“…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”~ Jesus (Matthew 28:20)
I hear this question often as I teach, “Is life really worth living?” Some students will say it out loud in conversation and others will weave the idea through their papers. The discouraging part is that it’s not just those who claim to be ‘atheists’, but many who have grown up in churches and religious homes. The problem it seems is… we have relegated our beliefs and bibles to the back shelf under fantasy, and only give them a casual glance at emotional or stressful moments…. never taking what Jesus said or did seriously. Consider this, when is the last time you prayed… actually believing God hears you and will answer? How about this – when’s the last time you seriously read yours or any bible, believing it was the guidebook to knowing the Designer and The Design for the fantastic life you have been graciously given…? How about this, do you believe, and live like, prayer and studying God’s Word are critical to your everyday choices?
Life holds no meaning separate from God…. just as a radio lacks purpose unplugged from its power source. Paul makes a very acute statement in writing about this topic; he states, “God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit” (2 Cor 5:5). If God ‘is’ preparing us, ‘in this life’ for a life to come, then this life holds great worth. God is at work in this life pursuing us who are of great worth to Him. He manifested this worth by giving His only begotten Son in ransom for us, redeeming us from the power of sin and death. And if God has gone to such great lengths to ‘prepare us’ in this life, even giving us (in this life) The Spirit as a pledge for All that is to come, so we can taste and see that the Lord is Good…
In this life…. the answer is yes, this life is worth living!
Paul goes on to exclaim, “So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing” (2 Cor 5:6-7). The more we understand God and His Word, the more we long for Him, to be in His presence. In our physical un-resurrected bodies we can’t do that yet, but, by living now, by faith, based on what He has already done and provided, we can enjoy a taste of all that is to come!
All that God has done, is doing, and will accomplish is for you…. making this life worth living; and providing you with a confidence, so that you can be of ‘good courage’ each day and moment, no matter what you face. You are not alone, He is with you!
“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17)
Praying you choose Christ today
Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, grandfather, Pastor with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is the Associate Pastor of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church. He is the author of two devotional books, “From a Chair by the Window.” And “#PrayerWinsThe Day”.
Think About This : “The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.” – C.S. Lewis
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things;Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” Isaiah 25:1
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 384 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Wanda Read
17:45 26 Sep 23
praise God for this place and all staff
Dinah Lopez
17:06 19 Sep 23
Beautiful property. Woodsy, nice lakes and a lot of land to explore. A great place for Christians to gather. They also have indoor auditoriums.
Andrea Rowe
01:30 18 Sep 23
Great banquet food.Great piano performance.
Melissa Williams
10:55 15 Sep 23
The warmest, most loving people working together on a mission of love for the Lord. This place is a treasure and I look forward to going every chance I get.
marilyn clinton
09:26 10 Sep 23
Food is not great.
Linda Hamadyk
04:54 10 Sep 23
The entertainment was excellent. The servers were great enjoyed my evening.
Raquel Perez
13:04 03 Sep 23
Amazing, relaxing, friendly and the most important part, the presence of God!!!
Doug Anderson
11:39 29 Aug 23
Had an amazing experience here for two nights!Stayed in the newly renovated rooms - very nice and clean.Amazing and helpful staff, maintenance, chaplains, etc.Everyone is very warm and friendly.Student summer staff were joyful and... respectful.They really take care of pastors and all of their guests.Such an atmosphere of hope, healing and restoration! Highly recommend for personal and group retreats.read more
Albert Spangler
14:15 25 Aug 23
This is an amazing place where you can feel God's presence and find peace.
Carol Swill
05:06 24 Aug 23
America's keseick is a wonderful place of peace and restoration. The combination of the physical and emotional feeding, together with the bible conference really works.I loved the Bible studies, and i loved the 'vacation stuff'- the pool, the... beach, the games,the music, walking around the lake- it all worked togetherread more
Karen Downs
18:43 31 Jul 23
Awesome place. Great place for children and awesome place to relax and enjoy
Richard Donato
18:14 14 Jul 23
Great place
Rubbins St Louis
18:57 12 Jul 23
Great place to visit and have fellowship with other believers. I love taking in God's word.
Loida Rojas LLM
06:03 04 Jul 23
They need to remodel all the dorms
Vince Dizol
04:56 26 Jun 23
Beautiful retreat center. You can feel the presence of God in the beauty of His natural creation in this place! Great pool and jacuzzi area as well as basketball / volleyball court!
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 384 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Wanda Read
17:45 26 Sep 23
praise God for this place and all staff
Dinah Lopez
17:06 19 Sep 23
Beautiful property. Woodsy, nice lakes and a lot of land to explore. A great place for Christians to gather. They also have indoor auditoriums.
Andrea Rowe
01:30 18 Sep 23
Great banquet food.Great piano performance.
Melissa Williams
10:55 15 Sep 23
The warmest, most loving people working together on a mission of love for the Lord. This place is a treasure and I look forward to going every chance I get.
marilyn clinton
09:26 10 Sep 23
Food is not great.
Linda Hamadyk
04:54 10 Sep 23
The entertainment was excellent. The servers were great enjoyed my evening.
Raquel Perez
13:04 03 Sep 23
Amazing, relaxing, friendly and the most important part, the presence of God!!!
Doug Anderson
11:39 29 Aug 23
Had an amazing experience here for two nights!Stayed in the newly renovated rooms - very nice and clean.Amazing and helpful staff, maintenance, chaplains, etc.Everyone is very warm and friendly.Student summer staff were joyful and... respectful.They really take care of pastors and all of their guests.Such an atmosphere of hope, healing and restoration! Highly recommend for personal and group retreats.read more
Albert Spangler
14:15 25 Aug 23
This is an amazing place where you can feel God's presence and find peace.
Carol Swill
05:06 24 Aug 23
America's keseick is a wonderful place of peace and restoration. The combination of the physical and emotional feeding, together with the bible conference really works.I loved the Bible studies, and i loved the 'vacation stuff'- the pool, the... beach, the games,the music, walking around the lake- it all worked togetherread more
Karen Downs
18:43 31 Jul 23
Awesome place. Great place for children and awesome place to relax and enjoy
Richard Donato
18:14 14 Jul 23
Great place
Rubbins St Louis
18:57 12 Jul 23
Great place to visit and have fellowship with other believers. I love taking in God's word.
Loida Rojas LLM
06:03 04 Jul 23
They need to remodel all the dorms
Vince Dizol
04:56 26 Jun 23
Beautiful retreat center. You can feel the presence of God in the beauty of His natural creation in this place! Great pool and jacuzzi area as well as basketball / volleyball court!