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Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:7-9

Richard Norris Williams II was born to a wealthy and well-connected family. His father was a direct descendant of Benjamin Franklin. Williams spent much of his childhood in Europe where he became a noted tennis player. Planning to attend Harvard, Williams and his father booked first class tickets on the Titanic in 1912. They remained on board until the ship sank, and then jumped into the water. Williams' father was killed by one of the falling funnels of the ship, but the younger Williams was able to cling to a partially inflated life raft until he was rescued. After four hours in the freezing water, Williams' legs were so badly frostbitten that the doctors wanted to amputate them. But he insisted on a grueling regimen of physical rehabilitation instead, walking for hours day and night until he recovered. Williams became strong enough to resume his tennis career, winning the US Open in both 1914 and 1916, and an Olympic gold medal in 1924.

Every one of us face difficulties and obstacles that could be used as an excuse to give up. We wonder if it is worth going through the hardship to reach the goal. But God is faithful, and He rewards those who persist in diligent effort. The harvest may occur long after the seeds are planted, but that does not mean that it will not come. This is just as true for the sowing of good seeds as it is for bad ones. We should never allow ourselves to be discouraged by the delay. Paul knew firsthand how hard serving God could be, but he never let that stop him. “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

Acts 7:51-53

In his autobiography, A Life in Our Times, noted author, diplomat, and economist John Kenneth Galbraith related this story about his housekeeper, Emily Wilson: "It had been a wearying day, and I asked Emily to hold all telephone calls while I had a nap. Shortly thereafter the phone rang. Lyndon Johnson was calling from the White House. 'Get me Ken Galbraith. This is Lyndon Johnson.' 'He is sleeping, Mr. President. He said not to disturb him.' 'Well, wake him up. I want to talk to him.' 'No, Mr. President. I work for him, not you.' When I called the President back, he could scarcely control his pleasure. 'Tell that woman I want her here in the White House.'" Even pressure from the President of the United States could not persuade her to disobey the instruction she had been given.

The Bible is the perfect Word of God. But simply having the Bible does not benefit us unless we also do what it says. In his powerful sermon to the Sanhedrin in Acts 7, Stephen courageously pointed out that they had God's Word but were not following it. There will always be temptations and excuses to substitute our ideas and opinions for what God said. There will always be pressure to water down the message of the Bible so our doctrine better fits into the society around us. There will always be opportunities to blame someone else for our disobedience. But our assignment is unchanging. We are to guide our steps and fill our minds and guard our hearts with the Bible. We must not make the mistake of thinking that increasing knowledge about the Bible will substitute for obeying the Bible.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Matthew 23:37-39

Harry R. Truman was just eleven years old when his family moved across the country from West Virginia to Washington. He enlisted in the Army after graduating from high school and was sent to England during the First World War. When he returned home, he started a small business that grew into the Spirit Lake Lodge. Truman was eighty-three years old when a series of earthquakes alerted scientists to the likelihood that Mount St. Helens was likely to erupt. Along with others living near the mountain, Truman was warned to evacuate, but he refused. Truman's obstinate attitude attracted attention from reporters across the country. He told all the interviewers that the mountain would never hurt him. On the day before the volcano erupted, five separate people begged Truman to leave, but he would not. His body was never recovered.

God graciously extends the offer of salvation to everyone through the blood of Jesus Christ. The problem of people who are not saved is not a problem of availability. It is a problem of willingness. Though Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies regarding the Messiah, there were many in His day who refused to listen to Him. He proclaimed the way of salvation, but He was rejected. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:11). And if people reject Him long enough, eventually time will run out and the opportunity will be lost. For those of us who have come to faith in Christ, this truth should motivate us to be faithful and consistent witnesses. God has given us the task of sharing the gospel and we must do that before it is too late.

For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:19-21

All of us know the wonderful hymn “Amazing Grace.” It is probably the most-sung and best-loved hymn in the world. The author, John Newton, did not approach the subject of grace merely as a theological study but as a practical reality. He needed God's grace, and he received it. Then he devoted his life to sharing it with others. Once a slave trader, he became an abolitionist. The sinner became a preacher. On his tombstone in a church cemetery in Olney, England where he was the pastor for many years, Newton's life is summed up this way: “John Newton, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy!”

Some of us grew up in a Christian home and were saved at a young age, before being exposed to the full wickedness of the world. Others did not come to Christ until later in life, like John Newton, after having lived a sinful life. But all of us need God's grace. It is the means by which we are saved. And it is the means by which we live for Him after we are saved. “By the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). God has enough grace to forgive any sin, and enough grace to overcome any trial. And He makes that grace available to all who come to Him.

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Psalm 14:1-3

Noted author and playwright George Bernard Shaw was a devout and committed atheist. He had little use for Christianity and frequently made fun of believers. Yet somewhere in his heart he recognized the emptiness of his position, and it occasionally showed in his work. In his play Too Good to Be True, Shaw wrote this speech for one of the characters: “The science I pinned my faith to is bankrupt: its tales were more foolish than all the miracles of the priests, its cruelties more horrible than all the atrocities of the Inquisition. For its sake I helped to destroy the faith of millions of worshipers in the temples of a thousand creeds. And now look at me and behold the supreme tragedy of the atheist who has lost his faith—his faith in atheism, for which more martyrs have perished than for all the creeds put together.”

Without God, man has no true hope. God's existence cannot be credibly denied, no matter how devoutly someone professes He is not real. The whole world is a declaration of God's power and presence in our lives. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1). Yet despite the proof that surrounds us, many people refuse to accept that God is real and that He is the ultimate Judge over everything. While this may make it possible for people to live as they choose in the present, it has devastating eternal consequences. Those who reject God in this lifetime will spend eternity without Him, having missed out on what He would graciously and freely have given them if they had only believed.

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:13-16

In July of 1799, a young French engineering officer in Egypt as part of Napoleon's conquest of the country was assigned to oversee the rebuilding of Fort Julien near the present day Egyptian city of Rashid. Pierre-François Bouchard ordered his men to reuse as many of the stones of the ancient fort as possible to speed up the process. During the rebuilding, he made one of the most important archaeological discoveries of history—the Rosetta Stone.

The stone recorded a decree by Egyptian ruler Ptolemy V some two hundred years before the birth of Christ. The thing that made it so important was that it was written in three languages, and one of those was Greek. Having the known text of Greek allowed scholars to begin to understand the hieroglyphics of ancient Egypt for the first time. Today, the Rosetta Stone is on display at the British Museum, where year after year it remains one of the most-visited items in the vast collection.

When we come to the Word of God we find that even though we have it in our language, we are not able to understand what it truly means apart from the power of God. We need His Spirit to discern and understand what we read, just as Jesus promised He would do. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come” (John 16:13).

