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Today’s Devotional | March 19 | I CORINTHIANS 1:18-31 | Foolishness

Today's Devotional

Memory Verse
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18).

In the second century, Justin Martyr wrote: “Many spirits are abroad in the world, and the credentials they display are splendid gifts of mind, learning, and of talent. Christian, look carefully. Ask for the print of the nails.”

The conflicts in the church at Corinth were beyond the reach of tact or psychology, the message of the cross was the only answer. Lost people need to hear this message to be saved and Christians never outgrow their need of the preaching of the cross for daily growth.

The cross is the cure for divisions. Churches that are torn by gossip and backbiting need to be reminded of the Lord’s sacrifice on the cross. Those who nurse hurt feelings need to stand at the cross and see their Saviour enduring the shame and pain of that awful hour. Who has the right to be offended in the light of His sufferings there?

Have you been wronged? Consider the cross.

Do you wonder about full forgiveness? Consider the cross.

Do you doubt God’s love? Consider the cross.

The message of the cross is not popular today. Many prefer religion that is not so stern…so demanding. The preaching of the cross reveals all people as sinners and Christ as the only Saviour. Man’s sinful nature and his pride object to that kind of teaching. Beautiful sanctuaries are fine but the cross seems out of date…foolishness.

But the way of the cross leads home…there is no other way but this.

Let this old and true message change your life. And God’s way will not seem foolish anymore.

Daily Devotionals

 

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God…”

Psalm 42:1, 2

 “Soul Food” is a daily devotional written by Dr. Jack Van Impe that brings God’s Word to life.

“The Tender Touch” is a weekly devotional from the heart of Dr. Rexella Van Impe.


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    March 18 | I CORINTHIANS 10:13-23 | Temptation’s Limit
    Memory Verse
    There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

    Two alcoholics were converted. One testified, “From the moment I trusted Christ to save me, and deliver me from the enslaving habit of strong drink, I have never had the slightest desire to drink anything of alcoholic content. I would have to learn all over again to love the evil which, for more than thirty years, was the greatest love of my life.” The second said, “How I wish my experience corresponded with the experience of the brother who has just testified. Every day I have a terrific struggle not to partake of the evil which for years all but wrecked my life. I am depending solely upon the mighty Saviour to keep me from temptation. Pray for me!”

    God may deal differently with His children concerning temptation but He has promised that all temptation is limited. Every Christian can overcome any temptation. Our Lord guarantees our ability to conquer is greater than temptation’s power. He allows no temptation to come to us that is too strong for us to defeat. And He always provides an escape.

    So, your excuse for yielding doesn’t stand.

    The power of the Holy Spirit within and the Word of God at your disposal equips you to conquer. Prayer taps the resources of God making you invincible.

    Others have faced the same temptation. And you are equipped to win.

    March 17 | I CORINTHIANS 9:20-27 | Discipline
    Memory Verse
    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 (1 Corinthians 9:27).

    Paul was like a man in training...ever prepared to give his best in the race. He understood that this demanded discipline...self-control. But he wanted the prize and counted all sacrifices worthwhile. Eternal rewards meant more to him than momentary gratification. Until we come to this same conviction, we are poor candidates for victory in the race of life.

    In his letter to the Philippians, Paul again alludes to his effort in the race: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, 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).

    Discipline holds an important place in the successful Christian life. It is essential in maintaining daily Bible reading. There will be times when one does not feel like reading; times when some relaxing pastime appeals right at the time for personal devotions. But no one can have victory over sin without a regular intake of God's Word. Discipline takes the tempted one to his Bible where he can receive the life- giving milk and meat that provides spiritual health.

    Consistency in prayer comes through discipline. How glibly we recite our learned prayers and then wonder why answers do not come!

    Discipline demands regular attendance at the services of the church where fellowship and Bible teaching combine to develop the abundant life.

    We all need discipline to guarantee spiritual growth.

    March 16 | II TIMOTHY 3:1-7 | Perilous Times
    Memory Verse
    This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come (II Timothy 3:1).

