Author: America's Keswick

The purpose of America's Keswick is to model and teach Biblical victorious living in Christ Jesus, to provide an environment in which Biblical life transformation takes place and to foster active personal involvement in the local church.

Methods of Meditation

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Methods of Meditation on Scripture

“His delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.” — Psalm 1:2

Over the years I have listened to messages and read exhortations regarding the discipline of meditating on God’s Word. I recently came across this teaching by Dr. Whitney that has some practical approaches on HOW to meditate on God’s WORD. It was very helpful for me … I hope it will be for you too:

Summary of the methods of meditation on Scripture taught by Don Whitney

1. Repeat the verse or phrase with emphasis on a different word each time.

Whatever He says to you do it (John 2:5). Whatever He says to you do it.
Whatever He says to you do it. Whatever He says to you do it.
Whatever He says to you do it. Whatever He says to you do it.

2. Rewrite the verse or phrase in your own words.

3. Look for applications of this text – what should you do in response to it?

4. Formulate a principle from the text.

5. Pray through the text.

6. Ask the Philippians 4:8 questions.

What is true or what truth does it exemplify? What is lovely about it?
What is honorable about it? What is admirable or commendable about it?
What is right about it? What is excellent about it?
What is pure or how does it exemplify purity? What is praiseworthy about it?

7. Ask the “Joseph Hall” questions.

What is it (define and/or describe what it is)?
What are its qualities and attachments?
What are its divisions or parts?
What is contrary, contradictory or different to it?
What causes it?
What compares to it?
What does it cause (its fruits and effects)?
What its titles or names?
What is its place, location or use?
What are the testimonies or examples of
Scripture about it?

8. Discover a minimum number of insights into the text (set the number in advance).

9. Find a link or common thread between all the chapters of paragraphs you’ve read.

10. Use Meditation Mapping.

A. Put the verse(s), phrase, word or topic to be meditated upon in the middle of the page. (When possible, this should be done in picture form.)

B. Allow insights, ideas and thoughts to come quickly and freely.

C. Use key words to represent your ideas.

D. Connect your key words ideas to the central focus with lines.

E. Use as few words per line as possible.

F. P-r-i-n-t all the words for easier reading.

G. Use color for emphasis and recall.

H. Make frequent use of symbols and pictures in addition to words.
(See: Buzan, Tony. The Mindmap Book. New York: Plume/Penguin, 1996.
Wycoff, Joyce. Mindmapping. New York: Berkley, 1991.)

I trust this little tool will be helpful as you learn the discipline of meditating on God’s WORD. — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

Digging Deeper: Proverbs 9; 2 Chronicles 30-31; John 18:19-40

Dig This Quote: Even the best of intentions hold little value without their fulfillment in obedience to God’s directive, paying no heed of any personal inconvenience. Anonymous

Determined Digging: Level 1 —Proverbs 16:13; Level 2 — Psalm 91:11-16

Join us this Thursday evening for our Father Son Night with Christian Comedian, Gordan Douglas. Call for information and reservations: 732-350-1187

Discouragement

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Discouragement

“In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry for help before Him came into His ears.” Psalm 18:6

It is interesting that over the past few weeks I have heard several messages now about Elijah and his discouragement. If you remember the biblical account about Elijah and the amazing showdown with the prophets of Baal, Elijah went through a very intense battle with depression and discouragement. (See 1 Kings 18 and 19)

Poor Elijah witnessed the power of God displayed in an amazing way, and then discouragement and depression hit him like a ton of bricks. It was so intense that he prayed that he would die.

Sometimes after intense blessing and spiritual victories, discouragement can hit us like a ton of bricks. We must be careful to look at discouragement from HIS point of view …

Devotional author, Glynn Evans shares these thoughts in his book, DAILY WITH THE KING …

I must be ever alert to the FEELING of discouragement, which is sin. Discouragement says, “I refuse to accept God’s plan for my life.” Discouragement always comes when our expectations are confused. Discouragement is the result of not letting God alone.

It is a tragedy that that I accept Jesus as my “Lord” and then discouraged because He frustrates MY expectations. If Jesus is my Lord, then Romans 8:28 must always be my textbook. It is impossible to have the one without the other.