They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.

Romans 3:12-18

The International Law Association (ILA) was founded in Belgium in 1873 to promote “the study, clarification and development of international law, both public and private, and the furtherance of international understanding and respect for international law.” The group, now headquartered in London, holds conferences and conducts studies to identify threats to international law. One of the most severe threats is war. One ILA report highlighted that just in Europe alone there have been 286 wars in the past three centuries—an average of almost one war per year over that time. Today, there are conflicts between and within nations raging around the world.

The reason the world does not know real peace is that the world does not know the Prince of Peace. This title was given to Jesus by the prophet Isaiah some seven hundred years before Jesus' birth (Isaiah 9:6). In addition to pointing to His millennial reign, it highlights His coming to open the way for us to have peace with God through the sacrifice Jesus would make on the cross.

The lack of peace is just as real for individuals as for nations. Since the Fall of man, people have been seeking different ways to be accepted by God, but none of those efforts can succeed apart from Jesus. Knowing that we have been saved by His sacrifice, we no longer need to live with dread or fear. The world is still filled with trouble and evil, but with God on our side we can have peace. “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Matthew 12:34-37

Like many other policemen of the time, Roy Olmstead, a lieutenant in Seattle, had a second job. Unlike most policemen, Olmstead's job was bootlegging, and he was very good at it. Prohibition-era bootlegging was a major business, and Olmstead made millions before his operation came to the attention of federal authorities. Some of the key pieces of evidence used against Olmstead at his trial were gained through wiretapping phones to listen in on his conversations. At the time, wiretapping was a new tool for police, and Olmstead tried to get his conviction overturned because of its use. In June of 1928 the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Olmstead vs. United States that Olmstead's words could be used against him, and upheld his conviction.

God does not have to get a warrant to listen in on our conversations. He not only hears all that we say, but knows all that we think as well. Nothing is hidden from Him. And though our words may seem like small or insignificant things to us, they are truly powerful. Solomon wrote, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Proverbs 18:21). All of our words matter, and we will give an account to God for the impact our words had on the lives of others. The things that we say are the clearest revelation of the condition of our hearts, and the cure for wrong speech starts not with the tongue, but with the heart.

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

Hebrews 2:1-3

Though much of the Chicago Transit Authority's traffic runs at or even above ground level, there are also miles of tunnels used by the subway part of the system that run directly under downtown and the Loop. In April of 1992, the system was flooded by a quarter of a billion gallons of water from the Chicago River. Most downtown businesses were forced to close, and traffic was brought to a standstill. When the leak was investigated, it was discovered that city officials had known about it, but had delayed fixing it because of budget shortfalls. Instead of doing a small repair that would have cost $50,000, the city ended up spending more than $1 billion to repair the flood damage.

Because we live in a broken and fallen world, it is natural for things to get worse unless we pay attention and intentionally take care of them. Negligence for any reason, whether a desire to avoid doing something unpleasant or demanding, or from a shortage of resources, or from an unwillingness to take action will always lead to trouble. Instead we are called to be diligent in our work, as good examples of Christians. “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” (Romans 12:11). The same is true in our spiritual lives. We must remain engaged in our spiritual growth, not letting things slip or making excuses for going backward in our obedience and commitment to God. The natural progression is not toward God but away from Him, even for His children. We must be watchful for signs of trouble and deal with problems immediately.

And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me. And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.

Joshua 7:19-21

Longtime reporter for the San Diego Union Tribune Tom Blair became noted as a columnist, but he began his career covering county and city political gatherings and court cases. He told the story how at one of the early trials he attended, two men were accused of having taken part in an armed robbery. The prosecutor was questioning an eyewitness. “So, you say you were at the scene when the robbery took place?” “Yes.” “And you saw a vehicle leave at a high rate of speed?” “Yes.” “And did you observe the occupants?” “Yes, two men.” “And,” the prosecutor asked, “Are those two men present in court today?” Blair reported that it was at that point both men raised their hands. The case concluded almost immediately with a guilty verdict.

The natural tendency of people ever since Adam and Eve has been to try to shift the blame and make excuses rather than admitting what they have done wrong. The attempts people have made through the years to hide their sin and avoid dealing with it have had tragic consequences, like David compounding his sin with Bathsheba by having her husband murdered. It is impossible to begin to deal with sin until we have acknowledged both what we have done, and our responsibility for it. Only then are we ready to receive God's promised forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

1 Peter 2:9-11

Charles Spurgeon was saved as a fifteen year old. He had planned to go to a church service on a snowy Sunday morning, but unable to reach his intended destination, stopped at a little chapel on the way. The pastor had not been able to get there, so a layman gave a simple message, and Spurgeon accepted the Lord. A few days later he wrote, “O great and unsearchable God, who knowest my heart, and triest all my ways; with a humble dependence upon the support of Thy Holy Spirit, I yield up myself to Thee; as Thy own reasonable sacrifice, I return to Thee Thine own. I would be for ever, unreservedly, perpetually Thine; whilst I am on earth, I would serve Thee; and may I enjoy Thee and praise Thee for ever! Amen.”

Everything that we are and everything that we have is a direct result of God's grace and mercy. What He has given to us freely, without any effort or deserving on our part, is beyond our ability to even fully comprehend. We received it without earning it, but that does not mean that we are then turned loose to live any way we choose. Paul wrote, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2). The purpose and plan of God for every believer is to be consecrated to Him, and live a life marked by holiness. The same power which saved us gives us the means to overcome temptation and sin and to live victoriously through Christ.

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Luke 2:25-30

For hundreds of years the Jewish people looked forward to the coming of the Messiah. Their longing intensified as one foreign power after another took control of their land. Whether it was the Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks, or the Romans, Israel was continually ruled by foreign nations. The greatest dream of most of the people was a conquering hero who would overthrow the occupiers and restore Israel's status as an independent and free nation. But that is not the purpose for which Jesus came. He did not come to make life easier or more free, even for the nation of Israel to whom His coming had been promised.

Jesus came to be the Savior we needed—the One without Whom we have no hope. Like many others, the old man Simeon had been looking for the Messiah, but he recognized that the spiritual aspect of Jesus' life and ministry was far more important than any physical or earthly result that might follow. When he held the baby Jesus in his arms in the Temple, Simeon recognized that he was seeing God's plan for his salvation and that of others. There are times when we may miss the main purpose God has for our lives because we are more focused on this world than the next. We must remember that God has a plan with the emphasis on eternity, not on this life.

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach.