    Most students of the Bible do not have to be convinced that we are living in perilous times. The splitting of the atom has given man the power to bring about total destruction. In addition, we have learned to live twenty four hours a day in the rocket sights of our enemies who are bent on world domination.

    Nevertheless, Christians need not panic. Not one recent event has taken God by surprise. He is in control and is allowing man to work out His program. The words of the Psalmist are relevant today: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

    Though times are perilous, we never walk alone: “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. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee” (Isaiah 41:10 & 13).

    Though times are perilous, we can never be separated from His love: “For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

    Though times are perilous, these conditions are but reminders of better days ahead:
    “And then these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28).

    March 15 | CORINTHIANS 15:51-58 | Therefore
    Memory Verse
    Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58).

    When you find the word “therefore” in the Bible, it is a good idea to read the preceding verses and find out what it is there for. In the text above, this linking word reaches back to the message of the Lord’s return and calls for the kind of life described in our memory verse in view of that return.

    Because the Lord is coming, we are to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Like soldiers assigned to duty in wartime, we have been charged to serve God faithfully. Distractions must be resisted. Laziness overcome. Compromise with evil is out of the question.

    In Chicago, One Sunday morning, a minister pointed to a young woman who had been converted about a year and a half, and said, “What are you doing for God? Why don’t you do something for God?”

    To give emphasis to his words, the minister stepped down from the pulpit, went to where the young woman was sitting, took her hand, conducted her out to the middle aisle, made her turn toward the door, and giving her a push, said, “I want you to start doing something for God.”

    That push sent the young woman to the other side of the globe. She became a missionary to Africa and led many to Christ, including General Allenby of Britain. Her name was Miss Malla Moe. The pastor who gave her the push was D. L. Moody.

    Christ is coming! That should be all the push we need.

    March 14 | MATTHEW 24:1-12 | Abounding Iniquity
    Memory Verse
    And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold (Matthew 24:12).

    Some expect the world to get better and better until the Kingdom of God is proclaimed on earth. Since this theory is without Biblical foundation, it will never see fulfillment. Instead, the world will continue to witness falling moral codes, increased violence and rising cultic activity. As Paul wrote: “...the mystery of iniquity doth already work.”

    Though the immediate future is cloudy, the Christian who understands His Bible is filled with optimism. He is the only person who knows that hope will not be disappointed. While the dreams of world planners crumble in the persistent pressure of the last days, he sees beyond the travail of this hour to the triumph of the Lord’s return.

    The question may rise, however, about what we are to do in the face of evil. Shall we close our eyes to world needs and allow iniquity to run rampant because we intend to eventually exit planet earth? Not at all. Our responsibility is to restrain evil and to let the light of the Gospel shine through us. We are to hold forth the word of life as lights that shine in a dark place. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

    Have you been discouraged about accomplishing any good in such dark days? Remember, the darker the day, the more visible the light.

    It’s a good day for shining!

    March 13 | I CORINTHIANS 8 | Stumbling Blocks
    Memory Verse
    But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak (1 Corinthians 8:9).

    This chapter raises an interesting question of conduct. The Christians in Corinth were facing the issue of whether or not to eat meat that had been offered to heathen idols. There was nothing wrong with the meat and it was often priced very reasonably. What was the proper attitude for the church?

    In his book, Studies in First Corinthians, Dr. M. R. DeHaan sums up Paul’s answer as follows: “The question then is never, Have I a right to do this or that, or is this or that in itself a sin? But the question is, Does my conduct glorify God, and does it help or hinder my testimony, and is it a help or a stumbling block to my weaker brethren? This, then, would at once settle the question of amusements, dress, business practices, and games, and all our Christian privileges. The Lord lays down the rule specifically: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).

    “That is the test by which we are to evaluate everything which is of a questionable nature. It is not a matter of legality, but a matter of honestly facing the question, Is this thing which we are doing to the glory of God, and is it a help or hindrance to those round about us?”

    Not one of us will have to deal with the question of eating meat that has been offered to idols in heathen temples. That was a question pertaining especially to Paul’s day and to a particular area. But every decision concerning Christian conduct requires the same basic question. Is this thing to the glory of God, and is it a help or hindrance to others?

