Today’s Devotional |
Today's Devotional
- Memory Verse
- Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).
Too much praying is only form.
Many who scorn written prayers are as guilty of formalism as those who read their supplications to God. Having fallen into the habit of repeating the same prayers over and over again, they do not really pray from their hearts. They mean well — but they do not pray well. This is not to imply that prayers are better because of eloquence. On the contrary, it is a call for communication with God in prayer rather than rote recitations that rise no higher than the ceiling.
Elijah was a prophet who prayed fervently. His recorded prayers were brief but powerful. His prayer on Mount Carmel is contained in two Bible verses: “…LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again” (I Kings 18:36:37), That fervent prayer brought fire down upon the sacrifice that had been prepared and in a short time the awful drought that had lasted for so long had ended.
How does your prayer fare in the “fervent” examination?
Is it time to trade form for fervency?
Remember: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Daily Devotionals
“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God…”
Psalm 42:1, 2
“Soul Food” is a daily devotional written by Dr. Jack Van Impe that brings God’s Word to life.
“The Tender Touch” is a weekly devotional from the heart of Dr. Rexella Van Impe.
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Choose Devotional Type
- Soul Food
- Tender Touch
- Memory Verse
- Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not (James 4:2).
What surprises heaven will bring! When the shadows flee away and all is made plain, we’ll discover how much we missed by not asking for it. No wonder God will have to wipe away tears.
Interestingly, many of the things we strive for are among the things we might have had if we had asked for them. Fussing over supposed deserved offices in the church, material possessions, and other gains might well have been ours had we sought them in prayer. All the mileage rolled up on life’s odometer was unnecessary — the arguing, complaining and bitterness. Ernest prayer could have provided what conflict denied... “...ye have not because ye ask not.”
Some do not ask because their first recourse is not to prayer. When desire surfaces, human effort is the first avenue taken for achievement. The phrase “All we can do now is pray,” is the child of such carnal reaction. The opposite ought to be true. Prayer should be the first means of securing the desires of our hearts.
Others do not ask because they have limited prayer to spiritual needs. They think it right to pray about things for the church or for things that have to do with witnessing, but God is ruled out as a supplier of daily needs or wants. Such reasoning has no basis in Scripture and should have no place in the Christian life. To the child of God there must be no separation of the sacred and secular. Everything must be done for the glory of God. All desires are either subjects for prayer or they are wrong.
What are you missing that you ought to have? It’s possible that you have not, because you ask not!
- Memory Verse
- And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them (Acts 16:25).
In adversity it is normal to pray. But to praise?
Paul and Silas, jailed for Jesus, greeted midnight with a doxology. That’s victorious Christian living!
Reacting differently than expected, attracts attention. When God’s imprisoned servants began praying and praising, the other prisoners heard them and were affected by their testimonies. Following the earthquake and the opening of the prison doors, their fellow prisoners were more interested in hearing Paul and Silas than in escaping.
Praising God in difficulties gives evidence of submission to God’s will. Too many live “under the circumstances.” Praise is foreign to those who succumb to their trials. They pray and pout. No wonder others are not influenced to trust Christ through their witness.
Prayer that breaks bonds comes from praising hearts. If that sounds too positive to be realistic, meditate on Paul’s instruction to the persecuted church at Philippi: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
But in what can one rejoice in prison? Perhaps in the truth that he has been set free from sin through the death of Christ on the cross. At any rate, with backs bleeding and their feet in stocks, Paul and Silas made that dungeon a place of praise and prayer.
And here you are pouting about your problems!
- Memory Verse
- Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:18).
We’re at war!
Though at peace with God and experiencing the peace that passes all human understanding, all Christians are in conflict with spiritual foes bent on their destruction: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).
There is no discharge in this war until death.
If the sounds of battle discourage you, remember that you are equipped for victory. Casualties are unnecessary. We have a conquering Captain and all needed armour to insure safety is provided. The enemy cannot overcome the Christian soldier whose defense is salvation, faith, truth, the Gospel of peace and the Word of God. Only neglect of God’s furnished protection can result in defeat.
This protection is provided through prayer. To neglect prayer in the fight of faith is to ignore the importance of constant contact with the Commander-in-Chief.
Some are pressed with the struggle. Circumstances have seemed against them. Temptation has been especially strong. Depression hovers like a dark cloud. Efforts to exercise faith or to advance with the truth have been futile. What can be done?
Pray.
And in your prayer, remember others who are struggling, too!
- Memory Verse
- But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips (Job 2:10).
Job’s wife may be the most maligned woman in the Bible.
It’s not fair.
What she said was bad, but one must remember when she said it. Her children had just lost their lives. She and her husband had lost all their property. And now the man she loved had lost his health. Under such conditions many would have said foolish things. Depression often causes words to drop from our lips that would never be uttered under normal circumstances.
We must be careful not to judge the man by the moment. Or the woman.
