“O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death?” Romans 7:24 (AMP)
There are times where I find myself staring into the mirror wondering, “What kinda man am I?” Not-for-nothing but, I’ve read countless books on how other Christian men made themselves better men of valor because they did what needed to be done. I’ve finally finished Tony Evan’s book Kingdom Man and I thought it contained some of the best spiritual advice a man of God could give and yet, I still felt I fell so short in so many areas that all that was left was… “O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver from the shackles of this body of death?” Not exactly something you should say to yourself while shaving, just sayin’.
But why am I even uttering something that I don’t fully understand? I mean, it’s a poppin’ verse, meant to literally grab your attention so you get the teaching that is taking place, but allow me to clear up the “this body of death” stuff for you. Ya’ll are aware that the Roman Empire had their own version of “crucify the flesh” and that they were better at it than any other sadistic regime that came before them. I found one that they did to common people who were found guilty of murdering the common citizenry…shackling them to their victim…face to face, wrist to wrist, hand to hand, ankle to ankle. This person was forced to face them remainder of their life, not only bearing the weight of their decaying victim, but eventually all that rot would rot them. How true that is? I’m unsure of – but Herod the Great just came to mind, wonder why? Anyway…
We know that the apostle Paul spent some time in Roman prisons and might have seen this practice up close and personal. So, what a perfectly graphical illustration of what that looks like, spiritually-speaking, when we decide to keep our old selves shackled to our new selves, so that, the rot that we once were is now affecting the new creature we seek to become. And the “kick in the tail” of it all, is that our adversary, sits right by us, constantly reminding us that who we once were will never go away, we won’t be accepted by Him. And all we’re gonna hear is “Depart from Me, I never knew you.” Now, this may not be a good way to start the devotional that you were hoping would contain something of an encouragement, but now that the understanding is there we can move into better stuff…maybe.
“For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.” – Romans 7:22-23
We also have to remember that Paul was the Pharisee of Pharisees, so some things that are in the Torah would have still been relevant to Paul (and still is today). So what we see in the Book of Numbers, 19:11-13 to be exact, discusses that touching a dead human body was gonna require a detailed purification process in order for you to be amongst Gods Chosen. Not doing this meant you stayed away and left yourself vulnerable to whatever was outside the community. These days, we just stay outta the church building and do U-turns in the shopping aisles when we see Christians. Why? Because we know we smell like death. Hmm…didn’t see that coming, did ya?
If you wanna remain amongst the living for Christ you’re gonna have to purify yourself daily. I’m not talking about staying away from the family for seven days because you had a moment where you spoke unkind to your spouse…even though that might be a good idea (guess it depends on what you said). No, I’m talking about the complete package. Daily prayer and daily reading of God’s Word is always the recommended cure but ya gotta notice the word “daily.” We’re called to die to self daily, but there’s nothing in Scripture that says you need to keep what you’re trying to put to death on you…not even in the Red Letters. Maybe letting go is in order?
I’m reaching my word count for today but I would challenge you to look up the Scripture reference’s I quoted in Numbers, then come back to the seventh chapter of Romans and tell me you don’t read Romans 7:13-25 in a different light. In the meantime, don’t find yourself standing in front of a mirror, ready to shave, then saying to yourself you ain’t nothing but a stinky, old wretch of man. If you’re in Christ, you’re into something that smells divine. 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:“This is the lot of every Christian—To receive mercy and grace instead of judgement and destruction because God has saved us by the redemptive judgement that is far more dramatic and glorious than the events of Jericho that day.” — Eric Watkins
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy; 20 I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the Lord.” Hosea 2:19-20
This place is beautiful! Great for a little getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Robert Rodriguez
1711813203
The bestest place
Florence Ibrahim
1711601879
Christan true and very clean and good food and speaker blessed bmy soul love it my home and will always come back again again for ever in the lord. Room was so beautiful . They work so hard to make you happy. Will try to bring family member to be... blessed hear also. I support all that they do to help men and woman find god. When I come to Keswick I didn't want to go home . That how happy and blessed I'm. Always pray for all of them daily. So glad I found this blessed placeread more
Ross Fichter
1710505821
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!!
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 427 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
This place is beautiful! Great for a little getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Robert Rodriguez
1711813203
The bestest place
Florence Ibrahim
1711601879
Christan true and very clean and good food and speaker blessed bmy soul love it my home and will always come back again again for ever in the lord. Room was so beautiful . They work so hard to make you happy. Will try to bring family member to be... blessed hear also. I support all that they do to help men and woman find god. When I come to Keswick I didn't want to go home . That how happy and blessed I'm. Always pray for all of them daily. So glad I found this blessed placeread more
Ross Fichter
1710505821
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!!