    Facing a decision about conduct? Give it the “stumbling block” test.

    March 12 | DANIEL 12:1-4 | Increased Knowledge
    Memory Verse
    But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased (Daniel 12:4).

    For centuries it seemed as if the world slumbered. Thousands of years passed without major changes in most areas of life. Paul and Columbus sailed in similar ships though their voyages were nearly fifteen hundred years apart. Medical know-how moved at a snail’s pace. Men watched the birds fly but all efforts to copy them were in vain.

    Then, in the lifetime of many alive today, there came an explosion in knowledge and travel. People who went about in buggies and other horse-drawn vehicles lived to see the skies filled with jet planes and watched men walk on the moon. The atom was split, ushering in the nuclear age with all its perils and possibilities. Miracle drugs were discovered that conquered old killers and vaccines were developed that eliminated former plague producers.

    Now we are in the age of the computer. This mind boggling invention is entering every area of life. Old methods of office procedures have been made obsolete. Records on millions of people are available at the push of the proper buttons, a scary fact if wicked men come into power.

    Each day, some new invention seems to outdo another. What does it all mean? It means that we are living in what the Bible calls “the time of the end.” One who is in possession of the Biblical facts would have to close his eyes to the truth not to recognize the signs of the times.

    What are you doing about it?

    Week 12 | The Easy Burden

    Talk about busy! For many months Dr. Van
    Impe and I have been going from early to late,
    working harder than we ever have in our lives.

    In addition to our normal activities and
    responsibilities, every hour is filled with reading,
    praying, studying, writing, planning... and
    traveling! As you know, we're often on the road in
    speaking engagements, ministering day and
    night. And from time to time we also meet with
    many of our dear partners in various cities.
    Back at home, we're in the office, working on
    our weekly telecasts, recording music, meeting
    with technicians!

    Don't think I'm complaining -- I've never been
    so excited and thrilled. There are so many
    tremendous opportunities before us that I can hardly
    wait for morning to come... and sometimes I'm
    reluctant to turn off the lights at bedtime.

    The other day someone said to me, "Rexella,
    don't overdo it. You've got so many responsibilities
    -- it's really a tremendous burden!"

    I appreciated the concern of this friend, who had
    only my best interests at heart. But although I'm
    working harder than I have in all my life before, I
    am not overloaded and burdened down!

    I have discovered the secret of the easy burden.

    The lesson of the ant

    A biologist once was doing a study of ants. One
    day he watched a worker ant carrying a piece of
    straw. Compared to the ant's size and weight, that
    straw must have been a heavy and unwieldy load.
    But the ant kept working -- kept carrying his load.

    After a while the ant came to a large crack in the
    earth. He explored to the left and the right, but
    there was no way to go around -- and the crack
    was too wide and too deep to get across.

    The ant stood there on the brink of the precipice
    as though pondering the situation. Then, he took
    the burdensome straw off his back. Stumbling,
    tumbling, and straining, somehow he managed to
    put one end of the straw on one side of the crack
    and let it fall across the span! Then the ant walked
    across the straw safely to the other side.

    With a few tugs and strains, he pulled the straw
    across the crack, put it back on his back... and
    went on his way again! He triumphed by using his
    burden as a bridge to the other side.

    What a lesson for us!

    In this life we will have burdens. The Apostle
    Paul noted, For we that are in this tabernacle do
    groan, being burdened
    (2 Corinthians 5:4). But
    we need not be unduly crushed to the ground by
    our load if we allow the Lord and His strength to
    sustain us. The psalmist cried, Cast thy burden
    upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee
    (Psalm 55:22).

    Jesus said, Come unto me, all ye that labour
    and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
    Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am
    meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest
    unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my
    burden is light
    (Matthew 1 1:28-30).

    Did you notice that Jesus did not say, "Come
    throw down your load and walk away with no
    burden at all." He only promised to give us rest.
    Then we are to take on His yoke and pick up His
    burden. And what kind of load is it?

    It is a light yoke, an easy burden!

    The Lord has not promised that we will not have
    to work in this life. There is no guarantee that we
    will not face difficulties and trials. Nowhere does
    He tell us that the road will not be long or the night
    not so dark.



