Matthew 5:39

“Turn the other cheek” has become a popular American idiom. Generally, it means when someone does something against you, you should not retaliate. What Jesus is talking about is not passive resistance but rather a custom of slapping someone as an insult with the back of the hand. Kissing was a customary method of greeting in antiquity within many cultures. The Hebrews used it to signify respect for elders and religious leaders. They also used it as a sign of family bonding and blessing (Gen. 27:26-27; 48:10; 50:1; Ruth 1:14; 1 Sam. 10:1). In light of being greeted with a kiss, the antithesis is being greeted with a back hand across the face.

Job 34:26 explains Job is being prosecuted by Elihu the Buzite. The concept in this passage is public humiliation. This sometimes would be done at the gate where people gather to speak wise sayings and share knowledge (Prov. 1:20-22; 31:23). The turning the other cheek would have been a strong idea than just a mere offense. This would be a public offense. How would you handle a public humiliation of your reputation or your family’s dignity? Jesus taught His disciples to invite evil and yield to the ridicule they would receive for His name sake.

Jesus would be tested in this very lesson He taught His followers. In John 18:12-23 Jesus stands before Annas the High Priest. In verse 19 the High Priest asks Jesus of His disciples and His doctrine. Jesus’ answer in verses 20-21 apparently was not appropriate according to this fogdog soldier who springs out of the early morning mist and smites Jesus with the palm of his hand. Jesus doesn’t retaliate; He simply asked for a witness to this evil deed. You and I will have to turn the other cheek sometime in our Christian walk. Be sure you ask the Lord who suffered unjustly for the strength to make it through. If Job and Jesus can make it, so can you and I (James 5:11).

Word for Today

Fogdog - A bright or clear spot that appears in breaking fog.

Quote for Today

“When it comes to parenting and disciplining their children, children have four cheeks they have to turn.”

– raj

Frank Micle, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Asthma?

June 3, 2002
I was running one or two miles each day. I was frustrated because my running milage was dropping instead of improving. I was coughing quite a bit. Asthma! It got worse as each season came, and my running stamina continued to decline. I was using inhalers and steroids to control the asthma, but it continued to worsen, and my running didn’t improve. I dropped from 15 miles at a clip to one or two miles maximum. Even a 5K was now out of reach for me. Nevertheless, I was conditioning for the Breast Cancer 5K I ran every year with my daughter, Laura. I blamed my lack of running stamina on both asthma and using different muscles to ride my bicycle the 1,500‑2,500 miles I rode every season. I had read somewhere that bike riders don’t make good runners and visa‑versa...

A Taste of Scarlet

June 4, 2002
Christian, my oldest son, and I were returning from a CPR re‑certification class. I was coughing particularly hard that day. Suddenly, after one particularly violent cough I was startled by the unmistakable taste of blood – lots of blood. I spit it out and coughed up even MORE blood. By the time we got home, I was coughing up blood at an alarming rate. We went straight to the emergency room at our local hospital. Within an hour, I found myself in a room. A week later, after lots of tests, speculation, more tests and LOTS of steroids, I was discharged with more questions than answers.

Biopsy
June 28, 2002
After two weeks of ineffectual steroids and antibiotics, I insisted they do a lung biopsy. They
resisted, but I insisted. I had to know what exotic disease was making my life so miserable. I, and they, honestly did not suspect cancer at this point. I got the biopsy – it was GREEN – and went home to wait.

The Sentence

July 1, 2002
After nearly a month of tests and prodding and theories and counter‑theories and probes and worry and feeble prayers, here I was standing in a pulmonary specialist’s office waiting to find the results of the biopsy. He didn’t have the report yet so he called. He was on the phone for about five minutes, expressing disbelief and asking if the results had been re‑examined. He finally hung up the phone, turned to me with a bewildered expression and said in a stressed voice, “You have lung cancer.” I calmly replied, “OK, so where do I go from here?” “It’s in both lungs; it’s inoperable. I suppose you should seek a medical oncologist.” “OK, I’ve heard of Dr. Kim at UPMC, get me in to see him.” Inside, I could feel myself beginning to collapse. I wondered if I could drive home. He called and had an appointment for the 3rd.

