For This I Have Jesus
In an evangelistic meeting in Ireland, the speaker was explaining what it means to abide in Christ and to trust Him completely in every trial. Concluding his message, he repeated several times, “It means that in every circumstance you can keep on saying, ‘For this I have Jesus.’ ”
Who Crucified Jesus?
When looking at Rembrandt’s painting of The Three Crosses, your attention is drawn first to the cross on which Jesus died. Then as you look at the crowd gathered around the foot of that cross, you are impressed by the various facial expressions and actions of the people involved in the awful crime of crucifying the Son of God. Finally, your eyes drift to the edge of the painting to catch sight of another figure, almost hidden in the shadows. Some art critics say this is a representation of Rembrandt himself, for he recognized that by his sins he helped nail Jesus to the cross.
The Lamb Is My Shepherd
The writers of the Old and New Testaments used many different metaphors for the Lord Jesus Christ. These word pictures vividly describe the marvelous aspects of Jesus' life and ministry.
Influence Of Godly Moms
Many people have been richly blessed by what they learned at their mother’s knee. Consider John and Charles Wesley. Their names would probably never have lighted the pages of history if it hadn’t been for their godly mother who taught them that the law of love and Christian witness was to be their daily guide.
The Giving Kind
At one end of the truck terminal where H. H. Lee worked years ago was a coal company. Nearby was a railroad, and each day several freight trains passed by. Lee often noticed that the owner of the company, who was a Christian, threw chunks of coal over the fence at various places along the track. One day he asked the man why he did this.
Lifted From The Depths
The story is told in an old book of sermon illustrations of a submarine that lay disabled on the ocean floor. Several days passed and the crew lost hope of being rescued. The prospect was especially dim because they had not been able to communicate their exact position to ships on the surface. The commanding officer explained to the men that they didn’t have much longer to live, and he suggested that they sing a hymn. So together, they sang these words: “The darkness deepens—Lord, with me abide.”
Soiled-Rag Masterpiece
An artist was once falsely accused of a crime and thrown into prison. Although allowed to take his brushes and paints with him, he had no way of obtaining a canvas.
Wounded For Me
A man who was deeply troubled by his sins was having a vivid dream in which he saw Jesus being savagely whipped by a soldier. As the cruel scourge came down upon Christ’s back, the onlooker shuddered, for the terrible cords left ugly, gaping wounds upon His bleeding, swollen body. When the one wielding the lash raised his arm to strike the Lord again, the man rushed forward to stop him. As he did, the soldier turned, and the dreamer was startled to see his own face!
A Loan To The Lord
A father gave his little boy 50 cents and told him he could use it any way he wanted. Later when Dad asked about it, the boy told him that he had lent it to someone.
The One Who Could Not Be Hidden
Attar of Roses, a fragrant oil, is one of the most valuable products of Bulgaria and is heavily taxed for export. A tourist, unwilling to pay the duty, sought to evade customs by concealing two vials of the precious fluid in his suitcase. Apparently a little of the perfume had spilled in his suitcase. By the time he reached the train station, the aroma was emanating from the luggage, declaring the presence of the hidden treasure. The authorities immediately knew what the man had done and confiscated the costly souvenirs.
The Teacher's Legacy
Pastor Paul Walker shared this story of his salvation experience: "During my lifetime I was instructed by many different Sunday school teachers, but only one stands out in my memory. He was a big, red-faced ex-Marine, who probably broke every rule and technique of good teaching. The thing I remember best about him is how much he loved us. . . .
Christ's Unfinished Work
We often hear of the salvation Christ provided at Calvary when He died for our sins. But little is said of His continuing ministry of prayer for our spiritual growth. Just as Jesus prayed for Peter in a time of severe temptation (Luke 22:31-32), so also He intercedes before the Father's throne on our behalf. This vital work of the Savior will go on as long as we are in need of His help, comfort, and blessing.
God Will Move The Stone
The women who sought to anoint the dead body of Jesus are to be commended for their tender love and regard for the Savior. Yet, as they came near the place of burial, the practical difficulty of moving the heavy stone that sealed His tomb brought them unnecessary anxiety. Their fears were groundless; it had already been moved.
