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“Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2, New Living Translation).

Recently, three very special people in our lives have died. One was a retired businessman in his nineties who had faithfully, graciously walked with God and supported Kingdom endeavors throughout his life. Another was a man in his sixties who had looked forward to many more years of international ministry. Perhaps the death that shattered the emotions of even more people was that of a vibrant, beautiful, talented 51-year-old woman who lost an eighteen-month battle with cancer.

Remembering the saints

November first is celebrated as All Saints’ Day in several parts of the world.  It is a time to remember these deeply loved friends and family members whose earthly lives are over. Many Christians also take time on this day to recall unnamed but remembered men and women who have deeply influenced the world in a variety of ways.

Although the precise origins of the song, “When the Saints Go Marching In” are unknown (words often attributed to Katharine Purvis), its vibrant melody has become a rallying call reminding us of the New Testament words, “we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses”.

But the New Testament writer tells us that just remembering is not enough. He urges us to put action to our memories, to make the lives of the saints an impetus for following faithfully in their wake.  We are to always make the example of Jesus our pattern for living just as they did. The song says it this way, “We are trav’ling in the footsteps of those who’ve gone before…”

Questions: Can you think of some men and women who have deeply influenced the world? What was it about them that you admire?

About the Author Marilyn J. Ehle

When I first became a Christian at age 22, I thought church was only for perfect people. Or at least people who could act perfectly on Sunday mornings. I didn’t understand that the purpose of the church is to give a hand to the sick, not pat the healthy on the back.

Jesus often ate at the same table with “sinners”, and when he did, the Pharisees questioned why He did so. Jesus responded by saying “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”(Matthew 9:12)

Author Brennan Manning puts it this way: “The church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners”. That’s encouraging, because I often don’t feel much like a saint. Do saints lose patience with their brothers and sisters in Christ? Lose their temper? Sometimes even lose that passionate fire for the gospel?

The apostle Paul recognized his own moral failures when he says: “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.” But Paul continued by noting “for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:15-16)

So at the same time as we acknowledge our sin, by trusting in Jesus’ righteous sacrifice on the cross for our sins, we can gather together to strengthen and encourage each other in our faith, so that we can continually strive towards becoming “perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

Lesson: Never feel unworthy of worshiping God in repentance and faith with your fellow believers, because Jesus welcomes you to His table!

Questions: Do you sometimes feel guilty or unworthy of worshiping God? Why do you feel that way?

About the Author: Darren Hewer

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.

“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance…they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one” (Hebrews 11:13, 16).

Most American high schools have sports teams with identifying names intended to spur on player and spectator fervor: Challengers, Chiefs, Tigers, etc. Before big games, enthusiasts frequently display the team name on signs and even on car windows. Recently I passed a car with the name of their team—in large letters—boldly painted on the rear window: “Go Saints!”

During troublesome times, whether centered on personal tragedy or national difficulties, people need encouragement. Writing in the first century to Christian beginning to undergo heavy persecution from both institutions and individuals in society who disagreed with the Christian faith, Peter gives very specific lifestyle instructions:

Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it…live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices…Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens…Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. (1 Peter 2:11-17, The Message)

Peter knew the tendency under persecution would be to cower or hide out, or—in another extreme—to lash out at those using harassment or bullying as means of belittling one’s faith. Men and women in areas of the world where persecution occurs today give us living examples of the lifestyle Peter encourages. This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. (1 Peter 2:21-25, The Message)

Peter says, “Go Saints!”

Father, thank you for the millions of men and women who have faithfully and boldly marched through the annals of time as your children. They now rest in the “better country,” but have left us with the task. Be with us and give us strength.

Questions: What saints inspire you to keep on keeping on? What encouragement can you give to others who are going through difficult times?

About the Author Marilyn Ehle

Daily audio podcast: Hear today’s daily devotional, Go Saints!, read aloud on the Men’s Devotional Blog

“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance…they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one.” Hebrews 11:13 & 16

Most American high schools have sports teams with names intended to spur on player and spectator fervor: Challengers, Chiefs, Tigers, etc. Before big games, enthusiasts frequently display the team name on signs and even on car windows. Recently I passed a car with the name of their team boldly painted on the rear window: “Go Saints!”

