Summit Grove Camp

LOSS OF A DEAR FRIEND

2011-05-30T08:52:00.002-04:00

Our deepest sympathies and condolences, as the Board of Directors and management staff, go out to Rev. Douglas Enck and his family in the loss of his dear wife, Janet. Doug is Associate Pastor at Lancaster (PA) Alliance Church where Janet faithfully served alongside him leading the dynamic Kid's World children's ministry. She was a longtime friend of Summit Grove, having spent many summers here leading the elementary age programs for our Kids' Camp and Family Camp. Her husband, Doug, is also a member of our Board of Directors and chair-person of our Family Camp Program Committee. After a long battle with cancer, Janet went home to be with the Lord on May 14th. She is greatly missed, and we covet your prayers for her immediate, extended, and church families.

What if Worship was like an NBA game?

2011-02-11T14:18:00.004-05:00

Three Basic Ingredients of Servanthood by Charles R. Swindoll

2011-01-24T10:08:00.000-05:00

The Word of God lays a solid, biblical foundation for what it means to have a servant mentality. But let's get some handles on what's involved in pulling it off.

For starters, let me suggest three basic ingredients of servanthood: giving, forgiving, and forgetting. Two key passages come to mind:

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)

Once you and I make up our minds to implement the truth of Philippians 2:3-4 (taking a special interest in others) and Galatians 5:13 (serving others in love), these three basics will begin to emerge.

Instead of always thinking about receiving, we'll start looking for ways to give. Instead of holding grudges against those who offend us, we'll be anxious to forgive. And instead of keeping a record of what we've done or who we've helped, we'll take delight in forgetting the deed(s) and being virtually unnoticed. Our hunger for public recognition will diminish in significance.

Giving, forgiving, and forgetting . . . as a servant of Jesus Christ, which of these three do you need to apply most today?

The Believer's Transformation Ezekiel 36:25-27, by Dr. Charles Stanley

2011-01-24T10:04:00.001-05:00

I marvel at the metamorphosis of a caterpillar. A crawling, slimy, and spiky bug disappears into a chrysalis spun from its own body, and before long, a delicate and graceful winged butterfly emerges. It is magnificent.
Our change at the moment of salvation is just as radical and miraculous. From a death-bound, sinful, and depraved heart, God brings about a brand-new creature—one that is forgiven, made righteous, and designed to be the place where He Himself resides (2 Cor. 5:21; John 14:17).

Have you ever wondered why, then, we continue to struggle with sin after trusting Christ as Savior? Shouldn't all the habits and tendencies of our old heart have vanished? The answer is that the term "new creature" refers to our position in Christ. It is true that believers are forgiven and eternally secure as children of the heavenly Father. Yet we remain in fleshly bodies, and as long as we are on earth, there will be an ongoing battle between spirit and flesh.

Throughout our life, God is transforming us to be increasingly like Jesus—His Spirit residing within helps us to combat sin and teaches us how to live. This process, called sanctification, is a journey that will last until we are called home to heaven.

While salvation is a one-time event, sanctification is a life-long adventure. And though the Lord sees believers as righteous, we still have the capacity to sin. Thankfully, God's Spirit guides and empowers us to become more like Jesus, and as we yield to Him, our behavior and thoughts will change.

Bonjour!

2011-01-20T06:23:00.001-05:00

Sick of the snow and cold? Think tropics and sun! Check out Matt Stoudt's (our Director of Programs) blogsite- www.notmyshow.com. Matt is in Gabon, Central Africa and daily adding posts and pics.

Living the Call Together...

Wait on the Lord

2010-12-28T10:54:00.000-05:00

"Lead me in your truth, and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation; on you do I wait all the day." Psalm 25:5

The Lord intends to keep his people dependent upon himself. He has everything they can need. He intends to supply all their needs; but he will be applied to. He will have his people wait on him, and wait for him. In doing so, he will try their faith, fortitude, patience, and perseverance. He will sometimes put them to a severe test, but he will never fail them, forsake them, or leave them destitute. If they trust in him, plead with him, and wait on him, they will be raised to a state of comparative security, for they need not fear any man, or any circumstance, or any state they can be in. The Lord will be to them their God. He will do for them all that God can do; and that is, all they can require, all that is consistent with their welfare and his own glory.

