You don't love me any more?

One night at the dinner table, the wife commented, "When we were first married, you took the small piece of steak and gave me the larger. Now you take the large one and leave me the smaller. You don't love me any more?"

"Nonsense, darling," replied the husband, "you just cook better now."

Mirror Image

Ben Kinsley as Gandhi

"Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church."1

Dr. William Barker tells about the actor, Ben Kingsley who "starred as the main character in the motion picture GANDHI. He spent months preparing for the role, visiting the various Indian locales Gandhi had frequented. He even learned to spin cotton thread on a wooden wheel while holding conversations as Gandhi did. The physical resemblance between Gandhi and Kingsley was almost startling. After filming a scene in a village south of Delhi, Kingsley stepped out of a car, and an elderly peasant knelt to touch his feet. Embarrassed, Kingsley explained that he was merely an actor playing Gandhi. 'We know,' replied the villager, 'but through you he will surely live again.'"2

As Christians, if we truly follow and serve the Lord, we will become more and more in every way like Christ. May God help us to so live that others will see the likeness of Jesus in us—as this is by far the most powerful and effective witness of our Christian faith that any one of us could ever have.

1. Ephesians 4:15 (NLT).
2. Dr. William P. Barker, Tarbell's Teacher's Manual, (Elgin, Illinois: David C. Cook Church Ministries, 1994). Quoted in a sermon by Rev. Billy D. Strayhorn, "One in Christ" http://www.epulpit.net/billy112.htm
3. Thomas O. Chisholm.

<:))))><
By Dick Innes

Gardening God's Way

Featured Illustration items are well suited for introducing or illuminating a point in a sermon, speech, or devotional. Funny, moving, or perhaps even graphic, the point of them is the point you make with them.

Plant three rows of peas

Peace of mind - Romans 14:5
Peace of heart - Acts 15:9
Peace of soul - 1 Peter 1:22

Plant four rows of squash

Squash gossip - Lev 19:16
Squash selfishness - Luke 18:11-14
Squash grumbling - John 6:43, James 5:9
Squash indifference - Mark 14:32 - 41

Plant five rows of lettuce

Lettuce be kind - 1 Peter 2:1-3
Lettuce be faithful - Dan 3:16-18
Lettuce be obedient - 1 John 3:22
Lettuce love one another - John 3:16
Lettuce financially support our church - Mal 3:6-12

No garden can be without turnips

Turnip for service - Acts 3:1
Turnip for meetings - Heb 10:25
Turnip to help one another - Rom 12:13

We must have Thyme

Thyme for God - Psalm 3:1-8
Thyme for prayer - Psalm 54:4
Thyme for each other - John 15:12-14
Thyme for Bible study - Ezra 7-10

The Kind Clerk

One stormy night many years ago, an elderly man and his wife entered the lobby of a small hotel in Philadelphia. Trying to get out of the rain, the couple approached the front desk hoping to get some shelter for the night.

"Could you possibly give us a room here?" the husband asked. The clerk, a friendly man with a winning smile, looked at the couple and explained that there were three conventions in town.

"All of our rooms are taken," the clerk said. "But I can't send a nice couple like you out into the rain at one o'clock in the morning. Would you perhaps be willing to sleep in my room? It's not exactly a suite, but it will be good enough to make you folks comfortable for the night."

When the couple declined, the young man pressed on. "Don't worry about me; I'll be just fine here in the office," the clerk told them. So the couple agreed.

As he paid his bill the next morning, the elderly man said to the clerk, "You are the kind of manager who should be the boss of the best hotel in the United States. Maybe someday I'll build one for you."

The clerk looked at them and smiled. The three of them had a good laugh.

As they drove away, the elderly couple agreed that the helpful clerk was indeed exceptional, as finding people who are both friendly and helpful isn't easy.

Two years passed. The clerk had almost forgotten the incident when he received a letter from the old man.
It recalled that stormy night and enclosed a round-trip ticket to New York, asking the him to pay them a visit.

The old man met him in New York, and led him to the corner of Fifth Avenue and 34th Street. He then pointed to a great new building there, a palace of reddish stone, with turrets and watchtowers thrusting up to the sky.

"That," said the older man, "is the hotel I have just built for you to manage."

