“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” ~Philippians 2:13
I remember as a kid seeing the sign “Men at Work”. The only thing that meant to me was a play zone when they left for the day. Especially trying to dismantle those big battery operated blinking lights for a trophy in our bedrooms. Today I realize how dangerous that was to be interfering where there was “Men at Work”
Being in full time ministry can be a challenge when it comes to hurting men at the Colony. My first instinct is to come to the rescue of a man who is going through it, as if I have all the answers. Another mistake I’ve made was giving a guy a ride as he walks the dirt trail around our lower lake. I received some good advice early on, “Be careful not to interfere when God’s at work”.
I do believe there’s a time for a word of encouragement or to ask if everything is all right but that usually comes in the beginning stages of a man’s stay at the Colony. After he’s been there a while I’m very careful not to give unsolicited advice.
I know from experience that it’s in those quiet times alone or walking to work on that dirt road which has numerous scriptures hanging from the trees that God does His thing.
Philippians 1:6 tells us “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”. This concept doesn’t only apply to the men at the Colony, it is also a promise to anyone who is a follower of Christ. If you have a loved one who is not where they should be with the Lord, your first responsibility is to be praying for them. Then wait for God to do His thing and also make yourself available when the time comes to intervene.
Too many time has someone busted onto the scene to save the day only to interrupt the Holy Spirit’s work that was taking place. A good service to someone who is struggling is to let them know your there “IF” they need you. Having the discernment to know when to offer a word is the difficult task. I sometime wish there were those blinking barricades with a caution sign “God at Work”.
If you’re the one struggling today and your guilty of being dependent on others, maybe it’s time to set up a couple of “God at Work” signs around you and give Him a chance. If it is God who started a work, He is also faithful to complete it. 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.
Daily Quote: “I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up by asking God to do His work though me.” ~Hudson Taylor
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. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength. ~Isaiah 26:3-4
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 359 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
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.
Liz Perreault
01:35 01 Jun 23
Favorite place on the planet. God transforms lives here 🤗
debra aufiero
18:09 15 May 23
Beautiful atmosphere/scenery. Inspiring speaker. Accommodating me with a gluten free lunch was great. Spoke with a young man who told us that this place changed his life. This gave us a chance to witness to him by telling him the gospel message.
Samantha Ferrick
12:26 14 May 23
Love being here. It's so beautiful, peaceful and fulfilling.
Kathy Cruz
19:37 28 Apr 23
Amazing place!! Beautiful scenery. Great service!
Evelyn Zayas (Smiley)
21:17 26 Apr 23
It was a wonderful experience. Besides the spiritual side of it, the place is absolutely gorgeous. Delicious food. The only thing I didn't like were the ants in the bedroom.
Karen Occhiogrosso
13:28 25 Apr 23
I have been to Keswick many times for the monthly hymn sings, and some retreats. Lots of good Christian music and Bible teaching for those who attend, as well as good meals to share around the table. The testimonies from members of the Colony and... Barbara's place attest to the power of Christ to change lives. Always a rewarding experience!read more
Richard fericy
13:14 21 Apr 23
Love Keswick
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 359 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
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.
Liz Perreault
01:35 01 Jun 23
Favorite place on the planet. God transforms lives here 🤗
debra aufiero
18:09 15 May 23
Beautiful atmosphere/scenery. Inspiring speaker. Accommodating me with a gluten free lunch was great. Spoke with a young man who told us that this place changed his life. This gave us a chance to witness to him by telling him the gospel message.
Samantha Ferrick
12:26 14 May 23
Love being here. It's so beautiful, peaceful and fulfilling.
Kathy Cruz
19:37 28 Apr 23
Amazing place!! Beautiful scenery. Great service!
Evelyn Zayas (Smiley)
21:17 26 Apr 23
It was a wonderful experience. Besides the spiritual side of it, the place is absolutely gorgeous. Delicious food. The only thing I didn't like were the ants in the bedroom.
Karen Occhiogrosso
13:28 25 Apr 23
I have been to Keswick many times for the monthly hymn sings, and some retreats. Lots of good Christian music and Bible teaching for those who attend, as well as good meals to share around the table. The testimonies from members of the Colony and... Barbara's place attest to the power of Christ to change lives. Always a rewarding experience!read more
Richard fericy
13:14 21 Apr 23
Love Keswick
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more