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Today’s Devotional | April 4 | MATTHEW 20:20-28 | To Minister

Today's Devotional

Memory Verse
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).

Millions are ministered to.

Few minister.

And in our lack of ministering, we are unlike Jesus.

Today’s pattern of taking in weekly without giving out is unknown in the Bible. Even when persecution of the early church scattered its members, they were faithful ministers while fleeing: “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).

Truth is given to pass on to others. Blessings are given to share. Financial prosperity is given so that one can give to those in need… and not just at the end of life to beneficiaries of a will. Health is given so that vigor and strength can be used to lift the burdens of others. Years are given so that we can have time to influence people through our lives and words and point them to God.

Receivers who do not give are losers. They lose the thrill of giving. Of seeing the sparkle in the eyes of one who has been helped. Of watching one go on to success who had been counted out. Of witnessing faith grow as a result of sharing the love of Christ.

So, we must minister. But where shall we start?

Let us begin where we are. What have we received this week that can be given to others? What was there about the pastor’s sermon that made it special to you? Tell a friend. His need is likely to be the same as yours. And in passing on the blessing you will be ministering.

It’s the only way to be like Jesus!

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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    April 3 | PSALM 107:1-15 | Speak Up
    Memory Verse
    Memory Verse: Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy (Psalm 107:2).

    Do we honor the Lord more by righteous living or by speaking of His love and salvation?

    It’s a bad question.

    No such choice should be considered.

    The raising of this issue infers that one cannot be consistent in both life and conversation. And that just isn’t so.

    Certainly our lives are to be above reproach. Hypocrisy is condemned in the Bible and was often exposed by Jesus. The Pharisees despised Him for revealing their lack of faith and love while going through the motions of being religious. They were examples of those who speak well but live poorly. But their hypocrisy or that of others is no excuse for opting to be a so-called “silent witness.”

    The Psalmist was determined to praise God with his lips as well as his life. He declared: “I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 89:1).

    A song says, “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.” And it contains an element of truth. Still, most of us have been influenced toward God by someone who cared enough to talk to us about our deepest needs, making application of the Gospel.

    Some have difficulty speaking to others or are confined and have few contacts with those in need. I have known a few who wrote letters to share the love of Christ, especially to people passing through severe problems. They let their fingers do the talking.

    Christians have something to say.

    Speak up. Today!

    April 2 | MATTHEW 26:14-16 | What’s Your Price?
    Memory Verse
    And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15).

    The betrayal of Jesus was foretold in the Old Testament: “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9).

    Even the price of betrayal was prophesied: “And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver” (Zechariah 11:12). It is revolting to think of Judas selling the Lord. Dr. Harry Rimmer wrote of him: “Judas. A name that has become a byword in all civilized nations. A man who has become an object of abhorrence. The outstanding example of greed, the climax of treachery; and the apogee of all that is despicable.” It is hard to imagine putting a price on loyalty to Jesus.

    But some still have their price!

    Some are loyal to Jesus unless it costs too much. The price may be reckoned to money, popularity, prestige, or pleasure. At what point does your dedication die? How much temptation is required to topple you? What’s your price?

    Christ deserves our loyalty and dedication at all costs. He paid the supreme price to redeem us. Loyalty to Him should be priceless.

    Let it be known! YOU’RE NOT FOR SALE!

    April 1 | MATTHEW 26:6-13 | Well Done
    Memory Verse
    When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me (Matthew 26:10).

    Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “The human race is divided into two classes — those who go ahead and do something and those who sit still and inquire, ‘Why wasn’t it done the other way?’”

    Mary of Bethany had undoubtedly wanted to do something for Jesus ever since the raising of her brother Lazarus. He had intervened in her hour of grief and despair. She had sat at His feet and learned valuable spiritual lessons. Finally, she settled on a way to show her dedication and appreciation for all He had done for her. She would use her alabaster box of precious ointment to refresh Him after one of His journeys.

    Reaction to Mary’s sacrifice was probably predictable. Regardless of what you do for Christ, some will complain! And how righteous they may sound! “This ointment might have been sold for much and given to the poor,” said those who watched and criticized. They sounded pious. But Jesus knew their hearts and rebuked them.

