In his book Man of Honor, Ray Pritchard shared the story of his stroll in a cemetery where he discovered a man’s grave marker with a wordy tribute. But then he describes an eye-catching epitaph on the gravestone of the man’s son: “A man of unquestioned integrity.” As Pritchard wrote: “Five words to sum up an entire life. Sixty-plus years distilled into five words. But, oh what truth they tell.”
In Psalm 15:2, the concept of integrity is captured in the word blameless: “Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts” (nlt). This verse answers the question, “Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?” (v. 1 nlt). The question (v. 1) and answer (v. 2) combination refers to communion with God. The rest of the psalm summarizes—in positive and negative terms—what a God-honoring life looks like.
When we have intimate communion with God, it’s displayed in a life of integrity, particularly in how we treat others as the Spirit helps us (see Matthew 22:34-40; 1 John 3:16-18). It’s the posture of life that we assume when we believe in and follow Jesus—the one who lived in perfect communion with His Father.
Anita Bailey’s heart was warmed when she got this social media message about her son Jalen: “I was a greeter today at [church] and a young man with a child in his arms came up to me and put his arms around me. . . . I stared for a second, then I recognized him and said, ‘Jalen’! We embraced and chatted briefly. What a fine young man!” The greeter had known Jalen in his rebellious days when Anita and her husband, Ed, felt powerless to save their son from the consequences of his unwise choices, which resulted in twelve years in prison for him.
Though the Baileys felt powerless, they were not prayerless. And neither was King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. When harassed by a menacing coalition of enemy forces, he called a prayer meeting (vv. 1-4). “Our God, will you not judge them?” he prayed. “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (v. 12).
Have you ever felt powerless or clueless in the face of circumstances that were out of your control? Why not call a prayer meeting—either alone or with others? That’s what Jesus did in the face of His coming crucifixion (Luke 22:39-44). Prayer space is the sacred place where the petitions of powerless people are offered to our almighty God in the name of Jesus.
In his book From the Pit to the Pulpit, John Stroup shares about powerful, unfriendly forces of life that battered and bruised him physically, sexually, and emotionally. He notes, “I started using drugs before I could drive a car. . . . I quit school and began to get farther and farther into the criminal lifestyle.” Eventually, John’s crimes landed him behind bars. While serving a five-year sentence, the Bible became real to him, and he was humbled before God. By God’s grace, he was liberated from habits that were previously stronger than he was.
Ancient Israel’s experience often included oppression and sometimes captivity “from the hand of those stronger” than them (Jeremiah 31:11). Even when their predicaments were because of their own folly, God Himself exercised His mercy and might on behalf of His wayward people. Renewal—including joyful singing, abundant harvests, and celebration (vv. 12-14)—was to be expected when God exercised His superior strength for their good.
John Stroup’s life is a testimony to God’s might on behalf of those who place their faith in God’s Son, Jesus. The Gospels witness to Christ’s power to counter the ugly forces of evil in human life. And the strength and power of Jesus can be accessed today through sincere, faith-filled prayer, and heartfelt surrender for all who call on Him (see Acts 2:21).
As a child of the 1950s and 60s, I grew up in the era when “America’s pastime” was baseball. I couldn’t wait to go to the park and play ball, and one of my greatest thrills was when I received my baseball jersey emblazoned with our team’s name—GIANTS! Though the number 9 on the back distinguished me from the others, the common uniform identified us as being on the same team.
In Matthew 5:3-10, known as the Beatitudes, Jesus identified those who belong to the kingdom of heaven as those who “wear the jersey” of Christlikeness. The kingdom of heaven is comprised of those who assume the posture and character of their king. According to Jesus, “blessed” persons aren’t characterized by external appearance, health, or possessions. Rather, it’s the inside or heart, of a person that counts. “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (v. 3)—the humble—those who are spiritually needy and know it. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (v. 6)—those whose soul’s yearning is to please and honor God. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (v. 9)—those who join Jesus in the pursuit of harmony. As the Spirit helps us, we can put on the garment of Christlikeness, which identifies us as believers in Jesus and members of His team. As such, we’re blessed indeed!
Jesus, how are You praying for me? I’d never thought to ask that question until my friend Lou shared the experience of his heart-cry to Christ when he was faced with a situation that required more wisdom and strength than he was able to muster. Hearing him voice that noteworthy question in prayer has helped me add a fresh dimension to my understanding and practice of prayer.
