Rewards for Being Different

For the past few days, we have observed the promises Jesus made in “The Beatitudes.” We are only halfway through the list, but it’s a good place to stop and summarize what we have seen in this inspired portrait thus far. Jesus is describing how to be different, how to be His unique servant in a hostile, wicked world. He honors particular character traits and offers special rewards for each.

The Light of the World

Does it seem important to you that Christ calls us what He called Himself? “I am the Light of the world” (John 8:12). “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Servants of Christ shine with His light in a society that is hopelessly lost, left to itself. Now, answer two questions . . .

The Salt of the Earth, Part 2

Think about these three practical, positive aspects of salt. First, salt is shaken and sprinkled . . . not poured. It must be spread out. Too much salt ruins food. A good reminder for Christians to spread out rather than stay huddled all together. Second, salt adds flavor . . .

The Salt of the Earth, Part 1

There is an odor that accompanies decay that’s like nothing else. Down in Houston where I was raised, we were only fifty miles from the seaport city of Galveston. Delicious, fresh seafood was available in numerous restaurants in that area—and still is. But there were other ways we used to use seafood, especially shrimp.

A Critical Appraisal of Our Times

Need a picture of just how hopeless and empty society really is? Just glance over 2 Timothy 3. Within the first thirteen verses, I find three undeniable descriptions of our world: difficult, depraved, and deceived.

The Keeper of the Spring

The old gentle man had been hired many years earlier by a young town council to clear away the debris from the pools of water that fed the lovely spring flowing through their town. With faithful, silent regularity he patrolled the hills, removed the leaves and branches, and wiped away the silt from the fresh flow of water.

The Influence of a Servant

Ours is a tough, rugged, wicked world. Aggression, rebellion, violence, cutthroat competition, and retaliation abound. Not just internationally but personally. What is true in the secret council chambers of nations is also true behind closed doors of homes. We are stubborn, warring people.

Jesus’ Portrait of a Servant

Shortly before her death in February 1971, my mother did an oil painting for me. It has become a silent “friend” of mine, a mute yet eloquent expression of my calling. It is a picture of a shepherd with his sheep. The man is standing all alone with his crook in his hand, facing the hillside with sheep here and there. You cannot see the shepherd’s face, but the little woolies surrounding him have personalities all their own.

Spurgeon’s Channel of Encouragement

Charles Haddon Spurgeon remains one of the most colorful and gifted preachers in the history of the church. Any man who loves to preach and desires to cultivate the art and skill of communication must study Spurgeon. Before the man was 30 years old, he was the most popular preacher in England. The new Metropolitan Tabernacle was filled to overflowing every Lord’s Day as people came miles by horse and buggy to hear the gifted man handle the Word of God.

Persecution and Blessing?

Do you usually associate persecution with blessing? Jesus did. “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness” (Matthew 5:10). I don’t know how this strikes you, but it seems misplaced at first glance. Especially on the heels of what we have learned about being “peacemakers.” But it is not misplaced.