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Listen while you read: "Blessed Assurance"1 (Lyrics) |
Given the current situation with abnormal COVID-19 times and the inability to do "normal" activities, I have been thinking about people whom I have met and the impressions that they have made on me.
Over the years, I have been privileged to meet — and sometimes to work for — some very successful senior business executives. At one stage, I was employed by a technology company that was considered the leader in its field. During the period of my employment, I had the opportunity to interface with the Chief Executive Officer, whom many considered to be the best ever. While Frank was very successful, I was most impressed by the way that he expressed concern for others — whether it be employees, customers, or even governments.
When the late Bishop Desmond Tutu visited Toronto, Canada, I was privileged to have a private meeting with him. I was doing some work with reading development in South Africa. He was very keen to learn the details, and he expressed his wish to help. It was humbling to see his fervent desire to assist others.
I have also been impressed by many of the doctors whom I have met. They have achieved knowledge and experience far beyond that of which I am capable, and their dedication and skills are very commendable. But one doctor, in particular, has made a big impression on me, not just for his skills and the fact that he was a Gold Medallist when he took his training. From the time of our initial meeting and ever since, Dr. Jim has shown genuine interest and care for each of his patients, including me and each member of my family.
Hopefully, as you read this, you have also thought about people who have made an impression on you.
I draw two conclusions, and you may also.
Firstly, while the initial impression was probably based on the accomplishments of the businessman or international leader or doctor, the most lasting impression on me was because of their kindness and concern for others.
Secondly, while I will never achieve the success and fame of these prominent people, I can and should continue to work hard at trying to accomplish what made the biggest impression on me: being kind and helping others.
As I consider this opportunity open to me and you to make such an impression, I realize that we are just trying to follow the greatest example of all — Jesus Himself — which the apostle Paul sets out powerfully:
Colossians 1:9-11 – And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. (ESV)
Prayer: Dear Father, help us to make the right impression by following the example set by Jesus. Amen.
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daughter: "Update May 19, 2025: Please keep praying for our daughter. She has another health concern which we..." 
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Amen, Vince.
Thank you for this inspiring devotion, Vince.
God bless you.
Grateful for this share of your experience today, Vincent. Helps me.
A powerful reminder, Vincent. May God bless you as you continue his work in the world!
Thank you, Vincent, for this encouragement and for your faithfulness is sharing God’s message.
Thanks for this devotional Vince. Yes, there is absolutely no better example to follow than the exemplary example of our Lord.
Thank you, Vince, for being an inspiration to me. All of your devotionals bring joy to my day and each one gives a further peek into your life so well lived. Blessings dear friend.
“Being kind and helping others” is the phrase that will go with me today! Thanks Vincent!
As always, God bless your meditations and writing!
I love reading about your interesting background and experiences, Vince.
You’ve given us a good challenge — to live a life each day that pleases Him.
Thank you for sharing your testimony of how others have impressed you and how we should follow the example of Paul as he wrote to the Colossians. I am so grateful for Psalm 136 which also reminds us that the mercy and love of God endures, and we need to tell others about it and also show our love.
Dear Vincent, Thanks again for another wonderful Devotional today. Your devotionals always have a way of inspiring me to live and do better.
Thanks again.
Look forward to all your writings.
(Ont.)
Good words again Vincent. I’ve long held that the only one I need to impress is God. I impress him simply by faithfully using the gifts he gives me day by day. Nothing earth shattering or special…. without needing to be.
However, I would have loved meeting Desmond Tutu, real man of the heart.
Continued blessings,
(BC)
Excellent advice from one who has impressed and influenced so many of us over the years. I never forget your years in Montreal and when I was running the Youth group.
You touched and impressed countless lives for the Master over the years and you still speak to me everytime you post a devotional here.
Thank you.
With our links with the world council of churches, we have met and listened to several great men and women, all brilliant and so very humble.
I remember Nelson Mandela with his detective arriving late and unannounced for our morning service and having to sit on front row, the last place available.
Wishing the Ukrainians lots of super good wishes and safety at this time and no chemical warfare.
One can but dream.
Vincent, thank you very much for your words today — they are so very true, and in the end, it does not matter about all the initials behind one’s name, the kindness and caring is what we remember.
My friend, who has had a journey of health challenges and disability on top of those, recently had a surgical procedure done. When the doctor called her a few days later, he explained what he had done, but at the end of the conversation, he said that he just wanted to thank her for trusting him and giving him the privilege of caring for her — so profound, and she was so honoured and humbled.
May God continue to bless you for your insights and your writings.
Dear Mr. Walter,
Your devotional message today brought to my memory a childhood song learned in Sunday School; that being “Little Drops of Water”. One of the verses talks about kindness.
“Little deeds of kindness,
Little words of love,
Make our earth happy
Like the Heaven above.”
Thank you for the memory, and the reminder that kindness will take us many miles!
Blessings!
(ON)
I just want to tell you how much I enjoy reading the devotionals that you prepare for the PresbyCan website.
I live in the Toronto GTA, and you are one of my most favourite contributors.
Keep up the good work!
Good Morning my kind friend in Christ
What an amazing life you have led and still leading!!! God bless you in all you do and share with others. Thank you for sharing with us. Your closing scripture was in a devotional I was getting ready to send to someone God put on my heart, but read this first this morning and there is the scripture again Col. 1 v 9-11…must be confirmation!
God bless.