"You must be joking," the young man said.

"I can assure you I am not," said the older man, a sly smile playing around his mouth.

The older man's name was William Waldorf Astor, and the magnificent structure was the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

The young clerk who became its first manager was George C. Boldt. This young clerk never foresaw the turn of events that would lead him to become the manager of one of the world's most glamorous hotels.

"We are not to turn our backs on those who are in need, for we might be entertaining angels".

Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than the things you acquire.

Story recommended by Pastor Betty Wong
It is not what we take up or what we receive that makes us rich but what we give up that makes our lives much more fulfilling, purposeful, and meaningful. The lives we touch go beyond measure. It is more rewarding to give than to receive.
Pastor Betty Wong
Malaysia

The Birds and the Monkeys

Once upon a time, there was a huge tree on the banks of a river. The tree made a comfortable home for the family of birds who had built their nests on its branch. The birds were living there happily as the tree with its widespread branches sheltered them from scorching sun and heavy rains.

One day, when the sky was overcast with dark clouds, it rained very heavily. Some monkeys who were playing nearby the tree got drenched and ran for shelter under the tree. All of them were shivering with cold. When the birds saw the monkeys in the pitiable condition, one of the birds said,” O Monkeys, you would not have to shiver like this, if you had built a home like us. You would not have to suffer like this. If we can build our nest with small beaks, then why cant you. By God’s grace, you have two hands and two legs. Why don’t you make a nice shelter for yourselves?”

On hearing this, the monkeys got annoyed and swore to teach a lesson to the birds. They said to themselves, “These birds are not afraid of the rain or of cold wind. They are living comfortably that is why they are criticizing us like this. Let the rain stops, we’ll show them how to build home”. As soon as the rain stopped, the monkeys climbed up the tree and destroyed the nests of the birds. They also broke the birds’ eggs and threw the young ones down.

The poor birds flew here and there in misery. They were full of regret for their words and realized that they should not have given advice that was not asked. Advice should only be given to learned, wise and to those who ask for it.

Moral: Never give advice to fools. 

Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. (Proverbs 9:7-9)

Family Support

h

The prospective father-in-law asked, "Young man, can you support a family?”

The surprised groom-to-be replied, "Well, no. I was just planning to support your daughter. The rest of you will have to fend for yourselves."

Why Do We Shout During An Argument?

Once a professor asked his students: "Why do we shout in anger? Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?" The students thought for a while before one of them said: "We shout because we lost our calm."

"But why shout when the other person is just next to you? Isn't it possible to speak to him or her in a soft voice?"

The students gave various answer, none of which satisfied the professor.

Finally he explained: When two people are angry with each other, their hearts distance. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the louder they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance."

Then he asked: What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly. Why? Because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is very small.

When they love each other even more, what happen? They do not speak - they only whisper and get closer to each other in their love.

"Finally they do not even need to whisper. They only look at each other, that's all. That is how close two people are when they love each other."

So when you argue, do not let your hearts get distanced or say words that distance each other even more, or there may come a day when the distance is so great you will not find the path back to each other.

Trust the Catcher

Trust is the basis of life. Without trust, no human being can live. Trapeze artists offer a beautiful image of this. 

Flyers have to trust their catchers. They can do the most spectacular doubles, triples, or quadruples, but what finally makes their performance spectacular are the catchers who are there for them at the right time in the right place.

Much of our lives is flying. It is wonderful to fly in the air free as a bird, but when God isn't there to catch us, all our flying comes to nothing. Let's trust in the Great Catcher.

Henri Nouwen 

Secrets of Long and Happy Marriage

A couple was celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. Their domestic tranquility had long been the talk of the town.

A local newspaper reporter was inquiring as to the secret of their long and happy marriage.

"Well, it dates back to our honeymoon," explained the lady.

"We visited the Grand Canyon and took a trip down to the bottom of the canyon by pack mule. We hadn't gone too far when my husband's mule stumbled."

"My husband quietly said 'That's once.' We proceeded a little farther when the mule stumbled again. Once more my husband quietly said, 'That's twice.' We hadn't gone a half-mile when the mule stumbled a third time. My husband took a pistol from his pocket and shot him."

"I started to protest over his treatment of the mule when he looked at me and quietly said 'That's once.'"