       Rather, He promises that where we go, He will
    go... and never will we be left alone. For he hath
    said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee
    (Hebrews 13:5). And He also promised, Lo, I am
    with you alway, even unto the end of the world

    (Matthew 28:20).

    If Jesus is with us, and His burden is always
    light, why do we get so loaded down at times? I
    think it is because we pick up the burdens of the
    past along with tomorrow's burden and add it to
    the load allotted for today.

    John Newton once wrote, "I compare the
    troubles which we have to undergo in the course of a
    year to a great bundle of fagots, far too large for us
    to lift. But God does not require us to carry the
    whole at once. He mercifully unties the bundle
    and gives us first one stick, which we are to carry
    today, and then another, which we are to carry
    tomorrow, and so on. This we might easily
    manage if we would only take the burden
    appointed for us each day. But we choose to
    increase our troubles by carrying yesterday's
    stick over again today and adding tomorrow's
    burden to our load before we are required to
    carry it."

    Jesus says, "Come rest. Lay down yesterday's
    burden, and don't lift tomorrow's load yet. Just
    pick up today's burden... and it will be easy!"

    And like the resourceful ant, we may discover
    that at times we can use our burden to bridge the
    chasms in the path before us. It can literally
    become a stepping-stone to higher ground.

    A burden of joy

    What an exhilarating realization! And here is
    another load-lifting thought. When we realize
    what our burden is -- or to be more exact, who our
    burden is -- our attitude changes.

    I heard about an American soldier during the
    Vietnam war who saw a little 7-year-old girl
    carrying a 2-year-old baby on her back. As he passed
    her trudging along a dusty road, the G.I. said to
    her, "Honey, it looks like you're carrying an
    awfully heavy load."

    But that little child had learned part of the
    secret of the easy burden. She replied, "Oh, no,
    this is no load -- this is my brother!"

    And it is true -- the load of egotism and self-pity
    is tremendously heavy. No one can stand up under
    it for long! But if our burden is for others... for the
    lost and unreached, it can become a burden of joy.

    We are reminded of Jesus, who for the joy that
    was set before him endured the cross, despising
    the shame, and is set down at the right hand of
    the throne of God
    (Hebrews 12:2).

    For the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the
    cross! What joy? The joy of seeing you and me in
    heaven! He carried the cross for us. He died that
    we might live. And now, His work completed, He is
    at the right hand of God.

    Oh, I want to see Him! I am so homesick for
    heaven. And I believe it will not be long until our
    Saviour comes for us -- perhaps today!

    Until then, I know I can carry the easy burden
    He has for me. And so I can truthfully say that
    every suitcase I pack, every song I sing, every
    television program I help to host, every article I write,
    and every letter I answer -- the workload is not a
    depressing or oppressing burden. I can do it -- I'm
    glad to -- because of the joy that is set before me
    ...the joy of knowing that I am doing it for the
    Lord to reach souls for eternity.

    Stepping-stones to higher ground

    I have no way of knowing what kind of burden
    you have been asked to bear. But I urge you to
    catch sight of the joy set before you. If it is to be a
    good mother to your children -- do it with joy and
    blessing. If you are a father who gets up at 5:30
    a.m. to go to work and earn a living for your family
    and to help support the work of God -- do it with
    joy and a blessing.

    My father got up at this hour almost every day of
    his adult life and yet always found delight in
    driving to every meeting that my husband and I or
    my brother Bob (who also is an evangelist) might
    have within a 100 mile radius of my parents'
    home. Dad found strength in the Lord and got
    hold of the easy burden and made it a stepping-stone
    to higher ground. May you also, as mothers
    and fathers, find stepping-stones to higher ground.

    The day will come -- and soon, so soon -- when
    you will stand before God and lay down your
    burden for the last time. What a thrill, what
    unspeakable joy, to hear the voice of your Father
    say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!"

    Week 11 | The Silent Force of Faith, Hope, and Love

    And now abideth faith, hope, charity [love],
    these three; but the greatest of these is charity
    [love] (1 Corinthians 13:13).