    Have others been critical of you after some act of sacrificial service? Don’t let it get you down. It is easier to grumble than to give. It is easier to be part of the faction than to get into the action.

    Never mind. Jesus understands. His “well done” is all that matters. He will care for the critics and will reward those who serve Him with their best (see Luke 14:14).

    March 31 | ACTS 8:1-4 | Everywhere
    Memory Verse
    Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word (Acts 8:4).

    Following the death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, persecution fell upon all the Christians at Jerusalem. Those were difficult days for the church, bringing imprisonment and even death for the crime of trusting in Christ and telling others about Him. As a result of this persecution, the believers were scattered... but everywhere they went they carried the message of Christ. Even the enemies of the Gospel cooperated in its propagation for as they scattered God’s people they also scattered their message throughout that whole area.

    In America today we know little about persecution. Though we live in the century that has probably produced more Christian martyrs than any other in history, we are virtually untouched. Still we are lax in telling the old old story of Jesus and His love. And that raises a frightening question; Will it be necessary for God to allow persecution to come to us to awaken us to the blessings we have had and taken for granted?

    We hope not.

    Those early Christians have set an example for us that will be well to follow. They were so determined to obey the great commission that inconveniences and even severe problems could not deter them from carrying out that responsibility.

    How does that compare to our concern? Where are our weak excuses for not witnessing? How will they stand up at the

    Judgment Seat of Christ?

    We’ve a message to share.

    Tell it wherever you go!

    March 30 | ISAIAH 35 | The Coming Kingdom
    Memory Verse
    The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose (Isaiah 35:1).

    The coming Kingdom of Christ is known as the Millennium because it will last for one thousand years. And what years they will be!

    Man’s struggle to conquer the environment will be over. Though a stubborn earth has resisted cultivation and produced only at the continual effort of its inhabitants, people have survived. Think how wonderful it will be when man and nature are again in harmony. Bumper crops will be the rule rather than the exception. All the earth will become productive. Even the deserts will become watered gardens.

    The enmity between men and animals will be put away. Hear the prophet describe this millennial scene: “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox” (Isaiah 11:6-7).

    Cults and all false teachers will be non-existent. True worship of the Lord will cover the earth: “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9).

    When you are discouraged by world conditions or personal problems, remember the coming Kingdom of Christ. This earth has a great future. And so do you, if you belong to Him!

    March 29 | I CORINTHIANS 15:27-58 | Be Steadfast
    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 (1 Corinthians 15:58).

    It has been said that when the word “therefore” appears in the Bible one should always consider what it is there for. Here, this word looks back to all the truths just presented and in view of them calls for faithful service for Christ.

    Because Christ is risen, be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”

    Because Christ is coming to raise the Christian dead and catch away His bride, be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”

    To be steadfast is “to be firm in your own convictions.” To be unmovable is “to be firm against the influences of others.” The Pulpit Commentary says: “There are some works of the Lord in which we cannot engage. We cannot help to control the ocean, guide the stars, or even create a blade of grass, but here we are ‘labourers together with Him.’”

    What a privilege!

    Let us stand firm against evil and abound in service for Christ.

    He lives.

    And He is coming again.

    Our work for Jesus will not be in vain. When He comes He will reward all who have been “steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12).

    March 28 | REVELATION 20:4-6 | Reigning With Christ
    Memory Verse
    Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years (Revelation 20:6).

    Though you may never hold public office in this life, you have a future in government. When Jesus comes to establish His Kingdom on this earth, those who have received Him as Saviour will rule and reign with Him.

    That government will be without earthly flaws. There will be no corrupt officials, no crooked politicians and no unjust practices. Political justice and international peace will prevail. Isaiah wrote: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:2-4).

    Just what will be our responsibilities in that Kingdom? We cannot say precisely but we know that we will have part in carrying out God’s will on earth.

    Meanwhile, we now have an opportunity to share in doing His will by taking the Gospel message to others. Doing His bidding now is good training for the future!