I must reckon with the CAUSES of discouragement and see them in their proper perspective. Am I criticized by others? Let me rejoice! Do I not realize that God uses diamonds to sharpen diamonds? Let me remember that it was criticism that started Joseph on his way to Pharaoh’s throne; and God will let criticism put me on a throne also, if I let Him.

Am I suffering a lack of success? Don’t I realize that success is the result of God’s careful timing, not mine? And don’t I realize that I am faithful where God puts me, success is inevitable?



Am I discouraged because the way is hard and painful? If so, I must realize that God is preparing a plowed ground to yield fruit a hundredfold. God will never give me a hard way without a “nevertheless afterward” (Hebrews 12:11). When I am in a difficulty I must pray, “Lord, give me patience to wait for your “afterward.'”



Am I harassed by Satan, and are his whisperings getting to me? I must remember his history: everyone who have listened to him suffered horrible defeat.

I will honor God by my trust; I will please Him, affirming: “All things [do] work together for good (Romans 8:28). I believe God will “go before [me] and will level the mountains … [and] give [me] the treasures of darkness.” (Isaiah 45:2-3 NIV).

Brother, are you facing a season of discouragement today in your life? Take a moment to check out the causes, and put discouragement in its proper perspective. I will be praying for you today. — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

Digging Deeper: Proverbs 8; 2 Chronicles 30-31; John 18:1-18

Dig This Quote: When you felt inclined to pray it was Jesus Christ who moved you in that direction. When you said, I think I see more clearly today; truth seems to be enlarging, – it was Christ who was performing a miracle upon you. Trace all happy impulse, all sacred inspiration, all ennobling influence, to the touch, the glance, the benediction of Christ. Joseph Parker

Determined Digging: Level 1 —Proverbs 16:13; Level 2 — Psalm 91:11-16

Join us this Thursday evening for our Father Son Night with Christian Comedian, Gordan Douglas. Call for information and reservations: 732-350-1187

Touch Our Hearts

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Touch Our Hearts

“Saul also went to his home in Gibeah; accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched.” 1 Samuel 10:26

I shared with you yesterday that we attended the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Independent Bible Church. It was a very special day for us, and at the luncheon we heard testimony after testimony of how God touched hearts during their connection with IBC.

I couldn’t help think of IBC when I read this devotional by preacher/commentator/author, Dr. John Piper:

The touch of God on one’s heart is an awesome thing. It is awesome because the heart is so precious to us — so deep and intimate and personal. When the heart is touched, we are deeply touched. Someone has gotten through protective layers to the center. We have been known. We have been uncovered and seen.

The touch of God is an awesome thing because God is God! Just think of what is being sad here! GOD TOUCHED THEM. Not a wife. Not a child. Not a parent. Not a counselor. But God. The One with infinite authority, infinite wisdom, infinite love, infinite goodness, infinite purity, and infinite justice. That ONE touched their hearts. How the circumference of Jupiter touch the edge of a molecule, let alone penetrate its nucleus?

The touch of God is awesome because it is a touch. It is a real connection. God, with infinite condescension, touched their hearts. God was that close. And they were not consumed.

I love that touch. I want more and more. I want it for myself and for all of God’s people. I pray that God would touch me and His church in a new, deep way for His glory. If it comes with fire, so be it. It it comes with water, so be it. If it comes with wind, let it come, O God.

Come close enough to touch. Shield us with the asbestos of grace, but no more. Pass through all the way to the heart, and touch. Burn and soak and blow and crash. Or, in a still, small voice. Whatever that means, come. Come all the way and touch our hearts. (from HOW GREAT THOU ART — Multnomah)

My brothers is that your desire today? To be touched by God? Are you willing to cry out to Him and say, Touch me!?” Think about it. — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK

Digging Deeper: Proverbs 7; 2 Chronicles 28-29; John 17
Dig This Quote: Repentance is the alternative to pretending. Don Everts
Determined Digging: Level 1 —Proverbs 16:13; Level 2 — Psalm 91:11-16
Join us this Thursday evening for our Father Son Night with Christian Comedian, Gordan Douglas. Call for information and reservations: 732-350-1187

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

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To God Be the Glory

“That you with one mind and mouth glorify God.” Romans15:6

Today Jan, Zach and I are heading to Willow Grove, PA, to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Independent Bible Church of Willow Grove. It was my privilege to serve for three years as Director of Music back in the late 80’s.