Give Him Your Burden
A poor man in Ireland was plodding along toward home, carrying a huge bag of potatoes. A horse and wagon finally drew up alongside him on the road, and the driver invited the man to climb aboard. After getting on the wagon, he sat down but continued to hold the heavy bag.
Leave It Buried
A 10-year-old boy wanted to be a pastor when he grew up. One day, when the family's black cat died, he had an opportunity to do some "practice preaching" by conducting a funeral.
Bearing His Cross
In the eyes of most people in the crowd, Jesus was a common criminal going to the place of execution. So to help Him bear His cross was both degrading and humiliating.
A Praying Father
A minister concluded his sermon one Sunday by saying, "If there's someone here who wants help in getting to know God, and you would like me to pray for you, please raise your hand." A young man stood up and said, "Please pray for me, sir. The burden of my sin is too heavy to bear."
Brief As A Flower
Years ago, a young boy wandered from case to case in a candy store, trying to decide what to buy. His mother, tired of waiting, called, "Hurry up and spend your money! We must be going." To this he replied, "But Mom, I only have one penny, so I've got to spend it carefully."
Resurrection Reality
The disciples and early followers of our Lord asserted with a zeal born of heartfelt conviction that Jesus of Nazareth was a living Savior, not a martyred teacher and philosopher. They held this truth so dear that they were willing to suffer torture and death rather than renounce it.
Three Crosses
There were three crosses on Calvary's hill. On one was a man dying in sin—he did not accept Jesus. On another was a man dying to sin—he trusted Jesus as Savior and Lord (Luke 23:40-43). And on the middle cross was One dying for sin. He could die for others because He was God's Son and had no sin of His own. The center cross made all the difference for those two men hanging beside Jesus—the difference between an eternal hell and an eternal heaven.
In His Strength
In his famous painting titled A Helping Hand, Emile Renouf depicted an old fisherman seated in a boat, with a young girl beside him. Both the elderly gentleman and the child have their hands on a huge oar. The fisherman is looking down fondly and admiringly at the girl.
Exaggeration
A woman said to a preacher, "I have a habit that I know is hurting my testimony—the habit of exaggeration. I start to tell something and I go on and on enlarging the story. People suspect that it's not true, and they lose confidence in me. I'm trying to get over it. Could you help me?"
Something Far Better
A man who lived far out in the country bought his clothing from a mail-order catalog. At the bottom of the printed order form he noticed this statement: "If we do not have the article you ordered in stock, may we substitute?"
One Day At A Time
A frail, elderly woman fell and broke her hip. The doctor set the bones as best he could, but he knew that she would have a long and uncomfortable recovery.
Little Acts Of Love
When I was a young boy, I knew that my father was extremely fond of black walnuts. We didn't often get them, so the day I found one on the ground I was delighted! My first thought was to have my mother crack it so I could eat it myself, but then my love for my father took over. I saved it for him.
Lift Up Your Eyes
A woman whose work demanded constant reading began to have difficulty with her eyes, so she consulted a physician. After an examination he said, "Your eyes are just tired; you need to rest them."
To Be Sure
Evangelist Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899) said, "I believe hundreds of Christians are being deceived by Satan now on this point: They don't have the assurance of salvation just because they are not willing to take God at His Word!"
The Greatest
Someone sent me an excellent outline of John 3:16, a verse that is often referred to as "God's miniature Bible." Here it is:
Tantalized Sinners
In Greek mythology, King Tantalus offended the gods and was punished in the underworld. He was placed in a lake in water up to his chin, but whenever he attempted to satisfy his burning thirst the water receded. Over his head were branches laden with choice fruit, but when he tried to satisfy his hunger they eluded his grasping hands.
Singing Liars
There are many ways of telling a lie. Some people who pride themselves on never speaking a falsehood would be amazed if they would begin to recount the number of lies they sing each Sunday in church.
Don't Kill Time!
