FROM THE HEART OF DR. REXELLA VAN IMPE

When the Light Goes Out!

I really enjoy flowers and plants. My husband, Jack, and I have numerous trees, shrubs, and flowering plants around our house.

One summer I was especially proud of some beautiful ferns we had hanging outside around our patio. Given just the right amount of light and water, they really flourished, with dark green, luxuriant leaves and tendrils that cascaded over the sides of the pot like a vibrant, intricately woven tapestry.

I enjoyed those ferns all spring and summer long, and when fall approached, I couldn’t stand to see them die. So Dr. and I carried them to the office and gave them to various staff members to take home.

All except one — the largest and most beautiful plant of all. We put that one in the office chapel up by the pulpit. It was so beautiful, so fresh — it was a reminder of God’s blessings to us through nature. And many commented on how much that fern added to the room.

Then one day a week or so later, I went into the chapel and immediately noticed that something was wrong with the plant. It was still alive, but its rich green color seemed duller and its leaves were drooping. “Oh my, I thought, “What’s wrong? Are we going to lose this beautiful fern?”

Then I saw the problem — inside the walls of the chapel, the plant wasn’t getting enough light. So I moved it so it would get full exposure to the overhead light, and I opened the window blind so natural light came in. And do you know, by the very next day that fern had perked up and looked healthy and full of life again.

The Lord really used that incident to speak to my heart about the importance — and the power — of light in our spiritual lives. When we begin to flounder, to feel wilted, weak, and listless, it’s a sure indication that we need to draw nearer to the light. The vitality and strength we enjoy in our lives come from the Light of the world — from Jesus Christ, our Saviour.

I love the beautiful description of the Apostle John, who wrote, In him was life; and the life was the light of men…. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:4,9).

Step out of the shadows

Next, James says there is no shadow of turning with God. Do you know what causes a shadow? Something comes between you and the source of light!

Is there a shadow in your life today? Then find what has come between you and the Lord. Could it be materialism, caring more about this world’s goods and “things” than eternal values? Could it be a person — perhaps you’re in love with a person who is not God’s choice for you. Maybe the object between you and the Lord’s Light is your own desire to be successful.

Could it be that you’ve allowed indifference, resentment, or a critical, judgmental spirit to come between you and God and cast a shadow over your life?

Take a look at your life today. Don’t wait too long! Without a daily infusion of the power of God’s Light, the vibrant colors of your life will begin to fade. Your zeal and energy to witness for Him will wither. Your desire to be all that He wants you to be will shrivel away.

Remember, just going to church is not enough if you keep an “umbrella” over you to block out the light. My beautiful fern would have died just as dead inside the chapel as it would have inside a cellar — without the power of the light! When I let in the light, my plant was fully restored. And the Light of God will do the same for our lives.

But that’s not all. We are so much more important to God than a fern plant. His plan for us is so exciting and fulfilling.

You can be God’s light

As we continue to draw near to His light, something wonderful happens. We begin to glow and radiate His light until it shines on others still living in darkness. Our lives can be beacons, drawing precious souls to Christ. This gives purpose and meaning to our living.

Jesus himself said to us, Ye are the light of the world…. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven (Matthew 5:14,16).

You may feel that, even at your best, your light is. too small to be of much use. But it isn’t. In the gathering darkness of the world around us, even a candle can be seen. And as we work together for the Lord, combining our efforts and our resource, to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission in these last days of time, the power of God’s light will shine through us and reach into the darkest corners of the earth.

Oh, I want to help light up the world for Jesus, don’t you? My heart goes out to people who still walk in darkness, even in the United States and Canada, as well as in other nations. There is such sadness and despair, such confusion and deception. Men and women live under heavy burdens. Young people face peer pressure and temptation. It seems that Satan has launched an all-out assault on mankind.

I understand full well what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote that we live in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15).

If ever there was a time for us to draw near God’s light, it’s today. If ever the people of the world needed someone to lead them out of darkness into the marvelous light of our Lord and Saviour, it is now. If ever any Christians had the opportunity — and obligation — to win the world for Christ, you and I do.

In the words of a beloved old gospel song —

“There’s a call comes ringing o’er
the restless wave,
Send the Light, send the Light,
There are souls to rescue, there
are souls to save,
Send the Light, send the Light!”

