Bible Verse: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:6
A previous version of this devotional was originally published in September 2020, when the ministry name Impactus was first introduced. We felt it was appropriate to share an updated version of these devotional thoughts as we celebrate the official rebranding of the ministry to Impactus!
Impactus | Promise Keepers Canada has been on a journey over the last 3 years to reinvent ourselves. This week, we officially launch under the solo name Impactus, focusing exclusively on our new name and a new direction that enables us to reach men across Canada and around the world and adapt to reach a new generation of men through digital resources.
Our English word “impact” originally comes from the Latin word Impactus, and one of its meanings is “to press closely into something”:
Impact (v.)
- 1600, “press closely into something,” from Latin impactus, past participle of impingere “to push into, drive into, strike against,” from assimilated form of in- “into, in, on, upon” (from PIE root *en “in”) + pangere “to fix, fasten” (from PIE root *pag- “to fasten”). Original sense is preserved in impacted teeth. Sense of “strike forcefully against something” first recorded 1916. Figurative sense of “have a forceful effect on” is from 1935. (Online Etymology Dictionary).
You can probably see why we chose the name! But this is about so much more than a name. Long ago, God gave us the vision: “To see every man becoming, growing, and living as a disciple of Jesus.” As Impactus, this vision will not change. We want to stand with every generation of men globally who want to build a life that matters, and this could not be achieved as Promise Keepers Canada. Our mission as a global ministry also remains the same, which is “to Ignite and Equip men to have a Godly impact.” One man who gives his life to Jesus and begins to live as a true disciple can have an immeasurable impact on his family, friends, co-workers, church, and community. It can be life-changing.
Jesus said in John 15:4-5 that if we want our lives to change, to count, to make a godly impact, the only way is to “press in” to our relationship with Him and allow Him to press His life into ours. We can’t live the fruitful life God has called us to without continually pressing into Jesus through prayer, studying the Bible, worship, church and more.
It’s not always easy. We all deal with the challenges and pressures of life—busy schedules, family, and so much more. But “pressing in” to our relationship with God will impact every part of life and allow us to impact everyone around us.
This is our prayer for men in Canada and around the world, and our goal is to help them experience this. We are excited for this new season of ministry to men through Impactus!
Prayer: Father, help me to press deeper into my relationship with You, and I ask You to press into me. Help me to spend more time in Your Word and in Your presence.
Reflection: What is one area in your relationship with God where you can spend more time? Prayer, Bible study, church, worship, etc.?
1Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/impact, accessed October 17, 2022.
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