Conviction of the Holy Spirit

One night when I arose to preach in the Chicago Avenue Church I saw sitting just to my left in the front seat underneath the gallery one of my deacons and side by side with him a flashily-dressed and hard-looking man. I at once concluded that he was a sporting man and I said to myself, “Deacon Young has been fishing to-day.” It is a good thing to have deacons that go fishing on Sunday—fishing for souls.

Every little while as I was preaching, I would turn around and look at that man. His eyes were riveted upon me. He was paying the closest attention. Evidently the whole scene was strange to him and some power, mysterious to him, had taken hold of him. When we went to the inquiry room below, Deacon Young brought him along.

I was late talking to inquirers that night, and about eleven o’clock Deacon Young came over to me as I finished with one inquirer and said, “Come over here and talk to a man that I have.” I went over. It was this big sporting man. He was shaking and groaning with emotion.

“Oh,” he groaned,” I don’t know what is the matter with me. I never felt like this before in all my life. I never was in a place like this before,” he continued. “My mother keeps a gambling house in Omaha, and we are Roman Catholics, but this afternoon as I was going down the street over here, I saw some of your men holding an open air meeting. As I passed, one of them rose to speak. I had known him before when he was leading a wild life, and out of curiosity I stopped to listen. I listened until he was done speaking and then continued on my way, intending to go down on Cottage Grove Avenue to meet some men to pass the afternoon gambling. But I had not gone two blocks before some strange power took hold of me and brought me back to the meeting. When the meeting broke up, this man (pointing to Deacon Young) brought me to your church to the Yoke Fellow’s Supper, and then to the meeting afterwards, then took me up-stairs to hear you preach. Then he brought me down here. Oh,” he groaned again, “I don’t know what is the matter with me. I feel awful. I never felt this way before in all my life.”

“I will tell you what is the matter with you,” I said. “You are under conviction of sin. The Spirit of God is dealing with you. Will you take Christ as your Saviour?”

The huge man fell on his knees on the floor and commenced to cry to God for mercy. Jesus Christ met him there. His sobs ceased, a look of peace came into his face and he left the building rejoicing in Christ. 

