One Bad Habit

            Chemists say that a single grain of iodine will impart color to 7000 times its weight of water. A bad habit is like that–it may exponentially influence a person’s character... or life.

            Perhaps that is one reason the apostle Paul invited us to examine ourselves before taking the Lord's Supper.

I Only Have Eyes for You

            Years ago, I heard a preacher tell about the ancient emperor, Cyrus, who systematically plowed through city states, territories, and countries—capturing the land and creating an empire.

            Legend has it that after Cyrus had conquered yet another Kingdom, soldiers brought him a defeated Ruler. With the Ruler was his frightened family.         

            Cyrus was known to test those whom he conquered. Hence, he asked the Prince, “What would you give me for your life?”

            “I would give you up to half of my kingdom,” the Ruler replied,

            Cyrus asked, “What would you give me for the lives of your children?”

            “I would offer you my entire kingdom and everything I have,” answered the Ruler.

            Cyrus saw a beautiful woman standing beside the Ruler, and he perceived it was his wife, so he asked, “What would you give me for the life of your wife?”

            The Ruler responded, “Then, Sir, I would offer you my very life itself.”

            This answer made an impression upon Cyrus. He decided to spare the family, including the Ruler, and he gave them their own plot of land to live on.

            Later, reflecting on the events, the Ruler spoke of Cyrus and said to his wife, “That Cyrus was a handsome man.”

            The wife quickly countered, “I would not know. For I could not take my eyes off of you.”

            There is something special about a bride who loves and admires her groom so much, she cannot take her eyes off of him. There is also something special about a groom who loves his bride so much that he would willingly give his life for her.

            In Jesus, we as the bride of Christ have a groom, who has willingly given up his life for us. Let us therefore fix our eyes upon Him.

All Ground Is Level at the Foot of the Cross

            There is a story told, perhaps legend, that relates a remarkable truth:

            The Duke of Wellington was once taking Communion along with the other members of his church. Being an Anglican, he and all other members would approach the communion table and kneel down to receive the sacrament.

            It so happened that a very poor man walked up the opposite aisle and, reaching the communion table, knelt down close by the side of the Duke.            

            Someone came and touched the poor man on the shoulder. He whispered to him to move away, or to rise and wait until the Duke could receive the bread and the wine.

            Overhearing the conversation, the great commander grabbed the hand of the old man and held on, preventing him from rising. Reverently and distinctly, the Duke said, “Do not move, we are all equal here.”

Valuable Blood

TIME magazine, this week, carries a story about Sachin Tendulkar, perhaps, the greatest cricket player in history. The publisher, Kraken Opus, has placed on the market a limited edition of Tendulkar’s autobiography.

Only ten copies were printed of this edition and they have already sold—

for $75,000 a piece. Why such high value? Each edition carries with it, a pint of Sachin Tendulkar’s blood.

That is valuable blood.

Believe it or not, I know someone’s whose blood carries a higher value.