During troublesome times, whether centered on personal tragedy or national difficulties, people need encouragement. Just like the cheerleaders on the sidelines at a football game, we need people to cheer us on too.  Writing in the first century to Christian beginning to undergo heavy persecution, Peter gives very specific lifestyle instructions:

“Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it…live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices… Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens…Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity.” (1 Peter 2:11-17, The Message)

Peter knew the tendency under persecution would be to cower or hide out, or—in another extreme—to lash out at those using harassment or bullying as means of belittling one’s faith. Men and women in areas of the world where persecution occurs today give us living examples of the lifestyle Peter encourages. “This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step.” (1 Peter 2:21-25, The Message)
Peter says, “Go Saints!”

Father, thank you for the millions of men and women who have faithfully and boldly marched through the annals of time as your children. They now rest in the “better country,” but have left us with the task. Be with us and give us strength. Amen.

Questions: What saints inspire you to keep on keeping on? What encouragement can you give to others who are going through difficult times?

About this Author: Marilyn Ehle

Have you ever stopped to realize how many of God’s special people had lowly backgrounds?  Consider the following:

Joseph was a slave and prisoner.

Moses and David were shepherds.

Esther and Daniel were displaced persons of a despised race.

Joseph was a carpenter, and Mary a small-town girl.

Simeon and Anna were little-known prophets.

Peter, James, and John were fishermen.

Dorcas was a seamstress.

Because these people put God first in their lives, consider how God raised them up and used them:

Joseph became second to the Pharoah in ruling Egypt (Genesis 41:40-41).

Moses and David became rulers of Israel (Exodus 3:9-11; 1 Samuel 16:1, 11-13).

Daniel became prime minister of Babylon (Daniel 2:47-49).

Esther became queen of Persia and saved God’s people from extermination (Esther 8).

Joseph the carpenter was chosen to be the “stepfather” of the Son of God; Mary was His mother (Luke 1:26-35).

Simeon and Anna were used of God to prophesy over the baby Jesus and proclaim who He was and what He came to earth to do (Luke 2:25-38).

Peter, James, and John became Jesus’ foremost disciples and intimate friends.  Peter and John wrote books of the Bible by inspiration of God (Matthew 17:1-3).

Dorcas was raised from the dead; many came to Christ because of this (Acts 9:36-42).

And then there was Jesus.  Although He was the Son of God, He was born in the lowliest of circumstances, in a manger, to a couple with little money.  There was neither fine hospital nor worldly acclaim such as given when a prince is born in England.  Only humble shepherds knelt by His manger to give Him homage.

Philippians 2:5-7 says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”

When God came as a man, He lived in no great palace as other kings do.  Instead, He said “the foxes have holes and the birds nests, but He had no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20). Then He gave Himself into the hands of His enemies to be viciously lashed, mocked, and spit upon.  He let them nail Him on a cross.  He, the Almighty God (Isaiah 9:6), humbly allowed this because He loved us and came to save us.

He is coming again to earth–as King of kings and Lord of lords.  And those who have humbly followed in His footsteps shall reign with Him!

Fill my heart with humble gratitude today, Lord. Thank you that You use the ordinary and the un-spectacular. Fill me with Your amazing Holy Spirit today and use me to accomplish Your will. In Jesus’ name I ask this, amen.

Question: How have you seen God use “lowly” people to do great things? How has God used you in the past?

About this Author: Dr Muriel Larson

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Please open your Bible and read: Matthew 9:10-13.

When I first became a Christian at age 22, I thought church was only for perfect people. Or at least people who could act perfectly on Sunday mornings. I didn’t understand that the purpose of the church is to give a hand to the sick, not pat the healthy on the back.

Jesus often ate at the same table with “sinners”, and when he did, the Pharisees questioned why He did so. Jesus responded by saying “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” (Matthew 9:12) Author Brennan Manning puts it this way: “The church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners”. That’s encouraging, because I often don’t feel much like a saint. Do saints lose patience with their brothers and sisters in Christ? Lose their temper? Sometimes even lose that passionate fire for the gospel?

The apostle Paul recognized his own moral failures when he says: “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.” But Paul continued by noting “for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:15-16)

So at the same time as we acknowledge our sin, by trusting in Jesus’ righteous sacrifice on the cross for our sins, we can gather together to strengthen and encourage each other in our faith, so that we can continually strive towards becoming “perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

Lesson: Never feel unworthy of worshiping God in repentance and faith with your fellow believers, because Jesus welcomes you to His table!

Question: Do you sometimes feel guilty or unworthy of worshiping God? Why do you feel that way?

About this Author: Darren Hewer