    There are unseen forces in the world that are
    vitally important in the course of human events.
    These forces shape individual lives and even influence
    world affairs.

    Recognizing that these forces exist can be
    intimidating. For some people, the idea that they
    might not be in control of what happens in their
    lives can actually be emotionally crippling.

    As Christians, we need never feel intimidated by
    anything. As the old gospel song suggests, we may
    not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who
    holds our tomorrows. Ultimately, God is in control
    of all things to come.

    We do have the power to make many
    life-controlling decisions. Every individual has the
    opportunity to perpetuate good or evil... to uplift
    Christ or approve the works of Satan... to show
    love or hate, joy or sorrow.

    When faced with the fateful forces of life, we
    have an arsenal of divine forces at our disposal
    that can help us withstand any storm and overcome
    any adversity. Faith. Hope. Love.

    Too often these forces are just words to us and
    we fail to fully understand the explosive power
    that is ours. God, in His unchanging Word, gives
    unprecedented value to these truths. They are the
    key to unlimited power and spiritual wealth in
    your life and mine.

    The baby who fell in the well

    Some time ago our attention was focused on a
    tiny little child in Midland, Texas, who had fallen
    into an abandoned oil well. Only 18 months old,
    plucky little Jessica McClure captured the heart of
    the whole nation. Students, business people,
    workers, housewives, even the first lady -- we all
    showed our interest and concern for her plight.
    People across the country prayed, sent cards and
    letters, offered assistance, telephoned -- whatever
    they could do. And the people in the Texas
    communities nearby dropped what they were doing
    and went to help. They labored without being
    asked... not asking for pay... around the clock
    until the ordeal was over.

    I was so impressed with the actions of Jessica's
    family and close friends. I'll never forget seeing
    the TV news pictures of them standing in a circle,
    holding hands, praying for God's help. The
    strength of their faith was transmitted nationwide
    It never wavered!

    We all can have this kind of faith, which
    Hebrews 11 defines as the substance of things
    hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
    I
    believe faith is an inner stability produced by the
    Holy Spirit that enables us to trust. And it is trust
    that dispels doubt, fear, and uncertainty.

    How wonderful to know we have a counter-force
    that can work in our behalf when we're faced with
    those unseen, uncontrollable forces and circumstances
    of life. The force of faith will help us trust
    God for peace and victory -- even in the face of
    seemingly insurmountable obstacles like Jessica
    McClure and her family faced.

    The force of faith

    The silent force of faith is indescribably
    powerful. With faith, a shepherd boy takes five stones
    and a slingshot and defeats Goliath, the military
    champion. With faith, Moses stretches out a
    wooden stick over the Red Sea and the waters roll
    back to provide a path of safety for God's people.

    You may well be facing conflicts, disasters,
    heartaches, and darkness as deep as a well. But as
    you rely on the unseen force of faith, trust will rise
    up inside you and sustain you until deliverance
    comes -- for the Lord will bring you through.

    Most important of all, the force of faith even overcomes
    the fatal curse of sin and helps us receive
    Christ's salvation and everlasting life. For by
    grace are ye saved through faith
    (Ephesians 2:8).

    The force of hope

    The second silent force you can use is hope.
    What a devastating thing to feel utterly hopeless
    -- to believe there is no remedy for your desperate situation!

    Without hope, life cannot long endure. With
    hope -- even the tiniest spark -- we can keep
    holding on, keep waiting and watching until
    victory comes.

    Just as faith produces trust, hope produces joy
    and peace. Surely it was the hope and peace of
    that precious little girl in the Texas well that
    helped save her life.

    Can you imagine her cries of fear and distress?
    "Mommy, I'm hurt, I can't move. It's so dark and
    I'm afraid. I'm cold. I'm hungry. Please help me!"
    And she listened for a voice at the top of the well --
    her mother's. That voice so filled her with hope
    and encouragement, I'm told little Jessica cried
    very little. She had peace -- even joy. Down in her
    dark, cold trap, she could even sing!