Author and lecturer John Erskine (1879-1951) declared that he learned the most valuable lesson of his life when he was 14 years old. His piano teacher asked him how much he practiced. He replied that he usually sat at the instrument for an hour or more at a time.
Light Beyond The Valley
Death comes eventually to us all. Yet, for the Christian, the dark door of death is to be viewed as only a shadow. As frightening as death may appear, on the other side is the bright and shining gate that leads to life—eternity with Jesus!
Ripples On The Pond
A young boy made a toy boat and then went to sail it on a pond. While he was playing with it along the water's edge, the boat floated out beyond his reach. In his distress he asked an older boy to help him. Without saying a word, the older child picked up some stones and started to throw them toward the boat.
The Cross
Centuries before Jesus was born, the cross had been used as an instrument of torture and death. In 519 bc, for example, King Darius I of Persia crucified 3,000 political enemies in Babylon. This method of execution was later adopted by the Romans for noncitizens and slaves.
Talking Or Doing?
A talented young Christian artist painted a picture of a forlorn woman and child out in a storm. His portrayal moved his heart so deeply that he laid down his palette and brush, declaring, "I must go to the lost, instead of painting them."
He Cares For His Own
A young girl traveling on a train for the first time heard that it would have to cross several rivers. She was troubled and fearful as she thought of the water. But each time the train came near to a river, a bridge was always there to provide a safe way across.
Greatest Is He Who Serves
A noncommissioned officer was directing the repairs of a military building during the American Revolution. He was barking orders to the soldiers under his command, trying to get them to raise a heavy wooden beam.
Peace In The Storm
During a terrible storm on the ocean, a small passenger ship rolled precariously in the roaring tempest. The furniture and anything else that could move was tied down, and the passengers were confined to their bunks for their own safety. Many on board thought the vessel was doomed.
Pleasure Versus Joy
The world offers "passing pleasures" (Hebrews 11:25), but the Lord Jesus offers to give us full and lasting joy (John 15:11). Pleasure is dependent on circumstances, but joy is inward and is not disturbed by one's environment.
How To See His Face
Danish sculptor Bertel Thorwaldsen was commissioned to make a statue of Christ. He first took some very pliable clay and made a model. Then he left his studio, giving the new-formed clay time to dry and harden. During the night, however, a dense mist rolled in from the sea and the moisture altered the molded figure.
Sleeping In Safety
Someone has said, "The rest of your life depends on the rest of your nights." Many people, though, feel like the little boy who was having trouble falling asleep. He told his mother, "My body is lying down, but my mind keeps sitting up!"
Do What You Can
As Mary of Bethany gave her best to Jesus (Mk. 14:1-9), so each of us must give in our own way the best we have to the Lord. Our efforts may not seem significant, but God can use them for His glory.
The Old Wells
Many years ago a magazine published a story about a man who visited a small town on Cape Cod. He bought an old homestead that had fallen into disrepair and planned to improve the property by digging a new well. An elderly farmer, however, who had known the place in its original glory, said, "Why don't you open up the old well? There used to be plenty of good sweet water in it."
We Will See Him
Death ushers the believer into the presence of the Savior (2 Cor. 5:8). Yet many dread that step from earth to heaven because God has told us so little of what will happen.
Wounded For Me
When you study the painting of the crucifixion by the famous Dutch artist Rembrandt, your attention is first drawn to the cross and to Jesus. Then, as you look at the crowd around the cross, you are drawn to the faces of the people involved in the awful crime of crucifying the Son of God. Finally, your eyes drift to the edge of the picture and catch sight of another figure—almost hidden in the shadows. This, we are told, was a self-portrait of Rembrandt, for he recognized that by his sins he helped nail Jesus there!
He Cannot Save Himself
A minister rented a room at the home of a farmer who was not a Christian. The pastor waited for an appropriate time to talk to him about Jesus. Finally, early one morning the opportunity came when the farmer asked him to accompany him to the chicken house. There, on one of the nests, sat a hen with a brood of little ones peeking out from under her wings. "Touch her, Pastor," the farmer said. As the minister put his hand on the hen, he found that she was cold and dead.
