Happy New Year
Posted on January 2, 2017 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
2017 has arrived and we are excited to share our new theme for the year. HOW SHALL WE LIVE? This is a great follow-up to last year’s theme of FACING THE FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE.
Most of us have asked the question at some point in our lives, what is God’s will for my life? Pastor Bill Raws, the grandson of our founder, always said that if you want to know God’s will for your life, start be doing with the Word of God tells you is His will.
Our theme verse for the year answers that question. If you want be doing God’s will in your life, here are three things for you to do:
1. Rejoice always. Note that it isn’t just when things are going well, but the implication is that even when things aren’t going my way, I am to rejoice. It’s not sometimes or most times. Paul leaves no wiggle room here for wondering when we are off the hook. Always is pretty clear, right?
That means on the day our new President is inaugurated, if I voted for him, I get to rejoice. If I didn’t vote for him, I still get to rejoice.
2. Pray without ceasing. That is one of my goals for this coming year. I want to be more intentional in praying about everything. We normally pray when there is something big going on around us. But I think what Paul is suggesting here is that we should be praying about anything and everything.
3. In everything give thanks. Note that the text does say that I need to give thanks FOR everything, but IN everything. I think that rejoicing, praying and giving thanks are so linked together. If I am in a terrible spot, I need to rejoice – I need to be constantly praying about that concern/situation – and I am thanking God in the midst of this circumstance because we know that He is going to use this for our God and His greater glory.
So here is what I want to encourage you to do. First of all, memorize these two verses with me this year. Let the Holy Spirit burn this truth into the hard-drive of your mind.
Secondly, I have encouraged our staff to memorize a new verse each week. That’s 52 verses. Here is the link to the verses if you would like to join us. It is an important discipline for us to hide God’s Word in our hearts.
Thirdly, share with the Freedom Fighter team what God is teaching you. We’d love to hear what you are learning.
Fourthly, get one of our new wristbands. It will be a good reminder throughout the day of doing God’s will. Email me your address and I will send one to you (bwelte@americaskeswick.org). Thanks for being a part of the Freedom Fighter blog family. We appreciate you more than you know. Have a blessed 2017.
Written by Dr. Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: He has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years, and has three married kids, one that is engaged, and 10 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
The Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 1-3 | You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Daily Quote: “When you pray for something and ask “that the Father may be glorified in the Son”, prepare for Him to do what He knows will bring Him the most glory.” ~From Living the Battle Plan
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The LORD be magnified!” Psalm 40:16
Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