God help us to hear that call today and to do all we can, give all we can, be all we can to send the light of the gospel.

God help us to SHINE!

A CLASSIC MESSAGE OF HOPE FROM DR. JACK VAN IMPE

You Can Be an Overcomer

We have not been left powerless. The posture of the Christian is that of submission. We are not weak, cowering, fearful individuals falling into the hands of the vandal Satan, the destroyer, the one who has set himself and his demonic spirits in battle against us. But our submission is to the Lord himself. We recognize that He is ultimately in control and the final score with regard to all that touches us is not totaled on this side of heaven.

God has given us clear teaching and directions in His Word that shows us how to live. When we make morally right decisions and act responsibly, we are manifesting that God is in control of our will. On the other hand, God has also given us a free will. He does not force himself and His will on us. Even though we call ourselves Christians, there are moments when our free will chooses to reject something that comes into our lives. Then we are disobedient, wayward children, and we may eventually have to suffer the consequences for our wrong choices. Whatever we do, we must always contend with the matter of cause and effect.

This can be illustrated in many different ways. If you drive recklessly, you risk an accident. Eat foolishly and disregard the known facts about nutrition and the common sense laws of living and you will pay the penalty of sickness. Drink too much and you will send yourself to an early grave. By not taking care of your body or keeping your mind alert, you are playing into the hands of the adversary.

What about those situations over which we have no control? What about accidents that confine individuals to wheelchairs for life or to a lifetime of pain? What about imprisonment at the hands of Communists with their concentration camps, barbed wire, meager fare, and all the misery that would accompany such an existence? What about early widowhood and being left with small children to care for? Or divorce? Rexella interviewed one woman whose husband left her for another woman. In the process he also left behind his 11 children! That’s pain, too.

The list could go on and on. There is child abuse, wife abuse, elder abuse, and nursing home abandonment. There is loneliness caused by the separation of war, work, death, or for one reason or another. There are the problems that often accompany old age: loss of hearing, eyesight, and similar infirmities. There are health problems that can strike at any age: cancer, arthritis, and other painful disabilities. There are depressions and nervous breakdowns. There are ruptured work relationships and interpersonal family problems. In fact, there are a variety of sufferings that come from time to time throughout one’s lifetime. What are we to say about all these things?

Chastening: A Form of Love

One of the most difficult things for us to comprehend is the truth to be found in Hebrews 12:

My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby (vv. 5-11).

Chastening – however it may come – is always meant for our own good. God chastens us just as a loving parent administers the necessary discipline and punishment to enforce a point and drive home the lesson he wants his child to fully grasp. God, as our loving Heavenly Father, wants to turn our feet from the path that would lead us from His perfect will. When suffering comes I think we need to search our lives and ask the Lord to reveal to us what it is He wants us to learn.

The Old Testament prophets understood the meaning of chastening:

I . . . will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and 1 will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God (Zechariah 13:9).

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee (Isaiah 43:2).

Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things 1 delight, saith the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23,24).

To read Jeremiah is to understand what it really means to endure the most difficult of circumstances. His were heartbreaking and crushing. This prophet was called by God to proclaim truth to a very wicked, idolatrous people. It was a heavy message, and Jeremiah’s crying out to God is often an echo of our own pain, although few of us really know the suffering he endured. His enemies tried to do away with both the man and his message.

What sustained Jeremiah? At one point he said:

O Lord, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke. Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, 0 Lord God of hosts (Jeremiah 15:15, 16).

Another time he said, O Lord, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction . . . (Jeremiah 16:19).

It was the Lord who said these memorable words to Jeremiah, Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? (Jeremiah 23:23).

Jeremiah unflinchingly delivered the Lord’s message to the people. He told them of the crushing judgment that was to fall upon them for their disobedience and wickedness. Because he did, the prophet was imprisoned. The Book of Lamentations records the despair and depression Jeremiah experienced. He talked about being the laughing stock of the people and about the torture he had endured. He bewailed the many calamities that had come upon him. Yet, even in the midst of ALL that, Jeremiah issued these powerful words:

I am the man that hath seen affliction . . ..

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul: therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.

For the Lord will not cast off forever: But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men (Lamentations 3:1,22-26,31-33).

His words have come down to us through history, providing hope and comfort for countless millions in their darkest hours.

