And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.”
(Judges 6:12 ESV)
At this time in Scripture, Israel was going through a rough patch with sin, and their sin brought unnecessary hardship. This hardship occurred through the hands of other nations, but God heard Israel’s cries and raised up judges to preserve His people.
Gideon was a judge and this was his opportunity to serve his people. He almost disregarded the opportunity because he wasn’t trusting God, nor did he believe how God described him, “O mighty man of valor.” Gideon rejects this view and proceeds to share his own resume, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (v. 15 ESV). Gideon goes on to put God to the test by making Him prove who He is. This is where the phrase “fleecing the Lord” developed.
Before we judge Gideon and others about their lack of belief, believers in Jesus do likewise. What is more, unlike Gideon and his contemporaries, we have the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Think of the lies we believe because of our past, our failures, the enemy, other people and the like… Have you ever said: “This isn’t worth it,” “I’m not loved,” “I’m alone,” “I’m not this,” “I will always be like this,” “I have no value/worth.” The lies never end.
But God, in the midst of these lies, supplies truth to combat the deceptions of the enemy, the alluring compromises of the world, the deceitfulness of our flesh, etc. Our identity is not what we do, but who we are.But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).
It’s difficult to consistently behave in a manner which is inconsistent with how you see yourself.
Consider these truths out of God’s Word.
You are a Child of God. (John 1:12)
You are Loved by God. (Psalm 86:15)
You are Accepted. (Romans 15:7)
You are Valued (Matthew 10:30,31)
You are Secure (John 10:28)
News Flash: Gideon went on to fulfill his purpose as a mighty man of valor.
This Freedom Fighter was originally published in Real Victory for Real Life Volume 3
Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and now serves as the Colony of Mercy Program Administrator at America’s Keswick. He is married to Diera Mendez who serves in Barbara’s Place and has four children – Juan Jr., Olivia, Sage, and Orlando.
Think About This: “Some of God’s greatest mercies are in his refusals. He says no in order that he may, in some way we cannot imagine, say yes.”― Elisabeth Elliot
The Daily Bible Reading: Luke 15 | You can download our 2021 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. -2 Corinthians 5:14-15
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!!