We’d love to see you this week at America’s Keswick. Dr. Woodrow Kroll is speaking Sunday night through Thursday night, and Dr. David Epstein is speaking Monday – Thursday morning. You can also watch live at: www.americaskeswick.org. We’d love to see you. Check out our website or call 800-453-7942 for more information.

Restoration

Restoration is the act of restoring something or someone to a satisfactory state. As Christians, we can always make minor adjustments like being proactive in Sabbath, as a day of rest. Alternatively, we can endure silence and solitude, or simply remembering the importance of listening to the voice of God. These will help restore our mind, body, and soul. These methods are very practical and effective, however, consider this verse, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 2:14) This one verse is loaded with overarching wisdom that was real for the Jews, and even more conducive to saints today, in finding restoration.

The phrase, ‘Called by my name’ or called by God is the miraculous act of God; it empowers our walk, and provides the ultimate rest. How refreshing it is to know that we are graphed in the kingdom of God, by choice not by our moral standards, but completely accepted our current condition. Paul says that we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.  Christians are embodied by the Holy Spirit, and is no longer ruled by the works of the flesh. Free from sin, because the wonderful work on the cross. What greater peace can emanate from knowing that you are, and your name is, engraved in the book of life? Great names will die off, and many affluent people will parish, but believers will live forever in the presence of God.

God is always faithful in restoring the believer; however, we have to do our part. The part of this verse is referring to ‘Humble themselves and pray.’ Here lies the foundation of our relationship with God, and our path to relieving the burdens of life. When we glorify God and share our imperfection, it takes the pressure off us to live unrealistic struggle toward perfection. In the very moment, in prayer, when make ourselves low, and recognize that God is sovereign, then that peace of God, rest throughout our members. Amazing, the God of peace, covers us with His love.

Here is the dilemma, ‘Seek my face and turn from their wicked ways.’ Sin infects and affects our capacity to see God clearly and tarnishes our fellowship with risen Savior. On the other hand, when our eyes are enlightened, it is possible to draw near God, and turn from our sinful ways. Therefore, the benefits of walking blameless with God produce a far better solution than the temporary pleasures of sin. The results; God heals and restores His people until Himself. Now that is corporate and personal restoration. Juan Mendez is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and serves at America’s Keswick full-time.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 96-102

Think About This:A clay pot sitting in the sun will always be a clay pot. It has to go through the white heat of the furnace to become porcelain.Mildred W. Struven

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: ^“ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30