I walked out the door, got into my car, drove home, and calmly announced to Carol, my wife, “Huh! Can you imagine? I have lung cancer.” She thought I was joking, but quickly realized by my expression that I was not. Her dad died of lung cancer. She wept for me. I couldn’t.

Two Years

July 3, 2002
On a warm sunny Friday afternoon, Carol and I met with Dr. Kim, a staff oncologist with the
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. I was still reeling from the shock. We had finally told our children (young adults now) the night before. It still amazes me how three humans all spawned from the same gene pool can be so completely different: Christian, 20 at the time was calm and reassuring. He just felt from the beginning that his old man would beat this, still does. Franklin, 18, was stoic. He just packed the fear and grief away and tried to pretend that nothing had changed – ignore it and it will go away, still is. Laura, my youngest, 16, cried and went into a deep and angry depression which lasted for nearly two years, she’s doing well now and, ahem, studying to be a nurse at Carlow University. I asked Dr. Kim what were my odds. He said he didn’t like to speculate, but with my relative youth and athletic lifestyle, I should survive for at least two years. The room swayed a bit, I stiffened a bit and I must confess something to you – I WISH I could say that all kinds of noble thoughts went through my mind and soul, but all I could think about was to wonder if I would be alive to see the third and final movie of “The Lord of the Rings” which would not be presented for MORE than two years. That’s it! Pathetic, huh?! HAHA!

Dr. Kim started me on an experimental protocol immediately. He reassured me that there was an enormous supply of protocol drugs available and that new ones were being created several times a year. The protocol drugs were leading edge and I would be under the care of the... TA‑DAH...

Hillman Cancer Center, one of the top five cancer research centers in the nation. I would get my
two years, by golly! During the eight months I was treated at Hillman I was never given a “standard” chemo drug. My treatments were experimental, as was I. I should interject here that Dr. Brunk has never used an experimental protocol on me. He says I am not a Guinea pig. Think about the ethical differences here. During my “treatment” at UPMC, I did ask about such things as diet. I was told to eat anything I desired. Just eat! Don’t worry! No more vitamins, the cancer just gets them first. At CTCA my diet and nutrition were spun upside down. I was educated as to how proper diet and nutrition will improve my treatment, boosting my immunity system and mitigating the side effects of chemotherapy. Ponder these differences between UPMC and CTCA.

God and the healing power of Jesus was an afterthought at Hillman. Sure, go ahead and pray, it’s harmless as long as it doesn’t interfere with the real heal deal with real doctors. At CTCA God, specifically Jesus, is given first seat. We are encouraged to seek out a healing and a powerful God and to bring our treatment in line with His will. Think of the spiritual differences presented here. About a week after I started treatment, I saw a CTCA ad on television. I called and received an information packet the following day. I read it cover to cover. It looked too good to be true. I took it in to Dr. Kim during my weekly chemo and asked him. He shook his head and left no doubt in my mind that CTCA was an evil place that would treat me with quackery and send me away dead – and broke. That was good enough for me; I threw the CTCA information into the trash. About a year after I started at CTCA Dr. Brunk informed me that I had a bit of metastasis in my neck. He encouraged me to find someone at home who could provide the needed radiation therapy. He told me that it was in a pretty easy spot and that if I got it done at home it would impact my business much less than if I stayed down here for a 10‑minutes per day treatment lasting one to two weeks. He said CTCA would provide all of the records and information required by whomever I found at home. Ponder the difference between a selfish lie for my business and a selfless concern for my, uh, business.

No Rides This Summer

Summer, 2002
I rode my bike 0 miles. I was proud that I could walk the track for a mile or two once or twice a week. Friends were praying for me. I was learning that my God is a BIG God. As my health continued to decline, my faith in God continued to increase. I was learning to love the time I had left. I wanted all I could get. I began to study my condition. The more I learned, the less comfortable I became with UPMC and the more I began to wonder if there wasn’t a better way.