Believer, you may be independent of all creation by realizing your dependence upon your God, and waiting upon him continually. You must believe the love he has to you, his watchful care over you, his delight in you, the promises he has given you, the provision he has made for you, the glory he will get by you, and the honor to which he intends to raise you. In so doing, the fear of man will die, joy in God will spring up, the peace of God will fill your heart and mind, your dependence on creatures will cease, and you will be happy in looking only to the Lord. "My soul, wait only upon God; for my expectation is from him." "Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt you to inherit the land– when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it"
By James Smith, of Cheltenham, New York, 1869

Summit Grove

2010-09-14T10:47:00.000-04:00

It is hard to believe that Summer 2010 has come and gone! It seems like this year just flew by, and yet we had a great summer camping season! We are excited about Summer 2011! Please keep us in your prayers as we plan and prepare for a bigger and better summer at the Grove!

Although the leaves are quickly falling and the winter snow will soon be here, do not be fooled into thinking you have to forget about us here at camp! There are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved throughout the fall and winter... Come volunteer for a day or a weekend (we can always use help picking up leaves!) or book our lodge for your next event. Have you considered us for your next church retreat, family reunion, business luncheon, or corporate event? You can find more information about booking our facilities on our website (www.summitgrovecamp.org).

May God bless you as you go back to school, work, or whatever you may find yourself doing. Remember that you always have friends here at Summit Grove and we look forward to seeing you soon!

"Living the Call Together"

FCA at Summit Grove...

2010-07-23T11:22:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, a group of Lacrosse boys from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) of Western New York spent the weekend here in our Lodge while they played at a tournament outside of Baltimore. FCA LAX Administrator Billy Frick reports that 11 players made first time commitments of faith on Saturday evening during their evening devotional talk in our Tabernacle at the center of camp. God is on the move here at Summit Grove, and we are excited!

Living the Call Together!

CCCA Article

2010-07-15T15:48:00.004-04:00

Summit Grove is a member facility of the Christian Camp & Conference Association (CCCA), an accrediting organization of over 900 camps worldwide. Summit Grove was featured in this week's CCCA newsletter highlighting our Camp Connect program. You can view this article by clicking on the link below...

View CCCA Article "Camp helps foster children reconnect with siblings" Here (3rd article down)

Living the Call Together!

Matt's Blog

2010-06-27T00:01:00.002-04:00

Matt Stoudt started June 1 as our new Director of Programs. Matt has been with the camp for several summers now, and graduated this spring from Nyack College with a B.S. in Youth Ministry. His role involves program development and day-to-day operations, helping balance the Executive Director's camp management workload.

Matt lives right here on the property for the summer, so make sure you introduce yourself and say hello when you are at camp!

Also, you can read Matt's latest blog about the rewards of camp life "Why I do what I do" by following this link- Notmyshow (Matt's Blog)

Living the Call Together!

Update 6/21/10

2010-06-21T08:20:00.000-04:00

We are thrilled to report that Summer 2010 is going exceedingly well so far! Numbers are up in our Community Day Camp programs and we are hoping for even more campers to enroll throughout the summer! Our summer crew is settling nicely into the routine of camp life, they just might be the best crew yet! We have also seen a tremendous volume of physical and financial donations come in, as well as numerous volunteers coming in to help us out! All of this to say... keep praying! It is working!

This week we kick off the 10th Anniversary Week of CAMP CONNECT! This special week is a program designed in partnership with the Baltimore County Department of Social Services to bring children separated into different foster homes together again for a week of camp! The campers regularly report this week as a highlight of their year, because they get to go to camp for a week with their brothers and sisters. Such a special week of camp!

Please keep us in your prayers, we truly appreciate it! God is doing great things here at Summit Grove, let's continue to "Live the Call Together"!

Are You Ready for Summer?!

2010-05-29T11:45:00.000-04:00

ARE YOU READY FOR SUMMER?!

Summertime at Summit Grove is just around the corner, and we are excited! Day camp registrations coming in, counselors and staff arriving, cottage owners opening up for the summer season... things are looking good!

Please take time to browse our website for any summer program information you might need. Also, our DAY CAMP OPEN HOUSE will be this Wednesday evening at 6pm. Bring your family and interested friends to hear about this summer's Day Camp programs and register your campers!

As always, please email (sgc@summitgrovecamp.org) or call (717.235.3656) with any questions you may have. We're looking forward to seeing you at camp this summer!

Cottage Owners - Water Turn On Day!

2010-03-29T14:01:00.002-04:00

I have been receiving many calls about the date the water will be turned on. First of all I am excited that everyone can't wait to get back to the camp. I have to say it has been really quite around here. However, the weather drives the train on the water. Ralph will be here this weekend (2/3 April) and will determine if it is safe to turn on. If so, he will begin opening up the lines.