IBC has a rich history of great men who have served as Pastors. Men like Dr. Will Varner, now serving at Master’s Seminary, the late Dr. Jack Murray, Dr. Ed Dobson, Pastor Milton Achey, and my friend Pastor Matt Reed.

During my time at IBC I had the joy of worshipping and serving the Lord with so many incredible people that God has used in my life over the years. Let me just name a few:
Joe Dariano is one of the most godly men that I have had the privilege of knowing. He is one of those gentle giants who has been a steady, consistent follower of Jesus Christ. During a deep crisis in our lives, Joe was one of those men who stood by us as a friend, counselor and cheerleader.
Charlie and Esther McCauley are two of our cherished prayer warriors. They have been such faithful encourager’s and prayer partners. They are not afraid to speak up when they feel that my schedule is too full, and yet have encouraged me and my family to love God and serve Him.
Pastor Newton Conant — I’ve talked about him many times. He was a man that walked with God in such a way that when you sat down with him, you felt that you were already in the presence of God. Even in his 90’s, he was always waiting with “joyful expectancy” to see what God was going to do next in his life. For us young guys (at the time!), he was an incredible mentor.
Pastor Matt Reed — Matt was not just my pastor, he was my friend. During Matt’s years as pastor, he faced numerous challenges, the greatest being his wife leaving him right after he assumed the Senior pastorate of the church. For three years I watched Matt lead a life of integrity and dignity, and allowing God to walk him through what could have been one of the most devastating times of a man’s life. During his tenure the church grew under Matt’s ministry. I remember him preaching through the life of Joseph — the messages were so practical and timely as Matt was living through the story in his own life.

Matt stepped down as Pastor because of his divorce. The Lord opened the door for him to become the Director of Haycock Camping Ministries where he served faithfully for many years until God called him back into pastoral ministry where he has been serving at Calvary Church in Souderton, PA, with Dr. Charles Zimmerman.

Matt — I love you and am so proud of you!

The theme song of IBC is TO GOD BE THE GLORY … and truly God has done great things over the years in this little church in Willow Grove. To our friends and loved ones at IBC — Happy 50th Anniversary and may God give you many more years.

Digging Deeper: Proverbs 6; 2 Chronicles 25-27; John 16

Dig This Quote: Once we get intimate with Jesus we are never lonely and lack for understanding or compassion. We can continually pour out our hearts to Him without being perceived as overly emotional for pitiful. The Christian who is truly intimate with Jesus will never draw attention to himself but will only show the evidence of a life where Jesus is completely in control. This is the outcome of allowing JESUS to satisfy every area of life to its depth. The picture resulting from such a life is that of the strong, calm balance that our Lord gives to those who are intimate with Him. – Oswald Chambers

Determined Digging: Level 1 —Proverbs 16:13; Level 2 — Psalm 91:11-16

Satan’s Plan of Salvation

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Satan’s Plan of Salvation

“What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ, in order to that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:10-11

I really don’t like to give the enemy any more credit then he deserves. But sometimes I need to be reminded that he is at work around us too! The message of Bill Bright’s evangelism tool, THE FOUR SPIRITUAL LAWS says that “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life!” And that is so true.

However, we need to be reminded that Satan hates you and me — and he too has a plan for your life and mine! Dr. Glynn Evans addresses this in his devotional “Satan’s Plan of Salvation”:

Lord, I must be aware of the wiles of Satan. I sometimes forget that he has a “plan of salvation” also. He is great at promising “deliverance” (Hebrews 11:35). In fact, his deliverance mimics the great deliverance that You promise Your children.

In being tempted by Satan, Jesus was promised deliverance from the cross (Matthew 4:9) Many martyrs were promised deliverance from their pains by a simple recantation. All Satan requires for his deliverance’s is exactly that which God requires: commitment to him.
I must always remember that Satan wants me alive and well on planet earth. What despot, however evil, wants his subjects distressed and unhappy? The usual caricature — that Satan wants us destroyed, mutilated, or distorted — is not true. He wants us to fulfill ourselves and be the happy subjects he wants us to be – but in his way.

That is why it is very difficult to convince unsaved worldlings that they are not having a good time. The fact is, they are! Further, it is difficult to get worldings to exchange their immediate happiness, which Satan gives, for an eventual happiness, which God promises.

