In Matthew 14 we have an inspired account of John the Baptizer confronting Herod concerning his adulterous relationship with “his brother Philip’s wife” (Mt. 14:3). In Matt. 14:4, the Scripture says, “For John said unto him [Herod], It is not lawful for thee to have her.” The word “said” (elegen – elegen) is in the imperfect tense in the Greek and implies a repeated rebuke. Thus, John repeatedly condemned this powerful man for his sin. As a result of this he was thrown into prison (Mt. 14:3) and later Herod “beheaded John in prison” (Mt. 14:10). John was willing to stand for truth and condemn sin even if it cost him his life - and it did! John would not allow himself to be intimidated — he stood his ground for truth regardless of the cost!

Elijah’s life was sought endlessly by Jezebel for his condemnation of her evil practices (1 Kings 19:2). Micaiah was thrown in prison and given only bread and water for standing for truth (1 Kings 22:27). Hanani was thrown into prison because of his condemnation of king Asa (2 Chr. 16:10). Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, was stoned for pointing out to Israel their sin (Chr. 24:20-21). Jeremiah was put in stocks for preaching against Israel’s sins (Jer. 20:2). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were cast into a fiery furnace because they would not compromise (Dan. 3:22-23). Daniel was thrown in a lion’s den for his reverence to God (Dan. 6:16). Peter and other of the apostles were thrown into prison for preaching truth (Acts 5:18). Stephen was murdered for condemning sin publicly (Acts 7:58-60). James, the brother of John, was killed with the sword for his willingness to oppose error (Acts 12:2). Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison for doing the work of the Lord (Acts 16:23). And most tragically, our Lord was crucified because of His stand for truth!

Christians, in this age as well, must be willing to oppose and condemn sin and error. We must “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). We must proclaim to the world that “they teach no other doctrine” than is found in the Bible (1 Tim. 1:3). Paul even called names in condemnation of sin (1 Tim. 1:19-20)! We must rebuke our brethren sharply when they sin that they may be sound in the faith (Titus 1:13). We must be willing to “turn the world upside down” in our stand for truth (Acts 17:6).

Have you “lost your head” for the cause of Christ? I speak, of course, metaphorically. Do we have the courage to speak the truth and oppose error like those brave men and women of the past? Today, I am afraid, the church has too many “sissy boys” who are afraid to stand up and fight for truth — being a good soldier of Christ. Paul says we are to “fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:12), that we are to be a “good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3), and that we are to “war a good warfare” (1 Tim. 1:18). Today, and as in the past, a good soldier fights for love of his country. In like manner, we fight for the cause of truth because we love the Lord!

We were never promised that being a Christian would be easy, and we were never told that it was right NOT to get involved for fear of persecution! The apostles “rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame” for the cause of Christ (Acts 5:41). What are we willing to endure today for the cause of Christ? I am afraid that many are not willing to suffer much at all for the Lord.

Would you be willing to suffer the loss of a friend for the cause of Christ? Would you be willing to suffer ridicule for the cause of Christ? Would you be willing to sacrifice some of your time for the cause of Christ? Will you be willing to be courageous and bold in your efforts for the Lord?

When we think of John the Baptizer and others who suffered so much for the cause of truth - we understand that our suffering can’t come close to comparing. Have you lost your head for the cause of Christ!? — Copied

A good, successful, well-balanced life is a lot like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Now, before you reject the great truth in this “deeply philosophical” statement and before you decide that I am suffering from premature senility, please read on.

There are, of course, two essential parts to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The first part is the peanut butter, and it is the nutritious and substantial part of the sandwich. The second part, the jelly, is not as nutritious and substantial, but it adds a delightful sweetness, a little pizzazz, to the sandwich.

Now, isn’t a good, successful, well-balanced life a lot like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? It takes both substance and spice to make a good life, and it takes them in the proper balance. Some people are like an all peanut butter sandwich. They have so much substance in their lives that they miss out on a lot of the fun. They are serious, serious, serious. They don’t socialize very much, laugh, or seem to enjoy life. They haven’t yet learned that “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

On the other hand, some people are like an all jelly sandwich. They are all fun and games, and they don’t have any real meaning to their lives. They fritter away the time and end up never really going anywhere or accomplishing anything. They haven’t yet learned that all play and no work leaves Jack unfulfilled and unproductive.

Our Lord had real meaning, real substance, real purpose to His life (John 4:34; 9:4), and yet He knew how to relax, attend a dinner party, be with people and have a good time (Luke 5:27-34; 7:31-34). He came, taught, lived, and died that we might have that same kind of happy, abundant life (John 10:10).

Balance is the “secret” to a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and it is also the “secret” to a good life!

Copied from The Messenger

If you woke up in the morning
And decided to take a walk,
Would you yield at the corner
Or just come to a sudden halt?

Would you look to the left and
then to the right
And know which way to go,
Or would you casually shrug
your shoulders
And just simply go with the flow?

I don’t think so!

Turn around and go change
your shoes
Into the ones without a hole,
Let’s take a stand today
To mend our torn up souls.

Let’s come together to make
a difference
And walk our “souls” to Christ,
It should be the easiest way
Knowing He paid the ultimate price.

So the next time we put on
our walking shoes
Let the soles be a reminder of
God’s Son,
And now that we know where
we are going
Let’s jump in them and run!

Written by Chris Marty
(daughter-in-law to Shelton & Lillian)