill Raws: The core message of America’s Keswick (Victorious Christian Life) is for an individual to personally trust Christ as Savior, embrace what it means to live a life of sustained fellowship with God, live a life of obedience and holiness, experience victory over sin, and use their gifts for His glory.

Over the years this has been some big misunderstandings of the “Keswick Message.” For instance, one of the biggest concerns is that the Keswick message teaches “sinless perfection.”

Well that can’t be further from the truth! After all, I am President/CEO and you are reading this – so we already know that we can’t possibly be teaching this as a ministry.

It is true according to Romans 6 that I don’t have to sin! I CHOOSE to sin! But that’s another Freedom Fighter 🙂

The point is this – through Christ, I can live a life of sustained fellowship with God. I can live a life of obedience and holiness. I can experience victory over sin. And I get to use the gifts God has given me for His glory.

As I look around the landscape of Christianity, too many brothers and sisters are living discouraged, defeated and in bondage to the world, the flesh and the devil. We have allowed sin to have dominion over us rather than walk in victory.

We are searching for everything to fill the aching, longing holes that are in our hearts rather than filling that aching and longing with God and God alone.

We don’t have to live this way. We can live in victory. We can be on the winning side even when everything around us is crumbling.

If you’d like to find out more about the message we teach, I would be happy to send you Pastor Bill Raws’s pamphlet, SO WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE.

May prayer for you today, brother, is that you will walk in victory! I am thankful that you are joining me and the other men writing Freedom Fighter blogs. Thanks for being my friend.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 116; Proverbs 25

Daily Quote:

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name. ~Psalm 33:20-21

In case you missed them:

Core Value #2 Prayer

04/18/201604/18/2016Leave a comment

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Last week began a series on blogs on the Core Values of America’s Keswick.

Core Value #2 is our commitment to PRAYER.

In our original document, PRAYER was our #4 value but last year we moved it to #2.
From the inception of our ministry, PRAYER has been an integral part of everything we do. As William Raws began to grow in his walk with the Lord, he made prayer a vital part of his life and ministry, and I am thankful to say that ever since the ministry of America’s Keswick was founded in 1897, prayer remains a vital part of all we do.

In just about every book of the Bible, you will find references to prayer and its impact on the life of any man or woman who wants to be what God wants them to be.

Show me a man or woman who wants to be used of God, and I will show you a man or woman who makes prayer a commitment in their lives.

When I saw the movie, WAR ROOM, it increased my desire to be a man of prayer – and not just a man who prays, but one who prays boldly and courageously.

Can I share some quick thoughts about courageous prayer with you?

Concerned about your marriage? Pray courageously.
Concerned about your kids? Pray courageously.
Concerned about your job? Pray courageously.
Concerned about your health? Pray courageously.
Fearful about where our country is heading? Pray courageously.
Concerned about your church? Pray courageously.
Are you struggling with sin in your life? Pray courageously.
Are you facing a big decision? Pray courageously.
Are there burdens on your heart that you can’t share with anyone else? Pray courageously.
You don’t know how to pray? Pray courageously.
You know what you want to say but don’t know how to say it? Pray courageously.
Don’t get hung up of a prayer formula and there are good ones. Pray courageously.
Don’t get hung up do I kneel, stand, keep my eyes open or closed – Pray courageously.
Don’t have a prayer closet – Pray anywhere and at anytime – just pray courageously.

We put together a pamphlet last year to help with courageous praying. Here is the link so you can download it, or if you will write me, I will send you a hard copy. (Pray Courageously pamphlet)

If you want to see God make a difference in your life, in the life of your family, or the world around you – become a man who prays courageously.

W ritten by Dr. Bill Welte is President/CEO of America’s Keswick: He has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years, and has three married kids, one that is engaged, and 10 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 109; Proverbs 18

Daily Quote: “Prayer is serious business. To be in God’s presence is holy.” ~Living the Battle Plan

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You
In a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters
They shall not come near him.
You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalms 32:6-7

Core Values – The Word of God

04/11/201604/11/2016Leave a comment

I love serving with young millennial leaders. They challenge your thinking and get you to see things from a totally different perspective. So as a result of Graeme Wilson’s challenge, I want to take the next couple of Monday’s to share with you about the Core Values of our ministry.

In 1998, our Board mapped out the ten values that would continue to guide, guard and protect our ministry moving forward. When everything else around us may be changing, these are the 10 non-negotiables that are most valuable to America’s Keswick.

This was/is an important exercise because if you don’t take the time to do this in your personal life, your business, your ministry – things and situations can quickly erode, and your foundation begins to crumble.

Our top three Core Values are the FOUNDATION of who we are as a ministry. The cool thing is that it has been this way for 118 years.

Value #1 – Our commitment to the Word of God
Value #2 – Our commitment to prayer.
Value #3 – Our commitment to the ministry of addiction recovery

So let’s unpack Value #1 – our commitment to the Word of God. It is important to state from the outset that our overriding commitment is to love, honor and obey the Lord. There is a thin line between loving the Bible over the God of the Bible.