1 Timothy 4:8-11

Anyone who has played on a sports team knows that it is more difficult to go on the road and win than it is to win at home. At home the fans are offering their support. And repeated studies have found that the home team is more likely to get more favorable treatment from the officials. A 2009 study by professors Kyle Anderson and David Pierce that examined hundreds of NCAA basketball games found that “there is a significant bias toward officials calling more fouls on the visiting team.” It can be hard for players to maintain their composure on the road when they are being heckled and screamed at by thousands of people. But while that environment may make playing well more difficult, it does not come as a surprise. It's exactly what players expect to happen.

As Christians, we live our lives “on the road.” We are not playing at home, but before a hostile audience. We should not be surprised when we are criticized or condemned for trying to do what is right. We should not be caught off guard if political or even religious leaders call a “foul” on us for speaking the truth. Paul was no stranger to opposition in his ministry. He got far more than just boos. He got stoned, imprisoned, beaten, and shipwrecked. Yet through all of that he remained faithful to the Lord Who had saved him and the assignment he had been given. Opposition does not mean that we are on the wrong track; rather it can be a good sign that we are doing right. Jesus said, “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets” (Luke 6:26).

But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.

Mark 5:6-9

During His earthly ministry, Jesus often confronted people who were possessed by demons. Perhaps the most dramatic of those encounters was the one that took place with a man who had been driven out of his hometown and was forced to live among the tombs outside the city. He had not one demon but many. The one who spoke to Jesus identified as “Legion.” At the time, a Roman legion was made up of between 5,000 and 6,000 soldiers. In the presence of the Lord, the demon pointed out one truth—the demon and Christ had nothing in common.

Though many people in our day emphasize or excuse the idea of Christians being more like the world, we are on opposite sides with nothing in common. In fact, choosing to set out on a course of fitting in places us on the wrong side of the battle. James wrote, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).

The world, the flesh and the devil fight against us, and we must remain adamantly opposed to all forms of sin. Charles Spurgeon said, “If I had a brother who had been murdered, what would you think of me if I daily consorted with the assassin who drove the dagger into my brother's heart; surely I too must be an accomplice in the crime. Sin murdered Christ; will you be a friend to it? Sin pierced the heart of the Incarnate God; can you love it?”

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Hebrews 11:8-10

Most of us are familiar with planning for a trip. Perhaps it was a family vacation far across the country. Maybe it was a business trip to meet with a client. Or perhaps it was a trip to a foreign country for an anniversary or a missionary outreach. In every case, the details of preparation are determined by one crucial thing—our destination. It does no good to get on a plane flying to Canada if you wish to go to Brazil. Once we have our destination in mind, only then do we lay out a plan to get from where we are to where we want to go.

As we see in the life of Abraham, faith works on obedience, not on knowing the destination. God told Abraham to leave his home and family behind, assuring him that there was a place promised to him. But God did not tell Abraham where that place would be until Abraham arrived. “And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever” (Genesis 13:14-15). Abraham took that long journey, not because he knew where God was taking him, but because he trusted God's promise. That is the pattern for us to follow as well. When we undertake to do what God has said, we do not have to know how He will work to bring things to pass. We simply trust in His promises and act on them, and that is living by faith.

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:5-9

In Aesop's fable of the Tortoise and the Ducks, the Tortoise wanted to see the world, but he was stuck with his house on his back and little short legs that could hardly drag him along. One day he met a pair of ducks and told them all his trouble. “We can help you to see the world,” said the Ducks. “Take hold of this stick with your teeth and we will carry you far up in the air where you can see the whole countryside. But keep quiet or you will be sorry.” The Tortoise seized the stick firmly with his teeth, the two Ducks took hold of it one at each end, and away they sailed up toward the clouds. Just then a crow flew by. He was very much astonished at the strange sight and cried: “This must surely be the King of Tortoises!” “Why certainly—" began the Tortoise. But as he opened his mouth to say these foolish words, he lost his hold on the stick, and down he fell to the ground, where he was dashed to pieces on a rock.

Every Christian is a Christian only because of God's grace. He picks us up from the mud of sin and gives us a new nature. Then He graciously equips and enables us to do His work in the world. Yet far too often we lose sight of the fact that everything we have and accomplish is only because of His grace and fall into the sin of pride. Instead we must give all the praise and glory to God, for we have nothing for which to boast. “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith” (Romans 3:27).

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.

Psalm 32:1-4

Bette Nesmith Graham was the executive secretary for the chairman of the Texas Bank and Trust when IBM introduced a new electric typewriter. Though the clerical staff appreciated the available speed of the new machines, they found it frustrating to find an error that would require retyping an entire page to correct. Graham took an idea based on the way the painters decorated the bank windows for Christmas and began experimenting with a mixture of paint and chemicals until she developed “Mistake Out” to cover a mistake and allow it to be fixed. The other secretaries began clamoring for the product and Graham quit her job to work full time on the product she trademarked as Liquid Paper. Over the next twenty years it became one of the most popular office products in the world, and she eventually sold her company for nearly $50 million in 1979.

The chance to have a clean slate is greatly appealing to all of us, for all of us need God's forgiveness. When He forgives, He does so completely, never holding the past against us again. “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 8:12). There are scars left behind when we sin. The consequences of sin may continue into the future. But when God forgives, He never brings that sin up again. The blessing of forgiveness is that our record is cleared from God's mind, and our sin that we have confessed and forsaken will never block our fellowship with Him. Our tendency to try to hide our sin must be overcome so that we can enjoy God's forgiveness.

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

1 Thessalonians 5:8-11

In June of 1981, Eugene Lang, who had become a millionaire through his diligence and hard work, was invited to speak to the sixth grade graduating class at his alma mater, PS 121 in Harlem. When one of the teachers told him that three fourths of the students would probably not finish high school, Lang decided to see what he could to change that. As he addressed the young people, Lang made them a promise: Any member of the class who completed high school and was accepted into college would get a scholarship to make sure they could afford to go. Lang did not just make that promise and then walk away. He developed a mentorship program, met regularly with the students, and encouraged them to keep on going. Eventually, he paid for more than half of those young people to go to college, and he helped many of the ones who did not, find jobs. He made a difference in their lives.

Most of us will never have millions of dollars to give to others, but all of us can be an encouragement to others. It costs nothing to say a kind word, to offer a prayer of support, or to simply stand with someone going through difficulty and let him know that he is not alone. When we look at what God has done for us, it should not be hard for us to extend support and help to others. One of the best examples from Scripture of someone who made this kind of difference was Barnabas, who encouraged the man who would become the apostle Paul. Barnabas was such an encourager that, although his name was originally "Joses," he, "by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,)” (Acts 4:36).