Triumph Over The Grave
Death may steal from us the ones we love, but for followers of Christ the separation is only temporary. The resurrection of Jesus assures us that just as death could not hold Him, so too the tomb cannot cling to the children, parents, friends, and companions who have died before us. Christ's resurrection is the foundation of our hope.
The Wondrous Cross
Mahatma Ghandi asked some missionaries who visited him during one of his numerous fasts to sing a hymn for him. "Which hymn?" they asked. "The one that expresses all that is deepest in your faith," he replied. They thought for a moment and then with full hearts sang these words written by Isaac Watts:
No Complaints
I am sure we would all be surprised if we could hear a recording of our conversations for a single day. We would be amazed at how much we grumble and complain.
What It Means To Believe
A missionary in Africa experienced great difficulty in trying to translate the Gospel of John into the local dialect. He faced the problem of finding a word for believe. He continued to do his best, but he always had to leave a blank space when he came to that particular word.
The Power Of Prayer
While crossing the Atlantic on a ship many years ago, Bible teacher and author F. B. Meyer was asked to speak to the passengers. An agnostic listened to Meyer's message about answered prayer and told a friend, "I didn't believe a word of it."
Higher Ground
A pilot was flying over the Arabian Desert and landed at an oasis to refuel his plane. After taking to the air again, he was soon over a mountainous area when he heard a scratching noise behind him. It sounded as if some animal had gotten into the fuselage of the plane. He became quite alarmed, for he knew if an animal gnawed away at the electrical wiring it could cause a serious malfunction. But there was no place to land in that rugged territory.
The Power Of A Few
God often accomplishes great and powerful things through a few weak people. In that way He is glorified and we are humbled. The victories won can only be credited to His power and guidance.
Feeling Or Faith?
Many people seem to think that it's wrong to say we know we are bound for heaven. But the Bible tells us we can be sure.
Giving Your Life
A woman rushed up to violinist Fritz Kreisler after a concert and gushed, "Oh, I would give my life to play as you do!" He answered soberly, "That's exactly what I did."
Living Peaceably
A man who had been having problems with an unreasonable neighbor finally had to defend himself legally against unwarranted and dishonest actions. He commented, "I have tried to follow Romans 12:18, but in a case like this I thank the Lord for the 'escape clause' He put in this text. It does not say that we have to live peaceably with all men under every circumstance —for even the Lord recognizes that with some people this is not possible."
Wonderful!
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds cried out, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" (Mt. 21:9). Later that same week, however, a mob called for His crucifixion (27:22). Few people recognized Him as the one Isaiah described as Wonderful (Isa. 9:6).
Does Your Roof Leak?
In a book written in 1696, I found these statements: "Sharp afflictions are to the soul as a soaking rain to the house. We know not there are such holes in the roof till the shower comes, and then we see it drop down here and there. Perhaps we did not know that there were such unmortified cuts in our soul till the storms of affliction came, then we found unbelief, impatience, and fear dropping down in many places."
No Interest?
At the close of a meeting where the topic was world evangelism, a young woman turned to an older believer and admitted, "I just can't get interested in missions!" "Well, dear," said the elderly woman, "it's just like getting interest in a bank. You have to put in a little something first or you'll never have any! The more you put in, the more you'll get out of it. Try it."
Spiritual Trees
Godly men and women are compared in Scripture to sturdy, healthy trees, planted by the rivers of water, laden with fruit, and full of leaves (Ps. 1:3; 104:16). In order for us to be fruitful trees, we must:
Good Gossip
Acts 8:4 has been paraphrased as follows: "Those who were scattered abroad went everywhere gossiping the Word." It is interesting to note that the first meaning of the word gossip was to "chat" or "rehearse." The early Christians, when scattered by persecution, could not help but repeat the glorious message of the gospel to everyone they met.
What Do You Think?
How would you like to have your every thought for the past 6 months flashed on a screen for all your acquaintances, neighbors, and church friends to see? You would probably want to leave town! It is sobering to realize that even though we can hide our thoughts from others, God knows what we're thinking (Ps. 94:11).
