Why The Bible!

06/09/2016Leave a comment

Red Bible

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)

The culture we live in tries to influence our values in many ways. In a changing world, it’s essential to embrace unchanging truth. The Bible provides foundational truth to equip us and to supply principles to live. The Bible tells us, “Watch your life and doctrine closely,” (1 Timothy 4:16 NIV). There is no better place to learn about God and His ways than the Bible. Here are three of the many reasons the Bible is important.

Freedom:

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) The world is filled with life bondage addiction, perceptions, condemnation and the like… Jesus offers freedom in truth, and truth lies within the transforming power of His Word. We can rest in His Word; peace, understanding, freedom. I visited an inmate in the county jail last week, and his perception on God and his condition was more liberating than people on the outside.

Faith:

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) How can I know? In the uncertainties of life we have hope that only derives from the Word of God. In the midst of recent trials I literally meditated on His Word and the Word provided all the hope and comfort needed to persevere.

God communicates His love to us in the Bible:

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God… Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends. (1 John 3:1a, John 15:13). Would we stop expressing or communicating our love to our spouses after the wedding or would we stop demonstrating love to our children after birth. Certainly not, likewise, God is reassuring His love and validation for us through the proclamation of His Word; continuously.

How much time are you in the Word?

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

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 7; Proverbs 9

Daily Quote: “God waits for you to communicate with Him. You have instant, direct access to God. God loves mankind so much, and in a very special sense His children, that He has made Himself available to you at all times.” ~Wesley L. Duewel

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

With Cleanliness Comes Godliness

06/08/201606/07/2016Leave a comment

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness” ~1 Timothy 3:16a

It was probably the first reference to religion I can remember, hearing my Mother’s defense in her claim that it’s important to be clean. “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”, my first thought was “it must be a sin to be dirty”.

Now, my Mother’s motives to get me to wash up may have been a little sewed and you won’t find this verse in the Bible but it’s not that far off. In Jesus’ day the reference to being clean was an important status to hold, mainly because you were a Gentile or had a disease. It meant that God was not with you or even worse, you had a curse. In Mark 10:1 we read “And when He (Jesus) had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease”. It was a matter of being clean spiritually that Jesus dealt with first.

Then we come to this phrase “godliness”, it’s a term used by the Apostle Paul 9 times in his first letter to Timothy in the NKJV. It seems to be an important role for Timothy to play out in his ministry. In chapter 2 it says “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence”.

Are you godly, do you lead a godly life? I believe this is a quest for all of us to attain and pursue. Peter opens his second letter by saying, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue”.

This pursuit of godliness seems to pertain to our standing before God as a people who, when closely examined can be found to be devoted and trusting in the words of the Bible. Paul writes to Timothy in 3:16

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:

God was manifested in the flesh,

Justified in the Spirit,

Seen by angels,

Preached among the Gentiles,

Believed on in the world,

Received up in glory”.

This verse has to become our creed by which we live. We have been made clean by the divine power of the Holy Spirit which was given to us free of charge at salvation but the act of staying clean is only obtained by the faith that was also given to us as we practice and commit ourselves daily to the Lordship of Christ. It would appear that the purpose of Paul’s letters to Timothy was to convince this young man to, first “keep” himself clean and then to protect those who he was ordained to watch over.

So, you can try to scrub a little harder to make yourself clean and keep Mom happy but I recommend the thoughts of Jude “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life”. Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 6; Proverbs 8

Daily Quote: “God bestows His blessings without discrimination. The followers of Jesus are children of God, and they should manifest the family likeness by doing good to all, even to those who deserve the opposite.” ~F. F. Bruce

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

The Jesus Attitude

06/07/201606/06/2016Leave a comment

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” `~Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT)

I got this saying that I swiped from a song written by Alice Cooper sometime back in the 80’s. The title of the song is “You’re a Movie” and line goes like this… “Move aside mere drop of water, let the ocean pass.” I say it (kinda sarcastically…kinda) when I run into someone who is so full of attitude you can smell it coming and you need to get outta their way quickly. I think it while I hear them speak and, at times, have been accused of this same attitude myself (absurd I tell you, completely and utterly absurd). It is a terrible attitude to have and takes a lot of grace for others to handle it and it takes a lot of mercy by God to be stripped of it. It is the attitude of Conceit.

Now before I go any further let me say this out loud because I need to hear it as well…CONCEIT HAS NO KINGDOM VALUE AT ALL!!! Okay with that outta the way onward with this Freedom Fighter.