The difference between GOD’S deliverance and Satan’s hinges on a crucial point: Do I live for myself, or for others? Satan says, “Serve me, and I will give you everything you want.” God says, “Serve ME, and I give you only what is good.”

Satan’s philosophy will eventually kill me, for the end of the self-serving soul is death. GOD’S philosophy will make me live eternally alive, for the person who gives his life for others will live forever. Never will God leave me naked before my enemy as long as my face is turned toward Him, and never will He recant His oath that no power of any kind will ever be able to pry me away from Him (Romans 8:35-39).

A good reminder for all of us. We must be on our guard and not be ignorant when it comes to the plan of the enemy for our lives. Keep your eyes of Jesus today! — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK
Digging Deeper: Proverbs 5; 2 Chronicles 23-24; John 15

If you have not joined us this year for our DIGGING DEEPER adventure — reading through the Bible — its not too late to jump in. Respond to today’s Freedom Fighter and I will send you the reading plan.
Dig This Quote: Grant me prudently to avoid him that flatters me, and to endure patiently him that contradicts me. Thomas a Kempis
Determined Digging: Level 1 —Proverbs 15:1; Level 2 — Psalm 91:5-10

The Seed of Revival

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The Seed of Revival

“Wilt Thou not Thyself revive us again, that Thy people may rejoice in Thee? Show us Thy lovingkindness, O Lord, and grant us Thy salvation.” Psalm 85:6-7

Yesterday I shared a story from the life of Jonathan Edwards, who was one of the preachers who was a part of the revival known as the Great Awakening. We often are encouraged to pray and fast for revival in our day, however, revival begins with YOU and ME!

Here is what Dr. Glynn Evans shares on revival in his June 3rd reading in DAILY WITH THE KING (Moody) …

Lord, teach me to understand the meaning of revival. I have often prayed for revival, hoping to be the revivalist and therefore the center. At other times I have longed for revival because it meant crowds, interests, and excitement. How wrong were those ideas!

Revival is anything but pleasant; it is a searching, searing time when God’s holiness burns hotly against our sins. It is knowing that God is a “consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:19); knowing God’s “terror” (2 Corinthians 5:11); and crying out, “Woe is me!” (Isaiah 6:5)

Revival has one chief aim — the removal of sin and the purifying of the believer. We read of revivals and wholesale conversions, but these are the results of revival. Revival itself concerns two parties: God and His people. The message of revival is: What are you doing with your piled-up sins.

Revival is a sign, that because of His thinning patience, God has moved His people to confession. But it also means something else: God loves us so much that He is anxious to put us back into a right relationship with Himself. In revival God says, “I love you, so get rid of your sins.”
The seed of revival is the grief of the Holy Spirit; the confession of the people is the Spirit of the people vented. Only when the Spirit is ungrieved can blessing come. It is at that point that God’s people can take a mighty leap forward. Unless I have a contented Holy Spirit within me, I need revival. Revival is God’s surgery for people who have grown dull of hearing.
The psalmist’s deep cry encourages us: “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? (Psalm 85:6). It is a welcome day when revival comes, for then we are restored and delivered. (Psalm 85:4,7)

Do we really want to see revival take place in our lifetime? Well guess what — it starts in your heart and mine! — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK
Dig This Quote: 0 Lord our God, grant us grace to desire Thee with our whole heart; that, so desiring, we may seek, and seeking find Thee; and so finding Thee may love Thee; and loving Thee, may hate those sins from which Thou hast redeemed us. Anselm (1033-1109)
Determined Digging: Level 1 —Proverbs 15:1; Level 2 — Psalm 91:5-10

Let Nothing Move You

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Let Nothing Move You

“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labors are not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Good morning, my brothers! I just read this story that I thought would be worth sharing with you this morning. Somebody reading today’s Freedom Fighter just might be in a situation were you are frustrated with where God has placed you and everything around you seems to be out of control. Well hold on …
Jonathan, who pastored a church in New England for twenty-three years, faced everything from power struggles to salary controversies to questions about his leadership. Once, he confronted some boys in the church after they had taunted several young girls with suggestive comments. His handling of the situation outraged the boys’ parents and fueled their resistance toward him.
Another issue swirled around his visitation policy. He knew his greatest primary gifts were preaching and teaching rather than other traditional pastoral ones. So in contrast to what was considered customary, he chose to make a visit only when an emergency occurred. However, many members began to fault him for “not loving people,” which further stoked Church dissatisfaction.
Fortunately, Pastor Jonathan had a friend, John, upon whom he often leaned. John’s stature in that church helped ameliorate many issues that otherwise could have derailed the ministry, and his presence helped keep criticism at bay.

