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Listen while you read: "Fight The Good Fight"1
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Each month of the year has its own number of days, which is the same every year except leap year. 2020 is a leap year, and so this year, February had 29 days rather than 28. We all have a birthday that occurs on the same day each year, unless you are a leap year baby.
It was interesting to listen to the parents of babies born on February 29th giving different answers as to when they planned to celebrate their child's birthday. Some said that they would do so on February 28th, while others said March 1st. One couple said both days, so that their child would feel really special. I watched a lady born in 1936 say how she was enjoying her 21st birthday, even though she had been alive for 84 years.
There are "Days" for nearly everything, it seems. Many have been around for many years. Some are relatively new. For example, March 8th, 2020, was designated "International Women's Day", a relatively recent addition to the list of "Days", whereas Valentine's Day has been February 14th for many, many years.
We even have frivolous days, like April Fool's Day, a day on which people play practical jokes on each other.
My table mate, where I live, was born on April 2, 1930. Murray told me that his mother held off delivering him until April 2nd. She didn't want her first child to be an April Fool's joke!
Just as our physical birthday is unique, so our spiritual birthday is very personal. I remember very clearly a day in January, 1940, when, as a young child, I first realized my need for forgiveness and asked Jesus to come in to my heart. That continues to be a special day for me!
Religious days are important but, sadly, often ignored. The biblical teaching states very clearly:
Exodus 20:8-11 – Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. (KJV)
Christians observe the Lord's Day on Sunday as a recognition of the centrality of Christ's resurrection on that day. A major Canadian retailer used to close all its stores on Sunday and even close the blinds of its display windows. It is encouraging to note that a very successful American chain of chicken stores that recently commenced business in Canada is maintaining its policy of staying closed on Sundays.
In 1986, my employer transferred me to their head office in the USA. I was saddened to learn that Good Friday was considered just a regular business day. Fortunately, I was able to observe that special day.
The challenge for you and me is to observe the special days like the Lord's Day and other holy days like Good Friday both for our own benefit and to help others as we share our witness.
Prayer: Dear Father, may we always be mindful of Your teachings. May we witness to those around us as we observe what day it is! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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About the author:
Vincent Walter <vwalter@bell.net>
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Oh Lynne It was so good to reread this previous devotional of yours this morning. When things don’t go just the way we want, we sure can get frustrated and not stop to think over our actions. It sure is helpful for us to take time and express our concerns through prayer to our loving Lord as He is always available to hear our pleas. There are times we don’t get the answer we want right away but in His timing it works out for the right reason. Many blessings for all the devotional writings you have prepared and delivered. Enjoy a great day.
Hello Lynne
Good for you. I think I might have lost it with dishwasher episode or/and dogs barking and barking at whatever.
I am still working on patience.. waiting and waiting… I hate being late for anything and it can sometimes get me frustrated when I am waiting to give somebody a ride to church. For me I would be outside waiting for them but they do not operate that way. But God is helping a lot and I have noticed a big improvement but still needs some sand paper to smooth my thinking!
God bless.
Wow you held it together longer than I. Today in route to Worship, the frustrated pick up truck behind me figured I should go through the amber light apparently beeping his horn ….. urrr and then pass me on the right side once through the light. The right lane is a parking lane in our small town, not a passing lane… alas I got upset and on the Lord’s day… Immediate apologize to God.
Hello Mr. Walter, I was so happy to see one of your devotionals in today’s many devotionals to choose from. Just three days ago I sent you an e-mail telling that I had missed you for such a long time and hoped you were well. About your devotion I remember that one Easter weekend I was in Holland and to my surprise they were not remembering Good Friday. In my memory, when we were leaving Holland in 1957, Good Friday was still a Holy day. That whole day I felt so empty because there was no church to go to.
I hope you are well.
Good morning Vince
May 1993 is special to me because that is when I gave God everything and have never looked back. 3 yrs ago I was on a different islands and a preacher wasn’t able to get there for the Easter weekend, so oh my, no church on Easter!!! My friend and I took a lunch and went to one of the highest points on the island and had a picnic and our little Easter service ourselves.
God bless you and keep you well.
Thank you.
Thanks for sharing, Vincent. God bless. Stay safe.
Thanks Vincent, for this reminder to honor God in all things.
So difficult for so many in modern times but a great reminder for those of us that can, to do it. Thank you, Vincent.
Vincent;
Thank you so much for your devotionals! I enjoy your writing.
Blessings.
Vince
Vincent, giving my “heart” to Christ Jesus is a cherished memory for me, too. Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings
Vince, I really enjoyed today’s devotion and the many special days.
We are doing very well and so far, no virus has hit anyone I know.
Stay in and Stay Safe and Stay Close to the Lord!
Great reminder that our actions on how we spend our Sundays. too, are a witness as well, Vincent! Thanks for sharing!
Wish your table mate a happy birthday tomorrow from me!
Good one. My brother-in-law celebrates his birthday tomorrow. I’ll forward this to him as we’ve always teased him about “just” missing the first. I enjoy your writings. Keep well in these challenging days as we approach Easter.
Hi Walter,
Great message again. Thank you.
You do have me curious though. What chicken store closes here in Canada on Sunday?
Stay safe and healthy please.
Thanks, Vincent, for taking the time to write these devotionals.
I love April fool’s jokes, but this year didn’t seem the time to do it (or maybe even more so, with the right people!)
Blessings,
(CA)
Dear V. Walter,
Thank you for helping people of the world remember Good Friday as the best Friday of all Fridays, for Jesus gave his life to make all Fridays and all other days good for us.
For Jesus’ sake.
Thanks for your Daily devotionals. I read them carefully and enjoy your thoughts. I usually learn something each time I read them.
I think I’m correct in saying that your first paragraph isn’t entirely accurate. Our birthdays fall on the same DATE but not on the same DAY each year. Of course, I will stand corrected as my memory ain’t what it used to be.
Keep up the good work, we enjoy it.
Shalom!
Dear Vince,
Thanks for another very good devotional. Yes, it is so important to respect the Sabbath days set out by our Lord and it is so sad to see how that has changed over the years for many people and businesses. I remember how different it was years ago when people had respect for that part of the Lord’s teaching. May we look forward as we prepare with great respect for the special days approaching of reflection on our Lord’s life, and then the day we can joyfully shout “HE IS RISEN!”
Blessings for the writings you prepare.
(B.C.)
I have just finished reading the PCC daily devotional for today. I had to write to you and thank you for your thoughtful and thought-provoking message.
In our current society where commerce and secularism seem to rule supreme, it’s good to be reminded of God’s law and His provision of a Sabbath day.
Thank you for sharing from your wisdom, experience, and – most importantly
– your faith.
Many blessings to you,
(PEI)
Thank you, Vincent for another great devotional. Blessings on your journey through this time in the world.