    Oh, my friend, here's a truth that is absolutely
    overwhelming. You and I can have hope in the
    wells of life. Down in our prisons of darkness and
    pain, we can hear a Voice from above -- the voice of
    our Father saying, "Fear not! Lo, I am with you
    alway, even unto the end of the world

    (Matthew 28:20).

    There is hope! And there is joy and peace for you
    today. Are you trapped by emotional needs? Hear
    the voice of the Lord saying, Come unto me, all ye
    that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give
    you rest
    (Matthew 11:28).

    Are you so buried by financial and material
    needs that it seems you'll never again see the light
    of day? Listen! God's promise is sufficient for you.
    My God shall supply all your need according to
    his riches in glory by Christ Jesus
    (Philippians 4:19).

    Are you worried, troubled, depressed? Oh, hear
    the voice of hope -- Casting all your care upon
    him; for he careth for you
    (1 Peter 5:7).

    I tell you, there is no hole so deep that hope
    cannot reach. And no place so low that God
    cannot lift you out. Use the silent force of hope
    God has given you... and let joy and peace change
    your world.

    Remember, Jesus has experienced every
    emotional temptation or physical pain that we could
    ever experience. He was in all points tempted like
    as we are, yet without sin
    (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus
    was not tempted to see if He would sin, but to
    show that He could not sin, for He is God.

    He understands your need. He is greater than
    your need... and He cares about your need. So
    you can have hope.

    The force of love

    The third and greatest unseen force you have at
    your disposal is love. Love is so powerful -- and so
    misunderstood.

    Faith produces trust. Hope produces joy and
    peace. But love produces manifold blessings.

    The newspaper headlines reporting the drama
    in Midland, Texas, said: "USA Opens Its Heart to
    Jessica." Why? I believe one reason people loved
    this child so much was that they saw faith in her
    family and hope in her -- qualities America needs
    so desperately today.

    And remember how their love was expressed --
    in action. That's because love, being the essence of
    God's divine nature, is not just a noun -- it's a
    verb, it is action. So in loving Jessica, people
    helped, worked, gave... they poured themselves
    out. And they didn't stop loving until she was
    rescued and brought out of that well, alive and safe.
    In a thrilling, exciting way, they started living the
    Bible and producing the manifold fruits of love
    described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

    I know you've read these familiar scriptures
    many times, but let's think about them in terms
    we can understand without question. The silent
    force of love that God pours through us is
    absolutely beautiful.

    This love produces an uncomplaining spirit that
    cares for others. It is not jealous, pushy, conceited,
    or ill-mannered. This love does not try to advance
    itself, does not pout or become hurt easily. It does
    not think the worst of others, and is not happy
    when someone falls into sin but is happy to hear
    good things about him. Love bears all things and
    helps others with their burdens. Love endures...
    and refuses discouragement.

    Do you have that kind of love? Oh, it's important
    to have faith. It's important to have hope. But
    God's Word declares that the greatest force of all is love.

    I urge you to examine yourself to be sure you
    have the silent force of faith, hope, and love --
    especially love -- within. The only way to have it is
    to go to the One who gives this perfect gift -- Jesus Christ.

    I challenge you to join Dr. Van Impe and me in
    trusting, rejoicing, hoping, and loving in Christ.
    Using this silent force together, we can change
    ourselves... and make such an impact on our
    world for Christ that it will never again be the
    same.

    Week 10 | I Need a Nap!

    On the closing night of our citywide crusade in
    Rochester, New York, I went down front after the
    service to greet people, sign Bibles, and just enjoy
    a time of fellowship with our friends there.

    As always, several children gathered around me
    -- we seem to have a special affection for each
    other. The photographer who was covering the
    crusade for us asked if I'd pose for a photo with his
    two children. When he finished taking the shot,
    one of the youngsters, a little boy, crawled up in my lap.

    "I'm tired," he said, "I need a nap." Then he
    nestled inside my arms, laid his head trustingly on
    my shoulder, and started to go to sleep.

    In a few minutes his dad came and took him
    from me, but as I sat looking down at that
    beautiful child resting in my arms, I remembered how
    Jesus taught that we must receive the kingdom of
    God in simple, childlike faith and trust... and rest
    in Him.