We believe that God’s Word is inspired by God and is infallible. One of our speakers refers to the Bible as Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. It is our instruction manual and we place a high value on God’s Word.

God’s Word has specific purposes for our life. Paul wrote: “ALL Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

God’s Word is a book to be studied. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

God’s Word is a book to be memorized.

God’s Word is what we should be meditating on daily: “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” Joshua 1:8

God’s Word when treasured in our hearts will keep us from sin: “Your Word have I treasured in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11

God’s Word keeps us walking on the right path: “Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and I light to my path. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Thy Word.” Psalm 119:105; 101

God’s Word is a weapon for us to use in spiritual warfare: “and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:17

God’s Word is alive and powerful: “For the Word of God is living an active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, both of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

I could go on and on – but the point is this – The Bible is the foundation of what we believe and teach at America’s Keswick. It reveals the heart, attributes and characteristics about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It is what we teach in our addiction recovery ministries and our conferences/retreats.

It’s a book for you and for me. It can be trusted, and it will help us become more and more like Jesus. Have you spent time today in His Word? If not, stop what you are doing, and take some time to read, study, meditate and memorize His Word. I guarantee it – take it to the bank – it can and will change your life!

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 102; Proverbs 11

Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan

Daily Quote: “The BIBLE — banned, burned, beloved. More widely read, more frequently attacked than any other book in history. Generations of intellectuals have attempted to discredit it, dictators of every age have outlawed it and executed those who read it. Yet soldiers carry it into battle believing it more powerful than their weapons. Fragments of it smuggled into solitary prison cells have transformed ruthless killers into gentle saints” ~Charles Colson

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him. ~Psalm 28:7

Connect with us on social media:

www.facebook.com/americaskeswick

www.twitter.com/americaskeswick

www.instagram.com/americaskeswick

The Power of Forgiveness

04/04/201604/04/2016Leave a comment

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you. ~Ephesians 4:32

Yesterday I had the privilege of sharing a message with the residents of the Colony of Mercy at the morning worship service. The theme for this week is on forgiveness.

Some of you might be living in the dungeon of unforgiveness and need to be set free. True forgiveness is only possible as we yield to the control of the Holy Spirit.

I shared this story from the life of Corrie Ten Boom who was captured by the Nazi’s and held a concentration camp:

It was at a church service in Munich that I saw him, a former S.S. man who had stood guard at the shower room door in the processing center at Ravensbruck. He was the first of our actual jailers that I had seen since that time. And suddenly it was all there – the roomful of mocking men, the heaps of clothing, Betsie’s pain-blanched face.

He came up to me as the church was emptying, beaming and bowing. “How grateful I am for your message, Fraulein.” He said. “To think that, as you say, He has washed my sins away!” His hand was thrust out to shake mine. And I, who had preached so often to the people in Bloemendaal the need to forgive, kept my hand at my side.

Even as the angry, vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him. I tried to smile, I struggles to raise my hand. I could not. I felt nothing, not the slightest spark of warmth or charity. And so again I breathed a silent prayer. Jesus, I prayed, I cannot forgive him. Give me Your forgiveness.

As I took his hand the most incredible thing happened. From my shoulder along my arm and through my hand a current seemed to pass from me to him, while into my heart sprang a love for this stranger that almost overwhelmed me. And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world’s healing hinges, but on His. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives, along with the command, the love itself. – Corrie Ten Boom

My guess today is that there is someone reading todays post that needs to either accept forgiveness or extend it. If you choose to not forgive, I guarantee that your life will be impacted in a negative way. Unforgiveness leads to bitterness which ultimately leads to a hardened heart.

You can choose today to forgive or be held captive in the prison of unforgiveness. Has the Lord brought someone to your mind who you need to forgive? If so, don’t delay. You take that bold, courageous step and make it right. You will then experience freedom from this bondage in your life. I’d love to hear from you.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 95; Proverbs 4

Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan

Daily Quote: I’m forgiven cause You were forsaken I’m accepted, You were condemned I am alive and well, Your spirit is within me ‘Cause You died and rose again. ~Chris Tomlin

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

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? ~Psalm 27:1

Freedom Fighters

A Daily Email Encouragement for Men!

Tag: Bill Welte

The One Who Is …

Another Hero in Glory – Dr. J. Robertson McQuilkin

So What Have YOU Done About it

In case you missed them:

Her Life Is Still Touching Others

In case you missed them:

Addiction Recovery Is What We Do

In case you missed them:

Core Value #4 Our Commitment to Addiction Recovery

In case you missed them:

Core Value #3 Biblical Christian Living

In case you missed them:

Core Value #2 Prayer

Core Values – The Word of God

Connect with us on social media:

The Power of Forgiveness

Connect with us on social media: