Today’s Devotional |
Today's Devotional
- Memory Verse
- Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love (Revelation 2:4).
First love. How warm and wonderful it is!
Do you remember the day you were born again? And what about that special time afterward?
You wanted to tell the world of your discovery. The secrets of the Bible beckoned and you wanted to devour its entire message. Your friends all became prospects for salvation and you sought them out to share the Gospel. You thought about fulltime Christian service. You loved the church, the pastor and all Christians. Missionary projects were accepted and carried out with zeal. Clerks, gas station attendants, business associates and your neighbors all received tracts from your hand and a personal witness. You became a soul winner and soon some of those you love were rejoicing with you.
Then something began to happen. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact time the decline set in. But its reality is inescapable. All those good things became fewer in number and less important.
Why? Who can say? Perhaps you just began to look about and see that you were one of the few on fire and found it a lonely feeling.
Maturity set in. Or was it lethargy? At any rate, it seemed to be a general condition among those who had been around for awhile.
Sometimes you think about those good days and long to return to them. Here’s good news: YOU CAN!
There is no need to go on in this awful condition. Turn from the direction you are going. Return to your first love. Christ has not changed.
Return today!
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.
Subscribe now to receive Soul Food: Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread in your inbox every morning
Choose Devotional Type
- Soul Food
- Tender Touch
- Memory Verse
- There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18).
The following poem was found among the possessions of an atheist after his death:
“I’ve tried in vain a thousand ways
My fears to quell, my hopes to raise;
But what I need the Bible says
Is Jesus, only Jesus.”
Why did an atheist have this poem? Who gave it to him? Did he heed its message before death? We do not know the answers to these questions. Perhaps he wrote these lines in a time of great fear and desperation, having found his atheism bankrupt.
Fear is an enemy of man. All men. And who has not experienced fear? It stalks us all and steals the joy and peace that God intends for us to have and enjoy.
The Bible is filled with “fear nots.” It is said that there is one for every day of the year. Real release from fear comes through resting in the perfect love of God. As we relax in His love, we become settled in the truth that nothing can reach us without passing through the protective wall of His love: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Acceptance of this great promise depends on confidence in the love of God.
Perfect love casts out fear.
And His love is perfect!
- Memory Verse
- Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15).
Some find it difficult to reconcile John’s warning: “Love not the world,” with “For God so loved the world” (John 3:16). Just what is the “world” that we are not to love?
It certainly is not the world of nature. Jesus loved the beauties of creation and spoke of the lilies of the field, the birds of the air and other wonders of nature. Creation manifests the wisdom and goodness of God: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1).
In answer to the question, “What then is the world?” Dr. H. A. Ironside wrote: “It is that system that man has built up in this scene, in which he is trying to make himself happy without God.”
So, many things may qualify as “the world.” John Wesley said: “Whatever cools my affection toward Christ is the world.” Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman declared: “Anything that dims my vision of Christ, or takes away my taste for Bible study, or cramps my prayer life, or makes Christian work more difficult, is wrong for me and I must, as a Christian, turn away from it.”
Choosing the world over Christ is bad judgment. This world is shallow and temporary: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (I John 2:16-17).
What, then, is the world for you? Answer carefully. The truth may touch some of your favorite pastimes!
- Memory Verse
- So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Romans 14:12).
It is a sobering thought that every Christian must one day stand before the One who has saved him to have his service reviewed. We are all accountable to Jesus for our stewardship of time and talents. The Judgment Seat of Christ will be examination day for the saints.
God has not left us on this planet to waste our lives in useless chatter and earthbound projects. We are to be carrying the Gospel to our world. We have been commissioned to occupy until He comes. We are to be as lights in a dark place. Our earthly vocations should be but the means of support that make it possible for us to be witnesses in our communities.
If all that seems too great a load to bear, remember that one day it will be worth it all. Paul’s life was filled with hardship and suffering, yet at the end of the road he eagerly anticipated his departure, and looked forward to the Judgment Seat of Christ. He spoke of it as “that day.” He expected to receive eternal rewards that would outweigh any trial he had experienced along the way.
The judgment of the children of God will take place at the Lord’s return for His Church. Jesus said, “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12).
The Judgment Seat of Christ is your most important coming engagement. It will be a revealing day: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
What on earth are you doing for heaven’s sake?
- Memory Verse
- The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light (Romans 13:12).
Each passing day in this dark world brings us nearer to the time when Christ, the Light of the World, shall appear. The works of darkness may be prevalent now but a better day is coming...the day of our Lord’s return.
The night is far spent. If that was true in Paul’s day, how much more in ours. The works of darkness surround us and are the topic of nearly every daily paper: crime, war, greed, and lust. Since the night of sin’s reign is nearly over, we must cast off the works of darkness. Children of light do not always live up to their name. Compromise with the world and its degrading practices is on the increase.
But this is no time for compromise.
It is almost dawn.
How quickly the darkness flees at the first light of the morning. Christians must separate from the works of darkness because their Lord may soon appear, the “Dayspring from on high.” Upon His return we must all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. It is time to get right with God (see 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Honesty of heart is needed.
Drunkenness, envy, and strife must be put away and all else that grieves our Lord. Instead of these dark pastimes, we ought to occupy ourselves with the Lord Jesus.
Christ may return today.
Are you walking in the light?
- Memory Verse
- And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works (Hebrews 10:24).
“Provoke” and “love” are not usually associated. Paul explained that love is not easily provoked (I Corinthians 13:5). What then does the writer of Hebrews mean when he says: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love...” Is this a contradiction?
Not at all! In his book, “Hebrews Verse By Verse,” William R. Newell wrote: “You say, consider one another to provoke, is strange language for Christian guidance. Yes, brother, if we turn to human reasoning and practice, there is plenty of considering others — their faults, their failures, in merciless criticism, which provokes. But this passage reads, ‘...to provoke unto love and to good works.’ How can we provoke one another unto love? By loving others constantly and tenderly. They will find it out, and will be provoked to return love. The same is true concerning good works. We provoke others to good works by constant good works toward them. As I look back through the years, my heart lights upon one and another, and another, whose tender love and constant goodness ‘provoked’ everyone to imitate them.”
How interesting that the Holy Spirit directed the inspired writer to use the word “provoke.” We all understand that word in its less pleasant usage. Some irritating person has “provoked” us into foolish action or a regretted response by continuing to do something displeasing.
Applying Newell’s explanation, we are faced with great opportunity. Just as our nerves have become frayed, causing us to want to repay in kind when we are irritated — provoked — so our hearts become full when others continually show love and good works.
Many Christians need provoking — pleasantly.
- Memory Verse
- For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10).
“Money is the root of all evil” is the common misquoting of 1 Timothy 6:10: Here, as in other areas of life, leaving out love perverts truth. The truth is: “...the love of money is the root of all evil”.
The word translated love in this verse means lust. A lust for money is the root of all evil. In Alford’s commentary on the New Testament, he quotes Chrysostom on this verse as follows: “Lusts are thorns: and as among thorns, whenever one touches them, one’s hands are bloodied and wounds are made; so he who falls among lusts shall suffer the same and shall surround his soul with griefs.”
Only eternity will reveal how many have suffered as a result of lusting for money. Families have been neglected, friends lost, futures sacrificed and lives taken all because of the love of money.
If you make money your goal, you are certain to be disappointed. If you do not get a large amount of money in life you will be disappointed because you will think you would have found happiness had you done so. If you do acquire a large amount of money, you will be disappointed because you will have discovered that money doesn’t satisfy. Either way you lose!
Money and all it can buy is tied to time. A dying queen once cried, “Millions in money for an inch of time.” She should have gladly given her wealth for another day. But money cannot buy time when that day arrives.
A few follow the advice of Jesus and will meet their treasures later. Money or the Master, which will it be?
Last summer, after sensing the need for a
change of pace, my husband and I drove to
Montreal, Canada ,the largest
French-speaking city in the world, after Paris. It was
delightful and so relaxing. Just what we
needed. The people were friendly, the old city
intriguing, the food wonderful. Montreal is
considered to be one of North America's most
interesting cities. And we found it to be true.
In fact, we agreed Montreal is one of the most
beautiful cities we've ever seen. In two weeks'
time we walked 150 miles savoring all the
sights and delights, and learning about the
history and the greater metropolitan area itself.
One afternoon we found an old-fashioned
ice cream parlor. "It has to be a great place,"
Jack said, "look at all the people!" He patted
his "midsection" and I raised my eyebrows and
we walked in. We found an empty table and
placed our order.
Just as we were being served, two
bedraggled-looking young people came in
each carrying a backpack. They were obviously
exhausted. They spied an empty table where
the waitress hadn't removed the plates from
the previous customers, and they plopped
down. But just that quickly, they snatched up
the leftovers and wolfed them down. Eyes
darting around, never making eye contact with
anyone, they focused on other empty tables
with plates containing food and quickly ran
from one to the other, stuffing the food into
their mouths. The young woman, whom I
guessed to be about twenty, was more
aggressive than the young man. They were just starved!
It happened so fast that everyone was in a
state of shock. About the time we and others
had recovered from seeing this, they grabbed
their backpacks and were out of the door and
gone. "Jack, if only they'd stayed long enough,
we could have offered to buy them food!" I
was dazed by the brief encounter. "Oh Jack," I
continued, "I wonder whose child she is
my voice trailed off.
Jack leaned across the table and patted my
hand. The food which had been served so
attractively had somehow lost its appeal. I
looked around and noticed others were feeling
the same way. The charming place which just
moments before had been the scene of
animated conversation now seemed strangely silent.
Jack's eyes were sad; mine were tearful.
As we left the ice cream parlor and
continued our leisurely walk, my eyes glanced
around. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the
young couple. "There are so many like them
in city after city all over Canada and the
United States," my husband said.
"Where are the parents?" I asked. Jack
shook his head. Later, as I reflected on the
incident, (in fact, I don't think I will ever
forget those two young people), I was
reminded that one of the most wonderful
things about being a Christian is that we are
God's children. Our needs are important to
Him and He is always ready to supply (Phil.
4:19). He knows the way that we take (Job
23:9). I took comfort in the knowledge that
God even knew their names (Isa. 45:4). I
could leave them in the Father's hands.
As we venture into a new year, we can do so
with confidence, knowing that the steps, as
well as the stops, of God's children are ordered
by Him (Ps. 37:23). Because we are His
children, we can count on His promises, and
they are so many! Our potential as His
children is limitless.
But we need to be living up to our
potential. How do people know we belong to
God? Three things, it seems to me,
characterize the life of a child of God: (1) Our
conversation; (2) Our conduct; and (3) Our
convictions.
Our conversation: She (or he) openeth her
mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the
law of kindness (Prov. 31:26).
My mother had a little saying which I have
called to mind many times: "He that thinketh
by the inch, and speaketh by the yard, shall be
kicked by the foot."
The Bible is full of counsel about the need
to guard our conversation. Consider just these
few: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but
grievous words stir up anger (Prov. 15:1). How
many relationships would fare better if these
words were called to mind when people were
tempted to temperamental outbursts! The
tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of
the wicked is little worth (Prov. 10:20). Silver
reflects. What a beautiful word picture this
presents! Our tongues should reflect the Lord.
Our conduct: We must back up our
conversation with right conduct. Those
beautiful graces depicted in Galatians 5 should
exemplify the conduct of our lives: But the
fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness,
temperance: against such there is no law (vv. 22,
23). An entire article could be written around
each word, but let me simplify it in this way:
LOVE is a new constraint, JOY is a new cheer,
PEACE is a new compassion,
LONG-SUFFERING is a new continuance,
GENTLENESS is a new characteristic,
GOODNESS is a new character, PATIENCE
is a new confidence, MEEKNESS is a new
courtesy and TEMPERANCE is a new
contentment.
Our Convictions: The story is told of
David Hume, the agnostic, who was
reproached by his friends because of his
inconsistency. He used to like to go hear the
famous preacher John Brown preach, and
when questioned about this he explained, "I
don't believe all that he says, but at least once
a week I like to hear a man who declares his
convictions."
How important for us to have strong
convictions and to abide by them. The letter
of James emphasizes that our "yes" should be a
simple "yes," and our "no" a simple "no"
(Ja. 5:12). In other words, be convinced in
your heart and stand by your convictions. Be a
man or woman whose word is unquestionable.
If you say you are going to do something, or
you promise something, it ought to be as if
you were in a courtroom and had taken an
oath to speak the truth.
These are just some of the identifying
characteristics that mark us as children of
God. The psalmist said, Mark the perfect man,
and behold the upright: for the end of that man
is peace (Ps. 37:37). None of us have arrived,
we aren't wholly perfect, progress is perhaps a
more accurate word to describe our condition.
But we should be progressing.
Perhaps a good prayer would be: "Lord,
help me to reflect the fact that I am your child."
It was long past time for my annual
physical, in fact, I was enjoying such good
health and vitality that it had been three years
since I had visited my doctor. However, at the
conclusion of a thorough exam, the report was
quite disconcerting. (Before I proceed, let me
encourage all of my readers, if at all possible to
go for that annual "check-up.")
"We will have to do some tests," the doctor
explained, "then, in a couple of weeks, we will
know where we stand."
Immediately, my mind was filled with
different thoughts. "Can this be me who is
experiencing this questionable report? No!
My doctor is wrong! What if she is not?" By
the time I got home and shared the news with
Jack I found myself asking God, "What's this
all about?"
In compliance with the doctor, I took the
medical tests and began the long wait for the
results. All the while, we were praying and
seeking the Lord for His divine purpose and
will to be accomplished in my life.
By the end of the two weeks, we found
ourselves rejoicing in the faithfulness of God.
I knew He had everything under control.
Deep in my heart, I knew it would be all right.
"But Lord," I asked, "what is the purpose
behind this trial?"
Then -- the night before we received the
results of my tests -- Jack looked over at me
and said, "I have peace in this matter, so
tonight let's go out and celebrate this victory
in our lives!"
We went to a lovely restaurant that is meant
for celebrating and fine dining. A nice,
handsome pianist softly played the piano in
the corner of the dining room, and candles
softly lit each of the tables. Jack and I laughed,
enjoyed our luscious dinner and shared in a
wonderful conversation about the Lord. It
was an evening I'll never forget.
As we prepared to leave, I expressed to my
husband how much I wanted to go and thank
the pianist for sharing his special talent with
us. Being musicians ourselves we were
impressed with his tremendous ability to
"tickle the ivories."
"You have a beautiful touch on the
keyboard," I told him.
"Thank you," he answered. "I am sorry if
you saw me staring at you and your husband."
He explained: "For a year, my fiancee and I
watched your television program faithfully.
She used your ministry to help lead me to the
Lord, and then... she died. She was only 38
years old and I have been bitter toward the
Lord and unable to pray ever since."
I reached out and took his hand from the
keyboard and stated: "God doesn't want you to
be bitter and neither does she. Your fiancee is
in a better place right now and you will be
with her again -- perhaps soon. The best
thing you could do right now is to get your
heart right with the Lord, so that when He
comes again, you can go and be at her side."
Jack, who has always been sensitive to the
moving of the Holy Spirit, began to explain to
this young man the Scriptures and how it is
appointed unto men once to die (Hebrews 9:27).
Then he added, "Your sweetheart is in heaven
and awaits your homecoming. Be ready, Brian!"
Jack and I were so blessed as we watched the
Lord begin to move in his heart. Right at the
piano, with tears streaming down his face he
recommitted his life to the Lord Jesus Christ.
He looked up at both of us and said, "I can
hardly wait to call my fiancee's twin sister to
tell her what has happened tonight." We had
a word of prayer and promised to send him
our video about heaven.
The next morning, I heard from my doctor.
My tests showed that I was just fine. The
doctor said, "You and Jack go out and
celebrate, Rexella." She did not know that we
had already claimed the good report and the
special blessing we had found in doing so. Of
course, we continue to rejoice and thank the
Lord for the results of the test, but we realize
that if for no other reason we had gone
through this trial, Jack and I could be at the
restaurant that night to speak to the young
pianist.
God's ways are so much greater than ours.
This was probably the Lord's plan all along!
How important it is for you and me as
Christians today to listen to the Holy Spirit
and obey His leading in our lives! The things
and events that surround us are real and at
times they can be overwhelming, and we are
unable to recognize Jesus and the guidance of
His Spirit. Let the circumstances be what they
may. Always maintain complete reliance upon
Him and listen to the often quiet voice of His
Spirit as He leads you into victory and
blessings yet to come. Be totally
unrestraining, be willing to risk everything.
We do not know when His voice will come
again, so be ever-aware and obey.
I realized, there are three very important
lessons in regard to listening to the Holy Spirit
that we can learn from this personal
experience with the young man.
1. We must listen when the Holy Spirit is
leading us.
I Thessalonians 5:19, says: Quench not the
Spirit. That means, when you are being led by
the Holy Spirit, you must listen to His voice.
The little promptings and opportunities that
God passes along your way mean you must be
faithful. Follow the Lord's leading in these
situations so that you do not quench His
ministry in your life.
In Acts the 8th chapter, we read the
wonderful testimony of Philip the evangelist as
he was led to a desert road that descends from
Jerusalem to Gaza. Once there, the Spirit said
unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this
Chariot (Acts 8:29). Arriving at the chariot,
there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court
official, who was reading the book of Isaiah.
However, he did not grasp what the prophet
was saying, so beginning with the passage of
Scripture in Isaiah, Philip led the Ethiopian
eunuch to a relationship with Jesus Christ.
If Philip had not obeyed the prompting of
the Holy Spirit in his life -- and, if Philip had
not preached Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch --
this court official may never have been won to
the Lord.
The same was true for Jack and me as we
talked with this young pianist that night. If
we had just walked out, not wanting to get
involved, or if we had talked with the musician
about his fine musical skills and not talked
about the Lord or the Scriptures, this young
man may never have received the ministry he
so desperately needed.
2. When the Holy Spirit guides us, He will
empower us to do His will.
A beautiful example of this dynamic
thought can be found in the life of the Apostle Peter.
Previous to Peter being filled with the Holy
Spirit, he was a spiritually weak man. Who
can forget the night when Jesus was brought
before Caiaphas the high priest, and the
scribes and the elders? Peter lingered outside
in the courtyard where he was confronted by a
servant girl who asked if he was one of Jesus'
disciples. Peter vehemently denied the Lord
three times that night.
Remember, this was before the Holy Spirit
filled Peter's life.
Oh, the grace of God! Only 50 days after
the denial, we read the wonderful account in
Acts, chapter 2, of Peter's boldness on the Day
of Pentecost. This was the event Jesus
prophesied before he ascended: 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 parts of the earth (Acts 1:8).
After Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit,
he stood up before the crowd that day --
unashamed and unafraid -- proclaiming the
Good News of Jesus Christ. Three thousand
souls were won to the Lord!
Soon after this, Peter and John were
brought before the Sadducees who
commanded that Peter and John no longer
teach in the name of Jesus (see Acts 4:13). But
Peter would not be intimidated. He said
(along with the Apostle John), Whether it be
right in the sight of God to hearken unto you
more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot
but speak the things which we have seen and
heard (Acts 4:19,20).
Scripture also records: With great power gave
the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord
Jesus: and great grace was upon them all (Acts 4:33).
What made this difference in the life of the
Apostle Peter? It was the Person of the Holy Spirit.
Previous to being filled with the Holy
Spirit, Peter was so weak, in and of himself, he
denied Christ in front of a damsel. After the
infilling of the Holy Spirit, Peter became bold
in faith and proclaimed the Gospel in the face
of beatings and eventually, martyrdom (he was
crucified upside down).
3. When the Holy Spirit leads and
empowers us for the sake of the Gospel, and
we faithfully obey His promptings -- not
quenching the Holy Spirit... then blessing comes!
That evening, after Jack and I shared in this
precious conversation with our young pianist,
we walked away rejoicing. We were happy
about the wonderful things God did in that
man's life -- and in ours -- by bringing us all
together for this special moment of ministry.
We felt truly blessed! Winning souls and
witnessing for Christ always produces joy.
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of
rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our
Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our
glory and joy (I Thessalonians 2:19, 20).
Jack and I have often found that in
attempting to bless others, we are also blessed.
As we attempt to reach out and water the lives
of others with Scripture, we are watered
ourselves. As we comfort others, our own
comfort is increased. We find consolation and
gladness in our own lives as we give to others.
Jesus said, Give, and it shall be given unto
you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken
together, and running over, shall men give into
your bosom. For with the same measure that ye
mete withal it shall be measured to you again
(Luke 6:38).
Proverbs says it this way: The liberal souls
shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be
watered also himself (Proverbs 11:25).
We must remember: Whosoever will save his
life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life
for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save
it (Mark 8:35). True life is found as you give
yours away in service to others.
In closing, I am reminded of the Dead Sea,
located between Israel and the Jordan, whose
water content is so salty that very little is able
to exist within its waters.
The intrinsic problem of the Dead Sea
results from the fact that it has several inlets
that flow into it -- the Jordan river is one of
them -- but has no outlets to share its waters
with other bodies. In other words: All
receiving and no giving results in a body of
water that has no life.
As followers of the Lord, we must never
become like the Dead Sea -- where all we do
is sit, soak and sour! We must get rid of the
desire to be a part of the "bless-me-club," and
become a member of the "blessing club." The
way to receive a blessing... is to be a blessing.
We must become an effervescent witness for
Christ having a wellspring of living water
flowing out of our hearts and into the lives of
others. That well-spring of life, that Jesus has
given to each of us as believers, is His precious
Holy Spirit (see John 4:14 and John 7:37-39).
Let us determine that we shall always listen
to the voice of the Holy Spirit inside us...
even if it means encouraging and witnessing to
a pianist in the middle of a restaurant!
What is the first thing you notice about a
person? Some would say the color of their
hair, their stature or even their weight. I must
admit that I am immediately drawn to the
eyes. Perhaps this is why I like the statement,
"The eye is the window of the soul." It was
Benjamin Franklin who related this good
thought, "Learn to be gracious with the eyes;
look deep into their eyes, and say with your
eyes, 'I like you.'"
I especially enjoy looking into the eyes of
children. Often I find myself wanting to get
down to their level since they, above all, have
that gentle, yet intense and honest way of
looking directly into our eyes. They have
discovered a secret which sometimes gets lost
as they move into adulthood -- it is this, the
eyes reveal so much. Perhaps it's the child in
me, but conversation seems more personal
when I am able to look into the eyes of the one
with whom I am conversing. There seems to
be an openness in communication when we
can express our thoughts through our eyes as
well as by our words.
The eyes also can be a barometer revealing
the state of our health. Doctors, for instance,
look into the eyes when one is sick, and
ophthalmologists detect many bodily illnesses
the same way. The Bible has much to say
about the eyes. The writer of Proverbs speaks
of the bloodshot eyes of those who drink
(Proverbs 23:28, 29). In fact, there are 499
references to eyes, and 98 to the eye in God's
Word. Since God has given such prominence
and importance to the eye gate, Satan, with all
of his sly and cunning ways brought sin into
the world by persuading Eve to look and then
partake of the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:5-7).
God often speaks of His own eyes. How
comforting it is to know that His eyes are
lovingly upon us. For the eyes of the Lord run to
and fro throughout the whole earth, to show
himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart
is perfect toward him (2 Chronicles 16:9 --
also notice Deuteronomy 11:12; Job 34:21;
and Psalm 33:18).
Why are our eyes so important? It is
because what we see goes into our emotions
(the soul). The light of the soul is what gives
understanding, sound judgment, and the
ability to discern between good and evil, truth
and falsehood. Jesus spoke of this: The light of
the body is the eye; therefore when thine eye is
single (a clear conscience), thy whole body is full
of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also
is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the
light which is in thee be not darkness (Luke
11:34, 35).
Walking Visuals
What do others see when looking at us? If
they are to be rightly influenced, how
important it is that what they see is God-like.
We are walking visuals. The Apostle Paul
cautioned that we should be careful how we
walk, not as unwise, but as wise, redeeming the
time because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15, 16).
I heard the story of a little girl who told her
pastor she knew Jesus and was saved. "Which
one of my sermons brought you to Christ?" he
asked. "It wasn't your preaching, it was my
aunt's practicing," she responded.
Indeed! What we do and say is being
noticed. Man looketh on the outward
appearance (I Samuel 16:7). That's why we are
to let our light so shine before mankind, that
they may see our good works, and glorify our
Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).