Unfortunately after John’s death, the simmering problems floated to the surface. One particular man was so hostile to Jonathan’s leadership that be became the ringleader of a large opposition group.

One final matter became the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. The previous pastor had loosely allowed unbelievers to become members, and Jonathan later became aware that several of those members had flagrantly sinned. In their small community, these sins had become quite public, and since he believed that only believers who evidenced a change life should join the church, he began to change the policy.

A firestorm erupted, and Jonathan knew that were he to stand firm on his conviction, he could lose his pastorate. But he stood his ground, and the inevitable occurred. They fired him, and at age forty-six he found himself unemployed. The rejection became so intense that the agricultural town forbade him even to use common grazing land for his farm animals.
One friend, noting how Jonathan responded to his firing, wrote, “I never saw the least symptoms of displeasure in his countenance the whole week, but he appeared like a man of God, whose happiness was out of the reach of his enemies and whose treasure was not only a future but a present good one.

Ten years later, because Jonathan had so graciously responded to his critics and his dismissal, one of his main detractors admitted that pride, self-sufficiency, ambition, and vanity had caused contention. The Pastor’s handling of his ministry crisis left such an impression that eventually the church repented of their actions, exactly 50 years after they sent him packing. (from 5 Ministry Killers and How to Defeat Them — Bethany House)
And who was Jonathan? Well he was one of the greatest Puritan preachers — Jonathan Edwards, arguably one of America’s greatest theologians!

Are you in a tough situation today where you need to stand firm? Commit 1 Corinthians 15:58 to memory and apply its truth to your heart today.

Dig This Quote: God never tells us to give up things just for the sake of giving them up, but He tells us to give them up for the sake of the only thing worth having, namely, life with Himself. – Oswald Chambers
Determined Digging: Level 1 —Proverbs 15:1; Level 2 — Psalm 91:5-10

We Share 2010 Wrap-Up

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We Share 2010 — Wrap Up

May sure went by fast! But then again it seems like all the months go by pretty fast now days. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that May was the 726th month I have seen go by.
I must say that I learned more than I thought I was going to on our little weShare2010 journey. I wanted to share just a few of the things that I learned last month.
First I learned that tap water will not kill me from some crazy bacteria. The source of the same water that our parents and grandparents drank is still available and is a whole lot cheaper than the handy 16oz bottles at $1.00 to $2.00 each. And when I was thirsty, cold tap water quenched my thirst just as good as those little bottles.
I also learned how much I spend on individual beverages. I was shocked when I saw that Joyce and I identified $177 we could have spent on individual beverages during the month of May. That is a lot of money! Could it be true that over the period of a year, we could save over $2,000 just by not buying individual drinks?
I also learned that I don’t use that many $1.00 bills. If you recall, part of my weShare fast was to contribute all the $1.00 bills in my wallet at the end of each day to GBIM. After 31 days of emptying my wallet each night, I was only able to accumulate 22 one dollar bills. That is much less than I thought I it would be.
But there are a few other far more important things I learned last month. My fast was very small compared to what I think is “normally” considered a fast. But even with my simple fast, I found myself daily being reminded of the importance of fulfilling the Great Commission. Skipping a bottle of water or a morning cup of coffee was not that difficult, but it put me just slightly outside of my comfort zone and normal routine. This helped me to remember why I was there and gave me the opportunity to refocus my attention on God and His instructions to us to tell others of His love.
I also realized the importance of fasting. In Matthew 6, when Jesus talks to the disciples about fasting He does not say if you fast, He says “When you fast…” (Matthew 6:16). Fasting appears to be an expected discipline from both the Old and New Testaments. From my limited research in the Bible, it appears to usually be discussed in conjunction with prayer. If this is the case, certainly we as followers of Jesus Christ should be fasting today. Could this have something to do with the fact that so many of our prayers apparently go unanswered?
It also forced me to remember again the sacrifice that Christ made in coming to the earth. Of course anything I give up on this earth (including my life) would be nothing in comparison to what Christ gave up for me. But just the act of giving up something gave me the opportunity to remember what the ultimate example of sacrificial giving was.
Thanks Dave Lewis for asking me to blog along with others during the month of May and the weShare journey. I trust that all who embarked on this small journey learned as much as I did. Don’t forget to send your sacrifices to GBIM or America’s Keswick. — George Hutchison serves on the Board of Trustees of America’s KESWICK and is an instructor with Crown Financial
Dig This Quote: We are so depraved that God mus drag us to Himself. The beauty of the gospel, however, is that at the same time, the Spirit’s work is to make us willing to come. R. C. Sproul
Determined Digging: Level 1 —Proverbs 15:1; Level 2 — Psalm 91:5-10

