December 31,1999. Remember that date and all the hype that went along with it? Where all the computers would shut down, banks would fail, and air travel would come to a complete stop. People even took their life savings out of banks. No one knew for sure the catastrophe that was to follow, but they listened to the “Doomsdayers” and the world would come to an end as we knew it.
Thirteen years earlier, the band REM had a hit song with the words “It’s the end of the world” in it, which played often in December 1999, “It’s the end of the world as we know, it’s time I had some time alone, and I feel fine!” Even back in 1962, Skeeter Davis’ hit song sounded similar to REMs, “Why does my heart going beating, why do these eyes of mine cry, they don’t know, it’s the end of the world, it ended when you said goodbye!” So, January 1st came and guess what, NOTHING. Sure, there were a few things about changing clocks and adjusting computers, but the world kept on going.
That’s most likely how the disciples felt when Jesus said in John 14:2-3, “In my Father’s house are many rooms, if not, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you myself so that where I am, you may also be.” We would all like to know when He will come and take all believers with Him to glory. God doesn’t have a watch or timer set to for the rapture. And time is of no relevance to God. We need to prepare ourselves. The 2,000 years we have spent waiting could relatively actually be one second in God’s timing. Even before Christ ascended to Heaven Isaiah knew in Isaiah 51:11, “And the ransomed of the Lord will return and come to Zion with singing, crowned with un ending joy, joy and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.”
We live in a culture that where want everything now: fast food, drive thru windows, next-day delivery, same-day dry cleaning, Grub Hub, and Uber Eats. We need to think long-term when it comes to Christ. Yes, He is coming; maybe tomorrow, maybe next month, or maybe it’ll be another 2,000 years. We need to slow ourselves down, read and study His Word daily. Take time to smell the roses and love on those close to us, and do good those aren’t. John 6:37 says, “Everyone the father gives to me will come to me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out.”
Written by Robert Breault: Robert was blessed to work 8 years in the Keswick Raws kitchen and is now retired, well, almost. He’s a loving husband to Shirley, a wicked stepfather to Shirley’s three “Angels”/children, and a doting Pop-Pop to their two grandchildren, Charlotte and Max. But most important, he is a child of the one true King!
Think About This: “Idolatry is not simply worshiping a stone image; idolatry is any concept of God that reduces Him to less than who He really is.” – Ron Carlson
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness…’” Hebrews 3:7-8
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 383 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Wanda Read
17:45 26 Sep 23
praise God for this place and all staff
Dinah Lopez
17:06 19 Sep 23
Beautiful property. Woodsy, nice lakes and a lot of land to explore. A great place for Christians to gather. They also have indoor auditoriums.
Andrea Rowe
01:30 18 Sep 23
Great banquet food.Great piano performance.
Melissa Williams
10:55 15 Sep 23
The warmest, most loving people working together on a mission of love for the Lord. This place is a treasure and I look forward to going every chance I get.
marilyn clinton
09:26 10 Sep 23
Food is not great.
Linda Hamadyk
04:54 10 Sep 23
The entertainment was excellent. The servers were great enjoyed my evening.
Raquel Perez
13:04 03 Sep 23
Amazing, relaxing, friendly and the most important part, the presence of God!!!
Doug Anderson
11:39 29 Aug 23
Had an amazing experience here for two nights!Stayed in the newly renovated rooms - very nice and clean.Amazing and helpful staff, maintenance, chaplains, etc.Everyone is very warm and friendly.Student summer staff were joyful and... respectful.They really take care of pastors and all of their guests.Such an atmosphere of hope, healing and restoration! Highly recommend for personal and group retreats.read more
Albert Spangler
14:15 25 Aug 23
This is an amazing place where you can feel God's presence and find peace.
Carol Swill
05:06 24 Aug 23
America's keseick is a wonderful place of peace and restoration. The combination of the physical and emotional feeding, together with the bible conference really works.I loved the Bible studies, and i loved the 'vacation stuff'- the pool, the... beach, the games,the music, walking around the lake- it all worked togetherread more
Karen Downs
18:43 31 Jul 23
Awesome place. Great place for children and awesome place to relax and enjoy
Richard Donato
18:14 14 Jul 23
Great place
Rubbins St Louis
18:57 12 Jul 23
Great place to visit and have fellowship with other believers. I love taking in God's word.
Loida Rojas LLM
06:03 04 Jul 23
They need to remodel all the dorms
Vince Dizol
04:56 26 Jun 23
Beautiful retreat center. You can feel the presence of God in the beauty of His natural creation in this place! Great pool and jacuzzi area as well as basketball / volleyball court!
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 383 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Wanda Read
17:45 26 Sep 23
praise God for this place and all staff
Dinah Lopez
17:06 19 Sep 23
Beautiful property. Woodsy, nice lakes and a lot of land to explore. A great place for Christians to gather. They also have indoor auditoriums.
Andrea Rowe
01:30 18 Sep 23
Great banquet food.Great piano performance.
Melissa Williams
10:55 15 Sep 23
The warmest, most loving people working together on a mission of love for the Lord. This place is a treasure and I look forward to going every chance I get.
marilyn clinton
09:26 10 Sep 23
Food is not great.
Linda Hamadyk
04:54 10 Sep 23
The entertainment was excellent. The servers were great enjoyed my evening.
Raquel Perez
13:04 03 Sep 23
Amazing, relaxing, friendly and the most important part, the presence of God!!!
Doug Anderson
11:39 29 Aug 23
Had an amazing experience here for two nights!Stayed in the newly renovated rooms - very nice and clean.Amazing and helpful staff, maintenance, chaplains, etc.Everyone is very warm and friendly.Student summer staff were joyful and... respectful.They really take care of pastors and all of their guests.Such an atmosphere of hope, healing and restoration! Highly recommend for personal and group retreats.read more
Albert Spangler
14:15 25 Aug 23
This is an amazing place where you can feel God's presence and find peace.
Carol Swill
05:06 24 Aug 23
America's keseick is a wonderful place of peace and restoration. The combination of the physical and emotional feeding, together with the bible conference really works.I loved the Bible studies, and i loved the 'vacation stuff'- the pool, the... beach, the games,the music, walking around the lake- it all worked togetherread more
Karen Downs
18:43 31 Jul 23
Awesome place. Great place for children and awesome place to relax and enjoy
Richard Donato
18:14 14 Jul 23
Great place
Rubbins St Louis
18:57 12 Jul 23
Great place to visit and have fellowship with other believers. I love taking in God's word.
Loida Rojas LLM
06:03 04 Jul 23
They need to remodel all the dorms
Vince Dizol
04:56 26 Jun 23
Beautiful retreat center. You can feel the presence of God in the beauty of His natural creation in this place! Great pool and jacuzzi area as well as basketball / volleyball court!