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:29-31

On January 22, 1925 Dr. Curtis Welch sent an urgent telegram from Nome, Alaska, begging for help. “An epidemic of diphtheria is almost inevitable here STOP I am in urgent need of one million units of diphtheria antitoxin STOP Mail is only form of transportation STOP.” The isolated northern Alaskan town had suffered an outbreak of the deadly and contagious disease, and they had no way to treat it. The port city was locked in ice, and no roads reached it. A desperate plan was conceived to transport the lifesaving medicine by dog sled teams. Despite temperatures of 50 degrees below zero, twenty mushers used more than 150 dogs to relay the medicine nearly 700 miles in just five and a half days. The outbreak of disease was halted, and the region was spared because of those who were willing to put their lives on the line.

When everything is going well, it is easy to be courageous. But it is when things are falling apart and there is trouble and danger everywhere that real courage is revealed. The challenges that we face and the obstacles we must overcome are opportunities for us to demonstrate that our faith in God is strong, and that we are willing to rely on Him no matter what. Those who give up and quit when things get tough are failing to access the strength God offers to those who trust in Him. “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10). Facing something that seems to be impossible is challenging, but we must remember that nothing we must deal with will ever pose a problem to the power or plan of God.

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Hebrews 11:17-19

The problem with Erik Weihenmayer's eyes was diagnosed when he was four, but it was incurable. By the time he was in high school, Erik was blind. Yet with the encouragement of his parents and family, Erik determined not to allow his inability to see to keep him from doing the things he wanted. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Erik became a world class climber. On May 25, 2001, he became the first blind person to reach the top of Mt. Everest. Using custom technology and a team to help him navigate terrain he could not see, Erik accomplished something that many people had believed to be impossible. One of the key factors he credits for his success is what he calls an attitude of “unrealistic optimism.” Where some people might look at something no one has ever done before and think that means it is impossible, Erik's approach is that it simply hasn't been done yet.

When God told Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice, Abraham obeyed, despite knowing that meant he would have to kill his son with his own hands. Though we are not given all the details, we do know that Abraham expected that God would then raise Isaac from the dead, because he was the promised heir for whom Abraham had waited so long. As far as we know, no one had ever been raised from the dead at that point, yet Abraham believed that if it took doing something impossible that had never happened before to fulfill God's promise, that is what He would do. The world may look at people of faith and shake their heads in disbelief, but God is honored and pleased by those who take His promises seriously.

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Galatians 3:6-8

Although the full plan of the gospel was not revealed until the New Testament, the reality of God's plan was set in motion long before the angels appeared to shepherds outside of Bethlehem to announce the birth of Christ. The first promise of the coming Messiah was given to Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:15), and through the years that followed, God continued to confirm to those who believed and followed Him that He had a plan for their ultimate redemption. Paul describes God's promise to Abraham as the gospel, and it truly was not just good news but the best news.

A. B. Simpson said, “The gospel tells rebellious men that God is reconciled, that justice is satisfied, that sin has been atoned for, that the judgment of the guilty may be revoked, the condemnation of the sinner cancelled, the curse of the Law blotted out, the gates of hell closed, the portals of heaven opened wide, the power of sin subdued, the guilty conscience healed, the broken heart comforted, the sorrow and misery of the Fall undone.”

The gospel has the power to change lives and save the lost which nothing else can do. But that power only changes those lives if the gospel is shared with them. That is the responsibility God has given to us as His children, and it is a task we must faithfully execute. Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14). Having received the gospel gives us both the obligation and the privilege to share it with others. No matter where we are, everyone we meet needs to hear it.

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

Galatians 3:16-18

The Great Depression put enormous pressure on the banking system. In 1930, more than 1,300 banks collapsed and closed their doors. The following year, the total rose to 2,300. People who had money in one of those banks lost everything. When Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in 1933, he declared a national “bank holiday” where all the banks were closed and no one could withdraw money. When the banks reopened, a new program was put in place to give customers confidence that their money was safe. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was formed to provide a guarantee that depositors would still be able to get their money even if their bank failed. This guarantee played an important role in restoring confidence in the financial system.

The promises God has given to us are wonderful. But if we could not fully trust them, they would provide us no hope or comfort. However, we can fully trust them because they are guaranteed by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Corinthians 1:19-20). He is the guarantee that everything God has offered to us will happen, and that we have nothing to doubt or fear regarding the future.

What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Romans 9:30-32

In 1497, King Henry VII of England sent explorer John Cabot to the new world seeking a passage to the Indies far to the north of where Columbus had landed five years before. This was just the first of many missions launched by some of the most famous and noted sailors of the era, including Jacques Cartier, Sir Frances Bacon, James Cook, and Henry Hudson, to find a “Northwest Passage.” All of their efforts ended in failure, and several of them ended in tragedy. Many of these explorers never returned home. What none of them knew was that the route they were seeking did not exist where they were looking for it. Instead the only water passage across is far north of the Arctic Circle, and it is only open a few months each year because of ice. In fact, it would not be until 1905 that anyone was able to successfully navigate that passage by sea.

No matter how serious or committed we are in something, we cannot find it if we look in the wrong place. This is not just true in earthly things, but in spiritual things as well. The fact that people are sincere in believing something that is not true does not get them one step closer to God. He is not hiding from people, but there is only one way to come to Him. When Paul was preaching in Athens where they had temples and altars set up for every imaginable deity, he declared that God could be found. “That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:” (Acts 17:27). We must come to Him in faith, for there is no other option to entering His presence.

And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

Mark 5:18-20

Frank Morris lost sight in his right eye due to a horseback riding accident as a six year old boy. When he was sixteen, he lost sight in his left eye during a boxing match. Morris found it frustrating to be constantly dependent on someone to guide him. When his father read a news story about a program in Switzerland that trained guide dogs for soldiers blinded during the First World War, Morris sent a letter asking to join the program. “Is what you say really true? If so, I want one of those dogs! And I am not alone. Thousands of blind like me abhor being dependent on others. Help me and I will help them. Train me and I will bring back my dog and show people here.” In 1928 Morris completed the program and returned to America with Buddy, who guided him safely through the streets of New York City. In 1929 he co-founded The Seeing Eye, and for the next twenty-seven years, he helped train hundreds of guide dogs for blind people.

When we find something that is new and helpful, the natural response is to want to share it with others. When we know something has made a positive difference for us, we want other people to enjoy that same change. It is not hard for us to share the news of something we are excited about with others. Yet sometimes we find it challenging to be faithful to share the most important thing in the world, Jesus, with those around us. If we remember what He has done for us, we will find that we have plenty to say to others about Him.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Psalm 133:1-3

Chronic loneliness is a problem that affects millions of people, with devastating physical and emotional results. Professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad discovered in a study that being consistently lonely had the same damaging health impact as smoking fifteen cigarettes per day. She said that loneliness “can make you feel bad about yourself, and then make you even less likely to want to socialize with others [out of] fear of rejection, but it can also then influence how you perceive the world and social situations that can lead to a negative spiral.” Her research revealed that a high percentage of people who regularly feel lonely suffer negative effects on both their cardiovascular and brain health, and that loneliness may also be linked to an increased risk of depression.