The End? I Don’t Think So!

February, 2003
“It’s not working! There is nothing more we can do!” Those were the words from Dr. Kim that
greeted Carol and me as Dr. Kim entered the room. We looked at him in disbelief. “What happened to the ‘endless supply of therapies’ you promised me?” “I’m sorry, but nothing seems to work. Just try to make the most of what time you have left.” Carol and I both knew that wouldn’t be long. I could hardly breathe and I coughed constantly – and violently. We went home bewildered and desperate. The phone rang. It was my dear friend Linda from Kokomo, Indiana. She had a friend with whom she INSISTED that I speak. His name was Owen Sibert and he was cured of cancer in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at a hospital called Cancer Treatment Centers of America. I already knew of it (or so I thought), but agreed to talk to Owen. He told me a story of being treated for months at his local cancer center then dropped and told he had 30 days to live – two years ago! Nine weeks at CTCA had delivered him from his 30-day death sentence. Maybe this CTCA place deserved another look. I called. Carol and I flew down for a “second opinion.” The rest is history.

Back in the Saddle, Again

Summer, 2003
I rode my bike over 1,000 miles. I was running two out of three miles at the track by the end of
summer. I ran in the Breast Cancer 5K here in Tulsa, representing CTCA. Jesus and I were getting pretty close by now. My experiences with CTCA encouraged me to trust Him more and more. Jesus IS the cure at CTCA, the medicine is secondary. That should never change.

The Return of the King

Christmas, 2003
I saw the final offering of “The Lord of the Rings” It was worth the wait. From my family I received a Bianchi Boron Centurion road bike. Sweet! I was supposed to get a coffin, I got a road bike. From Jesus I received another year of quality life. By His stripes I was healed¼ For Christmas, what could I give in return? I gave Him my life and my spiritual growth as a human being. I know I got the better deal.

Groundbreaking

February 28, 2004
CTCA invited me to the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new hospital. It’s a patient‑based design. Perhaps, too patient‑based. The staff seems to be an afterthought. I have observed their worries about the efficiency of their spaces; yet they shrug and thrill in knowing that it is such a unique facility. They never seem to lose track of their goal here; the welfare of their patients is foremost, even when it means, in some cases, severe inconvenience for individual staff members. This hole in the ground is beautiful. I will place my keepsake spade and hard hat in a place of honor at my home.

Still Riding Along – And Looking Pretty Good for a Dead Guy

Summer, 2004
I rode my bike nearly 1,000 miles. The only reason it wasn’t more was because of an abundance of crappy Pittsburgh weather, kids graduating, a lot of work at my business and monthly trips to CTCA. I was running two out of three miles at the track by the end of summer. My treatments at CTCA were monthly. My quality of life much better than the eight months at UPMC. I saw Jesus in every blue sky, every cloud, every mountain and in the eyes of every child. I realized how much I love being alive. God made me to love my life – just not more than Him. No problem, He’s easy to love.

Two years and Still Goin’ STRONG!

February 18, 2005
It has now been longer than two years since UPMC “confidently” informed there was nothing left to give me any hope. Two years since Carol and I flew to Tulsa for the first time and were impressed by a dedicated and caring staff of cancer doctors, nurses, therapists, clergymen, volunteers and fellow cancer patients to carry all of the hope and trust I’m capable of holding. I’ve been through a few ups and downs, but I’m still riding and running (power waddling); I’m still operating a business and I’m still watching my children grow and mature into independent adults. Two more years added to a 33 year journey with my beloved wife, Carol. Two more years to try to bring the grace and glory AND healing of the Lord to others who cross into my life. Two more years to deliver as many forlorn souls from the clutches of greedy and godless mercenaries into the arms of CTCA. Two years of hope, tears, laughter, anger, work, play, lame jokes, trust, suspicion, prayer, sometimes curses¼two years of life.

