Posted on January 2, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
Happy New Year! Can you believe we are at the beginning of a new year – 2023! Wow!
As we begin this new year at America’s Keswick, I am excited because this is our 100th season of conference ministry. Our new theme for 2023 is Anchored – Faithful Through the Ages.
The older I am getting, the more intentional I am getting in making sure that we keep the main thing the main thing.
What I am about to write may cause some tension, but it is a concern that I have about where we are in our culture. I am very concerned that we see a huge drift away from the Word of God to the word of man. In making this statement, I want to say right up front, that growing up I saw people who almost loved the Word of God more than the God of the Bible. I grew up in those days when we would die on the hill that the KJV was the ONLY right translation.
I am a voracious reader. I have been all my life. I read broadly on all kinds of subjects. I believe that leaders should be readers and that books can help us grow in all areas of our lives. When it comes to my personal time with the Lord, I found myself getting more wrapped up in my devotional reading than in reading God’s Word. The books I was reading were explaining God’s Word to me – but I was missing the blessing of going right to the Word of God and allowing His Word to speak to me. While books are important and necessary, they cannot, and should not take the place of the Word of God in our lives. I am finding more and more leaders pushing this book or that book for their people to read and less and less hearing us encouraging people to read the Word of God. The danger in this is that we put a greater emphasis on the teaching of man and HIS interpretation of the Scriptures allowing the Holy Spirit to instruct and teach us. I need to remind myself that God never promised a book or a system of belief would accomplish His purpose.
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
I need to continually remind myself what Paul taught about the power of the Word of God:
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Please hear me – I am not saying there is no value in reading books. But let’s be careful that we are not placing the power of a book over the power of God’s Word in our lives.
If you have questions as to the value of God’s Word in your life, I want to challenge you to read the longest chapter in the Bible – Psalm 119. David deep dives into the value of God’s Word in his life. It’s a powerful read. (If you need help with Psalm 119, Robert Kenney, our Director of Partner Care will help you out! 😊)
This year I want to be more intentional in asking people I meet this question: “So what has God been teaching you from His Word today? This week? This month?” If I see you – I am going to be asking YOU!
One way to be ANCHORED is to be anchored to the Word of God!
Anchored to the Rock,
Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick
Email Bill your comments at bwelte@americaskeswick.org
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 12 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
Think About This: “We are the Bibles the world is reading; we are the creeds the world is needing; we are the sermons the world is heeding.” – Billy Graham
The Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 4-7You can download our 2023 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 358 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Liz Perreault
01:35 01 Jun 23
Favorite place on the planet. God transforms lives here 🤗
debra aufiero
18:09 15 May 23
Beautiful atmosphere/scenery. Inspiring speaker. Accommodating me with a gluten free lunch was great. Spoke with a young man who told us that this place changed his life. This gave us a chance to witness to him by telling him the gospel message.
Samantha Ferrick
12:26 14 May 23
Love being here. It's so beautiful, peaceful and fulfilling.
Kathy Cruz
19:37 28 Apr 23
Amazing place!! Beautiful scenery. Great service!
Evelyn Zayas (Smiley)
21:17 26 Apr 23
It was a wonderful experience. Besides the spiritual side of it, the place is absolutely gorgeous. Delicious food. The only thing I didn't like were the ants in the bedroom.
Karen Occhiogrosso
13:28 25 Apr 23
I have been to Keswick many times for the monthly hymn sings, and some retreats. Lots of good Christian music and Bible teaching for those who attend, as well as good meals to share around the table. The testimonies from members of the Colony and... Barbara's place attest to the power of Christ to change lives. Always a rewarding experience!read more
Richard fericy
13:14 21 Apr 23
Love Keswick
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
K.B.D Janitorial Supply SUPPLY66COM
01:02 25 Feb 23
Very one very nice and it a buitful place and peaceful
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 358 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Liz Perreault
01:35 01 Jun 23
Favorite place on the planet. God transforms lives here 🤗
debra aufiero
18:09 15 May 23
Beautiful atmosphere/scenery. Inspiring speaker. Accommodating me with a gluten free lunch was great. Spoke with a young man who told us that this place changed his life. This gave us a chance to witness to him by telling him the gospel message.
Samantha Ferrick
12:26 14 May 23
Love being here. It's so beautiful, peaceful and fulfilling.
Kathy Cruz
19:37 28 Apr 23
Amazing place!! Beautiful scenery. Great service!
Evelyn Zayas (Smiley)
21:17 26 Apr 23
It was a wonderful experience. Besides the spiritual side of it, the place is absolutely gorgeous. Delicious food. The only thing I didn't like were the ants in the bedroom.
Karen Occhiogrosso
13:28 25 Apr 23
I have been to Keswick many times for the monthly hymn sings, and some retreats. Lots of good Christian music and Bible teaching for those who attend, as well as good meals to share around the table. The testimonies from members of the Colony and... Barbara's place attest to the power of Christ to change lives. Always a rewarding experience!read more
Richard fericy
13:14 21 Apr 23
Love Keswick
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
K.B.D Janitorial Supply SUPPLY66COM
01:02 25 Feb 23
Very one very nice and it a buitful place and peaceful