God did not design people to be alone. Even before the Fall He created Eve to fill the void in Adam's life. In fact, although throughout the six days of Creation, God repeatedly stated that what He had made was good, He specifically stated that man being alone was not good: “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18).

Circumstances in our lives sometimes leave us in lonely places. Additionally, our society does a number of things that promote and create loneliness. But as Christians we have a source of fellowship and community that God designed. The local church should be a unified body of believers that functions as a source of encouragement and hope to each other. This is one reason why it is essential that Christians engage in the body life of their local church. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

Ephesians 1:19-21

I read about a missionary who arrived on the field to find that the car he was to use wouldn't start unless it was pushed. He learned to be very careful to always park at the top of a hill so that he could more easily push it so it would start. After two years of doing this, a new missionary came to replace him at that station. As the first missionary explained the need to park strategically to make sure the car would start, the new man lifted the hood. The first missionary watched in amazement as the new missionary tightened the connector to the battery terminal. He closed the hood, turned the key, and the car started without needing to be pushed for the first time in two years. The only problem was that the starter for the engine wasn't connected to the power source.

Nothing that we attempt to do for God apart from the power of God can produce the result we want and need. If we find ourselves pushing and pushing in His work, we need to stop and make sure that we are rightly connected to Him. It is never our talent or strength or diligence that produces results, but His power given free reign to work in our lives. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20). One of our most important tasks as believers is to ensure that we allow nothing in our lives that would hinder God's power from working freely in and through us.

If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Isaiah 58:13-14

Ever since the Garden of Eden, Satan has been telling people that God's rules are designed to keep them from enjoying good things. As a result, people often fall into the trap of resenting God's commandments, even if they are following them outwardly. The devil knows that if our hearts are filled with resentment at what God calls us to do, it will not be long before we stop doing it. Rather than regarding God's rules for our lives as a burden, they should be viewed as evidence of His love for us and His desire to protect us. Obeying God is a way that we demonstrate our love for Him, and if we love Him as we should, we will not find obedience to be a burden. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3).

In order for us to delight in God's commandments, we must love His Word that conveys them to us. The Bible is not an ancient collection of fables and moral lessons, but the guidebook for living in a way that pleases God. It needs to be kept in our hearts and minds continually. “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97). The more that we allow God's Word to guide our thoughts and actions, the more we will find joy and delight in doing what He says. God always gives the best to those who obey Him, not from necessity but from the heart.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:17-19

D. L. Moody was saved after his Sunday school teacher, Edward Kimball, cared enough to reach out to the young man with the gospel. Kimball came to the store where Moody worked and talked to him about his need for salvation. Later, Moody became one of the most powerful and effective evangelists the world had ever seen—his life being totally transformed by the power of the gospel. Moody wrote, “I remember the morning on which I came out of my room after I had first trusted Christ. I thought the old sun shone a good deal brighter than it ever had before—I thought that it was just smiling upon me; and as I walked out upon Boston Common and heard the birds singing in the trees I thought they were all singing a song to me. It seemed to me that I was in love with all creation. I had not a bitter feeling against any man, and I was ready to take all men to my heart.”

God does not save us to leave us as we are. His grace not only changes our eternal destination, but it changes everything about the way we live in this world as well. While we should be faithful witnesses for the gospel, it is not just our words that reflect the change God has made in our lives. The way that we think and act and respond are all meant to be shaped by the power of God's grace to make us positive representatives of His family. “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:10-12

Because they were reaching out to people regarded as unworthy by many, General William Booth and the Salvation Army were frequently criticized. Even some prominent religious leaders were publicly quoted in their condemnations. At one point Booth's son Bramwell brought in a newspaper with one of these attacks prominently featured. William Booth read it and then said, “Bramwell, fifty years hence it will matter very little indeed how these people treated us; it will matter a great deal how we dealt with the work of God.”

It would be nice if doing the right thing made people like us and pleased them, but that is not the goal we are seeking. Rather than seeking the praise of men, we are to seek the praise of God. While we certainly should not seek to be obnoxious or offensive, we must recognize the reality that the world is still fighting against God, just as it has done since sin entered the world. Those who hate God are not likely to be favorable toward us if we are doing His work faithfully. But that is not what matters. Our focus must always be on pleasing God with our lives. There is no greater honor that could be given to us than to receive His words of approval, like the faithful servant in the parable of the talents that Jesus told. “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21). God's opinion matters far more than what anyone may think or say about us as we do His work.

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia...

1 Thessalonians 1:5-7

On the 23rd of March, 1775, just a month before the American Revolutionary War began with the “shot heard round the world,” Patrick Henry rose to address the Virginia Convention, meeting at St. John's Church in Richmond. He laid out the case that America would have to fight to be free, ending with these famous words: “It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

The impact of powerful words is undeniable. History is filled with examples of nations that have been moved to action by the speeches of a leader. For those of us who are Christians, we have been given a message to deliver to the world—not a political or economic or temporal message, but a message of eternal hope and salvation. The power of that message is not found in our eloquence or fervor, but in the Holy Spirit who empowers us to speak effectively for Jesus. “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him” (Acts 5:32).

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

John 16:13-15

Despite constant struggles with his health, Henry Lyte faithfully pastored in Brixham, England, for twenty-three years. He was innovative in his ministry, reaching out to people who were often overlooked, including young children and the sailors who visited the port city. Eventually, Lyte had more than eight hundred young people coming to Sunday school each week. Lyte was also a gifted poet, and many of his poems became beloved hymns. One of them published in 1834 was chosen by Queen Elizabeth II as the hymn for her marriage to Prince Philip.

Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven;
To His feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!

Praise Him for His grace and favor
To His people in distress.
Praise Him, still the same as ever,
Slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Glorious in His faithfulness!

Our lives are meant to bring honor and glory to God. That is one of the things that the Holy Spirit produces as we walk in His leading and presence, even as Jesus told His disciples just before His crucifixion in the text above.

We often think first of our actions when it comes to glorifying God, and everything we do should bring honor to Him. But another vital way in which we glorify God is by praising Him for all that He has done for us. The more open we are with our gratitude, the more glory we reflect on God. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God” (Psalm 50:23).