In Luke 22, there was no mystery as to how Jesus was praying for Simon Peter: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail” (vv. 31-32). When Peter was battered through trial, his faith flickered. But because of Christ’s grace, it didn’t fail.
The book of Acts tells us how Jesus’ prayers for Peter—His eager but weak disciple—were answered. God used him to preach the good news about Christ to Jews and gentiles alike. And Jesus’ prayer ministry hasn’t ended. Paul reminds us that “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34). When you find yourself in the throes of trial or temptation, remember that Jesus, who prayed for His disciples (see John 17:13-20) remains in prayer for those who have believed their message about Him.
In his 2024 address to 1,200 university graduates, billionaire businessman Robert Hale, Jr. said: “These trying times have heightened the need for sharing, caring and giving. [My wife and I] want to give you two gifts: the first is our gift to you, the second is the gift of giving.” His words were followed by the distribution of two envelopes each to the unexpectant graduates—five hundred dollars to keep and five hundred to give away to a person in need.
Though Robert Hale’s wealth has allowed him to share like this on more than one occasion, generosity isn’t reserved for those with great means. Believers in Jesus in ancient Macedonia gave out of their poverty so the needs of believers in Jerusalem could be met. Paul said of the Macedonians, “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2). He commends them because “they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people” (vv. 3-4).
Those who recognize that they’ve been given much grace from God through Jesus can respond with generous hands to the needs of others. With God’s help, let’s give after the example of the One who said, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
“Wow!” was the response of our team members who toured a retreat center—purchased at great cost by a person with a vision for the refreshment and encouragement of people serving in ministry. We were amazed by double-decker, queen-sized bunks and bedroom suites with king-sized beds. The exquisitely equipped kitchen and dining area also generated wide-eyed delight. And, just when you thought that you’d seen it all, there were more surprises—including a full-sized, indoor basketball court. Every “wow” was warranted.
The Queen of Sheba had a similar “wow” response when she visited King Solomon in ancient Jerusalem. “When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built . . . she was overwhelmed” (1 Kings 10:4-5). Centuries later, another royal son of David—Jesus—appeared, and He amazed people in other ways. Everywhere He went, people recognized the wonder of His wisdom and works (Luke 4:36), and He urged them to see that “someone greater than Solomon” had stepped onto the scene (v. 31
The venue and accommodations for our leadership meeting in downtown Chicago were in stark contrast with the neediness I encountered on my way there—neediness that included individuals who lacked the basics of food and shelter. The differences helped me picture and articulate things we needed to include in our vision planning for serving in the city and elsewhere: to get gospel resources (anything given by God to help spread the message of His love and salvation) to places where they’re needed most.
At the time Paul wrote to the Roman believers in Jesus, he hadn’t visited them yet—but wanted to: “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:11). The apostle was looking forward to a “gift exchange” that would benefit him and others as they sought to live for Jesus and serve others. The resources we possess include the spiritual gifts and material resources given to us by God. May we allow Him to use us to compassionately reach out to people with the gospel message. And, as God empowers us, let’s open our hearts, hands, and lips to serve others. May we do so “[un]ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (v. 16).
When Jackie Robinson, the first black player in modern-day Major League Baseball, played at Shibe Park in Philadelphia on May 9, 1947, ten-year-old Doris was in the upper-deck stands with her father. When an elderly black man made his way down the aisle to a seat next to them, her father led the way in getting acquainted. Doris said their conversation about scorekeeping made her feel “grown up.” She later reflected, “I’ve never forgotten that man and his smiling face.” The delightful interaction between Doris, a young white girl, and the kind, elderly man, who was the son of slaves, was a bright spot that day.
This was in stark contrast, however, to the hateful conduct Robinson had experienced at another game that season. He recounted that “in terms of race, they yelled everything at me; it was quite vicious.”
Vicious conduct isn’t limited to sports fields. Homes, neighborhoods, workspaces, and even our churches can be places where ugliness wins. Those who believe in the God who displayed kindness through His Son (see Titus 3:4), however, are called to do the same. Peter writes: “Be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult” (1 Peter 3:8-9). Kindness triumphs when those who’ve received it from God share it generously with others as the Spirit helps them.