Movie Star

April 1, 2005
As I type this, I’m sitting on a teensy Bombardier airplane headed for my Tulsa connection in
Memphis. I’m not flying down for treatment, I’m flying down to appear in a television ad to promote CTCA and the new building in Tulsa. You folks are actually going to put this mug on national television! HA! I’ll do my best to be a good boy, but I’m not exactly the most mature guy you could have chosen, I’ll do my best to keep my sophomoric sense of humor in check. HA!

I would do anything for CTCA. You have all given me back my life. I am pragmatic enough to know that I have LUNG cancer. It may get me sometime in the future, but not today. Not when UPMC said it would. No dates, no promises, just hope! I have salvation, I have hope, I have a life! I have a fighting chance. I can work with that.

My Advice

Present
As long as you never lose track of where you have come from, where you are going, who you are, who are your patients and most important, who is boss (God), this hospital will soar above all ofthe purposeless, greedy, godless whitewashed sepulchers who try to compete with you. AND maybe, just maybe, after they have lost enough patients – and money, they will open their minds, learn from you and standard cancer treatment/research will finally find a heart.

Matthew 5:41

You have heard people use the phrase “go the extra mile.” This originated from scripture. Jesus is speaking about the custom of travel. There are many rules when it comes to traveling in the near east. One of them is to never travel alone. That was the problem with the man on the road to Jericho; he was alone (Luke 10:30). Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 warns us of the dangers of being alone when you fall. Never fall alone; no one is there to pick you up when your fall. To truly be a child of God, you must be willing to partner with people, to sacrifice your personal needs for the needs of others. How often do we put others first? Putting others first is the true test of spiritual giants.

The KJV study bible gives a good explanation of the word “compel” used by Jesus. “The Greek verb comes from the Persian word meaning ‘press into service’ and is used in Matthew 27:32, where the Roman soldiers pressed Simon into service to carry Jesus’ cross.” This word “compel” reveals the nature of service a believer is to be influenced by. He is to realize stretching yourself is not easy. It will cost you to help someone. Carrying the load of someone else’s mistakes is “going the extra mile.” Taking the lower seat in the room is “going the extra mile.” Putting out your hand to help and elderly lady down some stairs is “going the extra mile.”

Making the coffee for everyone at work is “going the extra mile.” Praying and extra half hour after everyone is sleeping is “going the extra mile.” Waking up and hour early to pray is “going the extra mile.” Coming early to pray at church is “going the extra mile.” Fasting once or twice a week is “going the extra mile.” Going to a friend’s house in the middle of the night is “going the extra mile.” Going to the hospital to pray with someone who is ill is “going the extra mile.” Forgiving someone who has wronged you is “going the extra mile. Working with your child instead of criticizing him/her is “going the extra mile.” Whatever it takes, make sure you “go the extra mile” in all of your relationships.

Word for Today
Superfluous - Being beyond what is required or sufficient.

Quote for Today
Go the extra mile to build your relationship, or you will go the extra mile to repair your relationships.
- raj

Matthew 5:17

Jesus had accelerated His reputation it seems with His expression of His intent to His detractors in this verse. They thought perhaps He came to revise the Law. He came to make it understandable. Jesus is the only person that ever lived that made the Law come alive. Using life and people and miracles, He vividly explains the Law with living expressions of human plight and triumph. If we look at the Law in its condensed form, i.e. the Ten Commandments, we find that Jesus ministered to people who had broken these commandments, thus fulfilling the true purpose of the Law which is to bring us to Christ (Rom. 7:12-14; Gal. 3:24-26).

A man who realizes he has broken God’s Law is better than a man who thinks he can keep God’s Law. If Jesus fulfilled the Law and the prophets, it behooves us to let Christ live through us. If He lives though us, we grow more like Him in our character. We, in turn, are able to live up to the demands of the Law. Christ in us is the hope of glory (Col. 1:27). Jesus didn’t want people to see Him as a renaissance man. He did not come to revolutionize the religious world of His time; rather He came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). Those who pretend they are brighter stars than others must use Christ as their model.