Job understood his wife’s state of mind and spoke to her tenderly. He didn’t call her a fool. He knew her too well for that...and loved her. He simply told her that she was talking like one of the foolish women. He reminded her that she was out of character. This was not like her. There is not a touch of bitterness in his word of correction. This patient and good man knew the load of grief being carried by his deprived wife and he had compassion on her.
And now a good word for Mrs. Job. It is said that whenever a man reaches the top a good woman is holding the ladder. And Job had become a prosperous and respected man. Mrs. Job had evidently been a loyal and helpful companion through the years, a good homemaker and mother. She doesn’t deserve the criticism heaped on her for her single lapse of judgment during a time of deep depression.
To attack others when they are down is to act like the foolish ones. “Husbands, love your wives” (Ephesians 5:25).
- Memory Verse
- And when they had prayed the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31).
Dr. F.B. Meyer was on his last visit to America. A large audience had assembled in a New York City church to hear him speak. Dr. Meyer’s health was failing and he had to be helped to the platform by two men. He was so weak and wobbly that he was seated in an elevated chair from which he was to preach.
As the faithful servant of God began to preach, however, the audience witnessed a miracle of God’s power. Dr. Meyer stood to his feet and preached with the vigor of youth for more than an hour. God had enabled him for that occasion. Here was living proof of Isaiah 40:29-31: “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
All ministers could be empowered in their pulpits through the prayers of their congregations. Though weak and wobbly in their own strength, they would become channels of blessing if their people would be faithful in prayer. Nothing is more tragic than church and pastor attempting to do God’s work in human strength.
In the early church, they prayed and the place was shaken. Many places need shaking today. We are in need of an earth-shaking revival that can only come through prayer. It’s time to pray!
- Memory Verse
- Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him (Acts 12:5).
Persecution was daily fare for the early church. Stephen was stoned to death. James, the brother of John, was executed by King Herod. Imprisonment was common, the only crime being telling the good news of the Gospel.
When Peter was arrested and jailed it was probably no surprise. Still, the church was not willing to ho-hum the matter just because the practice was common. They began to pray unceasingly for Peter’s release from prison.
Meanwhile, back at the slammer, Peter was sound asleep — a good indication that he wasn’t overcome by his difficulties. The one who had been such a coward before the crucifixion now relaxed awaiting the will of God to unfold. Clearly, he had traded fear for faith.
God answered the prayer of the church. An angel unshackled the sleeping apostle from his chains and set him free. It all happened so quickly and miraculously that Peter wasn’t sure he was awake. He thought he might be seeing a vision (verse 9).
Finally, certain that this was for real, Peter hurried to where the church was at prayer — praying big — asking for Peter’s release. However, when their prayer was answered they could hardly believe it. Rhoda, who answered the door when Peter knocked, was thought mad when she reported that Peter had arrived.
These early Christians learned two important lessons. First, it pays to pray big. Second, God is greater than our faith. They asked, but didn’t really expect an answer. In spite of their frail faith, God answered.
Ask big. The answers may surprise you!
- Memory Verse
- And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14).
God is always on time.
In the darkest day, God makes a way. The Jews were faced with extinction because of the evil plan of a Jew hater named Haman. He was not the first nor the last to attempt to destroy the Jews. History’s graveyards are filled with those who hoped to do away with the children of Israel.
Esther was the queen but had never revealed her racial identity to the king. Now Mordecai, her relative who had raised her, came to ask her to intercede on behalf of her people. It was a risky request, placing Esther’s life in danger.
God uses a woman or a man to fulfill His plan. Throughout history, God has raised up people to carry out His will. Moses’ mother defied Pharaoh’s law and spared the life of her son, who was destined to deliver his people. David arrived at the camp of Israel when Goliath had intimidated the armies of Saul. John Wesley was converted and his heart was set afire for Christ in time to save England from the revolution. John Knox was there when Scotland needed him. Esther must face the challenge of rescuing her people.
Esther’s cry was to do or die. She laid her life on the line. Read again her response to the call of duty: “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).
Esther rose to the occasion and saved her people.
“Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (See Acts 1:8).
During the course of a year, Jack and I
receive various invitations to speak at a variety
of functions. One such invitation that he
never refuses is the privilege of being the
keynote speaker for an international prophecy
conference in Florida. The invitation came
again this year; he accepted, and we were on
our way! Flying to Tampa would surely be the
quickest means of getting there, but since we
desperately needed a break from our workload,
we decided to incorporate a few days of
relaxation by driving to our destination. I was
elated to see the bright and beautiful February
morning as we left our home in Michigan. We
thoroughly enjoyed the quiet, pleasant, and
fun-filled days on the road. It was a perfect
time to talk with each other without
interruptions and absorb some of God's
magnificent, majestic creation.
As we approached Atlanta, Georgia, I was
especially taken with a sign on the back of a
Yellow Checker taxi. It was an interesting
slogan that said, "Go home a winner; play the
Lottery!" The first four words began to echo in
my mind and heart, "Go home a winner!" I
prayed silently, "Lord, this is what you expect
from all of your followers. You want us to be
winners in the race of life."