Almost 2,000 years ago our world witnessed the greatest act of unselfishness ever done and many missed its lesson. But for 3+ years prior to that event Jesus went around preaching to all those around Him that the Kingdom of God was at hand. Only those with ears heard that message and even in our present day that hasn’t changed much. Sad…but true. Secularland has a way of selling the “It’s all about me” theology while unselfishness and Christlikeness are being removed from the book shelf. Again, sad but true. But for those of us who strive for the goal that calls us heaven bound we have encouragement from the Apostle Paul.

The second chapter of Philippians starts off like this, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (Phil 2:1-2) And that one mind isn’t the universal one, it’s the mind of Christ. The mindset that say’s “I will put myself aside for the sake of others.” We need to remember that Jesus Christ, though The Son, is still God. And if God was able to say to His three parts, “We’re gonna make atonement for their sins because they know not what they do.” (that’s implied…don’t stone me) then we shouldn’t dismiss that kind of unity amongst ourselves.

In his book, “Laugh Again” Charles Swindoll makes this statement, “As Christians, when we pursue the goal of exalting Christ and putting others before ourselves, we

tend to forget all the self-serving, petty differences that normally separate us.” I like how he puts it but how is it accomplished? Well Paul gives us these three practical tips.

1. Never let selfishness or conceit be your motive.

2. Regard others as more important than yourself.

3. Don’t limit your attention to your own personal interests—include others.

And remember, this isn’t self-hate advice but rather self-forgetfulness. Love yourself as you are to love others. Hard stuff ain’t it?

But keep this in mind, “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 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 4:14-16)

So for all you who feel like “mere drops of water” remember what is key today… CONCEIT HAS NO KINGDOM VALUE AT ALL!!! But unity does and through the reconciliation of what was done for us on The Cross we can gather ourselves together and become an ocean that envelops the communities around us for the sake of Jesus Christ. It ain’t gonna get any better out there in Secularland but we called to give water to those who thirst. Let’s give them an ocean wave of it. Amen?

Written by Chris Hughes: Chris, a graduate of The Colony of Mercy (11-2003) is married with two adult children and serves on the Deacon Board at Trinity Alliance Church in Cologne NJ

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 5; Proverbs 7

Daily Quote: “The great question facing us today, this moment, is whether or not we will voluntarily humble ourselves before the Lord Jesus or wait until we’re forced to do so. If we act now, we will be saved. If we refuse to confess Jesus Christ as Lord while we’re on the earth, we will surely concede it one day under the earth. But by then it will be too late for that declaration to change our eternal destiny” —Charles Swindoll

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

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.

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 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

True Worshippers 101!

06/03/201606/02/2016Leave a comment

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” (John 4:23)

In T-n-T, we are provided with an opportunity to give glory, honor, and praise to our God. There are times when it’s undeniable, that God’s presence is thick and other times where He is taking a more quiet approach. But regardless, I believe that when a person or people proclaim the work of Jesus, it is one of the richest way we give Him glory.

True worshiper 101: Individuals who decide to put themselves on the side and give Him, His praise. A true worshiper’s life is hidden in daily surrender and he will show up to service with a heart ready to praise, because it becomes an extension of his everyday relation with Christ. True worshippers are sincere in their spirit, and inwardly resolved in their minds and hearts.

Identifying true worships indicates that there false or deceitful worshippers. Jesus declares, “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” (Matthew 7:21) It’s a sad reality to think that you can be within the body of Christ worshipping, serving, even broadcast the name of Jesus, and be out of fellowship. Then she cried out, “Samson! The Philistines have come to capture you!” When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn’t realize the LORD had left him.” (Judges 16:20) Sad!

So how do you know that you are a true worshipper?

True worshiper 201: It will be evident in your prayer life; true worshippers have a valid prayer life. They also have a boldness to confess wrongs, and to be transparent because they are concern with their relationship with God and loving their neighbor. The Word is esteemed, and the desire to be obedient to that Word guides the true worshippers. True worshippers proclaim and understand the love of God, and how that love is manifested through sacrificial work of Jesus. Are you a true worshipper?

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

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 2; Proverbs 3

Daily Quote: “We never grow closer to God when we just live life. It takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness.” ~Francis Chan

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

3 You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
⁴Trust in the Lord forever,
For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength. ~Isaiah 26:3-4

Never In Vain

05/27/201605/25/2016Leave a comment

Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever… If you reject the ragamuffin gospel and turn your back on Christianity, do so because you find the answers of Jesus incredible, blasphemous, or hopelessly hopeful. ~Brennan Manning

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain…. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. ~Paul, The Least of The Apostles, in Galatians 2 and Philippians 2

Oh beloved, it is true. Everything we are doing in our service to our King is so backwards to the ways of the world. None of it makes any sense to those who see things only from the perspective of body and mind.