We were going to do it last weekend but thankfully we didn't because the temps dropped to 24 degrees Friday night! We would have had some major issues if we did.

So, please be patient, the goal is to have all water on NLT 15 April - weather permitting.

Can't wait to get things fired up for summer!

See you all soon - Rich

Let it Snow - Let it Snow

2010-02-10T12:28:00.000-05:00

Wow - We are buried in snow. We had about 2 feet left over from the last snow and now we've added almost 18 more inches!

The One True Aim in Living - J.R. Miller

2010-02-04T08:37:00.002-05:00

The one true aim in living

What is success?

What is the true aim in life?

What should one, setting out to make his way through this world--take as the goal of all his living and striving?

'Views of life' differ widely. Many think they are in this world to make a career for themselves. They set out with some splendid vision of success in their mind--and they devote their life to the realizing of this vision. If they fail in this, they suppose they have failed in life. If they achieve their dream--they consider themselves, and are considered by others, as successful.

The world has no other standard of success:
it may be the amassing of wealth;
it may be the winning of power among men;
it may be the triumph of a certain skill;
or genius in art, in literature, in music, etc.
But whatever the definite object may be, it is purely an earthly ambition.

Applying this standard to life--but few men are really successful. Great men are as rare as lofty mountain peaks. Only a few win the high places; the mass remain in the low valleys. Only a few win honor, rise into fame, and achieve 'distinction'; while the great multitude remain in obscurity--or go down in the dust of earthly defeat.

Is this the only standard of success in life? Do all men, except for the few who win earth's prizes, really fail? Is there no other kind of success? The world's answer gives no comfort to those who find themselves among 'the unhonored'.

But there is another sphere--there is a life in which success is not material--but spiritual. One may utterly fail, so far as earthly results are concerned; and yet, in the invisible spiritual realm--be a splendid winner in the race!

The true test of life--is character. Everything else is extraneous, belonging only to the husk, which shall fall off in the day of ripening! Character is the kernel, the wheat--that which is true and enduring. Nothing else is worth while--except that which we can carry with us through death, and into eternity! "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18

It is altogether possible that a man may fail of winning any earthly greatness, any distinction among men, anything that will immortalize him in this world's calendars--and yet be richly and nobly successful in spiritual things, in character, in a ministry of usefulness, in things which shall abide--when mountains have crumbled into dust! It is possible for one to fall behind in the race for wealth and honor--and yet all the while to be building up in himself--an eternal fabric of beauty and strength!

What is the standard of success in the sphere of the unseen and the eternal? It is the doing of the will of God. He who does the will of God--makes his life radiant and beautiful, though in the world's scale he is rated as having altogether failed in the battle. He who is true, just, humble, pure, pleasing God and living unselfishly--is the only man who really succeeds--while all others fail.

Really, there is no other final and infallible standard of living. One who writes his name highest in earth's lists, and yet has not done God's will--has failed, as God Himself looks at his career.

God had a purpose in our creation--and we only succeed, when our life carries out this purpose. The most radiant career, as it appears to men, means nothing--if it is not that for which God made us. We fail in life--if we do not realize God's will for us.

We live worthily--only when we do what God sent us here to do. A splendid career in the sight of men--has no splendor in God's sight!

Not the making of a fine worldly career, therefore--but the simple doing of God's will--is the one true aim in living. Only thus can we achieve real success. If we do this, though we fail in the earthly race--we shall not fail in God's sight. We may make no name among men, may raise for ourselves no monument of earthly glory--but if we please God by a life of obedience and humble service, and build up within us a character in which divine virtues shine, we shall have attained abiding success!

A secret of victorious living - (J. R. Miller, 1894)

2010-01-27T10:33:00.001-05:00

There is a secret of victorious living which, if people knew it, would make all of life easier for them. It may be stated thus: that as we take up any duty and go forward with it, we shall receive the strength we need to do it. There are several Divine promises that give this assurance.

One reads, "As your days--so shall your strength be." Deuteronomy 33:25. This seems to mean that the help which God gives, varies according to the necessity of the particular day. God fits His blessing--to our days.

When we are faint--He increases strength.

When we are sorrowful--He gives comfort.

When we are in danger--He grants protection.

When we are weary--He gives rest.

"As your days--so shall your strength be."

Another of Christ's promises reads, "My grace is sufficient for you." Every word of this assurance shines with radiant light.