Three Keys To Peace
When W. B. Davidson was a young boy, he walked with his father 3 miles from his rural home to his grandmother's house. While they were visiting, the sun set. Davidson writes, "Between our home and grandmother's house was a swamp. That night the croaking of the frogs, the chirping of the crickets, and the shadows of the trees frightened me. I asked my father if there was any danger of something catching us, but he assured me that there was nothing to dread. And so, taking me by the hand, he said, 'I will not allow anything to harm you.' Immediately my fears passed away and I was ready to face the world."
Do You See Giants?
The 12 spies who were sent out by Moses scouted the land of Canaan for 40 days. When they returned, all but Joshua and Caleb gave this pessimistic report: "We were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight" (Num. 13:33).
'I Belong There!'
A missionary was speaking to a remote tribe of people who had never heard about the life and ministry of Jesus. Seated in the front row, listening intently to all the missionary had to say, was the chief of the tribe.
Carried By God
Henry Moorhouse, the 19th-century English evangelist, was feeling loaded down with the burdens of his ministry. Then the Lord gave him a tender reminder of His care.
June Freeze
An infant requires at least four things: food, fresh air, exercise, and the help of others. This is also true in the spiritual realm. We need food (Bible study), fresh air (praying), exercise (service and witnessing), and help from others (fellowship in a good church). A follower of Christ who neglects any of these four practices cannot expect to be well-rounded and growing in his spiritual life.
Midnight Melodies
For most of his adult life, German composer Ludwig van Beethoven lived in fear of deafness. You can imagine how he felt when his fear became a reality. His hearing gradually faded to the point where he could communicate only by means of writing.
The Blessing Of Burdens
There's a story about an old grandfather clock that had stood for three generations in the same corner of a room, faithfully ticking off the minutes and hours, day after day. In the clock was a heavy weight that was pulled to the top each night to keep it running.
For Profit
We live in a materialistic age. Gadgets and luxuries with their glitter and glamour entice even Christians to spend too much energy and money to obtain them. That's why it's important to keep spiritual values foremost in our minds.
Bread And Butter
A small-town baker bought his butter from a local farmer. One day he weighed the butter and concluded that the farmer had been reducing the amount in the packages but charging the same. So the baker accused the farmer of fraud.
Newspaper Honesty
As a schoolboy, I worked with my father during the summer months. Each morning we stopped to pick up the early edition of the newspaper at a small grocery store.
Christ Is Risen!
Most major religions of the world adore some great but dead leader or philosopher. Christianity alone declares its faith in a living, resurrected Savior.
No Greater Love
A little girl was critically injured in an accident and taken to a hospital. She had lost a great deal of blood and needed a transfusion, but her blood type was rare.
The Reward Of Trials
There are certain lessons of grace that can be learned only in the valley of pain and distress. Show me a Christian who has suffered much and deepened his dependence on God, and I will show you a sensitive soul full of compassion for others, and with a deep love for his Savior.
Impossible Answers
During World War II, a bomber pilot was flying on a mission when his plane was hit by antiaircraft fire, causing it to spin out of control toward the ocean below. He later said, "I began to pray, but that was the last I knew until I came to in the water. I was in bad shape. My leg was gone below the knee and I knew that I would bleed to death in a few minutes. Then something nudged me. It was a piece of plywood with the plane's first-aid kit on it. I got the tourniquet out of it, and my co-pilot helped me to get the thing on and stop the bleeding. Another plane came along and dropped a life raft, and 4 hours later we were picked up by a rescue boat. If you don't call that a miracle, I would like to know what is. God answered my prayer."
God's Precious Gift
It has been said that one of the Roman emperors gave an expensive present to a friend. But when the ruler offered the gift, the friend said, "This is too much for me to receive." The emperor replied, "But it is not too much for me to give."
God Is Love
A farmer placed a weather vane inscribed with the words "God is love" on top of his barn. One day a traveler stopped by the farm and watched the weather vane moving with the breeze. Then, with a smirk on his face, he asked, "Do you mean to say that your God is as changeable as the wind?"
