We are not apt to think of discouragement as either dangerous or sinful. Some people seem to think it rather a pleasant experience than otherwise; at least, they appear to find a sort of relief and satisfaction in dropping down now and then, into a depressed mood. They make no effort to overcome their disposition to sadness, or to climb out of the deep valley of shadows—up to the mountain-tops where the sun is shining. They resent the kindly efforts of those who would help them to be cheerful, as if they were meddling with matters which do not belong to them.

We should settle it once for all—that the ideal Christian life is one of habitual cheerfulness. It has its experiences of difficulty, of disappointment, of suffering; but these are meant to be only lessons set for us to learn, and we are not expected to fail in them. Provision is made for us in the grace of God, by which we may overcome in every such experience, and be more than conquerors through him who loved us.

A feeling of discouragement creeping into our heart should be met, therefore, as a temptation. He who opens to it, and lets it in—does not know to what sin and sorrow it may lead him.–J. R. Miller

“And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: ” 1 Corinthians 12:21-22

In March of 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot as he was walking toward the presidential limousine. Reagan spent several weeks in the hospital recovering from the injuries he sustained in the shooting. And although he was the nation’s chief executive, his hospitalization had very little impact on the daily lives of Americans.

On the other hand, garbage collectors went on a three-week strike in a major city not long ago, leaving the city in a mess, causing a major health hazard for the citizens, and bringing the city to a near halt.

Weeks without a president… and weeks without garbage collectors. Which of these had more impact upon the functioning of our nation? Clearly, the absence of the garbage collectors harmed the country much more than the absence of the President. And in the body of Christ, the seemingly insignificant members are often the ones that are most urgently needed.

Your church needs people who will volunteer for seemingly insignificant jobs. Because the truth is that these jobs are not insignificant at all. So don’t ever feel like you don’t have a crucial part to play in the Kingdom of God. Your skills and talents are needed. Get involved and use them!

Ask God to show you the ministry He’s given you to carry out with your gifts and talents.–Senior Living

He laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren– 1 John 3:16

John 3:16 famously declares the love of God, the giving of His Son, and His purpose that whoever believes on His Son will have everlasting life. But 1 John 3:16 takes this truth a step further.

It is true, John says, that genuine love, perfect love is seen in the death of Jesus Christ for us. From this, however, we are meant to learn that genuine love is a sacrificial love.

You see, John explains, not only did the Father give His Son for us, but the Son gave Himself for us! He laid down his life for us. This was not cosmic or divine child abuse, as some have suggested. The cross of Christ is the ultimate display of the perfect and united love of both the Father and the Son.

Such love, though, is meant, not only to save us from hell in the future, but also to deliver us from selfishness and vanity right now. As we look at Jesus on the cross, His sacrificial love for us should lead us to lay down our lives for each other. In fact, John says, the cross makes us indebted (“we ought”) to love each other.

How has Jesus’ love affected you? Does it lead you to more self-absorption or to sacrificial service? Christ’s love for us includes His love for others, and so our love for Him must include a love for others, as well.(Baptist Bible Hour)

“For the body is not one member, but many.”– 1  Cor.12:14

A while back at a meeting of the American Psychological Association, psychologists Jack Lipton and R. Scott Builione presented a study where they surveyed members of 11 major symphony orchestras and asked how each section perceived each other.

The percussionists were viewed as unintelligent but fun-loving, while the string players were seen as arrogant and stuffy. The brass players were described as loud by many, and woodwinds were viewed as quiet, meticulous, and a bit egotistical.

So with such different perceptions of one another, how were these orchestras able to make such wonderful music? Well, quite simply, they were able to put their biases aside and look first to the leadership of the conductor. And when they all did that, they could make beautiful music together as one orchestra.

How effective could the body of Christ be if we were to follow that model? Instead of infighting about personalities and methods in our churches, what if we put those differences aside and looked together at the great Conductor?

The church is a multi-faceted diamond. Don’t try to make it a carbon copy of yourself. Appreciate the beauty in the diversity of the body of Christ and follow Christ together!

Ask God to open your eyes to the beauty of the diversity within the Church.– (Copied)

He giveth more grace. James 4:6

It is impossible to be more welcome at the throne of grace than we are, or for God to be more willing to bestow. We are as welcome to the throne of grace, as angels are to the throne of glory. Our God has provided on purpose to give. He invites us to come that we may receive. He gives grace upon grace. He is never weary of bestowing, though we are of asking. We dishonour Him when we ask doubtfully, when we ask for small matters; He bids us ask in faith, nothing doubting; to open our mouths wide that He may fill them. Grace comprises all we need, to pardon our sins, sanctify our natures, conquer our foes, bear our trials, or perform our duties. If we have not, it is because we ask not, or because when we ask amiss, to consume it on our lusts. There is grace for us this morning; let us apply for it, expect to receive it, and determine to use it for God’s glory and the good of souls. He will give grace and glory, and no good things will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. Ask, and YOU shall receive; seek, and YOU shall find. He giveth liberally, and upbraideth not.

Transporting truth-amazing word!
What! grace and glory from the Lord;
Oh, may I feel the promise true,
Fulfill’d in grace and glory too! –James Smith