-- R. A. Torrey

From R.A. Torrey's Anecdotes and Illustrations

Introduction to R. A. Torrey

As an Evangelist, he was in the same league as D. L. Moody and Billy Graham.  As an apologist, his work compares to the best of Josh McDowell or C. S. Lewis.  As a preacher, he held massive crowds captive with his sensible appeals to Scripture.  As an author, his writings are regarded as classics in diverse fields including theology, apologetics, Bible exposition, and practical Christian living.   His name: R. A. Torrey (1856-1928), the most undeservedly neglected Christian author of the past 150 years.   Torrey's writings are succinct yet thorough in their treatment of real-life questions and issues.  His spiritual and intellectual journey led him slowly from agnosticism to liberal Unitarianism to a strong belief in what he considered the "fundamentals" of the Christian faith (hence the term "fundamentalism," lacking the negative connotations it's unfortunately acquired in recent years.)  Grappling with these questions in his own life made him able to bring a seasoned intellectual perspective to his faith that seekers and questioners will find helpful.  His many years of Christian work and service (from pastor to college educator to international evangelist) provide a gravity of experience that makes his writings valuable to seasoned ministry workers as well.  Torrey believed in the power of the Word of God to change lives; his writings are saturated with Scripture explained clearly and sensibly.  Perhaps as a result, his theological thought defies easy pigeonholing into conventional labels.  Though he was strongly conservative in many respects, he also had a unique and valuable perspective on the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, which influenced many thinkers including his contemporary D. L. Moody.  He is regarded in some circles as a forerunner of the modern Charismatic movement, but Christians from any tradition will certainly be able to appreciate his writings. Of all the classic Christian authors I've read, and there are many, Torrey strikes me as by far the most relevant to today's needs and concerns.  He knew the value of an intellectually consistent faith founded on the Word of God, and was able to provide reasoned answers to many of the most difficult questions about Christianity.  He anticipated many current trends and ideas in apologetics; indeed, one of his books contains a version of the "Trilemma" argument for the deity of Christ, predating C. S. Lewis's more famous statement by some 60 years. And of course his writings on the gospel, prayer, and the nature of the Christian experience will be valuable to all who desire to see their faith grounded in the Word of God. Why are Torrey's writings not as widely known today as they surely deserve to be?  I have no idea.  But I do think it's time to start a minor Renaissance.  Perhaps this archive will be a small help; I've compiled several of Torrey's best sermons, articles, and a few complete books into easily viewable online files.  Find one that looks interesting and give it a try.   --Eric M. Pazdziora, editor, R. A. Torrey Archive Check out this R. A. Torrey Archive for some of Torrey's online books and articles - First Steps in Faith Beginning Right How to be Inexpressibly Happy The Day of Golden Opportunity The Most Important Question The Fool's Creed - Christian Living How God Guides Looking to Jesus Revival Addresses (Complete book.  A collection of dynamic sermons Torrey preached during his time as a worldwide traveling evangelist.) The Secret of Abiding Peace Why God Used D. L. Moody (Probably Torrey's most famous article; includes a brief explanation of his teaching on "The Baptism with the Holy Spirit") The Voice of God in the Present Hour Complete Book. A collection of sermons Torrey preached at the Church of the Open Door in Los Angeles, on subjects from the Authority of the Bible to the Spirit-filled Life. The Secret of Blessedness in Heart, Beauty in Character, Fruitfulness in Service, and Prosperity in Everything (Psalm 1:1-3) The Complete and Symmetrical Life, and How to Attain to it (Galatians 5:22-23) A study in the Fruit of the Spirit Love Contrasted, Described, Exalted (1 Corinthians 13) God's Keeping and How to Make Sure of it  Did I Miss God's Will for My Life? NEW!! A thoughtful answer to a letter from a woman who was afraid she had missed out on God's call to the mission field. Thanks to Scriptorium Daily for uncovering this forgotten gem. - Prayer How to Pray So As to Get What You Ask How to Pray (complete book) A real classic on prayer Keep Praying Until God Answers The Power of Prayer The Prayer of Faith The Place of Prayer in Evangelism  A Bible study contributed to The Fundamentals - Bible Study Ten Reasons Why I Believe the Bible Is the Word of God (One of D. L. Moody's most requested sermons) Principles of Biblical Interpretation Studies in the Life and Teachings of Our Lord    NEW!  A hard-to-find series of 140 studies through the four gospels, exploring the ministry of Jesus.   Torrey emphasizes the "Inductive Method," not giving answers but asking questions to encourage in-depth interaction with the text.   A great resource for Bible study groups, Sunday Schools, or personal study.   Special thanks to site reader Wanda Dunavan for making this rare book available to the archive. Workbook Edition of Studies in the Life and Teachings of Our Lord. NEW! Includes a set of examination questions from the original Moody Bible Institute publication. Ready to download and print! Thanks again to Wanda Dunavan for her editing work. Profitable Bible Study How to Study the Bible  (a.k.a. The Methods and Fundamental Conditions of the Bible Study that Yield the Largest Results)   Complete Book.  Practical tips, methods, and examples for getting the most out of Bible study. Torrey's New Topical Textbook  (offsite)  Complete Book.  