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Revelation 1:19 – Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. (NKJV)
During the last number of years, I have visited a considerable number of elderly people, and most of them seem to want to talk about their life's experiences. I knew one gentleman who told me a great many stories about how things were in our town of Meaford in the late 1930s and early 1940s. He was a great storyteller, and I loved to listen to him. I suggested to him on several occasions that he should write those memories down. He said that he did not write very well, so I suggested that he record his stories on tape, and I would write them and have them printed. He did not take me up on my offer, and now he is gone, and all those stories with him.
When my father died in 1987, I experienced the same thing, and I made up my mind that I would write a book about my life. I wanted my children and descendants to know about our family. I self-published it in 1997: 252 pages of memories. One of my grandchildren cites my book quite often. It is obvious that he has read it and likes it.
Recently, I have been reading through the New Testament. There is a multitude of things which could be said about all the writers, but I love the way that Luke starts:
Luke 1:1-4 – Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. (NKJV)
Then Luke goes on to tell his friend, and us through Scripture, about all the things which happened, from the angel's visit to Zacharias to the apostles praising God in the temple after Jesus' ascension, in Luke 24:53.
The writers of the different Bible books went into great detail to tell us the history of all the things which happened, the prophecies and poetry of the Old Testament, and the wonderful truths of the New Testament. By divine inspiration, the writers of the Gospels left us those wonderful stories of Jesus. John ended his writings by saying:
John 21:25 – And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. (NKJV)
I'm sure that we are all thankful for the writers of the stories in the Bible. So I would like to suggest that if you are able, make it your New Year's resolution to write down some of your memories for your children and descendants. Believe me, they will appreciate it.
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we thank You for the inspiration that You gave to the writers of old. We thank You for the words of Scripture which are the basis of our faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. We thank You for the writers who so diligently recorded the events of those days. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Sunday, May 28, 2023 – Worldwide — Day of Pentecost—Pray that our churches worldwide may experience a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, so that we may be better enabled to share our faith with our families, friends, and communities.
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Thanks for sharing Joel. Happy New Year.
Thank you Joel for this reminder to share our history with our families. Blessings.
Good thoughts Joel. A very great friend of mine published his memoirs for his eightieth birthday. I sure enjoyed them!
Thank you Joel for your devotion. I am going to take you up on that challenge of writing more of my memories down and how God has been a part of my story. I love when I come across a slip of paper in a bible of an ancestor or see a scripture underlined and a hand written note in the bible. Blessings.
Great message Joel. I wish my own family history had been recorded for future generations. Yet, what’s more important is that the church has the documented testimonies of those who witnessed our Messiah and Lord.
Keep writing!
Blessings.
I am 95 years old and have just self-published . I went back as far as I could to trace the nomadic settling of Europe, my parents’ ancestors. I asked my parents many questions.
It was inspiring to learn about their perseverance, faith, courage and skills. I sought to include the life styles of many tribes migrating around Europe.
What a great idea! I’m presently working on writing down events that happened living with and taking care of an elderly parent (who is now in a retirement home) and a husband with dementia. It is turning out like an Erma Bombeck novel; funny after the fact. Hopefully in the New year, I will be more efficient in writing as I have not been lately. Wishing you a healthy and peaceful new year.
Morning Joel,
Your devotional spoke to me as I contemplate writing my life story. Everyone thinks it would be a good idea as I was one of the earliest woman ordained.
Thanks for the devotional today – you have encouraged me.
God’s blessing on you and yours throughout 2017.
(B.C.)
I wrote mine. But some of us are writers, some not. It’s sad that so many memories are lost, but God made us writers to make up for those who can’t. I sometimes wish I could write a song, but there’s not much hope of that since I can’t even clap in time! Isn’t it great that we all have different gifts? Thanks for your message, Joel, I pray it encourages some to write – a story, a song, a poem, whatever works best for them.
I always enjoy your messages. A happy and blessed New Year to you.
Thank you for your many devotionals, they are inspiring. A couple years ago my sister and I wrote the story of our mother’s life, while I was visiting her. We knew that most of her grandchildren would not remember her. She was such a special person, who served God in many ways, and survived cancer, written as a medical miracle, but we all know it was God’s work. My sister went to be with her Lord recently, and I am so thankful that we were able to have this record on Mom’s life , It’s important to write it down. Blessings.
Hi Joel,
I have already done this. After a bad car accident He gave me two verses, one dealing with my question of why He had spared my life so many times, then God directed me to the verse “Take these things and write them in a book”..
Lately He has been showing me, in the Bible as well as in my current thinking, how He works out His plans in so many instances, in my life as well as the lives of others.
This devotional is very good advice.
Bless you in your inspired writing, Joel.
Dear Joel,
As I was reading this devotional, I knew it was written by you. It is definitely a wonderful gift to give to the people who follow in your footsteps. There will be lots who don’t read it but even if one person gains insight for the others it is good. Thanks for sharing so well in all your devotionals. Best wishes for the coming year.
Greetings Mr. Jongkind
I have been following your devotionals for over 2 years and realize that you have had a fascinating life. When you mentioned in today’s devotional that you wrote a book I was wondering if I might find it in the local library. If not I might ask my library to request it. Thanks for your thoughtful words.