The message of fulfillment is a message of enrichment. Jesus promises the opposite of the religious erudite egomaniacs of His day. Their method of pursuit left men with heavy burdens much too hard for them to bear (Matt. 23:4); that is the spirit of destruction found in the heart of Satan (John 10:10). Jesus was teaching His disciples that the Pharisees were already destroying them; He was coming to fulfill them (Psalm 103:5). If your religious experience is tasking you to the max, you should reevaluate your relationship with Jesus (Matt. 11:28-30).

Word for Today
Tangential – suddenly changeable

Quote for Today
All human situations have their inconveniences. We feel those of the present but neither see nor feel those of the future; and hence we often make troublesome changes without amendment, and frequently for the worse.
- Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)

Matthew 5:16

Like the luminaries above our heads we to have an individual light capacity. The light Jesus is talking about in this passage is the light of our good works which are to be shared with all men. In essence, Jesus is concluding His thoughts of the instructed life for the blessed man found in the beatitudes. This verse is the summary of the first section of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus tactfully says to His disciples to do these things and your Father in heaven will be gloried. Our behavior is a witness to the reality of a True and Living God (Eph. 2:10; 1 Tim. 6:18; Titus 2:7; Rom. 11:22).

Reviewing the first four beatitudes, we find a means to illustrate to others the goodness and severity of our Lord:

• Poor in Spirit (Matthew 5:3) – Definition: ptochos, beggar (as cringing), i.e. pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy – Lesson: Don’t look down on the spiritually immature (Rom. 15:1-2)

• They that mourn (Matthew 5:4) – Definition: pentheo, to grieve (the feeling or the act) mourn, (be-) wail – Lesson: Be a comforter (2 Cor. 1:2-4).

• The meek (Matthew 5:5) – Definition: prau`s, mild, i.e. (by implication) humble :- meek – Lesson: Never over-inflate your importance in the world (Rom. 12:3).

• They which hunger (Matthew 5:6) – Definition: peinao, (through the idea of pinching toil; “pine”); to famish (absolute or comparatively); figurative to crave :- be an hungered – Lesson: Teach others by your example to desire the presence of the Lord.

Do your own word study to find the wealth of information hidden in the definitions of key words in this first section of the Sermon on the Mount. The beatitudes are Jesus’ version of the Ten Commandments. This is the new law of liberty. The truly spiritual man can see the fruit of a sanctified life hidden in its message. Remember, Jesus didn’t come to destroy but to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matt. 5:17).

Word for Today
Severity – The act or an instance of severe behavior, especially punishment.

Quote for Today
He who carries out one good deed acquires one advocate in his own behalf, and he who commits one transgression acquires one accuser against himself. Repentance and good works are like a shield against calamity.

- The Talmud

Matthew 5:15

When I read this passage of scripture, I asked myself the question, “How much light do I give to my house?” One of the greatest compliments I ever got in my 23 years of ministry came one morning when I was preparing my clothes to go to work. My wife, Tina, laid a note on the iron that said, “You are a true man of God, and you live what you preach every day.” I used to tell my former congregation we should live so that a camera was recording our every move, action and conversation. Everyone has dark places in their family life. Either we can be content with the darkness, or we can make the necessary adjustments in our conduct to change the darkness to light (Eph. 1:17, 18; Col. 1:13).

Living your testimony is difficult at times, but it is always difficult at home. Your biggest critics come from your own household. Although winning your family may be difficult, it remains the highest blessing for any Christian. The words you speak in your house should exemplify Christlikeness. I will be married for 15 years this coming May 19th and I have never called my wife a name other than Tina. A Christian should never use derogatory statements or condescending words when it comes to family members. Season your correction with love when speaking to your children. Abstain from definitive statements such as, “You never listen to me, or you always mess things up (Eph. 6:1-3)."