    Week 14 | 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. Jack does
    most of our yard work, and he often takes a short
    break from his studying to pull the weeds from a
    flower bed or trim a few branches to keep a bush in
    shape.

    Last 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).

    Drawing near the light

    We know that light attracts! And when Christ
    was on the earth, multitudes were drawn to Him.
    When He walked through a village, throngs of
    people would press around Him, wanting to see
    and be near Him.

    A man named Zaccheus climbed a tree to catch
    a glimpse of that Light. When he saw Jesus, his
    life was transformed. The darkness in his soul was
    illuminated by God's Light and he became a new
    and different person.

    A woman who had suffered for many years
    pressed through the crowd, reaching out to touch
    just the hem of His garment. She knew something
    miraculous would happen -- she would be healed
    -- if she could get close enough to the Light. The
    Bible record tells us that's exactly what happened
    -- she was wonderfully restored and made whole.

    We're told that even little children were drawn to
    the presence of Jesus. Tugging at His robe,
    climbing up on His lap, they felt secure in the light
    of His love. There's just something about light that
    drives out fear and brings confidence and
    assurance.

    What a privilege you and I have to have Christ's
    light in our lives, to bask in the warmth of His
    presence every day. We have the opportunity to be
    touched by Him. We can see Him and hear His
    words as we read His Word. We can have personal
    fellowship with Him as we kneel in prayer. All
    these are practical ways to stay close to the Light
    and keep His life welling up in us.

    Just as the fern plant I put in the chapel began
    to wilt and its leaves turn yellow from lack of light,
    so our lives can lose their zest and energy if we
    move too far away from God's light. We must never
    forget that everything good in our lives comes
    from Him.

    The Apostle James said, Every good gift and
    every perfect gift is from above, and cometh
    down from the Father of lights, with whom is no
    variableness, neither shadow of turning
    (James 1:17).

    Don't miss the message in the last part of this
    verse. James says there is no variableness in God
    -- He never changes. So if the light in your life
    dims, it is not God who has gone away from you!
    Have you gradually moved away from God -- out of
    the direct beams of His love and power?

    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!

    Week 13 | But What Have I to Offer?

    The little boy was only about 8 years old,
    bright-eyed, blonde, and so very cute.

    He came up to me that Wednesday evening
    before the crusade service started and said, "I
    have something for you, Rexella!"

    I smiled down at this vibrant little guy, knelt
    beside him, and asked, "What is it?"

    He excitedly held out a brown paper bag for me
    to open. Inside was a freshly-baked, crusty-brown
    loaf of bread. "Oh, how nice!" I exclaimed. "Did
    your mother make this for me?"

    "No, I did!" he said proudly. "I made it for you."

    I couldn't keep from giving him a hug of appreciation
    for his gift that meant so much to me. To
    some it may not have seemed like much -- a
    slightly misshapen, slightly overdone loaf of
    homemade bread. But behind it was an
    overflowing supply of generosity and love for my
    husband and me.

    And even little is much when it is given with love.

    Jesus confirmed this with His comments about
    the giving of a poor widow who dropped two tiny
    coins into the offering at the Temple. Contrasted
    with the large sums being given by the wealthy,
    her gift must have seemed insignificant to those
    who looked on. But the Lord said, "This woman
    has given more than all the others. They gave a
    portion of their abundant wealth -- she gave all
    she had, even her very living" (see Mark 12:41-44).

    I think it is very significant indeed that Jesus
    Christ, the Son of God, took note of that small,
    sacrificial gift and said that, in His eyes, it was worth
    more than all the other gifts put together. The New
    Testament account doesn't actually say so, but I
    wonder if God didn't bless those two little coins
    and multiply their value many times over!

    How God will use your gift

    He did that one day with a little lad's lunch of
    five loaves and two fishes. Jesus multiplied that
    simple sack-lunch into enough to feed a multitude
    of 5,000... with lots of leftovers.

    I believe the Lord performed this miracle for
    more than one reason. Yes, He felt compassion for
    the multitude that had followed Him and listened
    to His teaching all day long. He wanted to meet
    their physical need and satisfy their hunger for
    food as He had satisfied their thirst for spiritual truth.