Thorough lists of Scripture references on many major topics. A classic reference work. Difficulties in the Bible: Alleged Errors and Contradictions  NEW! Complete Book. Torrey explores the Bible to address "those objections of which the modern infidel makes the most, and which are most puzzling to many Christians."  First published in 1907, but the issues covered are surprisingly current. A thoughtful read for anyone with doubts or questions about the Bible's authenticity. - Biblical Theology The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit  NEW!!  Complete book. A thorough, straightforward examination of the Bible's teachings on the Holy Spirit and what He does-- in ways that just might change your life. (E-text courtesy of Project Gutenberg.) The Power of the Word of God  From the book How to Obtain Fullness of Power The Christian Conception of God The Deity of Jesus Christ The Power of the Blood of Christ  From the book How to Obtain Fullness of Power The Certainty and Importance of the Physical Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead  A theological and apologetic study Torrey contributed to The Fundamentals The Personality of the Holy Spirit  From the book The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit The Personality and Deity of the Holy Spirit  A theological study Torrey contributed to The Fundamentals, same subject as above but more detailed The Power of the Holy Spirit  From the book How to Obtain Fullness of Power True Christian Union and the Devil's Counterfeit - Practical Ministry Holding Him to the Scriptures - an account of Torrey's effective use of the Scriptures in personal work How to Work for Christ: Volume 1, Personal Work (Complete Book. Gives Scriptural advice on how to share your faith with people in every situation.) How to Work for Christ: Volume 2, Methods of Christian Work (Complete Book. Practical suggestions for ministry in every setting.) How to Work for Christ: Volume 3, Preaching and Teaching the Word of God (Complete Book. Includes over 100 of Torrey's own sermon outlines as examples!) Open-Air Meetings (a sample chapter from How to Work for Christ) The Great Attraction: The Uplifted Christ The Importance of Personal Soul Winning Anecdotes and Illustrations NEW!! Complete book. Selected stories and illustrations from Torrey's evangelistic sermons, including many true accounts from Torrey's ministry and many of his contemporaries, such as D. L. Moody, Charles Alexander, W. S. Jacoby, and others. Ranging from the wryly insightful to the sentimental, it's an excellent supplement to Torrey's teaching ministry. - Other Torrey Links of Interest (offsite) R. A. Torrey Bookstore  NEW!! Many of Torrey's books are still in print, in current editions or in facsimiles of the originals. Check out the links and order them from Amazon.com. Scriptorium Daily: The Dean NEW!! Regularly updated theology and culture blog sponsored by BIOLA University, often featuring essays by or about its founder R. A. Torrey. R. A. Torrey Debunks The Da Vinci Code  A fun collection of quotes from R. A. Torrey's writings, addressing popular misconceptions of the Bible a la Dan Brown. By Eric Pazdziora. How He Worked for Christ Appreciation and biography of Torrey as a "super-heroic" spiritual ancestor. By Fred Sanders. The Fundamentals  The influential theological treatise which Torrey co-edited and contributed a few articles. Torrey's articles are all available on this archive, but those interested in perusing the writings of his colleagues can find them at this link. Photos  Photos of the Montrose Bible Conference center in Pennsylvania (founded by Torrey), including Torrey's home and gravesite. Contributed by site reader Violet Herlocker. Glimpses of Paradise This exciting historical novel by award-winning author James Scott Bell features R. A. Torrey as a pivotal character. Several of Torrey's sermons and articles are given verbatim. Includes an afterward explaining Torrey's importance as a theologian and writer. A very creative way to introduce Torrey's ministry to modern audiences. (Note: contains some mature situations that may not be suitable for all readers.) Click the link to order from Amazon.com. R. A. Torrey, Hymnwriter  Torrey wrote only one hymn, "Bless Thou Jehovah", which unfortunately never became popular because the original tune was rather difficult to sing. Now it's been given a new tune by a Christian composer (who also, interestingly enough, edits this website). The link includes lyrics, an MP3, and free downloadable sheet music.,. Complete Obedience  An informative documentary produced by students of BIOLA University. Features biographical information on R. A. Torrey, his son, and his grandson, and their enduring ministries of truth and hope. R. A. Torrey, Apostle of Certainty  The definitive biography of R. A. Torrey by Roger Martin. A treasury of fascinating information about Torrey's life and ministry. Click the link to order from Amazon.com. Moody Bible Institute Archive  A good biographical sketch and several pictures. Wheaton College Library   In addition to providing tons of links for serious Torrey researchers, the Wheaton College Archive includes dozens of rare photographs, reproductions of letters and papers, and a complete audio sermon recording (the only extant recording of Torrey's voice), and it's all available for you to view!  Wow! Here is another source for the sermon recording, from archive.org. Offers online streaming and free (legal) downloads in several audio formats. Sermonaudio.com offers audio versions of several of Torrey's sermons and extracts from books. (Not in Torrey's voice, but great for people on the go.) Streaming online and free MP3 downloads available. CCEL is the best source for etexts of classic Christian books.  Check out their online copy of Torrey's Topical Textbook. Notice: We are not responsible for the content of external sites. If you should find broken links or objectionable content, however, please let us know.

