“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” ~James 4:13-14 (ESV)
So it’s a Saturday morning, I’ve got a cup of Valhalla Java and I am pondering a great many things. One of these things had to do with mowing our somewhat large front yard and this yard of ours isn’t the prettiest. As a matter of fact, it has more moss than it does actual grass and in reality the dandelions are much more abound than I care for. My wife loves the flowers that bloom from them but as for me all I see is weeds and I come to this conclusion, “I’m starting the riding mower and slicing it all down”. My wife did ask for me to spare a small patch of white and purple flowery weeds… (heavy sigh) alrighty then.
Now for any of my brothers out there with a riding mower and a Biblical mind may understand is that you can do a great deal of thinking about God while leveling the lawn. On this morning, just as I am finishing my second cup of java and preparing to get my Snapper 30” running this thought pops into my head… “get over yourself.” Wha?? Where did that come from? Hmm, maybe I need to deal with this. Well let’s gas up and git-r-dun!!
As the engine is running and the grass/weed clippings are shooting out from under my 30” mowing deck another thought enters the dialogue, “God will still be on the throne when I’m in the grave.” Now I remember Pastor Ray Pritchard saying that one time and I’m kinda docking my thoughts in on that. “Okay LORD…where are we going with this?” “Well my son you’ve been taking yourself too seriously and you need to let it go.” HUH?! When did this happen?
Truth be told brothers (and sisters) I’m in a rough season. I feel as if I’ve been eeking out what little joy I have in Jesus in my little winepress (like Gideon) because I am waiting for the next calamity to befall me. I am on my guard way too much and it has taken me out of the character that God has intended me to be. I haven’t been taking on God’s grace like I should, oh no quite the opposite, I’ve been taking on God’s wrath like I’m living in the Old Testament. Instead of going forward…I’ve gone backward…just enough to have other folks notice it.
Even though The Epistle of James can be a rough read it has many Biblical truths in it. I ain’t nothing but a vapor but that doesn’t mean I gotta live like one. I just need to keep the perspective that God is on the throne no matter what my circumstance and keep going on. The lies that I have recently allowed to rule my thought pattern need to go. James is pretty clear, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” (James 4:17) OUCH!!! So what’s a boy to do?
In his book “Crazy Love” Francis Chan talked about being an extra in a movie and when you go see it all you’re concerned about is looking for that two-fifths of a second to see the back of your head. He ended that dialogue with his making those two-fifths being more about God then himself. To quote… “1st Corinthians 10:31 says. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” That is what each of our two-fifths of a second is about. So what does that mean for you? Frankly, you need to get yourself. It might sound harsh, but that seriously what it means.”
I’m grateful that I’ve got a mossy lawn to mow because it really has never been about making it beautiful, it’s been my way of reconnecting with God. I’m a repentative guy now? Very much so but there is much left to handle and I’m just gonna have to put my trust into what God’s plan is and stop being afraid of what the present situation will do to me. Considering all that God has brought me through who am I to doubt His ability to see this come to His good purpose. Bottom line, I need to get over myself because He’ll still be on the throne while I’m in the grave…in two-fifths of a second it’ll all change anyway. Amen?
Written by Chris Hughes: Chris, a graduate of The Colony of Mercy (11-2003) is married (Kathy) with two adult children (Kevin and Karen) and serves on the Deacon Board at Trinity Alliance Church in Cologne NJ.
Daily Quote: “When we face the holy God, “nice” isn’t what we will be concerned with, and it definitely isn’t what He will be thinking about. Any compliments you received on earth will be gone; all that will be left for you is truth. The church in Sardis had a great reputation, but it didn’t matter. Jesus said to them, “I know your deeds; you a have reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” (Rev 3:1). All that matters is the reality of who we are before God.” — Francis Chan
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— 18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
19 The Lord God[a] is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.
Wonderful place to go meeting Christians and fellowshipping very clean place highly recommended
Roxana Reilly
1725202550
Great place for family gatherings and for me, My own spiritual retreat to renew my faith on the Lord.
Paul Vanderstar
1724964916
this is where you go to refresh yourself and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Their addiction programs are available to those ready to change their lives
Lori Gaeta
1724259466
I recently went on a christian retreat at Americas Keswick. The speakers were amazing especially Pastor Lloyd Pulley and his lovely and wise wife Karen. The food was delicious 😋. The accommodations were OK very simple I was in Victory... hall.I met some of the men from the colony they all speak of having a wonderful recovery. Praise God!. The grounds are spectacular!!!I only had 1 negative experience. There is a lifeguard there by the name of Jason who was extremely rude and disrespectful not only to me but to a sweet elderly man. I spoke to that man who has been going there for years and said Jason is that way to a alot of the people. I was surprised to find out Keswick would hire such a person. When I went to go into the main building , I was confronted by Ruth, who works there, before she heard my side of the story she had a bad and condemning attitude and spoke down to me. After I explained what happened, she apologized. You would think the staff would be vetted well before being hired, especially at a Christian facility that has been around for close to 130 years.I have forgiven both individuals in my prayers, but I have to say it was very hurtful and made me cry. That said. I would still recommend Keswick as you will be blessed by the speakers and the many beautiful Christians that attend the meeting. I especially was moved by the testimonies of the men from the colony. Don't miss those devotionals at 7 am.read more
Katherine Abreu
1722634543
This place has been a blessing to my family and I.