It amazes me how people can be so Christian at church and so worldly at home. We often treat church members like saints and family members like ain’ts. How can we forgive our brother for an offense and divorce our spouses? Is it appropriate to give advice on child rearing to others and let your own children be rambunctious? The church you attend is no better than the life you live at home. If your light is shining, “all that are in the house” includes the Lord as well. So how can you hide secret sins from His eyes when you are at home, and think you can worship Him properly on Sunday? Let your life reflect the light of the world every day and your family will see clearly the path to heaven (Col. 1:12; 1 Thess. 5:5).

Word for Today
Rambunctious - Boisterous and disorderly.

Quote for Today
A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.
– Dave Meurer, "Daze of Our Wives"

Matthew 5:14

“Ye are the light of the world. A city set on an hill cannot be hid.” The little town of Nazareth cannot go unnoticed in this illustration. The tiny town of Nazareth was in the hilly limestone range of Lebanon. Its small population between 200 to 500 should have made it a welcoming community. Yet, the opposite seems to be its reputation (John 1:43-46). At night the city would be seen from miles around when people placed their lanterns on their porches for night light. It must have been a little city that could be easily passed over during the day but impossible to miss at night.

So is the life of the disciple of Christ; he can never be hid from the world. His light will shine to the deepest depth of darkness bringing men to this marvelous light. People are watching us all the time looking for the slightest inconsistency in our testimonies. How well do you live up to the light that has been revealed to you (John 12:35-36)? Jesus tells us to walk in the light. What does that mean? It simply means: be true to the knowledge you have toward God. Whatever you do don’t put out the light of the knowledge of Jesus Christ that has been revealed to you (2 Cor. 4:3-5).

The good thing about the light of salvation is this: when we live out our testimony before unbelievers, they will be convicted and perhaps be converted. It is not our responsibility to save sinners; it’s our responsibility to show them Christ. No one wants men saved more than Jesus. He just needs more cooperation from His church to get the job done. The light we have is not our own light; it is living the example Jesus left for us to follow in His steps. Many try to invent new ways to create an easier path to conversion. Jesus was very clear when He said, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12). The more you live as an example of Christ, the more men will see the light (Rom. 4:12; 2 Cor. 12:18; 1 Peter 2:21).

Word for Today
Fête - A festival or feast.

Quote for Today
A man with a candle and a path to follow is better than ten men with lanterns lost in the wilderness. The knowledge of this world is little more than lanterns.
– raj

Matthew 5:13

Salt was used as a preservative in our Lord’s time as it is today. However, a salt crystal is of little worth without the ionic compounds of positively charged sodium and negatively charged chloride ions. This is what makes the crystal NaCl have that distinctive taste that has been used as a spice to add flavor to food and preserve food in less industrialized cultures. Jesus is teaching His disciples to be keenly aware of the importance of having Him at the center of their lives. The Christian is no more than an agent of morality without Jesus being the center and source of their lives.

How do you keep the saltiness in your salvation? I’m glad you asked!

• Make special time to spend with the Lord (Psalm 91).
• Make special time outside of Church to spend with God’s people (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 1:9).
• Make special time to spend in the Word (Psalm 119:97).
• Make special time to share with others your faith in Christ (Acts 8:27-31).

Christlikeness is what we are trying to achieve as saints. During the early days of the Confederacy, Robert E. Lee was severely criticized by General W.H.C. Whiting. Most persons would have retaliated. One day, President Jefferson Davis invited General Lee to share with him his appraisal of General Whiting. The noble Virginian commended Whiting in highest terms. Whereupon, an officer took General Lee aside to remind him of General Whiting’s verbiage against him. To which Lee said: “I understood that the President desired to know my opinion of Whiting, not Whiting’s opinion of me” (1 Peter 2:21-22).

Word for Today
Verbiage - An excess of words for the purpose; wordiness.

