fbpx

Today’s Devotional | October 8 | MATTHEW 28:16-20 | The Trinity

Today's Devotional

Memory Verse
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

Cults often attack the Trinity. Yet, teaching about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is found throughout the Bible.

The first verse in the Bible contains the plural form of the word that is translated God, elohim. Plurality is also indicated in such statements as: “And God said, Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness…” (Genesis 1:26). “And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of US” (3:22).

Still, the Bible insists that God is ONE: “Hear, 0 Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:4). In short, then, the Hebrew words used for God and to describe God call for a plurality in unity.

But who are the persons of this plurality?

One Person is the Father. “Doubtless thou art our father” (Isaiah 63:16).

One Person is the Son. “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee” (Psalm 2:7).

One Person is the Holy Spirit. “And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2).

Paul’s benediction at the end of his second letter to the Corinthians makes it clear: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen” (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Who could ask for more?

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
    October 7 | I JOHN 4:1-10 | God Is Love
    Memory Verse
    He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (1 John 4:8).

    Many claim the name “Christian” who are not genuine. Some who profess Christ as Saviour are filled with bitterness, malice, selfishness, hatred, and envy. They are quick to gossip and they delight when others stumble along the way. Often these people are themselves deceived, and are of the opinion that their religious charade commends them to God.

    Christians are people who have been born again through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This new birth is possible because of God’s love for us. His love is seen in His many blessings and provisions but especially in the death of His Son on the cross: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

    The love of God is placed in our hearts by the Holy Spirit: “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost who is given unto us” (Romans 5:5).

    It is totally inconsistent for one who has been saved to be filled with ire, bitterness, and malice. John wrote: “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” (1 John 4:20).

    Since God loves us, let us communicate His love to others. John put it all together well: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1 John 4:11).

    October 6 | REVELATION 15 | God Is True
    Memory Verse
    And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints (Revelation 15:3).

    Dr. Philpot once had the sad duty of going to tell a Christian woman that her husband had died in battle. After greeting her he said, “I am the bearer of sad tidings. Your dear husband has been slain in battle!” The woman fell to the floor and wept uncontrollably. The faithful pastor did all he could to bring comfort to her but the grief-stricken woman, seemingly deaf to his words, would only cry out, “Is it true after all?” Thinking that she doubted the sad news, he said: “Yes, my good woman, it is true. Your husband has given his life in the service of his country.” “Oh, Pastor,” she sobbed, “I know that my husband is gone, but is it really true that there is a God who cares?”

    There are many difficult experiences in life and in some of them we may be tempted to doubt the goodness and wisdom of God. Castles tumble. Plans do not work out. Health flees. Everything seems to go wrong. What is the answer?

    The answer lies in our inability to know all the details of any given situation as God knows them. Our information is incomplete. God, knowing the future and all the results of every possible set of events, brings about what is best for His own (see Romans 8:28).

    When we meet Him, we’ll join the heavenly chorus singing: “Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.”

    October 5 | ISAIAH 6:1-8 | God Is Holy
    Memory Verse
    And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory (Isaiah 6:3).

    A lady once prayed: “0 Lord, forgive us. We do so many things now that we used to think were wrong.” Her prayer is a commentary on many lives.

    When Isaiah was given a vision of the Lord, he was most impressed with God’s holiness. That is not surprising since, in his vision, the creatures about the throne were occupied day and night with that attribute of God.

    The holiness of God is taught throughout the Bible. Sodom and Gomorrah could not be allowed to continue in their wickedness. The angels that left their first estate were not spared. The world in Noah’s day had but one hundred twenty years to turn from wickedness before destruction. Nineveh had to repent in forty days in response to the preaching of Jonah or be overthrown.

    The most powerful illustration of God’s holiness is found in the death of Christ on the cross. Sin could not be excused. It had to be judged. There was but one way for God to be just and the justifier: The Innocent One had to atone for the guilty. Christ died for us, taking our place: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

    Live carefully. The price of sin is high. And one day soon we must stand before our Holy God (see Romans 14:12).

    October 4 | PROVERBS 4 | Keep Thy Heart
    Memory Verse
    Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).

