Posted on January 13, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
Commitment and dedication seem to be ideas of a time gone by. Today, we seem to witness those who take things for granted and expect the benefits of hard work, struggle, and determination without actually having to put out the effort. Nothing of any value ever comes easy; how extraordinary it is to find someone on the practice field, in the classroom, at their desk, in rehearsal, or up late caring for another long after others have gone home. I am not talking about workaholics who strive for money, power, and acclaim… but those who strive for excellence, excelling because there is a cause greater than themselves.
Taking the easy way out, quitting because you didn’t get your own way, giving up because pain and suffering were involved, or maybe realizing you needed to change the way you think or believe… these are all actions of those who set out with the wrong intent or motive, having never counted the cost in the first place. Life’s goal is not pleasure, true pleasure is a byproduct of the commitment and dedication to operating within the design of God’s will.
When Jesus was being challenged by Satan, “the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'””
(Luke 4:5-8) Jesus could have bypassed the whole crucifixion if he had just accepted Satan’s offer… no pain, no suffering, no separation from His Father, no bearing the wrath of God towards all sin… no cup of bitterness to drink. Sure he would have the so called authority, power, position, and wealth that the devil brags about, but what He would not have accomplished is the will of God to save all men from the consequences of sin and death. The scriptures tell us that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin. The climax of this struggle to do what’s right in accordance with the perfect will of God came in the garden where we witness Jesus on His knees pleading with the Father, “saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. ‘Nevertheless’, NOT my will, but YOURS, be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus knew we can’t save ourselves, and He knew God had a plan of salvation from before the foundations of the earth… a perfect plan that would redeem man completely, making it possible for us to participate in His perfect love for all eternity… He also knew it required His death on a cross. Knowing these things, “Jesus emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:7-8).
Very few of us will have to live out our faith in God’s Word at this level of commitment and dedication, but those who do choose to live in accordance with God’s Word, regardless of the circumstances and cost, and will get the same response from God as Jesus did in the garden when praying. Scripture tells us, “And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him” (Luke 22:43). Jesus is fighting for you even today. Whatever you are facing, all the resources of Heaven are at your disposal… and they are carried to you by His Spirit who lives in those whose faith is in Jesus, our Savior and Lord.
You don’t have to fight alone… there is hope and His name is Jesus. Fix your eyes on Him, allowing Him to author your faith in the midst of the storm, and you will know a joy and contentment forever more.
Choose wisely…
“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).
Praying 4 U!
Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, grandfather, Pastor with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is the Associate Pastor of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church. He is the author of two devotional books, “From a Chair by the Window.” And “#PrayerWinsThe Day”.
Think About This: “God desires for you to be involved in drawing people to His Word through a dedicated life to Him and an active witness for Him.” – Paul Chappell
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!’” Lamentations 3:22-24
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!!