Even those around us who are somewhat (or very) religious, can look at a soldier of the cross, and begin to think that we are taking things just a little too far. Who do we think we are to be going off and actually believing that the Bible is to be taken seriously when it says that G_d wants everything?

Much of what we’ve done, much of what we were, and so many of our relationships seem in vain.

Some of us were so broken. And many of you brothers who are reading this were probably some of them. We were hopeless. Anything that might be done in our lives was going to be in vain. We were addicts who would rather stick things in our veins than be set free. We were (we thought) doomed. And yes, even we, many of us – have been set so free that we can hardly even believe it.

Many of us are were in family situations that were completely unfixable. Humpty-dumpty, and his shattered shell, looked like he was in much better shape than our relationships. And still, into this situation G_d did pour so much Love and grace that we have been restored.

Often, we are in jobs that we know have potential to feed us, but where we don’t feel we can make any difference in people’s lives. Sometimes we wonder how we are ever going to get out of the dead-end that we are in. And even here, G_d uses us in ways that we might not even expect. A co-worker finds Jesus. A boss is moved by the integrity of our work.

There are many other instances and examples here, I am sure you can name more areas where things seem hopeless and vain, and G_d shows up and shows off…. But this week, I was even more impressed at His ability to do things exceedingly, abundantly, beyond all we hope or imagine.

This fool of a writer is also an international educator. I teach Bible, Worldviews, Apologetics, and Honors Philosophy at a school in Northern China. That I even get the privilege of teaching subjects like this in a controlled country is a amazing! But has been even more amazing, is my lack of faith in my calling.

Christian Education seems so slow. It has little flash-bang. No altar calls. Not emotional pleas for kids to come to Christ. And yet, this week, I have been listening to some 12th grade seniors who grew up in Asia, in non-believing and Buddhist and Confucian homes declaring that they have embraced Christ and gave powerful arguments as to why this was true. I had honestly wondered if we were making a difference in so many of these kids lives. Were we just burning up a lot of Kingdom resources giving simply a quality education to kids?

Wow, was I wrong.

Can we see it? The beauty of this slow approach to presenting the Gospel is that many of the students have not made emotional decisions. They have, rather, decided with their heads and their hearts – based on the information they are

getting in their Biology, Bible, Science, Philosophy, PE, and Math classes. They are seeing that G_d is in all of the knowledge they are getting – and this makes all the difference.

So, are you feeling like the place where G_d has you is useless? Don’t. He has never done anything vain in your life till now. And nothing He is having you do is going to be in vain. Trust Him. Let Him pour you out as HE sees fit. We will see the fruit. Just give it time.

Tonight is your night beloved. Time to believe you are valuable in His Kingdom. No matter what you are doing for Him.

Written by Makala Doulos: Makala 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: Psalm 145; Proverbs 27

Daily Quote: “My spirit turns to Thee and clings, All else forsaking, unto Thee; Forgetting all created things, Remembering only “God in me.” O living Stream; O gracious rain, None wait for Thee, and wait in vain.” ~Gerhard Tersteegen

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

No Perishable Items Allowed

05/26/201605/25/2016Leave a comment

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.” ~Matthew 6:19

I spend most of my life fixing things that break of building things with the intention of making it last. I remember once someone was spending too much time on a project and when I asked what was taking so long their response was “This thing is gonna last forever” in which I reminded them “It’s all gonna burn one day”.

I wonder if there’s a sign at the door on the “Pearly Gates” that says “No perishable items allowed?”

When I think about the idea of a place where nothing will be worn out or rotting and there is no need for preservation or maintenance I have a hard time wrapping my head around that. On the other hand I also struggle with people who treat material possessions as if it will last forever and neglect the opportunity to invest in the eternal.

I have to categorize things as to what’s really important, material things are only for a short time but the human soul is eternal. How many times have I found myself with the wrong motive and having my priorities out of order? When for the sake of a perishable item I neglect to minister to someone and invest in the eternal.

When I look at the life of Jesus, who by the way was a carpenter like me, I never read about a single thing He made or fixed. Instead, He always references to the things eternal. We know why He came, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Jesus makes this statement to the jews in John 7:38 “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” To this the crowds were divided. I think the same is true today, the dividing line shows the strength of our faith and what we really believe.