    A lady who had been mistreated by her husband, said: “He’s mean but he has a good heart.” Her pastor corrected her. “No,” he said, “he has a bad heart.”

    The pastor was right. Our actions reveal what is in our heart. Jesus said: “...out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things” (Matthew 12:34-35).

    The human heart has immense potential for evil: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

    Salvation is the result of believing in one’s heart: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10.9-10).

    One who has been born again must be careful to keep his heart right. Sin must be confessed. Forgiveness of others must be his continual experience. The Psalmist prayed well: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

    How can we keep our hearts right? Here’s the answer: “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O Let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:10-11).

    October 3 | PROVERBS 5 | The Cords of Sin
    Memory Verse
    His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins (Proverbs 5:22)

    S. D. Gordon says that there are seven simple facts that everyone ought to know about sin: The first is that “sin earns wages.” The second, “sin pays wages.” The third, “sin insists on paying.” You may be quite willing to let the account go, but sin always insists on paying. Fourth, “sin pays wages in kind. Sin against the body brings results in the body. Sin in the mental life brings results there. Sin in contact with other people brings a chain of results affecting others. It is terribly true that ‘no man sinneth to himself.’ Sin is the most selfish of acts. It influences to some extent everyone whom we touch.” Fifth, “sin pays in installments.” Sixth, “sin pays in full, unless the blood of Jesus washes away the stain.” Seventh, “sin is self-executive, it pays its own bills. Sin has bound up in itself all the terrific consequences that ever come. The logical result of sin is death; death to the body, death to the mind, death to the soul.”

    Sin deceives. Promising freedom, it gives slavery — bondage. Promising thrills and pleasure, sin brings grief. Promising an escape from the routine of living, sin develops its own cycle of despair.

    What then is the way of liberty and release? It is the path of righteousness and obedience. In doing right we gain all the freedom promised by the tempter — without the grief.

    Complete dedication to Christ and day by day living for Him keeps one free from the restricting cords of sin. Jesus said: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). Christ frees from the cords of sin!

    October 2 | PROVERBS 2 | Wisdom
    Memory Verse
    For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6).

    Wisdom is defined as: “The power of true and right discernment.”

    And we need it.

    Somewhere along the line, man decided that education could be his saviour. But experience has taught us that full heads and empty hearts bring tragic results. We need more than an accumulation of facts to solve our problems.

    We can build luxurious homes that are beyond the wildest dreams of our forefathers. But more homes are coming apart than ever before.

    We have produced an army of experts on the causes of crime. The crime rate soars in spite of our know-how.

    Knowledge of the atom, hoped to solve the energy needs of the world and be the miracle fuel of the latter part of the century, this idea has been disappointing. The chief use of this mind-boggling breakthrough continues to be the continual buildup of armaments and a steady march toward Armageddon.

    Man’s wheel-spinning predicament in the last days, in spite of his great knowledge, is foretold in this one descriptive statement in Paul’s revelation concerning the end time: “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (II Timothy 3:7).

    But what is the reason for this contradiction? A lack of wisdom.

    And where is that available? From the Lord: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).

    October 1 | PROVERBS 1 | Consent Not
    Memory Verse
    My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not (Proverbs 1:10).

    No one expected that Fire Base Mary Ann in Vietnam would be hit by the enemy. This was especially true of the men of the 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry, who manned it. Yet the base was hit and more than forty GI’s perished!

    In speaking of the tragic incident, an officer commented, “There were so many holes in the perimeter wire around the base that the GI’s seldom bothered to use the gates. They walked right through the wire to go to the water hole. Many of the claymore mines did not work because their electric wires were corroded, Their guards against the enemy were down.”

    Many go down in defeat because of failure to keep their guards up. They live in ease and indifference, while the enemy, Satan, never takes a vacation. He is ever alert and aggressive. The Bible says: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8).
    There is no haven on planet earth where temptation is unknown. Even the blessed Garden of Eden was invaded by the enemy. No one is immune from temptation. It is important then to keep up a good defense. And to learn to say “No!”