    The Lord invites us to come to Him when we are
    tired and worn out and "take a nap," secure in His
    care. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are
    heavy laden, and I will give you rest
    (Matthew 11:28).

    Why, then, are so many plodding along, worn
    out and exhausted, loaded down with burdens
    and care? For these people, life almost seems to be
    an endurance contest, each day providing another
    grim challenge.

    Could it be because we haven't really learned to
    trust... or have gotten our eyes on the frailties of
    men instead of the everlasting arms of the Lord?

    A lesson in trust

    When my brothers and I were quite young, Dad
    sometimes would take us swimming in a
    beautiful fresh water stream. There was a little
    waterfall that dropped into a natural pool, and my
    older brother would plunge over that waterfall and
    splash into the water below.

    It looked like such fun... but I was afraid to try it
    myself. I was four years younger than my brother,
    and when I climbed up above the falls, the jump
    down took my breath -- and my courage -- away!
    No amount of coaxing or wheedling by my brother
    could convince me to try it.

    Finally, my father went into the pool below and
    looked up at me. "Jump down here, Rexella," he
    said. "I'll catch you!" And he held out his arms.

    Immediately I jumped into the waterfall, down
    in and under the torrent, deep into the water
    below. As I came up out of the deep, half laughing,
    half crying, Dad's strong arms caught me and
    lifted me up.

    After a few more jumps, I was ready to try it on
    my own... and I was never afraid to go over the
    waterfall again.

    What made the difference? Trust! I knew my
    father would take care of me and never allow me to
    be injured. So if he had said to follow him through
    fire, I would have put my hand in his and started walking!

    How much more should we trust our Heavenly
    Father? When the burdens and troubles of this life
    are wearing us down, we should come into the
    presence of God and say, "Lord, I need a nap."
    Then, casting all our care upon the One who
    knows and understands all things, we can put our
    heads upon the bosom of Christ and rest in Him.

    Dare to trust God

    But we can relax and rest only when we trust
    God and turn loose of our load of care. It is possible
    to come to Jesus and present our problems, then
    go away just as burdened and weighted down as
    when we came.

    We sometimes think we're the only ones who
    understand just what's at stake. We can't turn
    loose and fully trust the Lord or anybody else. So
    we go away sorrowful, trying to worry our way through.

    Perhaps you are carrying a heavy load today
    that has you exhausted, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

    Dare to trust God.

    He sees your concern for those loved ones.

    He knows the financial needs you are facing.

    He understands the anxiety and indecision that
    has stolen your peace of mind and kept you awake
    so many midnight hours.

    What would happen if you really trusted the
    Lord with all of your life? What if you threw
    yourself into His arms and said, "I need a nap," and let
    Him take care of you? Would He let you fall, or
    turn His back on you?

    Of course not! He will not -- cannot -- fail. So
    cast all your care upon Him for He careth for you
    (see 1 Peter 5:7).

    But we must trust Him, yield to Him, wait for
    Him. How often do we get too impatient, even in
    prayer? Do we kneel to pray, and instead of
    allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us, blurt out our
    frustration and tell God how we think He should
    meet our need?

    In the beautiful words of the poet --

    He knows, He loves, He cares,

    nothing this truth can dim.

    God gives the very best to those

    who leave the choice with Him.

    The beautiful old gospel song, "What a Friend
    We Have in Jesus," reminds us of the help that is
    ours when we come, trusting, into His presence.

    "Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

    Oh, what needless pain we bear,

    All because we do not carry

    Everything to God... in prayer."

    Trust God, my friend. Hear His invitation to
    come to Him and find rest. Join me in looking up
    into the wonderful face of Jesus and saying, "I've
    come to You, Lord, because I need a nap!"

    Week 9 | At My Front Door

    Soulwinning is everybody's business. When our
    Lord Jesus issued the Great Commission, He did
    not direct it just to preachers, or the highly
    educated, or the good talkers.

    He sent us all... and made us all equally
    responsible. Yet, sadly, I'm told that the vast majority of
    church members today have not won another
    person to Christ in the last 12 months. In fact,
    most Christians surveyed said they have never
    personally led anybody to the Lord.