Power To Pump Well Water

C.T. Studd shortly after his arrival in the African bush (1910)

I don’t know if you’ve heard the story of C. T. Studd the great Christian missionary. He went to a fair years and years ago and was captivated by a man pumping a well. 

The thing that grabbed him was how fast he was pumping and how long he was able to pump. He said to himself, "No man can do that. What kind of vitamins does he take? What kind of exercise program is he on?" He walked over to get a closer look. He found that the man dressed in Oriental garb was not a man. He was a stick figure. His elbows were hinges. He was not pumping the well, the well was pumping him. It was an artesian well. You see, there was a power that turned the man.

I believe that’s exactly what Paul is saying. He says, "I want you to know something. I want you to know it’s not you doing it for God. It’s God doing it in and through you as you bow before Him." Listen, it’s a 200% relationship. It’s 100% my willingness to obey, yield and bow, but it’s also 100% His power, His presence and what He can do in and through me that I cannot do and certainly will never deserve.

by Dr. Wayne Barber

The End Is Near!

A local priest and pastor stood by the side of the road holding up a sign that said, "The End is Near! Turn yourself around now before its too late!" 

They planned to hold up the sign to each passing car. 

"Leave us alone you religious nuts!" yelled the first driver as he sped by. From around the curve they heard a big splash. 

"Do you think," said one clergy to the other, "we should just put up a sign that says bridge out instead?"

My Dog Report

Craig's two kids are in the same class at school, and the teacher had the class write reports about their pets. 

After the reports were all turned in, the teacher called one of the youngsters up to her desk and scolded him.

"This report on 'My Dog' is exactly, word for word, the same as your brother's. Did you copy from him?"

He replies, "No Ma'am. It's about the same dog."

The Lord's Baseball Game

Bob was caught up in the spirit (where he and the Lord stood by) to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero and it was the bottom of the 9th inning (with two outs). They continued to watch, as a batter stepped up to the plate (whose name was Love). Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single; because, Love never fails.

The next batter was named Faith (who also got a single); because, Faith works with Love. The next batter up was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass; because, Godly Wisdom does not swing at Satan's pitches -- ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked; because, Godly Wisdom never swings at Satan's throws. The bases were loaded.

The Lord then turned to Bob and told him He was now going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Bob said he sure did not look like much! Satan's whole team relaxed, when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch.

To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. But, Satan was not worried; his center fielder (the Prince of the air) let very few get by. He went up for the ball; but, it went right through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing on the ground. Then, it continued over the fence (for a home run)! The Lord's team won.

The Lord then asked Bob if he knew why Love, Faith and Godly Wisdom could get on base; but, could not win the game. Bob answered that he did not know why. The Lord explained, "If your love, faith and wisdom had won the game, you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, faith and wisdom will get you on base; but, only My grace can get you home. My grace is the one thing Satan cannot stop!"

Even The Price of Choking Is Relative

When the wealthy businessman choked on a fish bone at a restaurant, he was fortunate that a doctor was seated at a nearby table.

Springing up, the doctor skillfully removed the bone and saved the man's life.

As soon as the fellow had calmed himself and could talk again, he thanked the surgeon enthusiastically and offered to pay him for his services.

"Just name the fee," he croaked gratefully.

"Okay," replied the doctor. "How about half of what you'd have offered when the bone was still stuck in your throat?"

Many of us make promises to God when we face extreme difficulties or dangers. If we can only keep half of those promises after the danger is over, we would have achieve much for the kingdom of God.

Doer Of The Word

In 1953 reporters gathered at a Chicago railway station waiting to meet the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize winner.
He was a big man, well over six feet tall, with bushy hair and a large mustache.

Reporters were excited to see him and expressed what an honor it was to meet him. Cameras were flashing, compliments were being expressed when, looking beyond the adulation, the visitor saw an elderly black woman struggling to carry her two large suitcases.

"Excuse me," he said as he went to the aid of this woman. Picking up her cases, he escorted her to a bus and then apologized to the reporters for keeping them waiting.

The man was Dr. Albert Schweitzer, the famous missionary-doctor who had invested his life helping poor and sick people in Africa.

A member of the reception committee remarked to one of the reporters, "That's the first time I ever saw a sermon walking." The measure of any man or woman is not their name, nor their fame, nor what they say, but what they do.

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22)