Like The Master
A young boy knocked at the studio door of an Italian artist who had died. When it was opened, he explained, "Please, madam, will you give me the master's brush?"
God's Darkroom
In the development of photographs, the film must first be taken into a darkroom. Only after the chemicals have done their work in the dark is it safe to expose the negatives to light and produce the final prints. The light, which would have destroyed the film, now brings out its beauty.
Holy Blue
In the forests of northern Europe and Asia lives a little animal called the ermine, known for his snow-white fur in winter. He instinctively protects his white coat against anything that would soil it.
Accepted
As the gospel was being presented to a woman, she explained she had tried her best to please God. Then she added, "But I'm afraid God will never accept me."
Are You Ready?
A teacher told his class that he would be going away for several weeks, and he offered to give a prize to the student whose desk he found in the best order when he came back. But he didn't tell them what day he would return.
Rainbows
Do you like to look at rainbows? When you see a rainbow, have you ever thought that God is looking at it too?
Alone With God
A committee was assigned to tour a factory to judge its efficiency. These people were shown the various departments where many large machines were making a great deal of noise. Then they were led to a much smaller and quieter room containing nothing but control panels.
Making Faces At A Bulldog
I read a humorous story about a little girl who was making angry faces at a bulldog. Her mother noticed and asked her to stop. The girl said, "But Mom, he started it!"
Favorite Verses
When an elderly minister was asked to give his favorite Bible verse, he replied, "Half a dozen come to mind. On stormy days I want a cloak. On cold days I want the sunny side of the wall. On hot days I want a shady path. I may want a shower of manna or a cool drink of living water. I may want a sword. In fact, I might as well try to decide which of my eyes is my favorite. 'All Scripture . . . is profitable'" (2 Tim. 3:16).
Moldy Bread
Joshua had just won two astounding victories, destroying both Jericho and Ai through the power of the Lord. The Gibeonites knew they would be next, so in fear they resorted to trickery to save their lives. They put on old clothes, took moldy bread with them, and made their way to the camp of Israel.
Strange Guidance
Are you troubled because the goals you want to reach always seem to elude you? Do you sometimes wonder how the path you are walking can be God's way, when you seem to be going only in circles and one obstacle after another blocks your progress? If you have placed your life in God's hands, trust Him completely.
Mother's Influence
It is my conviction that many a mother will occupy a higher position in God's kingdom than many prominent Christian leaders whom we might expect to find in places of greater honor.
One Window
Windows have two primary functions: one is to let people look out, the other is to let the light shine in.
Unclouded Truth
The book of Jude contains one of the most vivid and interesting descriptions of apostate teachers. These people who heap up for themselves the severe and certain judgment of God (v.4) are likened to "clouds without water" (v.12).
Radiant Christians
Psalm 34 breathes with the spirit of exuberant confidence and faith in God. The Lord, said David, delivers us from all our fears (v.4). Not only that, but those who look up to Him with a heaven-born confidence reflect the light of His countenance so that they become radiant (v.5). The inner joy bubbles over and reveals itself in their eyes and face.
Proper Perspective
Many a Christian has almost lost his spiritual footing by getting his eyes focused on other people instead of fixing them on the Lord Jesus. All human idols have feet of clay, and sooner or later they may fall and seriously disappoint us.
Mirror Of The Heart
Have you ever looked into a mirror of curved glass that was designed to distort the image it reflects? Perhaps you are short and stocky, but in the glass you look tall and lean.
Above The Circumstances
I remember a story about a woman who was very discouraged because of the many problems in her life. As she was walking down the street, she met a fellow believer who asked, "How are you doing today?"
The Face Of Christ
Our face reflects our personality, and therefore it is the most expressive, the most cherished part of our being!
The Core Of Thankfulness
To have all earthly gifts, pleasures, and benefits without also knowing the heavenly Giver is a tragedy of eternal proportions! The Word of God clearly teaches that if we do not respond to God's gracious gifts by acknowledging the heavenly Benefactor, our ungratefulness will only ensure our final doom and misery (Rom. 2:4-10).