Remembering that heaven is a prepared
place for a prepared people, we must truly be
ready to go home by knowing the Lord Jesus
as Savior (Philippians 3:10). When this is a
reality, we will have the blessing of God's Spirit
within our hearts (Romans 8:9). Surely it is
impossible to be successful in attaining the
approval of our Lord unless we have the power
of His Spirit in our lives. He alone enables us
to win the battle against Satan.
I do not need to convince any thinking
person that we are fighting against some fierce
odds. All we need to do is watch the television
news or read daily newspapers and current
magazines to see how Satan is winning in some
arenas of the world. Thank the Lord that it is
possible for us to say, as did the Apostle Paul:
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my
course, I have kept the faith" (I Timothy 4:7).
Here are some of the thoughts that I had
pertaining to being a winner as we continued
our journey South.
1. Follow the Lord in His example of holiness.
There are several ways that we can go home
a winner. One would certainly be by following
the Lord Jesus in His example of holy living.
Positionally, we have been declared holy
because of what Jesus did for us when He died
at Calvary, but experientially, God wants us to
follow peace and holiness in our daily lives.
How good that our loving God gave us the
Ten Commandments (not suggestions) so that
we could have guidelines to help us know right
and wrong, black and white, and not the
modern concept of living in some gray area of
life with no absolutes. Often we hear a theory
called "situation ethics" expounded. This
contemporary humanistic reasoning manifests
itself when one accepts this theory which
declares: "I have the right to ignore God's
commandments because of the situation in
which I find myself." This philosophy offers
no restraints for moral actions or personal
pleasures.
There are times, however, when we are
unable to live completely like the Lord would
desire, and we fall short of His holy example.
How good to know that we do serve a loving,
forgiving God. The Apostle John tells us the
story of a woman who was caught in the act of
adultery and thrown at Jesus' feet. She was
guilty of a great, and immoral sin -- according
to Jewish law she deserved death, but Jesus'
response to her was one of overwhelming love.
The power of His love is greater than any sin.
He not only forgave her, but he would not
allow her accusers to condemn her. He knew
they too were guilty and hypocritical about
their condemnation. Thus he looked at her
with compassion and said, "Neither do I
condemn thee: go, and sin no more" (John 8:11).
Quickly notice however, that even though
Jesus loved and forgave her of her immorality,
He also exhorted her not to allow the sin to
continue.
In the same way, you and I stand forgiven
...but He expects us to live a holy lifestyle.
2. Follow the Lord in His example of humility.
This is a staggering and astounding
admonition when we consider a very
important aspect about our Lord as He walked
among us.
He was not an ordinary man or prophet.
He was the Son of God! A member of the
Holy Trinity! Scripture reveals to us that He
helped to create the heavens and the earth --
and that "nothing was made without Him"
(Colossians 1:16). He, as God, is omnipotent,
omnipresent, and omniscient. With this in
mind, I am in awe to think that when He
walked upon earth He gave us an amazing
example of humility.
I find it hard to comprehend that He was so
humble He knelt down and washed the feet of
His disciples (John 13:14). What a beautiful
and awesome thought: We serve a humble
God!
Surely this example should cause us to
conclude that the more responsibility you and
I are given in this life... the more humility is
required. Perhaps the reason some hesitate to
exemplify humility is found in the fact that
they confuse meekness with weakness.
Meekness never manifests itself in weakness.
I am so grateful that I have had the privilege
of working alongside so many great men. In
my opinion, the greatest of these personalities
were those who chose to humble themselves in
the sight of God, following the Lord Jesus in
His meek and lowly life (Matthew 11:28 and
29). In so doing, God exalted and blessed
these leaders abundantly (James 4:10).
An astounding illustration of this can be
found in Westminster Abbey in London,
England. There, among the tombs of many,
are the tributes to David Livingstone and his
brother.
David Livingstone's brother was a man of
great fame since he was a very successful
business man. When David Livingstone
wanted to go to the mission field to share the
Gospel, it was his brother who tried to reason
with him by saying, "Don't go David, you are
burying yourself in Africa and wasting your
life. You have so much to look forward to in
England. In a short time you are destined to
become wealthy." David Livingstone listened
to the voice of God instead of his brother. He
left for the mission field to pioneer a
tremendous work for His Lord in Central
Africa.
Today, on the monument of David
Livingstone, there is a beautiful, royal tribute
etched in stone as a commemoration of his
tremendous and enduring accomplishments.
Right next to this tribute, lies the monument
of his brother that merely reads: "The brother
of David Livingstone."
We may never receive the promised
exaltation of James 4:10 here on earth, but
someday we will go home winners if we
exemplify humility in our lives.
3. Follow the Lord in His example of Evangelization.
A dramatic and dynamic event occurred
when Jesus ascended into heaven. The last
words that He spoke to his disciples were: "But
ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost
is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto
me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the
earth" (Acts 1:8). Let's consider two thoughts
concerning His last request.
