God’s Goodness

The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Saturday was a momentous day for me and my family. I had the privilege of speaking for the commencement ceremonies of Lancaster Bible College.

I cannot think of a more humbling day in my life in terms of being so honored to speak and then to have the opportunity to receive an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from a school that I have come to love.

I want to share the next couple of days several stories that wrap around this special occasion, but today I need to give God the glory, praise and honor.

During my time as President/CEO of America’s Keswick, I have had to speak in front of lots of people. Everyone thinks I am so calm and collected when I speak, but if they only knew just how nervous that I get, they’d be shocked.

In all honesty, it has gotten easier over the years – but I can’t tell you time that I have stood to speak where I wasn’t totally dependent on the Lord to get me through it.

For the past week my stomach has been in knots. First of all, I wanted to do my best in fulfilling the wishes of Dr. Peter Teague, the President of LBC. I was struck with the fact that I was standing on the platform with a number of men who have had significant pulpit ministry in addition to teaching at the college. Maybe not for you – but it certainly added to the pressure for me.

Secondly, I had been asked to speak at a college commencement address. God has a sense of humor. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I never completed my college education. I have always thought about it, but at age 58 I dismissed it as being even feasible.

I was at that point of saying, “How did I get into this situation … and Welte, you were out of your mind to say, ‘Yes!’”

Almost every day last week the verse from Zephaniah 3:17 has been in every devotional I have read. Was God trying to tell me something?

Standing at the entrance to the auditorium getting ready to walk down the aisle for graduation, I felt like I was going to puke (sorry for being graphic …). When I stepped onto the platform, the only thing that would come to my mind was this verse, and in my heart of hearts I whispered, “Lord, quiet me with your love!” Seconds later we began to sing the Christmas carol, “Joy to the World!” I can’t explain it – but the peace of God washed over me like a flood, and by His grace – I got through it! Praise the Lord.

Have you ever experienced God’s peace wash over you like that? If so, I’d like to hear about it. – Bill Welte is President/CEO of America’s Keswick

Daily Bible Reading: Amos 7-9; Proverbs 17; Revelation 8

Quote of the day:  “He chose me; therefore I am His responsibility.” That is trust!  G. Campbell Morgan

Bible Memory: Level 1: James 5:7 Level 2: James 5:7-12

Prayer Quotes: If we are abiding in Jesus and His words are abiding in us, then Jesus says God will answer our prayers. Oswald Chambers