If you’ve never read Vance Havner’s writings, I can’t think of a better place to start than this little volume of short devotionals. Every page is vintage Havner. In his foreword, Dennis Hester writes, “These brief meditations are powerful, Bible-centered truths written in the same witty and prophetic style for which Havner is loved and known.” He continues: “Consider Jesus is filled with Havner’s priceless wit and practical wisdom. The author takes time to reflect on his walking and talking with God. Havner’s love for nature, his devotion to Jesus Christ, and his ability to apply eternal truths to everyday living are refreshing, stimulating, and encouraging.” Havner himself writes in the first of these devotionals: “No life is great that does not point to Christ.... In these pages many verses are called to mind. Start from any of them and the path leads to him.... Satan will go to any lengths to keep you from considering the Lord. If he can put you to riding the hobby of a favorite doctrine; if he can get you to look back at yesterday’s failures, or ahead to tomorrow’s dreads, or around at the array of circumstances, or within at your own weakness and poverty – anywhere but looking unto Jesus – then he is satisfied.” So let us pause a moment and take a fresh look at Jesus, “lest we be wearied and faint in our minds.”
Vance Havner (1901 - 1986)
For over 70 years, the church was blessed and challenged by the prophetic ministry of Vance Havner. His style and burden was prophetic similar to the ministry of A.W. Tozer calling the Church to revival. His influence extended to a national level, but Dr. Havner's approach was always to minister where God directed, regardless of the size of the church. His appeal and influence transcended denominational lines, and he spoke to many different groups of people.Throughout his ministry, Vance Havner lived and preached that a Christian should should exhibit faithfulness to Jesus in all areas of life. He taught that the Christian should attend to, "the outliving of the inliving Christ." Havner wrote, "To some, Christianity is an argument. To many, it is a performance. To a few, it is an experience."
Vance Havner started preaching at 14, and didn't stop 'til he went to glory! Through a preaching and writing ministry that spanned over 70 years, Vance Havner spoke forth the truth of God's Word in a most effectual manner.
In addition to preaching in many of America's most influential churches, Dr. Havner was a highly sought speaker for conferences at places such as Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He frequently spoke at both state and national meetings of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Havner delivered chapel messages and baccalaureate sermons at colleges such as the Citadel, Columbia Bible College (now Columbia International University), Liberty University, Southeastern Baptist Seminary, and Garner-Webb College.
Though Dr. Havner died in 1986, his influence for Christ continues. His ministry is a testimony to the way in which God can use one surrendered life to touch countless other lives. A preacher once said that: "Old Vance was half Charles Spurgeon and half Billy Sunday with the voice of Will Rogers.
Vance Havner started preaching at 14, and didn't stop 'til he went to glory!
That alone is a great legacy. He was the most homespun of country preachers, possessing a southern charm that always belied his great intellect and persuasive power.
A preacher once said that: "Old Vance was half Charles Spurgeon and half Billy Sunday with the voice of Will Rogers."
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