"My grace is sufficient for you." It is Christ's grace that is sufficient. We know that He has all Divine fullness, and therefore we are sure that no human need can ever exhaust His power to give help!

"My grace is sufficient for you." It is Christ's grace that is sufficient. If it were anything else but grace, it might not give us such comfort. Grace is undeserved favor, goodness shown to the unworthy. We deserve nothing, for we are sinners. But it is Christ's grace which is sufficient, and so we can claim it.

"My grace is sufficient for you." It is present tense--IS sufficient. Christ is always speaking personally to the one who is in any need, and saying, "My grace IS sufficient for you."

"My grace is sufficient for you." The word "sufficient" is one whose meaning expands and amplifies with the measure of the need. No necessity is so small as not to be included; and none is so great as to go beyond the capacity of the blessing that is promised.

"My grace is sufficient for you." The grace is sufficient for each of His redeemed children--"for you" the promise runs.

Life lies before us, with . . .

its burdens,

its duties,

its responsibilities,

its struggles,

its perplexities.

It does not come to us all in one piece. God breaks our years--into months and weeks and days, and never gives us more than just a little at a time--never more than we can bear or do for the day.

If we take up the present duty or burden--we shall always have strength to do it. If we do not have strength of our own sufficient for the work or struggle, we need not falter--but should go on, just as if we had omnipotence in our arm; for as we obey God, though the task is impossible to our ability--He will sustain us by giving us all the help we need.

Behold, I am coming soon! – J.C. Ryle (1816 – 1900)

2010-01-07T08:21:00.000-05:00

"At that time men will see the Son of Man coming
in clouds with great power and glory!" Mark 13:26

The second coming of Christ shall be utterly unlike the first.

He came the first time . . .
in weakness,
a tender infant,
born of a poor woman in the manger at Bethlehem,
unnoticed,
unhonored,
and scarcely known.

He shall come the second time in royal dignity,
with the armies of heaven around Him, to be known,
recognized and feared, by all the tribes of the earth!

He came the first time to suffer . . .
to bear our sins,
to be reckoned a curse,
to be despised, rejected, unjustly condemned and slain.

He shall come the second time . . .
to put down every enemy beneath His feet,
to take the kingdom of this world for His inheritance,
to rule them with righteousness,
to judge all men and
to reign forevermore!

How vast the difference! How mighty the contrast!

"Behold, I am coming soon!" Revelation 22:12

The Babylonian books of the present day! – By Charles Spurgeon

2009-12-31T09:06:00.002-05:00

Today’s devotion is written by one of my favorite preachers from the past. His words are just as true today as they were when he delivered this message to the Pastor’s College Conference in April 1891 – reflect and enjoy.

The history of that human ignorance, which calls itself "philosophy", is absolutely identical with the history of fools! If ones were to write the history of folly, he would have to give several chapters to philosophy, and those chapters would be more revealing than any others.

Beware of the Babylonian books of the present day! The truth of God is the only treasure for which we seek, and the Scripture is the only field in which we dig for it! If you keep close to the inspired book, you can suffer no harm; you are at the fountain-head of all moral and spiritual good. This is fit food for the people of God--this is the bread which nourishes the highest life.

The prayerful study of the Word is not only a means of instruction--but an act of devotion wherein the transforming power of grace is often exercised, changing us into the image of Christ, of whom the Word is a mirror.

Within the Scripture, there is a balm for every wound, a salve for every sore. Oh, the wondrous power in the Scripture to create a heart of hope, within the ribs of despair! Amidst sharp and strong temptations, and fierce and bitter trials, the Word of the Lord has preserved us. Amidst discouragements which damped our hopes, and disappointments which wounded our hearts, our Bibles have brought us a secret, unconquerable consolation.

There is no true doctrine which has not been fruitful in good works. Payson wisely said, "If there is one fact, one doctrine, or promise in the Bible, which has produced no practical effect upon your temper or conduct--be assured that you do not truly believe it."

The "doctrines of grace" produce . . . a fine morality, a stern integrity, a delicate purity, a devout holiness, consecration in life, calm resignation in the hour of suffering, joyful confidence in the article of death.

This must be a true gospel--which can produce such lives as these!

It will help us greatly – J.R. Miller

2009-12-09T09:01:00.010-05:00

Scripture - "The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all that they had done and taught." Mark 6:30

It will help us greatly in our Christian life, if we will train ourselves to the habit of reporting to Christ continually, all that we do and say. We may come every evening to His feet—and tell Him all about the work and the life of our day.