    Why? I'm convinced it is not because they don't
    care. Most Christians I meet are very concerned
    about the lost. They are praying for unsaved loved
    ones and many are giving to support missionary
    and evangelistic ministries. They rejoice to hear
    good reports of precious souls won to Christ.

    Why, then, have they not become soulwinners personally?

    I believe it is because they feel unworthy and
    unprepared to talk with another person about
    something as important as his or her personal salvation.

    "I don't know what to say... or where to find the
    right scriptures," people often tell me. "And if
    someone asked me a question, I'm not sure I'd
    have the right answer. What if I said or did the
    wrong thing and kept someone from being saved?"

    Have you ever felt this way? Well, let me tell you
    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
    make a decision for Christ.


    Do what you can do!
       I have been privileged to share in the
    soulwinning efforts of my church and this evangelistic
    ministry. I have sung before thousands in crusade
    and convention services... and to millions on
    national television. I have been part of all the
    outreaches of the Jack Van Impe Ministries over the
    years, when more than 600,000 decisions for
    Christ were recorded.

    This is one of the great joys of my life. But even
    more fulfilling personally -- and for my husband
    -- is the opportunity to reach people on a one-to-one
    basis. Let me give you an example of how
    committed Jack is to this calling.

    Just before one of our national TV specials was
    aired, my husband felt impressed to personally
    invite all the people in our neighborhood to watch
    the program. He printed up a little flyer that said,
    "Hi, neighbor," and included an informal
    invitation to tune in, listing the day, time, and channel.

    We didn't get home that night until about 9
    o'clock, and Dr. Van Impe had a flight to catch at
    6 o'clock the next morning. Besides, it was
    storming, with rain and lightning. But he insisted
    on getting the invitation flyers delivered. He got
    on his bicycle and rode through the rain to each
    house in the neighborhood. Who knows how
    many did watch the special and hear the gospel proclaimed!

    Be God's representative in your everyday living

    I'd also like to share with you about the little
    mission field the Lord has given me just a few
    blocks from home.

    I tell you this, not to call attention to myself, but
    to show you that God has a ministry for each of us
    -- a job we can do that no one else can accomplish.

    When I'm not on the road with my husband, I
    often stop by a small shopping mall near our
    home. It has many convenient stores and shops,
    and when I can spare a few minutes, I enjoy just browsing.

    During my visits there, the Lord has given me
    opportunities to witness to several of the workers
    there -- waitresses and sales ladies -- and to lead
    some of them to Christ.

    Now, I didn't go there with my Bible under my
    arm, looking for someone I could talk with. In
    almost every case, the individual would approach
    me and start the conversation.

    Sometimes they'd say, "Why are you always so
    happy? There's something different about you!"
    Or when I asked how they were doing, they might
    say, "I'm having a problem..." and begin to pour
    out their heart to me.

    They didn't care whether or not I was a Bible
    school graduate or even what church I went to.
    But they sensed my love and interest in them...
    and they wanted to hear my personal testimony.
    Helping them pray and accept Jesus was just so
    natural and easy, then.

    These girls might never have watched our TV
    program, or attended a crusade or church service.
    But right there, in their world, they were
    searching and hungry... and so receptive.

    You can be a soulwinner

    There are people in your world that only you
    can reach. They don't need you to preach to them,
    or persuade them. They just need you to share
    with them the same joy and power that helps you
    through life.

    Every person you work with or go to school with
    ...every waitress, or sales person, every visitor to
    your front door
    may be looking for someone like
    you -- a real, everyday, down-to-earth, flesh and
    blood person -- to tell them about Jesus and how
    to be saved.

    When the opportunity comes, be ready. Show
    love... tell what the Lord has done for you. The
    Holy Spirit will do the rest.

    If you're willing to do these simple things, you
    can be a soulwinner. And what a thrill and joy to
    help someone else accept the Lord.

    Set a goal to win at least one person to Christ
    this year. You can do it! And you'll discover why
    the writer of Proverbs declared, He that winneth
    souls is wise
    (11:30).