    But I believe this miracle may also have been to
    encourage the faith of His disciples. Perhaps they
    may have been tempted to send the multitude
    away hungry ("what good is so little among so
    many?") and use the few loaves and fishes as a
    meager snack for the staff.

    But the Lord demonstrated in a graphic way
    that, in His kingdom, there is always enough to
    meet the need. He blessed and broke the bread
    and fish, then had them serve the hungry people.
    When everybody had eaten his fill, the disciples
    gathered up what was left. And there were 12
    baskets full -- one basket for each disciple!

    What a great lesson! What a great miracle! Yet, it
    could not have happened without the unselfish
    giving of the little boy who handed over his lunch.
    What if he had said, "There are too many hungry
    people here, and I have barely enough food for
    myself. I can't afford to give... and what little I
    have wouldn't make much difference anyhow."

    But he did what he could do -- shared what he
    had. And his gift fed a multitude... and taught
    Jesus' disciples a great lesson. Plus, I've always
    felt the little boy must have ended up taking more
    food home that night than he'd started out with.
    So he had a chance to witness to his parents about
    what the Lord had said and done.

    Who could have blamed the poor widow if she
    had said, "Look at all the rich offerings the
    wealthy people are giving at the Temple. I have
    only these two mites -- worth less than a penny.
    There's no way I can give. No one would even know
    if I did give, or miss my tiny offering if I didn't."

    But out of love for God she gave -- and Jesus
    himself noticed and called attention to her generosity!

    Your giving is important

    So often people look at the worldwide soulwinning
    outreaches of Jack Van Impe Ministries and
    feel that our program is so big that we don't need
    their help. "What I have to give is so little in comparison
    to your need that I'm embarrassed to even
    offer it," they say. In essence they're saying, "But
    what have I to offer?"

    You know what this ministry is doing. We're on
    weekly television, with regional audiences that
    are growing with each telecast. The rating
    services say that already we are number one with
    some segments of the viewing audience. Our goal
    is to blanket all of the U.S. and Canada with
    our program ministering to multiplied millions
    each week.

    In addition, our overseas radio broadcasts are
    touching thousands upon thousands of homes
    across Europe and in many other countries. Each
    month we receive letters from people in many
    nations who have been blessed and helped
    through this outreach.

    And we are able to do this on a fraction of the
    budget of many larger organizations. It has
    always been our policy to hold overhead expenses
    to an absolute minimum and use virtually all of
    our funds for pure ministry. And we make sure the
    ministry gets full value for every dollar invested.
    That's the secret of how we have been able to
    accomplish so much on a fairly small income.

    And this is why every support gift we receive is
    important. Even a small offering sent to Jack Van
    Impe Ministries very probably will accomplish as
    much as a larger amount given to a "big name"
    organization. Some friends also have the
    misconception that most of this ministry's support
    comes from those who give very large amounts --
    thousands and tens of thousands!

    We have no corporate sponsors, no denominational
    underwriting, no group of wealthy
    benefactors. Actually, what keeps us going are the
    regular, faithful, sacrificial gifts of friends who
    send $10, $20, or $50 each month, or as often as
    they can. Every gift we receive -- large or small --
    is important.

    What is in your hand?

    What do you have to offer? Give that. For
    remember, to whom much is given, much is
    required. But even if you had absolutely no material
    possessions, you still could give your love,
    your encouragement, your prayers. It means so
    much to know our friends are standing with us.

    What do you have to offer? What God has placed
    in your hands. What you are willing to give to His
    work. If all you have to give to God in Jesus' name
    is a cup of cold water, then that is all God expects.

    For if there be first a willing mind, it is
    accepted according to that a man hath, and not
    according to that he hath not
    (2 Corinthians 8:12).

    Over the years the Lord has blessed my
    husband and me with many precious friends who
    have shared the burdens and the opportunities of
    this ministry. Occasionally, in addition to the
    support given for our work, we have received a card or
    a word of encouragement, or a small personal gift.
    I have appreciated all of them.

    But I don't think I'll ever forget the night when
    that charming 8-year-old brought me the best he
    had to offer, a loaf of bread he baked himself!

    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.