Knowing we have life everlasting in the Kingdom of God should give us strength for today. The conversation that Jesus had with the woman at the well is a good picture of eternity, “Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water” John 4:10.

If I can make the distinction between just plain old water and Living water, my life will be much more fruitful for eternal purposes then just temporal.

This isn’t to say that we should neglect our earthly responsibilities but to put things in perspective and not to miss a chance to invest in the eternal.

I pray that today you would be able to see what’s really important and prioritize your life to make the most for the things that will last forever. If nothing you’re working for today will be in heaven then hold on to them loosely but hold on tightly to the things that matter.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 144; Proverbs 26

Daily Quote: “God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.” –Max Lucado

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

Pioneering Dilemmas

05/25/201605/24/2016Leave a comment

“Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God Himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him.” ~Philippians 1:28-29 (NLT)

The last time I was with you I was all keyed up on a new phrase I learned—“Gospel Pioneer”. Gotta tell ya, I think it’s a really cool title to have because it says that you are for The Gospel and you’re willing to do some suffering for it…right? Because in the life of any good pioneer comes dilemmas. I mean our Bibles are printed in black and white until we get to Jesus and those red letters. When I see those red letters coming up in the four Gospels (a splash can be found in Acts and Revelation) I see the confrontation of a dilemma or two…or three…or four…just depends on what chapter of the Gospel you read. Even though dilemmas can suck the joy right outta us, if they are handled like Jesus much can be gleaned for the side of truth. This was something the Apostle Paul understood as well.

Now for any of you that are scratching your head wondering what dilemmas are they are like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. So what’s the prescription for you when you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place? (If any of you say “More Cowbell” we need to talk) Well I guess we start at this verse since this was Paul’s own personal dilemma…“For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” (Phil 1:21) As in all dilemmas there are benefits and liabilities so we’ll look at this from Chuck Swindoll’s perspective

We have option 1: To Depart. “dying is even better” I could go into how Swindoll talked about the freedom from chains, imprisonments and stoning Paul would be free from as one of the benefits but we can see what he would experience being in God’s hands in Psalm 16:11: “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.” The liability in this was this infant church would lose its pioneer and we’re not too sure who would have remained to champion it for the future. Let’s not forget those Romans guards either…the word of God had begun to pierce the hearts of these men.

Now we have option 2: To Remain. “living means living for Christ” By sticking around Paul could keep his writing ministry going. After all we do get alot of Christ-like application from his writings in the New Testament. Paul could also help nurture that infant church so that as they grew they would gain the security and hope for its future. But the liability was to stay chained to those Roman guards possibly not being released from his imprisonment. However, in both cases Paul’s joy was Jesus Christ and the sufferings that came with Him. “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.” (Phil 3:7) Mighty fine attitude to have for those of us that have experienced imprisonment of one kind or another huh?

So how are we to respond when we find ourselves between that rock and hard place dilemma? Do we really ask for more cowbell or do we put on a set of Biblical bifocals so we can properly see what’s in front of us affecting our today and what the ripple effect will be when it effects our tomorrow? Well since I already wear these fancy transition style bifocals that get dark in the sunlight I’d say my prescription is clear. Go back to those red letters, see how Jesus handled things (I believe He covered a lot of life’s dilemmas) and reconsider just how important it is for me to have Christ in my life.

Paul assured the Philippians there was no reason to be shy or hesitant when dilemmas occurred. They weren’t alone, Christ was for them. The victory was theirs, Christ won it for them. They were not alarmed by their opponents, Christ has them on the right path…it’s cool. Maintain hope and be encouraged, and know that you’re not alone in the battle to ensure that Gospel pioneering goes forward. AND GUESS WHAT? All four of these viewpoints for them are for you too. All you gotta do is allow it to work its way into your walk and when others see the joy of suffering for Jesus on your face they’re gonna know you’re different. Amen?

Written by Chris Hughes: Chris, a graduate of The Colony of Mercy (11-2003) is married with two adult children and serves on the Deacon Board at Trinity Alliance Church in Cologne NJ

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 143; Proverbs 25

Daily Quote: “The presence of opposition, Paul assures them (The Philippians), shows that they are on the right path in their active gospel witness. It is a token of salvation to them, as it is a token of perdition for the opponents: “they will lose and …you will win” God is the author of the Gospel: those who defend it may therefore expect deliverance and victory from Him as surely as those who resist it may expect to incur His judgement.” ~F.F. Bruce

