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DAILY DEVOTIONAL

To Worship is to Copy

J. Stephen Lang 54

Thomas had the duty of instructing novices in the spiritual life, and Imitation was probably a collection of books he wrote for that purpose. We know little else about the man. That is as it should be, because the book is more important than the author.

“Consérvate como peregrino y extranjero sobre la tierra”.

“Consérvate como peregrino y extranjero sobre la tierra”.




To Worship is to Copy| Daily Devotional by J. Stephen Lang

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children". Ephesians 5:1

1471: Thomas Haemmerlin, who probably died on this date, wrote one of the most popular books of all time, although no copy of it has his name on the cover.

He is better known as Thomas à Kempis, his hometown being the German town of Kempen.

It is likely, although not certain, that he wrote the amazing book The Imitation of Christ which has been translated into more languages than any other book except the Bible.

We are fairly certain Thomas died in 1471 sometime in late July or early August, though the exact day is in doubt.

He was born around 1380 and was a member of a group of lay Christians known as the Brethren of the Common Life, devoted to prayer and study of the Scriptures.

Thomas had the duty of instructing novices in the spiritual life, and Imitation was probably a collection of books he wrote for that purpose. We know little else about the man. That is as it should be, because the book is more important than the author.


“In all things have regard for the end, and in what fashion you will stand before a strict Judge, to whom nothing is hidden.”

This is one of the key themes of the book and also of the New Testament: this world is a preparation for the next and less important than the next.

“Keep yourself as a pilgrim and stranger upon earth.” Another key theme is: don’t trust people. This sounds a bit cynical, but it has a positive flip side: trust God.

One chapter is titled “On Inner Fellowship” and offers the consolation that whatever humans do to us, we are never alone.

Self-control is another key theme, and the book makes it clear that if we control our own bad impulses, we have less time to focus on the failings of others.

Perhaps the book’s classic status is due to its being clear and simple. Like the Bible, alas, it is probably purchased more than it is read. And that is a pity.

Prayer: Father, in a world where people model themselves after sinners, teach us to model ourselves on your Son. Amen.


Image of J. Stephen Lang

J. Stephen Lang

J. Stephen Lang's favorite game is Trivial Pursuit, and his favorite book is the Bible. Lang is a best-selling author whose titles include: Know the Bible in 30 Days, The Complete Book of Bible Trivia, 1,001 Things You Always Wanted to Know About the Bible, etc.

Cover book of The Christian History Devotional

The Christian History Devotional

J. Stephen Lang
One of the recurring themes in this book is that it isn’t easy to be a Christian. But it is supremely rewarding. The history of Christianity has countless examples of well-lived lives.
Whatever controls us is our lord. The person who seeks power is controlled by power.

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Timothy Keller
To become wise is to become a disciplined person, given not to impulsiveness but to self-examination, to circumspection, and to clear thinking. It is to become a resilient person who through hard knocks has become poised and resourceful.
Peter, for all his bravado, is going to deny knowing Jesus. Not just once, but repeatedly. If he can’t pull through for Jesus, what hope do the rest of them have?

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Jesus drops a bombshell. What’s about to happen? He has been hinting at this before, but now he is explicit: one of this number will betray him. This sends the disciples into a tailspin, so they nominate someone to ask Jesus who the culprit is.
Do yourself a favor right now as you enter this new year and refuse to remain angry or bitter.

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Joyce Meyer
Do yourself a favor right now as you enter this new year and refuse to remain angry or bitter. God has good things planned for us, and we don’t want to miss them by refusing to let go of things in the past.
The promise of a new beginning stirs hope in our souls.

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Beginning

Charles Stanley
If you wish to make this your very best year yet, allow God to begin it—every day of it—and trust Him to show you what He wants to accomplish in and through you.
We need to write our vision down in clear, compelling language so that it grips our hearts.

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Write It Down!

Zig Ziglar
Some of us wander from one thing to another our whole lives. An out-of-focus purpose can’t inspire us, but a crystal-clear lens on God’s purpose for us rivets our attention and gives us energy to keep going until we reach our goals.
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