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

The Christian life is not meant to be passive. It is an active, involved, and dedicated life. It is filled with challenges, hardship, and opposition. There are days when we may question if it is worth it to keep going. In those moments we must turn to God for the help and power to continue in His work. “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). 

We are called to be patient, and often we find that things take longer than we wish they would. But this patient running of the race is far more than just sitting around and waiting for something to happen—it is an active and determined patience that does everything possible and leaves the rest to God.

George Matheson wrote, “We commonly associate patience with lying down. We think of it as the angel that guards the couch of the invalid. Yet there is a patience that I believe to be harder—the patience that can run. To lie down in the time of grief, to be quiet under the stroke of adverse fortune, implies a great strength; but I know of something that implies a strength greater still: it is the power to work under stress; to have a great weight at your heart and still run; to have a deep anguish in your spirit and still perform the daily tasks. It is a Christ-like thing! The hardest thing is that most of us are called to exercise our patience, not in the sickbed but in the street.”

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Revelation 2:8-10

In addition to his vital work translating the Bible into the English language, William Tyndale was an effective preacher of the gospel. Among his converts in the Wiltshire region of England was a man named John Maundrel. It was said that Maundrel had memorized the entire New Testament, and he became a powerful voice against the false doctrines of the Catholic church. For his refusal to stop declaring the truth, Maundrel was sentenced to be burned at the stake on March 24, 1556. While chained to the post, Maundrell shouted to the crowd that he had been offered a pardon from Queen Mary if he would recant but that his reply had been, “Not for all Salisbury.” He chose to die rather than denying God and His Word.

Most of us have never faced a test of our faith that severe. We may face opposition or ridicule, but we are not being forced to choose between denying our Lord or being killed. Yet for millions of believers, not just throughout history but even today, the possibility of dying for their faith is very real. The most important thing that we can do to be prepared to stand firm in the most severe test is to be faithful in the small tests we face daily. The fact that someone may laugh at us or say unkind things against us does not mean that we should back down from speaking the truth in love.

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

On August 24, 1919, Ray Caldwell took the mound for his first game with his new team, the Cleveland Indians. The pitcher had known success with both the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, but his talent was hampered by a troubled personal life. The fans were unsure what kind of pitcher they would see, but Caldwell dominated the Philadelphia A's, giving up just four hits in eight innings. In the ninth inning a storm rolled in off Lake Erie and Caldwell quickly got two outs. Then a lightning strike hit the stadium. Many of the players were knocked down, but when they got back up, Caldwell who had been hit by the lightning remained on the ground.

The first man who touched him was knocked backward by the shock. Caldwell's uniform was smoldering from the lighting strike. For several minutes the players and umpires thought he was probably dead. Then Caldwell slowly got up. Though everyone insisted he go to the hospital to get checked out, Caldwell said, “I've still got one out to get.” He insisted on continuing to pitch, retiring the final batter on a ground out, finishing the game despite having been struck by lighting.

God has given each of His children work to do for Him, and it is up to us to ensure that nothing keeps us from finishing the job. We may grow tired in the work. We may face opposition and difficulty. We may find that we have few friends or helpers. But if we are faithful to continue, we will enjoy the reward of finishing. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

2 Corinthians 8:3-6

Jonathan Edwards grew up in a preacher's home in Connecticut. His mother who had been a preacher's daughter herself placed great value on education, and Edwards' older siblings helped with his studies. Edwards entered Yale when he was just thirteen years old, and graduated when he was seventeen. He went into the ministry and became a powerful and effective preacher. His sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” helped spark a major revival. He was eventually voted out of his church for insisting that salvation was a necessary requirement to take communion. After the pastorate, he went on to become president of Princeton, continuing his ministry for the Lord. Jonathan Edwards wrote, “I go out to preach with two propositions in mind. First, every person ought to give his life to Christ. Second, whether or not anyone else gives Him his life, I will give Him mine.”

If we set out to give our lives to God not everyone will approve. There will be critics, even sometimes among those close to us. They may not understand why we are willing to make sacrifices or insist on standing firm for the truth. We should not be surprised if some turn back from following Jesus. He warned us that was coming, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:12-13). No one can stop us from giving ourselves wholeheartedly to following Jesus and doing what He says.

Wherefore they cried unto the LORD, and said, We beseech thee, O LORD, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O LORD, hast done as it pleased thee. So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging. Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows. Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Jonah 1:14-17
 

Lee Scarborough was a pastor in the early 1900s who took a strong stand against theological liberalism. He told about one Sunday when he returned home after preaching from the story of Jonah, his young son asked, “Daddy, do you really believe a fish could swallow a man alive inside for three days and three nights?” Dr. Scarborough replied, “Son, if God could make a man out of absolutely nothing to begin with, don’t you think he has power to make a fish that could swallow a man and keep him alive?” Then his son said, “Well, if you’re going to bring God into it—that’s different.”

Every part of our lives has God involved in it. Long before we were born He knew all about us, and had a plan in place for our lives. Every challenge that we face, every burden we carry and every heartache we endure is already factored into His love and care for us. He invites us to come to Him in prayer, not to let Him know what we need, but to let Him know that we trust Him to provide it. Jesus said, “Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him” (Matthew 6:8). We do not ever need to fear that He has forgotten about us, or that we will be forsaken. Even in his disobedience, God prepared the great fish to swallow Jonah and keep him alive so that he could go to Nineveh and preach.

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Romans 8:32-34
 

There was a great deal of speculation when Russel Colvin disappeared from the family home in Vermont in 1812. Suspicion grew that one or both of his wife's brothers, Stephen and Jesse Boorn, had killed him and hidden his body. But since the body could not be found, charges were not filed until a barn on the Boorn property was burned and bones were found among the ashes. The brothers were arrested, and at their trial a forger who had been in jail with the Boorns testified that they had confessed the crime to him. Both men were found guilty. In a desperate attempt to keep the brothers from being hung, advertisements seeking information about Russel Colvin were published across New England. A New York man saw the ad and recognized the description of a man he knew by another name. He persuaded Colvin to return to Vermont, and when he was determined to be alive, the conviction against the Boorns was overturned and they were set free.
 

Unlike the Boorn brothers who were wrongly convicted, we truly are guilty of sin. Yet in His great mercy, God views our lives through the lens of the perfection of Jesus Christ, which is credited to our account when we place our faith in Him. “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” (Philippians 3:9). We will never be charged for sins Jesus already paid for even though we committed them. We can have complete confidence that we will be found not guilty before the throne of God.

