Posted on February 22, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
“An astonishing and horrible thing has been committed in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; and My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?” Jeremiah 5:30-31 (NKJV)
At one point I really had myself believing that I was alright and all I had to do was to keep trudging along, and a light would be at the end of the tunnel. However, journeying along the Blue Route in Philly, one afternoon while visiting with my daughter, radically changed that. As I write to you, there’s a fancy technological battery-operated “gizmo” attached to my lower spine to possibly help relieve pain due to an old injury. This is a step that is being prayerfully considered, as the need for an Erector Set isn’t on the table…yet. But I have to confess to you all, I had myself pretty deceived into thinking that I had all this stuff under control.
Yeah, there’ve always been a considerable amount of back pain, and as time sets in, it’s a constant reminder of the folly of youth. However, I got a little stupid with the over-the-counter stuff. Realizing it now, that that was the first step into my self-deception. This led to a series of doctor visits and that has led me to understand one thing: I ain’t a doctor and I should stop playing one on T.V. or in any other sensible reality. Now, I’ll say this out loud so you don’t have to think it, as a Colony of Mercy Graduate, I should’ve known and done better. But I wasn’t alone as a Christian in those doctors’ offices, so I ain’t alone in the “shoulda known and done better” category. Guess we all preach a better sermon than we can live. “MAY THAT NOT BE!!” Hey, is that Paul over there? Anyway…
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1
The science behind being self-deceived pretty much works along the lines of the Roman aqueduct slope. Once we’ve gone 1 in 1,000 on our own account, our adversary, being both overt and covert in his ability to deceive us, can encourage us to hit that 3% mark that really gets the water moving. Pretty soon you’ve got yourself caught up with being good with the current, and before you know it… WHAM!! Then what? Maybe you’ll end up like a Laodicean, being in neither a hot nor cold current, only to be spewed out of the mouth of The Lord, kinda like King Solomon. And…
If there was ever a statement that could describe Solomon it’s that a double-minded person loses his grip. I’m guessing that in the middle of doing all kinds of good for God’s people, Solomon must have thought it was going to be okay with mingling with the woman of the surrounding kingdoms. “It’ll keep the peace” he must have thought. But God had some covenants and statutes that Solomon was well aware of. Because of Solomon’s self-deception, a servant named Jeroboam ends up with 10 pieces of fabric, and Solomon’s son, Rehoboam will watch as 10 tribes made the wrong place the high place and a kingdom was shredded into two. All because it got it’s rooting in self-deception.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8
We are specifically told that His thoughts aren’t our thoughts and His ways aren’t our ways. There’s much truth to that. Why? Because we can behave as if God is unreliable and that makes us know better about this small thing or that “Too Big For God” thing. Our reflex for self-preservation is an astounding thing and it comes into play when we think all we’re to do is to “keep the peace”. Well, Jesus doesn’t say “Blessed are the peacekeepers”, once again, His thoughts and ways aren’t ours, and it’ll be the peacemakers that’ll get that divine nod at the Bema Seat! Deal with it!
At the end of the day God is gonna make things clear. Whether we’re like Solomon and have to listen to God say, “Because you have done this, and you have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and I will give it to your servant”. (1 Kings 11:11) Or you’re dressed in a hospital gown, laying on a table, waiting to find out if your heart is gonna be okay, only to hear the cardiologist say to you, “Why are you here? Nothing wrong with your heart. You’re just fat and outta shape. That’s why you take too much Aleve and your back hurts.” In either case, being self-deceived will be met with the real truth. Amen?
Written by Chris Hughes: Chris is a child of El Elyon, a son, a husband, and a father. He has an education in Biblical doctrine and is a graduate of The Colony of Mercy, 11/2003. He has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008. You can email him at cphughes515@verizon.net.
Think About This: “It is only after we yield to Jesus Christ and begin to follow Him that we become concerned about the laxity and thoughtlessness of our lives. We begin to grieve about the way we have been living and we become convicted that there should continue to be aimlessness and futility and carelessness in our Christian walk.” – A.W. Tozer
The Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 2-3. You can download our 2023 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, ‘Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.’” Psalm 89:1-2
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 381 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
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!
J deFelice
00:38 05 Jun 23
Beautiful location and nice facilities. Price and value is terrific for a group retreat. Just booked a quilt retreat here for next spring and can't wait to go. A lovely hidden secret in Ocean county.
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 381 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
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!
J deFelice
00:38 05 Jun 23
Beautiful location and nice facilities. Price and value is terrific for a group retreat. Just booked a quilt retreat here for next spring and can't wait to go. A lovely hidden secret in Ocean county.