Each day is a miniature life. Each morning we are sent out by our Master, commissioned by Him to do certain tasks, to touch certain lives, to leave certain blessings in the world, to endure certain temptations, to suffer or rejoice—as the case my be. At the close of the day—we come back to make report, in our evening prayer, of all that we have done, not only the good and beautiful things—the obedience, the kindnesses, the victories over temptation, the things which have been helpful to others; but also the foolish things—the disobediences, the defeats, the neglects of duty.

If we remember as we go through the day—that everything we do or say, and everything we fail to do or say—must be reported to our Master—it would make us more careful as the moments pass—of what we do and what we fail to do. We would not do the things which would shame us to look into Christ's face, and tell Him what we did. We would learn to do only what would give us pleasure to report to Him.

This would do much to make us always charitable and kind to others, for we shall not care to tell the Master that we said unkindly words of our neighbors. If we constrain ourselves to report in our evenings prayers—all our criticisms of others, all our uncharitable words, and all our blaming and fault finding—we shall soon be cured of the habit of censoriousness, and we shall learn to do and say only things which we shall be glad to tell our Lord.

There is no better way to keep our days holy and beautiful—than to tell Jesus every night—all that we have said and done through the day!

Yet, we need never dread to tell Christ of our failures for the day. There always will be failures. Our moods will not always be gentle. Sometimes we will speak rashly and harshly. We will not always be patient and thoughtful. Unchristian tempers will break out in spite of our determination always to keep sweet. We will fail many a time to be loving. But the Master will be infinitely gracious and gentle in dealing with our faults and failures. He is more kindly than any mother. No words in the Bible are sweeter to a faithful Christian, than those in one of the Psalms, "He knows our frame—He remembers that we are dust."

If we are living faithfully and are striving to do our best, and to do better each day—we need never dread to tell our Master all that we have done—even the worst! He wants us to be very frank and very honest with Him. Of course He knows all that we have done—but He wants us to tell Him all, keeping nothing back. We may come with the whole story, even if it is a confession of weakness, foolishness, or sin. He is never severe with us, as some human friends are—for He wants us never to be afraid to come to Him.

A device for saving people from toil, struggle and responsibility J.R. Miller

2009-12-08T13:57:00.002-05:00

Scripture - "But we prayed to our God--AND posted a guard day and night to meet this threat!" Nehemiah 4:9

We are in danger of making prayer a substitute for duty; or of trying to roll over on God, the burden of caring for us and doing things for us--while we sit still and do nothing! When we pray to be delivered from temptation--we must keep out of the way of temptation, unless duty clearly calls us there. We must also guard against temptation, resist the Devil, and stand firm in obedience and faith. When we ask God for our daily bread, pleading the promise that we shall not lack--we must also labor to earn God's bread, and thus make it ours honestly.

A lazy man came once and asked for money, saying that he could not find bread for his family. "Neither can I!" replied the industrious mechanic to whom he had applied. "I am obliged to work for it!"

While we pray for health--we must use the means to obtain it.

While we ask for wisdom--we must use our brains and think, searching for wisdom as for hidden treasure.

While we ask God to help us break off a bad habit--we must also strive to overcome the habit.

Prayer is not merely a device for saving people from toil, struggle and responsibility. When there is no human power adequate to the need--we may ask God to work without us, and in some way He will help us. But ordinarily WE must do our part, asking God to work in and through us, and to bless us through faithful obedience.

"I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me!" Colossians 1:29

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me! J.R. Miller

2009-12-08T08:59:00.008-05:00

But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you--for My power is made perfect in your weakness!' 2 Corinthians 12:8-9

Many prayers which seem to be unanswered--are really answered. The blessing comes--but in a form we do not recognize. Instead of the very thing we sought--something better is given!

The burden is not lifted away--but we are sustained beneath it.

We are not spared the suffering--but in the suffering we are brought nearer to God, and receive more of His grace.

The sorrow is not taken away--but is changed to joy.

Our ignorant prayers are taken into the hands of the great Intercessor, and are answered in ways far wiser than our thought!

Instead of earthly trifles--heavenly riches!

Instead of things which our poor wisdom sought--things God's infinite wisdom chose for us!

Instead of pleasure for a day--gain for eternity!

First Snow at Summit Grove

2009-12-05T15:24:00.015-05:00

The weather man said we would get 1 - 3 inches I think he lied, it hasn't stopped yet! The good thing is, all the leaves are gone - for now!