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Romans 4:20-25

In 1957 as part of the celebration of Oklahoma being a state for fifty years, a 1957 Plymouth Belvedere was buried in a vault at the Tulsa city courthouse as part of a time capsule. The car was part of a contest. People from across the country sent postcards with their guesses of what Tulsa's population would be in 2007 when the vault was to be opened. Whoever got the closest would be given the car as a prize. But though the car was buried in a concrete vault that would supposedly even stand up to a nuclear explosion, it was clearly not waterproof, because when the vault was opened, the car was completely submerged in water. In addition to the extensive damage to the car, the notes and letters that had been meant to be read in the future were destroyed. A message from the past had been lost forever.
 

Thankfully the Word of God, though it was inspired many centuries ago, is still active and alive in our world today. Paul pointed out that the ancient words Moses had recorded about the salvation of Abraham were still applicable to modern readers. The Bible is the tool God has given us to fight and win the battles of life. “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). The more that we know and follow it, the more it fills our hearts and minds, the more like Jesus we will live.

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

Alexander Whyte was a noted Scottish preacher, theologian, and author. One of the things for which he was best known was his emphasis on prayer. Among his books perhaps the most remembered was called Lord, Teach Us to Pray, and his prayers from the pulpit were always uplifting. The story goes that on particularly dreary Sunday morning, a church member remarked, “Certainly the preacher won't think of anything for which to thank the Lord on a wretched day like this.” However when Whyte stood to pray he began, “We thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this.” The truth is that there are always things for which we can be thankful, no matter our circumstances.

It is always right to be grateful to God, and, in fact, it is part of His will for the life of every Christian. Though this should be the attitude of our hearts, that alone is not enough. Our expressions of thanksgiving to God should also be public as well. “O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard” (Psalm 66:8). Our words of thanks and praise have a powerful positive impact on those around us, both as we speak to other believers, and as we witness to the world around us. The more than we talk about what God has done because of His grace and power, the more we lift Him up in the eyes of others. “Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them” (Psalm 126:2).

He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

Proverbs 28:19-22
 

On Tuesday, August 22, 1911, an art student visiting the Louvre in Paris asked to see the Mona Lisa. It was missing from its usual place on the wall, and he thought perhaps it had been removed for cleaning or restoration. Museum officials panicked, realizing that the most famous painting in the world had been stolen. Police looked everywhere for suspects, even interrogating noted artists like Pablo Picasso. But all their efforts failed to locate the thief or the painting. More than two years later, an Italian who had worked at the Louvre approached officials at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, and offered to sell them the painting for 500,000 lire. After having it authenticated, they called the police rather than paying him, and Vincenzo Peruggia was arrested and convicted for the theft. Rather than becoming wealthy, he went to prison.

Any time we are tempted to take shortcuts, or do things that are wrong or even questionable to try to get ahead, we must refuse. God calls us to honest and faithful work as the means to provide for our needs. A Christian should be the most diligent and careful worker because everything he does reflects on God. When Daniel's enemies studied his work looking for something to use against him, they found nothing. “Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him” Daniel 6:4). The same should be true of us.

And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits. And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass. And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass.

Exodus 27:1-3
 

Of all the things God directed Moses to make for the Tabernacle, the largest was the brazen altar that stood just inside the entrance of the tent that surrounded the place that symbolized God's presence with His people. The only way in was by coming with a sacrifice. The priests offered sacrifices on the brazen altar day and night. “And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings. The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out” (Leviticus 6:12-13).

This is a beautiful picture of the sacrifice made by Jesus that opens the way for us to come to God. Yet it is also a beautiful picture of the way in which Jesus' life, death, and resurrection completely cover the cost of salvation for all time. The offerings on the brazen altar were repeated over and over again, but the offering of Jesus on the cross was only done once. “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12). We will never need to add anything to what Jesus did to save us—in fact trying to add anything to it undermines the truth of salvation by grace alone. God has already provided the sacrifice for our sins. We must simply accept it in faith.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Romans 5:1-5
 

Steve Comisar first drew notoriety as a young man when he placed ads in a number of magazines offering a Solar Powered Clothes Dryer for just $49.95. The ad touted the “scientifically proven, space age clothes dryer” as the latest invention for helping with laundry. Eager customers who sent money received a package with a piece of clothesline in it. Comisar was convicted multiple times for fraud before supposedly ending his career as a con man. He even authored a book called America's Guide to Fraud Prevention under an assumed name, and appeared on multiple TV shows to promote it before he was revealed as the author and ordered to stop presenting himself as a fraud expert. A few years after the book came out he was arrested again after raising $100,000 for a non-existent sports trivia program.

We are often told that when something seems to good to be true it probably is, but when it comes to the benefits that come from trusting Christ, they really are true. The grace of God extended to us changes far more than just our eternal destiny. Being justified through faith in Jesus Christ provides us peace and hope and rejoicing right now, despite our living in a broken and troubled world. The cost of our salvation was high, and that is the best measure of God's love for us—and a guarantee that we can expect Him to do all that He has promised. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Romans 12:9-13
 

The 1964 Winter Olympics were held in Innsbruck, Austria. The margin in the two man bobsled event was razor thin. Each team made four runs down the track and the fastest combined time would win the event. Italian driver Eugenio Monti and his teammate Sergio Siorpaes were guaranteed a medal after their final run. As their competitors from Great Britain, Tony Nash and Robin Thomas Dixon, prepared for their last chance, they discovered that one of the bolts on their sled had snapped. When Motni heard about their problem, he removed the same bolt from his sled and gave it to Nash. Once their sled was fixed, Nash and Dixon posted the fastest time in the final run and took the gold medal. Monti and Siorpaes had to settle for a bronze medal, but later that year they were awarded the first Pierre de Coubertin International Fair Play Trophy. Named for the founder of the modern Olympics, the award is given each year to someone who displays great sportsmanship in athletic competition.
 

The world encourages people to put themselves first. Looking Out for #1 was a New York Times bestseller when it was published in 1977, and the message of self promotion still resonates today. God calls us not to self-promotion, but to sacrifice. Rather than putting ourselves first, we are to put others first. “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister” (Matthew 20:25-26). Kindness and consideration to others is a powerful testimony of God's love in action.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Ephesians 1:3-6
 

According to a report from CBS News, Harvard and Stanford are the most difficult universities in America to enroll in as a new student. Each school only admits 5 percent of applicants. Despite the low chance of success, Harvard receives more than 60,000 applications each year, and Stanford receives more than 55,000. For every student who gets the coveted letter informing them that they have been accepted, ninety-five others get a rejection letter. In 1981 when Paul Devlin received his rejection, he famously responded. “I noticed that the rejection letter I received from Harvard had a grammatical error. So, I wrote a letter back, rejecting their rejection letter.” Devlin's humorous rejection of his rejection letter didn't get him into Harvard, but it did get printed in The New York Times.