Why do we receive power? So we can
witness. Where did Jesus want us to witness?
Right where we are. Perhaps another way we
could paraphrase this is: "But ye shall receive
power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon
you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in
Detroit, and in all of Michigan, and in the
United States, and unto the uttermost part of
the earth." Place your city, state and nation in
the above.
I appreciate how Jesus prepared lives around
Him for His message of love and salvation.
First of all, He cared for the specific needs of
each and every one. Remember how he healed
their bodies (John 5:1-9), how He brought
comfort to their minds during times of sorrow
(John 11:20-45), and how He gave them food
to satisfy their hunger (Matthew 15:32-38). It
may prove a blessing for us to follow His
example by caring for those around us before
we attempt to reach out to them spiritually.
There are so many with multiplied problems.
Let's always be aware of their needs first and
then love them enough to reach out in a
tangible way.
Secondly, He met the needs of those near
Him as well as far away. He blessed and
redeemed His disciples and ultimately the
souls of the world via Calvary. Our mission
field is all around us. Let's be vigilant and
ready to help those at home as well as those
abroad. Sometimes those closest to us are
neglected. Perhaps we could say we are often
too far-sighted.
Once there was a young lady in San
Francisco who wanted to go to China as a
missionary. But when she went before the
Missions Board, they asked her two very
important questions... The first was: "How
far do you live from Chinatown?" "Just a few
miles..." she replied. Then they asked her
the second question: "Have you been there to
share the Gospel with them?" Her answer was
"no." How sad! The board in good conscience
could not approve her application to become a
missionary.
Take note! The last thing Jesus asked us to
do before He ascended into heaven was, "Go
and be witnesses." The first thing we will be
asked by the Lord when we arrive home is:
"Did you keep my commandment?" Scripture
tells us there will be a special reward for such
an effort (I Thessalonians 2:19).
John the Baptist spoke these inspiring
words that may help us in our efforts to be
winners. He said of Jesus, "He must increase, but
I must decrease" (John 3:30). May this powerful
exhortation reside and reign in our hearts as
we resolve to "GO HOME A WINNER!"
No story in the Bible more movingly
pictures human gratitude than the healing of
ten lepers in Luke 17:12-18...
And as He entered into a certain village,
there met Him ten men that were lepers,
which stood afar off'. and they lifted up their
voices and said, ëJesus, Master, have mercy on
us.í
And when He saw them, He said unto
them, ëGo shew yourselves unto the priests.í
And it came to pass, that, as they went, they
were cleansed.
And one of them, when he saw that he was
healed, turned back, and with a loud voice
glorified God. And he fell down on his face at
His feet, giving Him thanks: and he was a
Samaritan.
And Jesus answering said, ëWere there not
ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There
are not found that returned to give glory to
God, save this stranger.í"
Have you too found that sometimes when a
person gets what he wants, he forgets to say
thank you? Throughout Jesus' ministry, He
was giving examples of how we should live. He
knew -- as He knew all things -- that only
one man would return to express appreciation.
Thus, Christ wanted this story of the ten
lepers recorded for future generations, so that
we would know the importance of giving
thanks.
Give Without Expecting Thanks?
I've heard it said that we should not
"expect" thanks in return for the kindnesses we
show. If we don't expect it, we will never be
disappointed in our fellow man. However, I
believe that the attitude of being grateful and
showing it is a biblical principle. Notice verse
17; it seems as if Jesus expected a "thank-you"
from all ten lepers. He said, "But where are the
nine?"
Jesus was showing us a practical example of
Colossians 3:15, "Be ye thankful." Obviously,
thanksgiving is expected of us. This is one
reason mothers and fathers, while teaching
their children to speak, emphasize the
importance of saying "please" and "thank
you.
We expect such "common" courtesies even
from toddlers. Naturally, it is disconcerting
when adults are ungrateful in response to
God's kindnesses to them. How many of us
follow the dictum of Colossians 3:15, "Be ye
thankful"?
Bless the LORD, O My Soul!
In Psalm 103, we read a beautiful song of thanksgiving:
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is
within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all
His benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who
healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who
crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender
mercies;
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;
so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The Lord executeth righteousness...
(Psalm 103:1-6)
Notice in this text that the psalmist recalls
the "benefits" of serving God, and even lists
them in his song of praise. Have you ever
created such a list? The little Sunday School
song that I learned as a child implores us to
"count your blessings; name them one by one,
and it will surprise you what the Lord has
done." When we pray and give thanks to God,
let us remember all the wonderful blessings He
has bestowed on us!
A Chocolate Remembrance
It was my special joy to meet and fellowship
with the many friends who came to our open
house at our JVI Headquarters. What a
pleasure it was to hear so many of them say,
"Thank you" to Dr. Van Impe and me during
that great day of celebration.
Some of our friends even surprised us with
special presents. I'll never forget, one beautiful
little girl, maybe seven years of age, with her
big eyes glowing, handed me a box of candy
and said, "We remembered that your husband
likes chocolates." I reached down, embraced
her, and said, "Thank you, sweetheart."