First Pic - is a view of the back side of the lodge.
Second Pic - Main Dining Hall.
Third Pic - Right side of Main Tabernacle, focused on the tree tops.
Fourth Pic - Main Tabernacle.

Genuine Joy and Peace - A.W. Tozer

2009-12-05T12:48:00.004-05:00

Scripture - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace (Galatians 5.22).

In a world like this, with conditions being what they are, what should a serious-minded Christian do? The answer is easy to give but hard to follow.

First, accept the truth concerning yourself. You do not go to a doctor to seek consolation but to find out what is wrong and what to do about it. Seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Seek through Jesus Christ a right relationship to your fellow man. Set about reverently to amend your doings. Magnify God, mortify the flesh, simplify your life. Take up your cross and learn of Jesus Christ to die to this world that He may raise you up in due time.

If you will do these things in faith and love, you will know peace, but it will be the peace of God that passes all understanding. You will know joy, but it will be the joy of resurrection, not the irresponsible happiness of men who insist on carnal enjoyments. You will know the comfort of the indwelling Spirit which will often spring up like a well of water in the desert, not because you have sought it but have sought rather to do the will of God at any price.

As I have said before, we can afford to suffer now; we’ll have a long eternity to enjoy ourselves. And our enjoyment will be valid and pure, for it will come in the right way at the right time.

Thought - There is joy and peace that are the fruit of the Spirit. Joy that comes from within and is far different than pleasure. Peace which is essentially harmony with the will of God. It is the God of hope who fills us with joy and peace (Romans 15:13).

Prayer - It is You, Lord, who gives joy and peace—You, not satisfaction of flesh desires or entertainment or economic prosperity. Thank You!

He Lives Within You - Max Lucado

2009-12-03T09:23:00.004-05:00

The virgin birth is more, much more, than a Christmas story; it is a picture of how close Christ will come to you. The first stop on his itinerary was a womb. Where will God go to touch the world? Look deep within Mary for an answer.

Better still, look deep within yourself. What he did with Mary, he offers to us! He issues a Mary-level invitation to all his children. "If you'll let me, I'll move in!"
Proliferating throughout the scriptures is a preposition that leaves no doubt- the preposition in. Jesus lives in his children.

John was clear, "Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them" (I John 3:24 NIV, emphasis mine). Christ grew in Mary until he had to come out. Christ will grow in you until the same occurs. He will come out in your speech, in your actions, in your decisions. Every place you live will be a Bethlehem, and every day you live will be a Christmas. You, like Mary, will deliver Christ into the world.

God in us! Have we sounded the depth of this promise? God was with Adam and Eve. God was with Abraham. God was with Moses and the children of Israel. God was with the apostles. But he is in you. You are a modern-day Mary. Even more so. He was a fetus in her, but he is a force in you. He will do what you cannot.

Can't stop drinking? Christ can. And he lives within you.
Can't stop worrying? Christ can. And he lives within you.
Can't forgive the jerk, forget the past, or forsake your bad habits? Christ can! And he lives within you.

We must hew our Agags to pieces! - J.R. Miller

2009-12-03T08:41:00.003-05:00

Scripture - "Since he had no sword, he ran over and pulled Goliath's sword from its sheath. David used it to kill the giant and cut off his head!" 1 Samuel 17:50-51

If he had not cut off the giant's head--the old Philistine champion would have gotten up by and by, and walked away; for he was only stunned, not killed, by the stone. David made sure work of his victory!

A great many of our attacks upon sin in our own hearts, and in the world--only stun, and do not kill the evil. We walk away, thinking we have done a fine thing. But shortly, we meet the 'old giant' again, stalking abroad as before! He soon recovers from our blow, and we have to fight the battle over; and perhaps we fight it again in the same half-hearted way--and thus on and on, to the end of our life!

Most of us have had just such experience as this, with our own evil lusts and passions. We overcome them very often, and think each time that we are through with them--but soon again they are as active as ever.

We need to learn a lesson from David--and finish our victories by cutting off the head of every giant we strike down!

There is no other way of killing sins!

The life is in the head--and the head must be struck off--or the enemy will be facing us again in a day or two, with but a scar on his forehead!

The only way to get a real victory over vices--is to decapitate them! Bruises and wounds are not enough. There must be thorough work done, in the name of the Lord. Half-way measures will not avail.

"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry." Colossians 3:5

"Samuel hewed Agag to pieces before the Lord." 1 Samuel 15:33. Like Samuel, we must hew our Agags to pieces!