The Lord Himself

Posted on December 17, 2018 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.–  Isaiah 7:14

I have served at America’s Keswick for 22 years and I have heard so many amazing stories about our founder, William Raws, but I never knew him personally. The same is true about his son, Addison, who was legendary in our history.

Pastor Bill Raws was Williams’s grandson and served here for 60 years in variety of capacities. I can say that I had the joy of knowing him, not just from hearing about him –but I was privileged to rub shoulders with him on an almost daily basis. I knew Pastor Bill, himself.

As we think about the Christmas story, I have been reminded of so many verses that speak about the way God Himself and the Lord Himself is so very real in our lives.

Take a moment and read these verses and allow them to sink deep into your hearts:

You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you. — Deuteronomy 3:22

To you it was shown, that you might know that the Lord Himself is God; there is none other besides Him. — Deuteronomy 4:35

Therefore, know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. — Deuteronomy 4:39

The Lord your God Himself crosses over before you; He will destroy the senations from before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua himself crosses over before you, just as the Lord has said. — Deuteronomy 31:3

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. –Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation. — Isaiah 12:2

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. — Isaiah 26:4 (NIV)

for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. John 16:27

Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ,direct our way to you. — 1 Thessalonians 3:11

For the Lord Himself willdescend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with thetrumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. — 1 Thessalonians 4:16

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. –1 Thessalonians 5:23

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace,
— 2 Thessalonians 2:16

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. –2 Thessalonians 3:16

I don’t know about you, but when I read these verses, I found myself utterly amazed at this one called Immanuel – God with us. I am thankful at this Christmas season for this precious truth. May it encourage your hearts as we begin this new week of Freedom Fighters.

Overflowing and abounding with HOPE,

Bill Welte,President/CEO
America’s Keswick

Written by Bill Welte,President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

The Daily Bible Reading: Philippians 1-4| You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Think About This: O Lord, deliver me from the lust of always vindicating myself. St.Augustine

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation,continuing steadfastly in prayer; Romans 12:12