On one occasion, when the Apostle Paul
was accused of being a troublemaker, stirring
up riots among the Jews and a ringleader of
the "Nazarene sect," he stood before his
accusers and Governor Felix saying, "I strive to
always have a conscience without offense
toward God and man" (see Acts 24:16). What
a wonderful way to live!
With all the discouraging news in the world
today, seeming inconsistencies in the lives of
those around us, and despair on the faces of
millions of people, which way can we look to
find peace and satisfaction?
Three Different Directions
We can look in three different directions:
(1) Backward, to be discouraged; (2) outward,
to be disheartened; and (3) upward, to be
delighted.
Backwards:
More often than not, looking back leads to
defeat and discouragement and possibly self
destruction like Lot's wife. We have a good
biblical example in the Apostle Paul, who said,
Forgetting those things which are behind, and
reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13, 14).
God can be counted on to give a silver
lining to our dark clouds if we'll begin looking
forward. A friend has written: "Let your life
be a statement, more than your words, that
Someone else is in charge. Let your demeanor
reflect quality inner control, stability that
comes from knowing and accepting that God
is in charge. In God's perfect timing wrongs
will be righted, circumstances will change, He
will come to your rescue. To believe this is to
move ahead and live with hope."
I have been asked, "How do you forget the
bad times, the hurts, the injustices?" My
response is that we can't blot out the past, but
forgetting means not allowing the past to
affect the present.
We can put whatever has hurt us under the
blood of Christ. We can forget by imitating
the way Christ forgives us -- just as if it never
occurred (Hebrews 8:12).
Outward:
As one looks around at the world today, he
or she could become disheartened and
disillusioned. The world is in a mess. Just pick
up the newspaper, or turn on the evening news
and it's enough to disturb any thinking person.
How do we avoid the disillusionment and
anxiety? David the psalmist said, It will not
fasten its grip on me (see Psalm 101:3). There
you have it; don't allow it to grasp hold of
your thinking.
What does God say? He tells us to cast our
burdens on Christ (I Peter 5:7). We are human
and feel concern, but we can turn it over to
Him saying, "God, this is too big for me to
handle." By keeping our eyes on Jesus and the
eternal truths of God's word, we will be
focusing our attention on that which enables
us to handle all the bad things happening
around us (see Hebrews 12:2).
Upward:
Remember what David the psalmist said? I
will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence
cometh my help (Psalm 121:1). This is surely
the only direction to look for help, comfort,
and yes, for delight in our souls and lives. We
can bring our thirsty and wilting minds and
bodies to the everlasting well of water, Jesus
Christ Himself (John 4). All He asks is that we
keep looking up, and as we do, look forward to
an eternity with Him. Let us pray this
beautiful prayer of the psalmist, I will direct
my prayer unto thee, and will look up (Psalm 5:3).
I WILL LIFT UP MINE EYES
UNTO THE HILLS...
-- Psalm 121:1
During the winter Olympics in
Lillehammer, Norway, the finest athletes from
all over the world gathered to compete in
various sports events. Jack and I were
especially interested in the skiing and skating
competitions, and watched in awe as both
men and women set new world records.
What a thrill to see these champions receive
the victor's reward and be presented with the
Olympic Gold Medal with the great crowds in
the stands looking on, and the television
cameras providing international coverage; the
whole world was watching!
Most of us could never compete in a world
class sports competition like the Olympics,
but as Christians, we are faced with the
challenge of running a race for the Lord. The
whole world is watching to see how we run the
race -- will we be champions or defeated
competitors?
The Apostle Paul had visited Greece where
the first Olympic Games were held centuries
ago. No doubt he was thinking of the
comparison between Christians and
Olympians when he wrote. Know ye not that
they which run in a race run all, but one
receiveth the prize. So run, that ye may obtain.
And every one that striveth for the mastery is
temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain
a corruptible crown: but we an incorruptible. I
therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not
as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my
body and bring it into subjection: lest that by any
means, when I have preached to others, I myself
should be a castaway (I Corinthians 9:24-47).
Dedication and Commitment
In order to be a winner, a competitor must
meet certain prerequisites and prepare his
body for the race. No one is born a Gold
Medal Olympian.
Athletes train and condition their bodies to
compete. They are temperate, or moderate, in
all things. They watch their diet, engage in
challenging, strength-building exercise, and
get proper rest.