I can’t begin to imagine what it must have been like for Jeremiah as he was imprisoned in a dark, dark dungeon. But I am impressed with his prayer and I know we can be sustained by it when we come to our own private world of suffering and pain:

They have cut off my life in the dungeon, and cast a stone upon me. Waters flowed over mine head; then I said, I am cut off. I called upon thy name, O Lord, out of the low dungeon. Thou hast heard my voice: hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry. Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not. O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life (Lamentations 3:5358).

Was Jeremiah rescued? Or did this prophet die in the dungeon? Jeremiah 38:7-13 provides the answer. It was Jeremiah who wrote these memorable words recited through the ages by millions of people:

Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and THERE IS NOTHING TOO HARD FOR THEE (Jeremiah 32:17, emphasis mine).

You Can Be an Overcomer

In their crisis moments, the heroes and heroines of the faith demonstrated that they knew how to overcome. And to think, they didn’t have the Bible like we have it today to instruct them and to provide help and hope! For instance, they didn’t have the promise of Isaiah 41:10 to cling to:

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

We today are the beneficiaries of those who suffered and who overcame as they trusted in and relied upon the Lord. We have the Psalms, the writings of they prophets, the Gospels, Paul’s letters, Peter’s letters, and ALL the rest. Anywhere you turn in the Psalm; there is something of help and hope, something to inspire and lift you up. There are words such as these

The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble (Psalm 20:1).

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (v. 1).

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me . . . (v. 5).

And now shall mine head be lifted up . . . (v. 6).

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord (vv. 13, 14; all verses from Psalm 27).

When Paul wrote to young Timothy, his son in the faith, he included us for he speaks of “all.” It is a warning we should take seriously:

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution [that is, will know suffering of some sort because of their religious stand]. [Because] evil men and seducers [imposters] shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect [complete], thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:12-17).

Someone has said that afflictions cannot injure when blended with submission. James, the brother of our Lord, wrote very practical words. He tried to show the people how to conduct themselves. He wanted them not merely to intellectually perceive the truth, but to apply it to their daily walk in order to show that theirs was a living faith. He reminded his hearers that God giveth more grace (James 4:6) as we submit ourselves to Him and resist the devil (v. 7). Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you (v. 8).

It was James who asked, Is any among you afflicted [suffering]? (See James 5:13.) If so, he suggested that the believer sing Psalms (v. 13). He also suggested that the elders be called and that they pray over the sick one and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord (v. 14). He also called for the believers to confess their faults and then urged that prayer be made: [For] the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (v. 16). The apostle Paul also called for prayer. In addition, he urged his readers to rejoice in hope and to be patient in their afflictions and tribulations (see Romans 12:12). He called for Christians to bear the infirmities of the weak, to build them up, and to offer comfort (see Romans 15:1-5).

It was Peter who spelled out the royal resources that are available to those who would be overcomers:

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:3-8).

I have been reminded that steel is iron plus fire. And so, as many of the old-time writers have rightly pointed out, human character must also have a plus attached to it. I could give many examples, but one of the best is Fanny Crosby, writer of so many of our best-loved hymns. Would she ever have written her beautiful hymn “I shall see Him face to face;” if she had not beer blind her entire life? Her tribulation brought true insight.

Which brings me to Hebrews 2, which once again reminds us to look at Jesus:

. . . who was made a little lower than the angels for THE SUFFERING OF DEATH, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain [author] of their salvation PERFECT THROUGH SUFFERINGS (vv. 9,10, emphasis mine).

CHANGED LIVES-one at a time

Dear Rexella,

I just want you to know what a blessing your vehicles for preaching the word and spreading hope has meant to me. I am a disabled preacher and your email and program brings me much joy and more confidence in the word of God. the things that you teach, I have been believing and preached since 1973. I have been looking for the rapture every day. But the teachings have only increased my faith and more understanding of the things that had to fully come to pass.

Thank you for your messages. I love the emails.

Rick B.

Blessings to you Rexella: Both my wife and I love receiving your newsletter. Yes, it shows what is happening and how close we are to the Lords return. I can see the way the government is stifling Christians or is trying to. I am 73 and can see all this change over my lifetime. It is reassuring to hear and read your programming of bible prophecy know the Lord Jesus is coming soon.  Prayers and blessings always to you.

Don and Nancy G.

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