Michelle Thompson
1722547535
I stayed in the older facility so I was not comfortable with my arrangements. However, the service received in effort to make things better and more pleasant was exceptional! My family and I enjoyed the many activities and services available to... us, even though the sessions for toddlers was merely babysitting.This center would be great for a family reunion, Looking forward to coming again.read more
Karen Occhiogrosso
1720052800
I attend the Hymn Sing every month. Today was an inspirational patriotic program. It was amazing to sing songs of our country with 500 other people!! Keswick never disappoints, and many men and women have overcome addictions through the ministries... of the Colony and Barbara's Place.read more
PETER CACCIOPPOLI
1719525196
Gods rest area.
Jessica Olivo
1718500236
Very VERYY lovely experience. I love every piece of land here. I love connecting with nature from time to time. I have being to other retrieve camps but this one is from now in my favorite! Amazing service. The people here are very pleasant. Such an... amazing service to our people. God bless the staff! Very clean! Well organized! We are looking forward to come back! Very peaceful place. ♥️♥️read more
Jeremiah & Julie Diedrich
1717118012
Amazing! Lives are transformed here.
Angel
1716676537
It's a blessing to be here with other Christians Praying together and Praising God 🙌. Took a helicopter ride with Jaars who went far and beyond with God's Grace.
J Staples Mcormick
1716470098
Annual fund raiser at this magnificent establishment to help raise funds for addiction recovery
donna mclaughlin
1716155842
Wonderful place. Staff and the men serving always go above and beyond to be kind and helpful.
Wilbert Mesta
1715569664
Un excelente lugar para descansar en familia.
Osmani Fuentes
1714857484
Hermoso lugar, lleno de paz y bendición
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 454 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
Wonderful place to go meeting Christians and fellowshipping very clean place highly recommended
Roxana Reilly
1725202550
Great place for family gatherings and for me, My own spiritual retreat to renew my faith on the Lord.
Paul Vanderstar
1724964916
this is where you go to refresh yourself and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Their addiction programs are available to those ready to change their lives
Lori Gaeta
1724259466
I recently went on a christian retreat at Americas Keswick. The speakers were amazing especially Pastor Lloyd Pulley and his lovely and wise wife Karen. The food was delicious 😋. The accommodations were OK very simple I was in Victory... hall.I met some of the men from the colony they all speak of having a wonderful recovery. Praise God!. The grounds are spectacular!!!I only had 1 negative experience. There is a lifeguard there by the name of Jason who was extremely rude and disrespectful not only to me but to a sweet elderly man. I spoke to that man who has been going there for years and said Jason is that way to a alot of the people. I was surprised to find out Keswick would hire such a person. When I went to go into the main building , I was confronted by Ruth, who works there, before she heard my side of the story she had a bad and condemning attitude and spoke down to me. After I explained what happened, she apologized. You would think the staff would be vetted well before being hired, especially at a Christian facility that has been around for close to 130 years.I have forgiven both individuals in my prayers, but I have to say it was very hurtful and made me cry. That said. I would still recommend Keswick as you will be blessed by the speakers and the many beautiful Christians that attend the meeting. I especially was moved by the testimonies of the men from the colony. Don't miss those devotionals at 7 am.read more
Katherine Abreu
1722634543
This place has been a blessing to my family and I.
Michelle Thompson
1722547535
I stayed in the older facility so I was not comfortable with my arrangements. However, the service received in effort to make things better and more pleasant was exceptional! My family and I enjoyed the many activities and services available to... us, even though the sessions for toddlers was merely babysitting.This center would be great for a family reunion, Looking forward to coming again.read more
Karen Occhiogrosso
1720052800
I attend the Hymn Sing every month. Today was an inspirational patriotic program. It was amazing to sing songs of our country with 500 other people!! Keswick never disappoints, and many men and women have overcome addictions through the ministries... of the Colony and Barbara's Place.read more
PETER CACCIOPPOLI
1719525196
Gods rest area.
Jessica Olivo
1718500236
Very VERYY lovely experience. I love every piece of land here. I love connecting with nature from time to time. I have being to other retrieve camps but this one is from now in my favorite! Amazing service. The people here are very pleasant. Such an... amazing service to our people. God bless the staff! Very clean! Well organized! We are looking forward to come back! Very peaceful place. ♥️♥️read more
Jeremiah & Julie Diedrich
1717118012
Amazing! Lives are transformed here.
Angel
1716676537
It's a blessing to be here with other Christians Praying together and Praising God 🙌. Took a helicopter ride with Jaars who went far and beyond with God's Grace.
J Staples Mcormick
1716470098
Annual fund raiser at this magnificent establishment to help raise funds for addiction recovery
donna mclaughlin
1716155842
Wonderful place. Staff and the men serving always go above and beyond to be kind and helpful.
Written by Chris Hughes: Chris, a graduate of The Colony of Mercy (11-2003) is married (Kathy) with two adult children (Kevin and Karen) and serves on the Deacon Board at Trinity Alliance Church in Cologne NJ.