Like students applying for college, some people try to impress God with all the things they have done. The problem is that our very best accomplishments and achievements fall far short of His perfect holiness. Isaiah wrote, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6). The only hope that we have is grace. No one gets accepted by God on merit, performance, skill or position. Yet in God's grace, He declares that we are righteous, and that makes us accepted on the most important list of all—those who are in the Book of Life through faith in Jesus alone.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16

The story goes that a group of men were standing by a river crossing, waiting for a ferry to come back from the other side to take them across. The water was not terribly deep, but the current made it difficult to cross on foot. As they waited, a group of men rode up on horseback and began to make their way across the water. One of the waiting men, hoping to continue on his trip faster watched several of them pass by, then asked one member of the group for a ride. The rider consented, and the man rode behind him safely across the river. When he reached the other side and the riders went on, the ferry operator spoke to him. “I saw you let several men go by before asking for help. Why did you wait to ask General Andrew Jackson for a ride?” The man responded, “I didn't know he was General Jackson. I just waited for someone whose face said 'Yes'.”

All of us know what it feels like to ask someone for help and be turned down, or to receive help, but only grudgingly or with strings attached. That never happens when we come to God. He is not stingy with help, nor does He complain or criticize us because we are coming to Him too often. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). Jesus knows the heartaches and burdens and troubles we face, because He dealt with the same things while He was here on Earth. 

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Colossians 2:13-15

In 2003 Andrew Malkinson was convicted of rape in England, despite insisting he was innocent. Throughout his incarceration he continued to deny responsibility for the crime, which led to him being refused parole. Finally in 2020 a DNA test proved that he was not the guilty party and Malkinson was released from prison. Under English law, he was due compensation for wrongful imprisonment, but to his shock he was told that any compensation he received would be reduced by 100,000 pounds to cover the cost of his room and board during his seventeen years in jail. Malkinson reached out to the Ministry of Justice, and because of his complaint the policy was changed. Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk declared, “It is not right that victims of devastating miscarriages of justice can have deductions made for saved living expenses.”

When Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross, He did not leave us with a balance still due that would have to be paid later. He paid the debt in full and our sins have been covered forever—even outside the remembrance of God: “...for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jeremiah 31:34). It is common for people to struggle with guilt over things they have done wrong, and guilt is a good thing when it leads us to repentance. But once we have confessed and forsaken sin, God will never bring it up again.

For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Hebrews 4:8-11

Jesus never promised His followers that their lives would be easy. In fact, He told them the exact opposite. When one man expressed a desire to follow Jesus, the Lord pointed out the reality of His own situation: "And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20). There is no reason for us as followers of Jesus to expect that we are promised ease and comfort. Instead, what we are promised is the rest that God gives to those who labor for Him. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). There will come a day when we lay our burdens down and enjoy complete rest, but until then we can rely on God for the strength to remain faithful to Him.

Scottish pastor and hymn writer Horatius Bonar said, “The road to the Kingdom is not so pleasant, and comfortable, and easy, and flowery, as many dream. It is not a bright sunny avenue of palms. It is not paved with triumph, though it is to end in victory. The termination is glory, honor, and immortality; but on the way, there is the thorn in the flesh, the sackcloth, and the cross. Recompense later; but labor here! Rest later; but weariness here! Joy and security later; but here endurance and watchfulness—the race, the battle, the burden, the stumbling block, and oftentimes the heavy heart.” Every time we are tempted to quit, we can remind ourselves of the promised rest for those who finish the race faithfully.

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:11-13

Although Congress passed the first Naturalization Act in 1790 for people to be granted US citizenship, there was little formal structure in place. Federal, state, and local courts issued individual rulings, and central records were not kept. That changed with the passage of the 1906 Basic Naturalization Act. After that the federal government began the formal collection of naturalization records. In April of 1907 Lyman Ferris, originally from Canada, went to a courthouse in Juneau, Alaska, and received Certificate of Naturalization No.1 under the 1906 law. He thrived in his new country. On his citizenship application, he reported being a hotel clerk, but by 1920, he was listed as the owner of the Steadman Hotel, which he operated for several decades.

Just as nations can accept people from another country, granting them the status of full citizenship, God takes those who once were not part of His family, and gives them a new identity. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Those who want to become American citizens must say, “I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen...I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.” We become children of God when we place our trust in Christ. And at that moment, we become citizens of His kingdom. As such, all of our allegiance and obedience should be directed to Him.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.

Isaiah 26:3-5

We often view peace as being the absence of any turmoil or trouble, but more often peace is produced in our life in difficult and trying times. It is not hard to trust God when we see what He is doing, but it can be very hard to trust Him when we do not understand how He is working. There will be times when we don't see any way things could possibly come together for good, and it is those moments that our faith is tested and proven to be genuine. There are some things in our lives that we may never understand until we reach Heaven and see then how God's plan was for our best. But even in the most trying circumstances, we can trust Him, for He is always good. “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him” (2 Samuel 22:31).

J. C. Ryle wrote, “It is good to understand that Christ’s service never did secure a man from all the ills that flesh is heir to, and never will. If you are a believer, you must reckon on having your share of sickness and pain, of sorrow and tears, of losses and crosses, of deaths and bereavements, of partings and separations, of vexations and disappointments, so long as you are in the body. Christ never undertakes that you shall get to Heaven without these. He has undertaken that all who come to Him shall have all things pertaining to life and godliness; but He has never undertaken that He will make them prosperous, or rich, or healthy, and that death and sorrow shall never come to their family.” 

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

James 1:12-15
 

Balthasar Hubmaier was a noted Catholic educator and preacher, but as the Reformation swept across Europe, he was forced to confront the difference between what he had been taught to believe and what the Word of God actually said. Like many of the Reformers, his study of Scripture led him to break from the Catholic Church. But Hubmaier, also due to his study of Scripture, went a step further and rejected the practice of infant baptism. He wrote two books called The Christian Baptism of Believers and Old and New Teachers on Believer's Baptism. These books lay out what the Bible teaches about personal faith being a prerequisite for baptism. His powerful preaching and writing brought enemies both among the Catholics and the Reformers, and Hubmaier was repeatedly imprisoned and tortured. Eventually he would be burned at the stake in Vienna in 1528 because he refused to recant the truth.

The things that are true and taught in Scripture are true regardless of whether they are popular or accepted by the majority of people. Often those who insist that the Bible means what it says and that we should do what it says find themselves facing criticism and attacks. Sometimes the opposition we face can even come from other Christians. Regardless of how much opposition we face or where it comes from, we must stand firm for the truth. Those who are faithful and reject the temptation to water down their beliefs or even abandon them in the face of pressure will find that God approves of their lives no matter who else does. And He will reward those who are faithful servants.