Quote for Today
“Words are like money; some people waste them and others save. The more you save, the greater they increase in value. Don’t bankrupt your conversation by always having something to say.”
- raj

Matthew 5:11-12

Rejoice in the midst of being persecuted? Who in their right mind could possibly take on that kind of challenge? Only a true child of God could do such a thing. What more can be said of someone with intestinal fortitude, such as Jesus describes here in this passage? How do you handle it when you are being lied about? Do you retreat? Do you retaliate? Do you seek revenge? Or do you rejoice? The healthiest thing to do is to rejoice. The scripture tells us that a merry heart doeth good like a medicine (Proverbs 17:22). The warning found in this proverb is clear. Your spirit can affect your body. The idea is the person who allows himself to be caught up with a bitter spirit will be hindered from moving forward in life.

There are three major lessons Jesus is teaching His disciples in this passage. First, He is teaching them to be strong. It takes a very strong person to handle persecution. It takes an even stronger person to rejoice in persecution. The promise of reward is not enough to make one take the heat of lies being spread about one’s character. It is rather the very state of the person that makes this task possible. The person that can handle this is blessed before the reviling begins. The blessed state of the person being harmed is the source of their strength (Ex. 13:13-14).

Be patient is the next lesson Jesus teaches in this passage. Your reward is in heaven He says. Looking prematurely for your remunerations can be fatal. God may bless us daily with benefits; yet, our carnal minds may be too ignorant to behold them. However, the true blessings of an eternal reward is what Jesus offers here in this text. For this reward you must want it. It cannot be attained by hard praying and eloquent speeches. The only way to receive the martyr’s reward is to wait for your name to be called up yonder (1 Cor. 3:11-23).

The context seems to solicit faith from the person under the guard of mercy. He must believe the words are true. He must see the benefit without seeing the purpose. He must hold onto nothing and believe he is being held up with the everlasting arms. He must put away the umbrella when the rain of trial is pouring down upon his head. There is no shelter from this storm. Yet, all the while he by faith expects the sun to shine again. He must confess that his state is not as he sees it, but rather as he was told it shall be if he endures. Without injury to his course, he must travel the road less traveled for the sake of the Lord’s Name (1 Peter 4:8-14).

Word for Today
Fortuitous - Happening by accident or chance.

Quote for Today
In the arena of human life the honors and rewards fall to those who show their good qualities in action.
- Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC), Nicomachen Ethics (4th c. BC)

Matthew 5:10

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” If a man will be subjected to hard times, let it be for Christ’s sake. If men will speak ill of you, let it be because you have lived a righteous life. If my trouble comes from holy living, let it come. How can we complain if we are ostracized for our wealthy lifestyle? My company may fair short of a brutish man’s cronies; yet, I have Christ as a chaperone; he has Satan for a liaison. I am blessed; he is cursed. My face bears the pain of a broken soul; his face bears the pain of a lost soul. What will it be for you? Will you be blessed for your appetite for righteousness, or will you be cursed for your inhibitions toward evil (Deut. 11:26‑28; Deut. 28)?

This is contrary to the pop culture faith of today which says, if you are a nice person, everyone will like you and go to church with you (Luke 6:26; 21:17). On the contrary, those who live “Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). We are being programmed to think that being a good person is going to change the corrupted culture that surrounds us. People actually believe good deeds will make men’s hearts change. The only thing that will change men’s hearts is repentance. The words of Jesus ring clearly here (Rev. 2:16). The question this passage poses is this: Do you want to be persecuted by the world for your righteousness, or do you want to be persecuted by Christ for your unrighteousness?

The Bible tells us very painstakingly the way of righteousness is not traveled by the multitudes (Jer. 6:16; Matt. 7:13‑14). Will you be one of the few? Will you give up the pleasures of the world for more of the Lord’s presence? Will you lose all to gain eternal life? Let me say very clearly I’m not talking about a Christian commune or militia. I’m speaking of your personal individual decision to fellow Christ. This is where the rubber meets the road of life. Many start out serving the Lord; and when persecutions come for the Word’s sake, by and by they fall apart (Mark 4:17). Notice the Bible said they are immediately offended. I leave you with a question. How long would it take for the devil to get you offended against the Word?

Word for Today
Galimatias – Nonsense; gibberish.

Quote for Today
A man that won’t tell the truth won’t live the truth, but a man who will live the truth will eventually tell the truth.
– raj