    Probably some contact today will offer opportunities to do wrong. Few like to sin alone. Misery loves company and those who are overcome by temptation often seek to lure others into the same trap, thus bolstering their sagging self esteem. “Everybody’s doing it” seems to make sin less sinful.

    But Solomon’s advice is as good today as when it was given: “...if sinners entice thee, consent not.”

    Week 41 | You Are God’s Gift to a Lost World

    Did you ever realize that you are God's gift
    to your world? He has planted you on this
    earth like a precious flower to share the
    beautiful scent of salvation with people in the
    parched desert around you. He gave you as a
    gift to these souls in need, and He expects you
    not only to brighten their world, but to bear
    fruit of new souls won to His kingdom. It's not
    difficult to do when you allow the Holy Spirit
    to work through you.

    People all around you need hope. You can
    tell, just reading the newspaper. I read several
    periodicals every week, just to keep current on
    world events... And I can't help but notice
    that so many articles in the papers point to
    despair.

    Violent crime is on the rise. Unemployment
    and poverty are rampant. Even suicide --
    which used to be so rare -- is becoming
    commonplace. It breaks my heart to read that
    suicide is one of the leading causes of death
    among teenagers. Now even children are
    following this deadly trend, like the little girl
    we read about in Florida. She threw herself in
    front of a train because her mother was dying
    with the AIDS virus.

    Yet every time I read a newspaper item like
    this, it just rings an alarm bell in my heart that
    says: People need HOPE. They need the truth
    of God's love. "We have this hope as an anchor
    for the soul, firm and secure." We read about
    the love of God in Hebrews 6:19. That hope is
    our anchor, and God is calling each one of us
    to share that hope with souls in danger around
    us. Jesus has chosen you and me as His gift to
    a lost and dying world, to share his eternal
    love.

    I know that you prize soul-winning above
    every other calling in your life; you have
    demonstrated that by your strong support of
    this ministry, which is sharing God's love
    continually with those in need. Yet I also
    believe that God has called each one of His
    children to share His precious salvation
    message in our personal lives. How can we do
    it? How can we find the words?

    The Lord knows you inside and out; He
    knows you better than you know yourself.
    Through His intimate knowledge of your
    special talents and your limitations, I believe
    He will call you to win souls in the best, most
    effective way possible for you ... What I mean
    is, God does not expect you to become an
    evangelist or a Gospel singer or a street-corner
    preacher. He simply calls you to do what you
    are able to do in presenting a Gospel witness.

    For instance, there's a little shopping mall
    near my home where I like to browse when I
    can spare a few minutes. I don't go there with
    my Bible under my arm, looking for someone
    I could talk to ... I simply go shopping like any
    other lady. But the Lord has given me
    opportunities to witness to several of the
    workers at that mall -- waitresses and sales
    ladies.

    Sometimes one of them will say, "Why are
    you always so happy? There's something
    different about you." They don't care whether
    or not I've been to Bible school or what church
    I attend. They just notice God's love at work
    in me. Or sometimes if I ask one of them how
    they're doing, they will say, "I'm having a
    problem..." and they pour out their hearts to
    me.

    They sense my love and interest in their
    lives, and they want to know what makes me
    happy. Through these simple things, the Lord
    has allowed me to lead several of these ladies to
    the cross and pray with them to accept Jesus.
    It's not difficult, and it doesn't require that you
    know a lot of Scripture or have a powerful
    testimony.

    I would encourage you to use our video
    teachings in your personal witnessing. Invite
    your neighbors to a Bible study in your home,
    and use Jack's video teaching as a guide -- or
    give our videos as a gift. It's a loving and
    effective way to warn your friends about the
    coming end times and lead them to Jesus.

    I know from my own personal experience
    that there is something YOU can do for the
    Lord. You can personally witness to others and
    help lead them to Christ, in a specific way
    which God has enabled you to share and
    which no one else on earth could do like you.
    You are God's gift to a lost world -- let Him
    use you to reach your world with His good
    news!

    Week 40 | Go Home a Winner

    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!"

    Week 39 | Just to Say, “Thank You!”

    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."

    Week 38 | Eat, Drink and Be Merry

    "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!"