Prayer of Concern for Others

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Prayer of Concern for Others

“Everyone should look out not only for his OWN interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

In a world that is so often obsessed with self and its own interests, this prayer is quite convicting in asking God to give us a concern for others:

Father, help me to TALK like a Christian: to speak in such a way that I build up another person’s confidence in himself, instead of tearing down his reputation.

Father, help me to DRIVE like a Christian: to be watchful and careful lest I cause harm to someone else on the highways.

Father, help me to GIVE like a Christian: without thought of return, without anyone knowing what I do, and with YOUR approval as sufficient reward.

Father, help me to DRESS like a Christan: by not attracting attention to myself for being too fashionable or too casual; and help me to show by my appearance that I want people to know me for what I am inside.

Father, help me to SLEEP like a Christian: at peace with myself because my sin is forgiven; and at peace with others because I do not allow my anger to last through a day.

Father, help me to EAT like a Christian: to eat healthily, to eat moderately, to eat gratefully, giving thanks to You who provide my food, and for the one who prepares my food.

Father, help from being so PIOUS that I keep You out of the practical areas of life. Be with me when I am alone, and when I shed my inhibitions, lest in these moment I cancel out all that I seem to be when I am on my best behavior.

Father, I ask this because I follow a Master who was never guilty of the slightest wrong-doing, and who always show His love in the small details of living. Amen — Bryan Jeffery Leech

Wow! Powerful prayer? Working this prayer through your life is only possible as you allow Christ, the Perfect One, to live His life through you today! — Bill Welte is President and CEO

Digging Deeper: Proverbs 1; 2 Chronicles 15-16; John 12:27-50

Dig This Quote: What were we made for? To know God. What aim should we set ourselves in life? To know God. What is the eternal life that Jesus gives? Knowledge of God. What is the best thing in life, bringing more joy, delight, and contentment, than anything else? Knowledge of God. What, of all the states God ever sees man in, gives Him most pleasure? Knowledge of Himself. J.I. Packer “Knowing God” pg 29

Determined Digging: Level 1 —Proverbs 15:1; Level 2 — Psalm 91:5-10

America, the Beautiful

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America, the Beautiful

“But in every nation He that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness is accepted by Him.” Acts 10:35

Today is Memorial Day — a time to remember an thank men and women from all walks of life who have served our country to preserve and protect our freedom. Some gave not only their time, but their very lives –blood shed on foreign soils so that we could enjoy freedom today.
Some of our military are laying in hospitals because of injuries received while serving our country. They are forgotten warriors who valiantly loved their country more than life.

I want to encourage you today to pray for the men and women around the globe that are currently serving our country. Whenever you see a man or woman in uniform, please take some time to thank them face-to-face for serving our country.

I love this beautiful hymn … reflect on the words as you enjoy and celebrate this Memorial Day Weekend with family and friends:

O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood, from see to shining sea.
O beautiful for pilgrim feet, whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat across the wilderness!
America! America! God mend thine every flaw,

Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law.
O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine.
Till all success be nobleness, and every gain divine.
O beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam, undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea!
May God bless America today! — Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s KESWICK
Digging Deeper: Proverbs 31; 2 Chronicles 13-14; John 12:1-26
Dig this Quote: Grant me prudently to avoid him that flatters me, and to endure patiently him that contradicts me. Thomas a Kempis
Determined Digging: Level 1 —Proverbs 15:1; Level 2 — Psalm 91:5-10