Topic(s): Encouragement

Perseverance is a virtue each must have in order to go to heaven. Consider a man who:

• Failed in business at age 22
• Ran for legislature — defeated at age 23
• Again failed in business at age 24
• Elected to legislature at age 25
• Sweetheart died at age 26
• Had a nervous breakdown at age 27
• Defeated for Speaker at age 29
• Defeated for Elector at age 31
• Defeated for Congress at age 34
• Elected to Congress at age 37
• Defeated for Congress at age 39
• Defeated for Senate at age 46
• Defeated for Vice-President at age 47
• Defeated for Senate at age 49
• Elected President of the U.S. at age 51

That’s the record of a man who would not give up or quit. He persevered. His name was Abraham Lincoln!

“Faint not.” —Ephesians 3:13

Count Them

Topic(s): Blessings

Perhaps we have not counted
All our blessings one by one;
Perhaps we have not bothered
To remember whence they come;
And maybe we have taken
Just for granted all the things
That the good Lord has created
And the gifts that nature brings:

The autumn hills in glory robed,
A golden field of grain,
A sunset’s dazzling splendor
Or the Milky Way’s great plain,
The starry sky’s sublimity,
The ocean’s mighty power,
The wonder of creation
In the petal of a flower.

And so if we have failed to show
By word or act or deed
That we are thankful unto Him
Who fills our daily need,
May this day show we’re grateful
When we add up all the sum
Of the blessings we remember,
As we count them one by one.

“Blessings are upon the head of the just . . .” —Proverbs 10:6

Teammates

Topic(s): Church

A recent sports editorial concerning the lack of success of the Miami Dolphins caught my attention. The writer noted that while the Dolphins have a lot of talent (19 first-round draft choice players, more than any other professional team), they have not produced wins on the field. More than anything else, the Dolphins’ failure lies in their lack of being a team.

For the success of preaching the good news and for the growth of every Christian, God has given His “Dream Team,” the church. Note how this is pictured in the Bible.

Elders who shepherd the flock, feeding them and protecting them . . . who have a personal relationship with Christ . . . who have vision molded by the Scriptures, and who lead by faith instead of fear or politics (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9).

Deacons who work well with elders in meeting the needs of the local church and community . . .who also have a daily walk with the Lord . . . who are faithful in worship and Bible study . . . dedicated to the Lord and to making His church one of great service . . . who are leaders in ministry (1 Timothy 3:8–13; Philippians 1:1).

Teachers who know Jesus through the Word . . . who attend every service of the church . . . who are conscious of their example before their students . . . who study well and present how the Bible is relevant to life . . . who check up on absentee students . . . who encourage students to study and to bring someone with them to class (Ephesians 4:11–16; Hebrews 5:12–14).

Preachers who do the work of an evangelist . . . who preach the Word without fear or favor . . . who equip members for evangelism and service . . . who devote themselves to prayer and ministry of the Word . . . who practice what they preach (Acts 6:4; 20:19–21; 1 Timothy 4:11–16; 2 Timothy 4:1–5).

Members who attend worship and Bible study because they realize how important these assemblies are to their spiritual life . . . who use their talents and do not hide them . . . who seek the growth of God’s kingdom . . . who train their families at home in the Word . . . who plan their giving and give generously of their time and energy, as well as of their money . . . who expect and demand that the truth be preached, lived, and defended . . . who are hospitable and friendly to all, not just their special friends . . . who have learned of their oneness in Christ and who overcome racial and ethnic prejudices . . . who serve, visit, and encourage (Matthew 6:33; 25:14–46; 1 Corinthians 12:20–27; Galatians 3:28; Hebrews 10:22–25).

How do we measure up as a part of God's team? If we are not what we should be, we need to repent and be motivated to be all that God wants us to be. The success of the cause of Christ and our development as Christians is a matter of teamwork.

Sodium

Topic(s): Evangelism, Love

Sodium is an extremely active element found naturally only in combined form; it always links itself to another element. Chlorine, on the other hand, is the poisonous gas that gives bleach its offensive odor. When sodium and chlorine are combined, the result is sodium chloride--common table salt--a substance to preserve meat and brings out its flavor.

Love and truth can be like sodium and chloride. Love without truth is flighty, sometimes blind, willing to combine with various doctrines. On the other hand, truth by itself can be offensive. Spoken without love, it can turn people away from the gospel.

When faith and love are combined in an individual or a church, however, then we have what Jesus called “the salt of the earth,” and we’re able to preserve and bring out the beauty of our faith.

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” —1 Thessalonians 5:21