Since we are unable to write thank-you
notes to everyone who came to our open
house or brought gifts, I would like, in this
open forum, to thank everyone for their
thoughtfulness, love and generosity.
But let me go one step beyond thanking our
wonderful guests who came to visit us. Let me
also extend my gratitude to every supporter
and friend of our ministry. Thank you all, dear
ones, for your financial help, prayers, letters
and encouragement.
We especially thank you whose lives have
been changed for your notes and letters of
testimony. Jack and I have had many praise
sessions because of God's word in your hearts.
The Impact of Encouragement
It would be virtually impossible to carry on
this ministry to which God has called us
without help and encouragement from
precious friends like you. We need your
encouragement; we thrive upon hearing about
your triumphs and victories because God used
our ministry to reach you. It is difficult to
express the impact we feel as we receive
hundreds of thousands of letters each year
sharing such blessings. It is like a warm ray of
sunshine on a cold winter's day.
At His last supper, Jesus showed us exactly
how important encouragement is at the
darkest hours of our life. When Jesus had thus
said, He was troubled in spirit, and testified,
and said, ëVerily, verily, I say unto you, that
one of you shall betray me.í Then the disciples
looked one on another, doubting of whom He
spake. Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom
one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved (John
13:21-23).
John could feel the Master's burdened spirit
and leaned his head on Jesus to express his love
and concern. John wanted to give his Lord a
measure of additional strength and
encouragement. This example of human love
from this disciple is so beautiful that it cannot
be overlooked.
I am sure Jesus absorbed a great deal of love
and respect from His apostles. I do believe,
however, God laid it on their hearts to be
extremely compassionate and supportive of
the Lord Jesus especially because of the agony
which lay ahead.
The Most Important Person on Earth
Jack and I thank you for the encouragement
you have been to us. May our example help
you to express appreciation to special people in
your life for the blessings they have been to
you.
For instance, when was the last time you
said "thank you" to the person you hold
dearest on earth? Remember your mate is a gift
from God, and the Bible teaches us to love and
respect each other. Read Ephesians 5:20,25,28.
Ladies, when the man in your life opens the
door for you, do you say, "Thank you,
sweetheart"? Gentlemen, when the lady of
your dreams fixes your favorite meal, do you
remember to say, "Thank you honey, that was
delicious!" (You might even say "thank you"
when the roast is tough, especially when you
have only been married for 10 weeks!) When
your son or daughter plans a surprise birthday
party for you, do you give him or her a loving
hug and express gratitude? Oh how important
it is to be mindful to say "thank you,"
especially to those closest to us.
Thanks for the Memories
Parents, also, deserve our thanks. In fact,
the edict to honor our father and mother is
one of the Ten Commandments -- and it is
the first commandment with a promise.
Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days
may be long upon the land which the Lord thy
God giveth thee (Exodus 20:12).
I am sure that there are many people who
made an infinitely important impact upon
your life, but who probably are not aware of it.
Perhaps there was a teacher somewhere along
the line who captured your imagination and
helped you to learn. Would it not be a
wonderful idea to write a thank-you note
telling him or her of the great contribution
that they made toward the success of your
career and personal life?
I heard the story of a grown man who
remembered his best school teacher from years
past, and sent her a letter thanking her for all
she had given him and his classmates. The
teacher was in her 80's now, and gratefully
replied, saying: "I taught school for 50 years,
and this is the first note of gratitude I have
ever received!"
Likewise, your thank-you note would mean
so much to someone today.
Everyday Gratitude
Most of us don't take the time to thank our
pastors or Sunday School teachers or ministers
of music and youth for the hours they spent
studying and preparing to help us in our
spiritual walk. I feel confident they would
appreciate knowing you are grateful and have
been blessed by their ministry.
Saying "thank-you" will also enhance your
opportunities to witness for Christ. When the
clerk at the supermarket is helpful, look that
person right in the eye and say, "Thank you."
I know this is appreciated, because one
young lady who has helped me many times at
the store said to me, "You know, Rexella, you
are the only customer who really looks at me,
and this tells me I'm important to you." I pray
she sees more than just a look, but that
through my eyes she sees Someone whocares
for her deeply.
Of course, we could go on and on with a list
of people who deserve our thanks, but as you
open your horizon of opportunities to show
appreciation, let me assure you that you will
experience a great sense of satisfaction in
expressing it.
H.W. Beecher said, "Pride slays
thanksgiving. A proud man never thinks he
gets as much as he deserves."
The Bible tells us that all have sinned and
fallen short of the glory of God. In light of
eternity, none of us "deserves" the many
wonderful blessings which have been bestowed
on us. Our sinful humanity deserves only
eternal punishment.
Yet Christ in His infinite mercy provided a
way of escape for us through His shed blood,
and rewards us with eternal life. How can we
not be thankful every moment of our lives? We
did nothing to deserve all of His blessing;
Christ did it all.
