Monthly Archives: January 2010

The Ripple Effect

Leave a comment

“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.”1

Brett Blair reports how Henry P. Crowell contracted tuberculosis when a boy and couldn’t go to school. After hearing a sermon by Dwight L. Moody, young Crowell prayed, “I can’t be a preacher, but I can be a good businessman. God, if you will let me make money, I will use it in your service.”

Under the doctor’s advice Crowell worked outdoors for seven years and regained his health. He then bought the little run-down Quaker Mill at Ravanna, Ohio. Within ten years Quaker Oats was a household word to millions. Henry P. Crowell faithfully gave 60 to 70 percent of his income to God’s causes, having advanced from an initial 10 percent.2

One of the recipients of Crowell’s support was the Moody Bible Institute—the school that D. L. Moody founded in Chicago. And by way of interest, that is the school where I did most of my Bible and theological training. So, I too, benefited by the commitment to God that Henry Crowell made so many years ago.

What you and I do today for God can also have a ripple effect and touch many other lives for years to come—and many for all eternity. So let’s invest our time, our talents, and our life wisely, keeping eternal values in mind.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you that no matter what my gifts and talents are—be they many or few—I can use them to serve you and help others. Please help me to do this and influence many for time and eternity. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Philippians 2:16.

2. Brett Blair, www.eSermons.com, 2002

<:))))><

Make the New Year Count

Leave a comment

The Apostle Paul wrote, ”One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”1

Wishing all our Daily Encounter readers a very Happy and Prosperous New Year. Obviously, the past is behind us. We can’t undo it even if we wanted to, but we can start the New Year with hope and purpose, keeping in mind the words of Minnie Haskins who said, “And I said to the one who stood at the gate of the year, ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the Unknown.’ And he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.’”

I couldn’t think of a better way to start the New Year and, with God’s help, “Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you don’t think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You’ll look ten years younger. Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I love you.’ Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world.“2

As each year rapidly passes I’m becoming more aware of the fact that life is short for all of us. So be sure to make 2010 an investment in eternal values knowing that, in the words of the poet, we have “Only one life ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you for another New Year in which to serve you. Please help me to invest it wisely in eternal values so that when I stand before you face to face, I will hear your welcome words: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV).
2. Ann Landers.

<:))))><