The apostle says, "If they do this to gain a
corruptible crown, a reward that will pass
away, how much more should we be dedicated
and committed to winning an incorruptible,
eternal reward."
What does it mean to be temperate in all
things? We are to have pure lives! We are to
keep ourselves from contamination.
One of the saddest moments of the
Olympics in Lillehammer was when one of the
athletes was disqualified after tests revealed
illegal drugs in his blood. He went home in
shame and disgrace.
Paul warns that the same thing can happen
to us, but with far greater consequences. He
said he continuously worked to keep his body
pure and under subjection. Paul was saying
that he did not want to run the race, then be
disqualified. I keep checking up on my
personal dedication and commitment, he said,
lest that by any means, when I have preached
to others, I myself should be a castaway.
I'm sure you know of Christians who failed
to be temperate in all things... who did not
keep their lives pure. Perhaps they dropped
out of the race altogether, or sadly faced the
humiliation of being publicly disqualified.
I heard a report about a group of ministers
that came from all across the nation to attend
a convention at a major hotel. After the
meeting was over, the hotel management said
that 75 percent of the rooms occupied by these
preachers requested X- and R-rated movies.
Turn Loose of Hindrances
God help us to keep our lives pure.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about
with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside
every weight, and the sin which doth so easily
beset us (Hebrews 12:1).
Let's lay aside "every weight" -- we can't be
just partially pure, you see. We must lay
everything aside. The writer goes on to say,
"and the sin which doth so easily beset us." I'm
fully convinced that each of us has a tendency
toward something that could cause us to fall.
The passage doesn't say "sins," but the one
particular thing that so easily gets to you. You
know what it is in your life -- I know what it
is in mine.
We need to examine ourselves to know
where our weaknesses lie so that we can defend
ourselves against the devil's temptations.
I was reading a devotional book about a
woman who was extremely obese and was
having a real struggle losing weight. (She may
have been like the person who said temptation
never bothered him because when it came
around, he succumbed.)
As this lady was praying, she said, "Lord,
You see what a problem I'm having. Why don't
You just take away my appetite?"
And the Lord answered, "If I did, what
would you have to do?"
You can keep yourself under control. You
can avoid things you know are hindrances to
victorious living. You can lay aside the weights
that slow you down... the temptations that
are your greatest weaknesses. God will protect
you from the evil one. He will not protect you
from yourself!
Patience to Endure
Let us run with patience the race that is set
before us (Hebrews 12:1).
Everyone in the race can look like a
champion at the starting line. But that's not
where it counts! The winner is determined at
the end of the course!
It's not enough to start strong. We must be
patient... and have endurance. I noticed in
the Olympics that particularly in the long
races, the winner often was not the runner
who started off in front. Sometimes the
winner didn't make his move to the front until
the final lap.
Patience and endurance are just as
important to a successful Christian life as the
dedication and commitment one has at the start.
At the end of his life, the Apostle Paul could
say, I have fought a good fight, I have finished
my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there
is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which
the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at
that day (11 Timothy 4:7,8).
Keep Your Eyes on the Goal
As I watched the Olympic contest I noticed
that no one ever turned to look at anything or
anybody else -- they kept their eyes on the
goal. If someone fell beside them, they kept
moving. If another athlete came near them,
they kept their eyes straight ahead.
I love what Hebrews 12:2 says -- Looking
unto Jesus. Even though it's a continued
thought, this statement is part of the verse
before it that talks about laying aside weights
and sin, and running with patience. While
you're doing this, the apostle says, keep your
eyes on the goal. LOOK UNTO JESUS!
There are many distractions in the world.
There are discouragements, especially when
we get weary, and when we see other
Christians failing and falling out of the race.
But if we look unto Jesus, He will help us
stay in the race. If we keep our eyes on the
goal, we can make it to the end. If we keep our
eyes on the Lord, it matters not what others do.
I hope you'll join Dr. Van Impe and me in
a new resolve to run a better race for the Lord.
There is a reward for those who finish the
course... and you can be a winner. "So run,
that ye may obtain." The Lord has a very
special race for each of us to run. You know
what your challenge is.
So we must be built up in the faith and
ready for the challenge ahead of us. I'm excited
about being in the race and... competing for
the gold.