So there is no room for pride in our lives,
and oh -- so much room for thanksgiving!
Let us rejoice this day and obey the command
of Colossians 3:15: "Be ye thankful."
"Happy New Year." "Eat, drink, and be
merry... have a good time!"
Each year, when the waning hours of
December give way to the opening moments
of January, millions of people around the
world celebrate. Many attend parties, some
lavish extravaganzas with feasts and open bars,
others small private gatherings with more
modest refreshments.
Restaurants and nightclubs are filled to
capacity, and multitudes gather in New York
City's Time Square to wait for and watch the
fall of a large, lighted globe which symbolizes
the passing of the old year into history and the
arrival of the future in the form of the New Year.
At the stroke of midnight, millions lift their
glasses for a toast to the New Year, and by
word and example encourage each other to
"eat, drink, and be merry!"
There are other celebrations, too, where the
liquor does not flow and the merriment is not
a boisterous attempt to overcome propriety
and inhibitions. One could not fail to notice
that the eating, drinking, and being merry in
these celebrations is of quite another kind.
In thousands of churches across the
country, Christians gather for "watch night"
services to give thanks for God's blessings
during the old year and to invoke His
guidance and provision in the year to come.
There is time given for fellowship, testimonies,
praise and worship, prayers -- for food, music,
tears, joy, and laughter! Here, too, people are
observing the universal invitation to eat,
drink, and be merry (spiritually, as we'll see).
It should come as no surprise that
Christians should be able to celebrate with
genuine exuberance and joy -- even more
than the people of the world. Our Lord said,
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy
might remain in you, and that your joy might be
full (John 15:11).
Becoming a Christian does not take away
all problems and difficulties in our lives. All of
us have discovered that there are numerous
occasions for unhappiness. But neither should
being pious appear to be an ordeal of misery.
A keen observer once noted that sometimes
Christians act like a man with a headache --
he doesn't want to get rid of his head but it
hurts to keep it on. Groaning, complaining,
and displaying a mournful face is not the best
way to express one's faith. How can Christians
expect unbelievers to seek very earnestly
something that looks so uncomfortable?
Jesus said, In the world ye shall have
tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have
overcome the world(John 16:33).
If we have the assurance of being
overcomers with Christ, we have a right to
celebrate! As Christians, we of all people
should be able to say "eat, drink, and be
merry.
Eat
First of all, we can eat. Our appetite should
not be for caviar and other gourmet delicacies,
but for the Word of God. The Apostle Peter
admonishes, As newborn babes, desire the
sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow
thereby (1 Peter 2:2).
God's Word is our source for the substance
of faith... and faith provides the strength that
enables us to stand against the sea of trouble
that may surround us at times.
I love the imagery of Micah 5:4, And he
shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord.
What a great thought -- that through the
Word we can feast and draw strength from the Lord.
In the original language, the meaning of the
word translated "feed" also implies "to
shepherdize." To me that suggests that the
benefit we obtain is not just food, but also a
shepherd to guide us, watch over us, restore us,
protect us, and preserve us. No wonder the
Lord invites us to "come and dine."
In the "Decade of Destiny," let us take
advantage of the bountiful benefits God has
provided for us in the Bible. Even as we daily
consume physical food, every single day may
we find a renewal of faith from taking in the
substance of God's Word which will give us joy
and provide strength for life's challenges.
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the
waters (Isaiah 55:1).
Have you ever been thirsty? Surely thirst is
one of the greatest discomforts the human
body can endure.
I'll never forget being in Israel a few years
ago to tape a television special. I was
performing a song on location -- out in the
merciless, glaring heat of the sun on a 115+
degree day.
After a while my mouth and throat were dry
and parched. My tongue actually stuck to my
teeth. I was absolutely parched. Somehow I
managed to get through the song, but I felt
exhausted and faint, and we headed back to
our hotel.
As soon as we arrived, they gave me a large
glass of iced tea, and I quickly drank it down.
That was several years ago, and I still
remember how good that cold drink tasted. I
felt like it had saved my life!
Perhaps you've had your own desert
experience, when everything around you
seemed dry and lifeless and you were nearly
overcome with thirst. What a joy in such a
time to drink of the water of the Word -- to
taste and see that the Lord is good!
Jesus ministered to a Samaritan woman at a
well one day. After asking her for a drink from
the well, He offered her a source of living
water. Whosoever drinketh of the water that I
shall give him shall never thirst; but the water
that I shall give him shall be in him a well of
water springing up into everlasting life (John
4:14; John 7:37).
Think of it -- Christ himself, and the Holy
Spirit, will well up inside of us as a source of
living water that will forever quench the thirst
of our souls. The water they give is permanent
and satisfying!
How do we drink of this living water? By
practicing His presence and spending time
with Him. If we eat by reading the Word of
God, then we drink by spending time in
meditation and communion with the Lord in
His presence.
