In William Borden’s short, bright life we see Christ’s call to lay up treasures in heaven: though wealthy, admired, and full of opportunity, he chose surrender, loved the overlooked, poured himself into gospel work, and gave generously for missions.
In Oswald Chambers we see a life of unconditional surrender—saved under Spurgeon’s preaching, yielded beyond his own plans, and shaped by long, hidden hours with God that fueled his public usefulness. Whether giving freely, fasting against the body’s demands, or crawling into a lifeboat on a crowded wartime ship just to pray uninterrupted, he practiced the quiet disciplines that Christ rewards.
We reflect on the life of Karolina Sandell-Berg as a living expression of Jesus’ call in Matthew 5:48 to grow into spiritual maturity. Through frailty, suffering, and the sudden loss of her beloved father, Karolina turned to Christ rather than away from Him, allowing trials to deepen her trust in God’s wise and loving care.
We reflect on the life of Jacob DeShazer as a powerful testimony to Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:44, seeing how the gospel turned hatred into forgiveness and enemies into brothers. Captured, tortured, and imprisoned during WWII, DeShazer encountered Christ through Scripture, and the love of Jesus changed his heart from vengeance to compassion.
Are we willing to say yes to God even when we feel unqualified or afraid? We reflect on the life of Gladys Aylward as a living picture of Christ’s command in Matthew 5:38–42, showing sacrificial love beyond obligation.
How should we live now so that we will have no regrets later? Jonathan Edwards lived with integrity and eternity in view. Relying on Christ rather than self-effort, Edwards sought to be a man of his word, shaping his life, ministry, and perseverance through trial.
Do we live with integrity when no one is watching? Billy Graham, one of the most recognized evangelists in history, sought not only to preach Christ but to live in a way that honored Him. Through daily time in God’s Word, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and personal safeguards like the Modesto Manifesto, he guarded his heart and walk from moral failure.
Are we living Christ, not just preaching Him? Robert Chapman, called “the saintliest man” by Charles Spurgeon, lived a quiet yet powerful life marked by humility, love, and a deep commitment to live for Christ. He gave up personal rights, pursued unity without compromise, and served the poor and the lost with Christlike love.