All Articles For DeVries, Michael

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. Philippians 3:8 To a considerable extent our current society is characterized by mediocrity. That mediocrity is frequently evident in the sphere of education as well as in the workplace. In contrast, there are those involved in the pursuit of excellence—academic excellence, athletic excellence, excellence in job performance. As Christians, we are involved in the pursuit of excellence. It is...

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:8-10...

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 The twenty-third Psalm is a psalm of amazing comfort for the child of God. Our lives in the midst of this world are filled with cares, trials, and tribulations. But this psalm brings peace and quiet trust to the souls of God’s children. In the midst of all of the storms of life we behold our Shepherd, Jehovah God. He provides for our every need: “I shall not want,” we confess in verse 1. He cares for us, constantly alert to our...

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 The child of God experiences countless times of joy and gladness over the course of his life. But no one can dispute the fact that our earthly pathway is also beset with many obstacles and dangers. There are many hardships, many afflictions, many disappointments, many sorrows and heavy burdens to bear. And always, to one extent or another, there is the hatred and persecution of the ungodly. The circumstances of life can appear...

“Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house….” Psalm 128:3a It is rather strange, if not ironic, that an annual “Mother’s Day” is so widely observed in our times. When we examine current trends and projections for the future, we see that for many—both men and women— marriage and family simply are not considered the way to the so-called “good life.” We see more and more people deciding against marriage, as social pressures to wed diminish and women find it easier to achieve economic independence. We see continuing high levels of divorce, low birth...

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Acts 20:28 We recently began a new year of history, another year in the life of the church and in the life of each congregation. For many congregations this has meant the installation into office of elders and deacons, who take the place of those who have finished their term of service. Throughout my years in the ministry I have been thankful to God for the...

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15, 16 Time has an unrelenting hold on us. That is evident in our conversations. “Sorry, I’m late!” “I didn’t have time.” “The summer has flown by!” We complain that there just are not enough hours in the day. This is something that touches each of us, young and old alike. Solomon expresses it so beautifully in Ecclesiastes chapter 3, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven….” As we sing...

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:1–2 In the closing verses of chapter 2 of Paul’s letter to the Colossians he had been rebuking the congregation for being involved in a form of self-willed worship. If they have died with Christ to the world’s childish, trivial notions, why do they submit to man-made ordinances—touch not; taste not; handle not? Such have only a show of wisdom and only serve to indulge...

“…build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the Lord.” Haggai 1:8b As our fathers have often expressed it, the faithful church is reformed and always reforming. The work of the church must continue and go forward. We need on-going and renewed zeal and enthusiasm! From this point of view, Haggai’s prophecy is of great significance for us today. His prophecy concerns the church and our calling to do the work of the church. The prophet Haggai prophesied in Judah about fif­teen years after some fifty thousand Jews returned from captivity under...

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” II Corinthians 8:9 What is your attitude as we enter another season of Advent? It is very easy to be almost totally preoccupied with the mundane, superficial aspects of the holiday season. We may find ourselves busy with decorating, shopping, and juggling our schedules and finances. Many voice their complaint about the crass materialism and commercialization of the season. How necessary for us to focus on the spiritual riches revealed...