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

To Proud to Feel Forgiven

05/06/201605/04/2016Leave a comment

Christians who remain in hiding continue to live the lie. We deny the reality of our sin. In a futile attempt to erase our past, we deprive the community of our healing gift. If we conceal our wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a light for others. We cling to our bad feelings and beat ourselves with the past when what we should do is let go. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, guilt is an idol. But when we dare to live as forgiven men and women, we join the wounded healers and draw closer to Jesus. ~Brennan Manning

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. ~from Psalm 103

Oh beloved, it is true. The beloved disciple, John, was (and is, and will be) right. If we say we are without sin, we deceive ourselves (1 John 1:8). Yes, we are no longer slaves. And yes, we sometimes forget our freedom as we look back over our shoulders at the onion and garlic we ate in our bondage.

Even as we have come out of the land of our slavery; even as we have been made new in Christ, our old man wants to jump up out of his grave and look around. And it doesn’t help if we get a little too hungry, or angry, or lonely, or tired, or disoriented, or hurt. All of the friction of the world rubs up against us – and unless

we flee into G_d’s arms – we can find ourselves making some pretty stupid mistakes.

This fool of a writer is still amazed at his own capacity for stumbling. Thankfully, I am not drinking myself to death – or drowning in chemicals and food and a long list of other things anymore. But, even still, i can quickly fall into fear or anger or impatience or shame. My eyes can go in the wrong direction (oh brothers, don’t get too proud. So can yours.); not just to looking at the wrong woman – but also putting my eyes on the waves of life.

The circumstances

The chances for failure

The doubts about the future

The failures of others

The pain and shame of my past

And on and on the list does go.

However, this same disciple, John, says something else in much of his writings. While there is no place for us to walk in or practice living in darkness, neither is there to be any doubt whatsoever about the forgiveness that has been lavished upon us by our King.

As I am both convinced of my need for forgiveness and agree with G_d about my abject depravity apart from Him – a powerful justice takes over. Jesus’ work in His life, death and resurrection cleanses me from ALL unrighteousness. HE makes me (and you) clean, and sets us back on our feet, in a right relationship with Him.

The problem is that, often, we do not feel forgiven – or we choose to dwell in the shame of something we have done that falls short of the glory of G_d. Yes, the sin was horrible. This is why it took the very blood of G_d to pay for it. But the truth is that He paid for it. G_d has already paid for ALL of my (and your) sins.

Can we see it? There is a significant problem. If we are not living as though we are forgiven, we are setting ourselves up for an even greater failure. We are standing up against G_d and telling Him that what He has done to pave the way for our forgiveness is not good enough. And this is even more egregious than any bad behavior our incorruptible flesh may have talked us into.

So, have you messed up lately? It happens. Can we / should we walk in victory? Absolutely. However, beloved this is what grace is about. We have both the power to walk in the light, and His power and forgiveness is what pulls us back out of the shadows when we stray.

Our Father knows that we are messed up. He knows our frailty. He knows it much better than we do. Still, in His justice and mercy and grace and Love, He has forgiven you. Will you not allow this reality to soak into your life? Tonight is your night beloved, time to be humble enough to walk forgiven.

Written by Makala (Mak) Doulos: Makala Doulos is a child of God, 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, God’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: Psalm 124; Proverbs 6

Daily Quote: “The moment you asked for forgiveness, God forgave you. Now do your part and leave the guilt behind.” ~Unknown

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

More Writing From Makala (Mak) Doulos:

The Right Side

04/07/201604/07/2016Leave a comment

He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” (John 21:6a)

When Jesus appears on this seen he sees the disciples hard at work doing what they do best. He is clearly revealing to them that they have been fishing on the wrong side of the boat. Typical Jesus, watches and waits patiently to demonstrates His authoritarian position. As I read this passage this morning I realize that there are times that I’m casting my nets on the wrong side.

It is obviously before Christ we are on the wrong path, working for the wrong party, but have you ever been hard at work in the ministry and realize that you are doing it all wrong? Maybe not all wrong, but not as effective as you could be. Have you ever been right theologically, but wrong in your presentation and timing? Jesus mentioned to Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41,42)

As men, or humanity in general, we tend to drive on autopilot, keeping busy doing stuff. In We pause an ask ourselves, am I doing the right stuff. The proverbs mentions, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2) Jesus Christ is helping us to not to lean on our understanding and trust His ways because His way is right; His Word is right, His love is right. And like the disciples the results of doing things right, “So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.” (John 21:6b)

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

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 98; Proverbs 7

Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan

Daily Quote: Faith makes all things possible… love makes all things easy. ~Dwight L. Moody

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

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