Posted on February 7, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
With the intensity of the circumstances down a few notches, I find myself staring out the window again. This time though, my mind is racing through the many thoughts that presented themselves over the past year… such things as Jeremiah’s promise that God’s plans are for good and not harm; or Jesus’ invitation to find rest in Him, and Paul’s words to the Philippians Believers that ‘God’s peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus’ (Phil 4:7). There are others, but the one that seems to push to the front this morning is this… “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalms 119:105). There have been many dark moments where fears, doubts, and anxiety crept in with the intent of blinding us to reality of God’s love. Were it not for the intensity of the light of God’s Word and His promise that Joy comes in the morning, like the rising of the ‘Day Star’, I don’t know where we would be. By His lamp glowing brightly in the darkness of our circumstances, I have learned anew the power of prayer and its capacity to crush doubt under it’s heal.
If prayer was just about changing God’s mind and getting him to take away our pain, what would we really get? Wouldn’t it just be more of the same since we are self interested and limited in our perspectives? But if in prayer we pursue His perfect will and ask for what is consistent with His name and perfect nature, wouldn’t we receive what is best and exalting to His name..? Isn’t it cool though, that God is patient with us, intently listening to the cries and fears of our hearts. In His lovingkindness, God waits as we work though what is of fear and doubt, allowing our eyes to adjust from the darkness to the light… as the Lamp of His Word shines into our lives. And as the warmth of its truth envelopes our souls, hope takes hold of our thoughts and confidence in His faithfulness consumes our minds. Then as others join in, as we have experienced these past weeks, a choir is formed and we find ourselves worshiping together; worshiping our Heavenly Father who is worthy of praise! Prayer is so much more than a shopping list of wants; it is an opportunity to participate in God’s perfect and unchanging will to redeem all men unto Himself. As the lamp of His Word shines on our circumstances, we begin to see them as ways He can reveal His love and power. As we trust His light to guide our steps, we will find ourselves moving into His presence and away from the confusion and chaos of this world. We may not understand what’s happening in the darkness that surrounds us, but we will find rest in the light that we walk in, assured that what God has promised, He will do.
I am sure there will be many more ‘chairs by the window’ in life, but what I have gained from this time is invaluable for dealing with what yet lays ahead. From this chair, I am certain that ‘prayer wins the day!’
Choose wisely…
“I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word. Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.” (Psalm 119:107-112)
Praying 4 U!
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: “To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings.”– George Mueller
Stayed here while we were visiting my in-laws at The Pines Living Facility. Exactly what we needed for lodging -- inexpensive compared to most motels without any loss of accommodations, and very Christ-centered environment. Plus they serve a great... breakfast every morning. No TV in the room, but that was not an issue for us, since there is nothing worth watching anyway. Staff were extremely friendly and did their jobs well. This place is a gem and a blessing to all who walk on their beautiful property.read more
Manuel Chávez Martínez
1709498094
Es un lugar maravilloso para disfrutar la palabra de Dios
Pianista Benjamín Arias
1708802888
Bien
William Dundas
1708697460
This place holds a special place in my life journey. I was Baptised there as I RE-DEDICATED myself. It was Febuary at night, so my review may not give it the right justice. What I can say, there were a ton of relaxing, peaceful locations to... re-connect with JESUS. Obviously, there was a pool, several lake's with benches. Gathering locations to celebrate, and break bread. A very wholesome Resort.read more
Adrian Obrien
1707934719
Spontaneous invite to girl talk! Loved it! Speaker was on point, fellowship and food , how better to start Valentines?
Ivelisse Romero
1707021027
Beautiful place to separate yourself for the Lord. Soo peaceful no technology which I love. Just you nature and God. I was there for a women's retreat.
Jennifer Crabtree
1706843166
A wonderful Christ- and family-oriented place! Beautiful grounds and welcoming staff. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the conference we attended as well as the community hymn-sing. Highly recommend.
Jason Zimolong
1706837733
They've been a 5 star treatment and resort...doing God's work!
Patricia Simpson
1705193514
Peaceful little spot, so close to home 🩵
James Kolchin
1704151396
It's A Good Place To Have Retreats And They Have GREAT FOOD AND GREAT MUSIC
Kaia Leeds
1703475382
This was a very nice place!! I sang here with my school!!
Geoffrey Brewster
1702920475
You can see GOD work in and throughAll that go there.
Sharon Bielski
1702502928
Went today early for Girl talk, it was great 👍
Pat Jacoby
1701871657
This is a wonderful place for family vacations, retreats, and conferences. They share a solid biblical view.
Wilma Hernandez
1701785015
Wonderful trip to Sight and Sound.
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 419 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
Stayed here while we were visiting my in-laws at The Pines Living Facility. Exactly what we needed for lodging -- inexpensive compared to most motels without any loss of accommodations, and very Christ-centered environment. Plus they serve a great... breakfast every morning. No TV in the room, but that was not an issue for us, since there is nothing worth watching anyway. Staff were extremely friendly and did their jobs well. This place is a gem and a blessing to all who walk on their beautiful property.read more
Manuel Chávez Martínez
1709498094
Es un lugar maravilloso para disfrutar la palabra de Dios
Pianista Benjamín Arias
1708802888
Bien
William Dundas
1708697460
This place holds a special place in my life journey. I was Baptised there as I RE-DEDICATED myself. It was Febuary at night, so my review may not give it the right justice. What I can say, there were a ton of relaxing, peaceful locations to... re-connect with JESUS. Obviously, there was a pool, several lake's with benches. Gathering locations to celebrate, and break bread. A very wholesome Resort.read more
Adrian Obrien
1707934719
Spontaneous invite to girl talk! Loved it! Speaker was on point, fellowship and food , how better to start Valentines?
Ivelisse Romero
1707021027
Beautiful place to separate yourself for the Lord. Soo peaceful no technology which I love. Just you nature and God. I was there for a women's retreat.
Jennifer Crabtree
1706843166
A wonderful Christ- and family-oriented place! Beautiful grounds and welcoming staff. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the conference we attended as well as the community hymn-sing. Highly recommend.
Jason Zimolong
1706837733
They've been a 5 star treatment and resort...doing God's work!
Patricia Simpson
1705193514
Peaceful little spot, so close to home 🩵
James Kolchin
1704151396
It's A Good Place To Have Retreats And They Have GREAT FOOD AND GREAT MUSIC
Kaia Leeds
1703475382
This was a very nice place!! I sang here with my school!!
Geoffrey Brewster
1702920475
You can see GOD work in and throughAll that go there.
Sharon Bielski
1702502928
Went today early for Girl talk, it was great 👍
Pat Jacoby
1701871657
This is a wonderful place for family vacations, retreats, and conferences. They share a solid biblical view.