Isaiah 12:3 says, Therefore with joy shall ye
draw water out of the wells of salvation. All
Christians have this living water inside when
they receive the Lord. I do! You do! But so
often we don't have the spiritual maturity that
keeps that fountain of water springing forth.
People who sometimes complain that their
spiritual lives have become very dry need to
take that scripture to heart and draw new
water from the well and renew their joy.
Perhaps they have not been drawing from
Him, drinking instead from some man-made
well. Let's be careful what we drink, lest the
water within become unfit and contaminated.
It is only when we draw from Him and His
Word that we allow the Holy Spirit to truly
refresh us.
I believe the effect we get from drinking
Christ's living water should be the same that
people of the world get from drinking wine --
it should bring a relaxed joy. And be not drunk
with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with
the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Drinkers seem to
experience an almost immediate sense of joy
and happiness, just because they've been
drinking. In the same way, when we drink of
the water of life, people should notice that we
are experiencing happiness and joy... because
we've been drinking.
Be Merry
Jesus said in John 10:10, I am come that they
might have life, and that they might have it more
abundantly.
Nowhere does the Bible teach that we
shouldn't enjoy life. Rather, we are told that
Jesus intended for us to live an abundant life.
Abundance is a positive condition, suggesting
satisfaction and joy.
Many in the world seem preoccupied with
their pursuit of happiness. They equate
happiness with hilarity -- with being carefree
and giddy and full of laughter.
To me, there's a difference between
happiness and joy. The world's happiness is
totally dependent on circumstances, on what's
happening around them. But the true
Christian can have joy no matter what comes
his way because of the abundant life that is
being poured out through him.
The Psalmist David declared, Thou has put
gladness in my heart (Psalm 4:7). These are not
the empty words of a pious Pollyanna! David
knew many heartaches and disappointments
in his life. He suffered the loss of a child, his
own son turned against him, his king tried to
kill him, his own reign was turbulent and
filled with war and struggle. Certainly he
didn't live a sheltered, picture-perfect life, yet
he could say he had gladness. Happy is he...
whose hope is in the Lord his God, he wrote in
Psalm 146:5. And in the midst of life's trials,
troubles, and heartaches, that is the only
source for happiness.
The world's quest for happiness through
eating, drinking, and being merry is doomed
to failure. Following through with their
formula will only cause them to wake up the
next morning feeling really bad. As my
husband, Jack, has often said, "If you have
champagne on Saturday night, you'll have a
real pain on Sunday morning."
In reality, the only people who can find true
joy and happiness by following the advice to
"eat, drink, and be merry" are the people of
God! They partake of spiritual manna that
produces true joy. Beloved friend, in these last
days, don't be overcome by the darkness of the
world and the doom and gloom some would
promote. Eat of the promises of God's Word.
Drink of the Holy Spirit's never-failing
presence. Be merry with the joy of the Lord
welling up within! Life is a rich adventure
when we live up to our privileges and
experience His unspeakable blessings.
This, then, should be our invitation to the
lost and unsaved. Rather than issuing a
warning to sinners to seek salvation as an
escape, we can joyfully proclaim, "Come with
us and we will do thee good -- the Lord
invites you to eat, drink, and be merry... for
tomorrow we live!"
It seems to me that most Christians today
-- especially Protestants -- spend little time
thinking about Mary.
Oh, once a year she shows up on a
Christmas card, shown either riding on a
donkey's back or keeping a silent vigil beside
the newborn Christ child in the manger. Even
then, she may be scarcely noticed amid the
animals, shepherds, and wise men.
On those occasions when we do think
about Mary, our main concern may be
maintaining the proper balance between
reserve and respect for this remarkable
woman. Yet we can't fully understand the
miracle of the Christmas story if we fail to
consider Mary's role. She's really the central
human figure in one of the most important
events in the history of mankind.
Who was Mary? What relevance does her
life have to our personal faith?
I am astounded by her comprehension and
calm acceptance of the monumental miracle
the angel Gabriel announced would happen.
Imagine a poor, uneducated peasant girl being
told she would conceive and give birth to a
great king, the Son of God! Yet Mary
understood... and she believed.
Perhaps one of the few people Mary could
confide in during this time was her cousin,
Elisabeth, who was to be the mother of John
the Baptist. Elisabeth confirmed that what was
happening to Mary was divinely ordained, and
encouraged her. Blessed is she that believed, said
Elisabeth, for there shall be a performance of
those things which were told her from the Lord
(Luke 1:45).
In the midst of today's relaxed (collapsed?)
moral standards, it may be difficult for us to
realize the sacrifice Mary had to make to agree
to yield herself to the Holy Spirit. In her
culture, for an unmarried woman to be found
with child could have resulted in a death
sentence!
At the very least, she faced
misunderstanding by most people, probably
rejection by her betrothed, and scorn and
shame in the eyes of her contemporaries.
Which of us would have the courage and
strength to subject ourselves to such an ordeal?
But Mary's strong faith moved her to
cooperate with God's plan. Her simple,
humble response was, Be it unto me according
to thy word (Luke 1:38).
Mary stands out in the gospel story as the
symbol of the true humanity of Jesus. She is
the link between the divinity of Christ and the
humanity of Jesus. She is the link between the
divinity of Christ and the humanity of all
mankind. Jesus could not have been
completely God and completely man without
Mary's role.
Without question Mary and her husband,
Joseph, played an important role in shaping
and influencing the developing years of the
young Jesus. As a youngster, Jesus was taught
the scriptures and the laws of God. When He
amazed the learned scholars in Jerusalem at
age 12, one can say that His divinity shone
through... but He also had been taught and
trained to do His homework.
And it may well have been at home that
Jesus learned the words He cried at
Gethsemane -- "Not my will, but thine be
done!" Certainly His mother had set an
example before Him of humble submission to
the plan of God.
The character exemplified in the life of
Mary is an inspiration and challenge to every
believer. She was courageous, committed,
compassionate, and concerned.
Mary's Courage
I envision Mary having great strength and
durability, yet retaining complete and perfect
femininity. She was courageous, going calmly
and with dignity where few others would have
been willing to go. She faced hardship,
opposition, even danger, with no complaints.
She was willing to let God's will be done in her life.
After facing the ostracism and personal
humiliation of being pregnant without a
husband, Mary had the strength and courage
to mount a donkey only a few days before
giving birth and make the long, hard journey
to Bethlehem.
And it must have taken courage of another
kind to deal with the throngs of strangers who
came to visit her newborn son -- shepherds,
wise men from the East, and doubtless other
curious onlookers.
Later, when Herod sought to kill all babies
in the land, she helped save Jesus from the
slaughter by journeying to Egypt with Joseph
and the child to live among foreigners. Did
this take courage? Absolutely!
And let's not forget the courage demanded
of Mary to take on the responsibility for
rearing and nurturing Jesus through his
childhood and into manhood. It takes great
courage to be the parent of any child -- how
much more to be the mother of the Son of God?
Mary's Commitment
Once Mary heard and responded to the
angel's announcement that she was chosen for
a divine commission, she was committed.
From that moment on, she never wavered or
looked back.
Her commitment was complete -- she set
aside any personal ambitions and dreams to
make herself available to God's plan. Her
whole life was dedicated to carrying out the
divine mission to which God had called her.
So seriously did she take her responsibility
that the crisis of losing and finding her Son
again in Jerusalem when He was 12 prompted
her to scold Him for causing her such concern.
And Jesus gently rebuked her by reminding
her that He must be about His Father's
business.
And a few years later, at Calvary, her
commitment kept her at the front of the cross
while almost everyone else fled. Even in the
face of what must have been tremendous
anguish to see her Son's suffering, she
remained committed to God's plan.
Mary's Compassion
From the beginning of her adult life, Mary
lived her life for others. She put the needs of
others before her own, and ministered to those
around her -- husband, family, friends.
I imagine Mary as being the perfect
embodiment of all the marvelous qualities of
the virtuous wife described in Proverbs 31. She
was humble, but supremely capable and
efficient in her efforts to serve.
Can you imagine this woman going around
very arrogantly, saying, "Treat me special -- I
am the mother of the Son of God?" Of course not.
Surely Jesus patterned part of His life after
her example. When he promised rest to those
who labor and are heavy laden, He said, I am
meek and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29). I am
sure He must have observed the qualities of
humility and compassion in her daily life.
Mary's Concern for Others
The story of Christ's first miracle in turning
water into wine at the wedding in Cana
provides a very telling insight into the
character of the mother of Jesus. Even in a
situation where providing the refreshments
was not her responsibility, Mary was
concerned for others. When it became obvious
that there was not enough to drink at the
wedding feast and the host was about to be
embarrassed, she got involved.
She was aware of what was going on around
her... and was concerned about the problems
of others. But more than feeling sympathy for
them, she had a solution. "I know my Son can
take care of this," she said.
After making Jesus aware of the problem,
she told the servants of the house, Whatsoever
He saith unto you, do it (John 2:5). And, of
course, the Lord did meet the need and the
beverage He provided was recognized as the
best of the evening!
So Mary's life is an inspiration to us -- her
courage, commitment, compassion, and
concern. Her Christian character and devotion
is an eloquent witness that, with the help of
the Holy Spirit, we can be strong enough to
withstand any test, even the crucifying
tensions of modern life. Perhaps the key to
Mary's spiritual life is found in that beautiful
Bible passage known as the Magnificat (see
Luke 1:46-53). In those wonderful verses it
seems one can hear her opening her innermost
heart as she cries -- "My soul doth magnify
the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God
my Savior... holy is His name. And His
mercy is on them that fear Him from
generation to generation."
Thank you, Mary, for the inspiration and
godly example of your faith-filled life! May
God help us to magnify the Lord, rejoice in
our spirits, and receive His mercy... today,
and until His perfect plan is fulfilled in all the earth.