Some thoughts from Charles Hodge

One of the first words a baby hears, learns and hates is “no.” He must learn there are things he must never do. Tragically, some never learn. The jail houses people who refuse to say “no.” Eve never learned it; she could not say “no” to Satan or to herself. Adam never learned it; he could not say “no” to Eve. Both sinned and were cast out of Eden.

We need to childproof our own lives by learning to say “no.” We live misspent and wasted lives. Jesus asked, “For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” (Mt.16:26). Prior to this He told His disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Him. They needed to say no to themselves.

In our society, debt is one gigantic problem. Why? We couldn’t say “no.” We bought things we didn’t need with money we didn’t have to fool people we don’t like! Our failure has caught up with us. The only way out is to say “no” to our unnecessary wants. The word for this is maturity. Only grown-ups can say “no.”

You must say “no” before you can say “yes.” This explains most of the world’s problems. We tend to say “yes” without saying “no.” We try to say “yes” to God without first saying “no” to ourselves. Christianity is saying “no” to self and “yes” to God. Why is it easier to say “no” to God than Satan?

“No” is an answer. “No” is even a compete sentence. “No” is a decision and a lifestyle. Learn to say “no” to sin, self, Satan, and silliness. The foundation of a pure Christian life is the ability to know where, when, with whom, and why to say “no.”

Learn to say “YES!” It’s hard to say “no.” But the more difficult word is “yes.” Why is it hard to say “yes” to God? Many attend worship for years never obeying the gospel. Why? They cannot say “yes” to God. They cannot die to self. They cannot admit need. They are good with “no” but not with the commitment of “yes.” The majority of the world is saying “no” to God. Most don’t know it; most deny it.

We all say “no” to something. But what? We all say “yes” to something. But what? When temptation comes, just say “no.” This still works. It will never be defunct.

– Excerpts from Charles Hodge

(A retired preacher for a Texas congregation)

God made the His church to be a group of people who serve together and encourage one another. It’s nice to serve God where we are appreciated. But sometimes we must serve Him alone, without anyone noticing. It is a test of character to do our duty without attention or praise.

Ananias and Saphira donated money, but they were greedy for praise and lied to get it (Acts 5). Peter said, “Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart?” Would they have given at all if no one noticed?

Jeremiah didn’t have an easy preaching job. Day after day he spoke God’s word, but no one cared. Everyone treated him disrespectfully. He complained to God about this but kept on working for 40 years. He confessed, “Because of Thy hand upon me I sat alone” (Jer.15:17). This great prophet refused to give up just because nobody would pat him on the back.

Philip was used to being in the thick of things. Made a special servant of the church in Acts 6, he gained people’s respect. In chapter 8 he bravely preached in Samaria and the crowds were amazed with his miracles and preaching. What a great harvest in that old rebellious city. But then the Spirit sent him to the middle of nowhere to intercept the eunuch from Ethiopia. Nobody was there to congratulate the preacher as he baptized him. Soon after, God sent him to Caesarea; an important town, but certainly not Jerusalem. About 20 years later, Paul stayed with Philip as he traveled through to Jerusalem. Philip had been preaching in Caesarea faithfully for at least two decades, out of the limelight. He served God with little attention or praise.

People like Jeremiah and Philip are heroes to us. I’m sure they were eventually recognized for their service, but they didn’t work under those conditions just to get attention.

Serve the Lord because you love Him. Don’t insist on a crowd of admirers. Much of what we must do for Christ goes unnoticed by others. Offer that to Him with humility. He notices and you will be rewarded in the future.

“Whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you he shall not lose his reward” (Matt.10:42).

– Tim Johnson

One of the biggest things that hinders people is a feeling of inadequacy. “I’m uneducated, unsophisticated, don’t have much money. What can I offer God?” Must we all be public speakers? Must we be scholars? Can’t we serve the Lord with what we have?

In 2 Kings 7, Samaria was surrounded by invading Syrians. King Jehoram desperately wanted a victory. It came when God scared the invaders off, leaving all their goods and equipment behind. Nobody knew the danger was over until two hungry men, both suffering with leprosy, stumbled across the abandoned campground. They rushed back to Samaria and announced Israel’s God-given victory. Ungodly Jehoram was denied the glory. Two homeless lepers had brought the great news. Aren’t we like that? Few of us are great in the world, but God can use us anyway.

Some people feel they are too old to do much for the Lord. When the baby Jesus was brought by his parents to the temple there were no welcome bands, no public speeches, no dignitaries. Simeon and Anna, both seniors, got the job of official greeters. Their insightful words are recorded in Luke 2. The world would have presented Jesus with an elaborate ceremony. God used seniors. Are you in the final half of life? He can still use you.

Did you know that one of the most effective preachers Jesus sent out was not one of the twelve apostles? The man was once a recluse living in a graveyard, mentally unstable and injured. Jesus healed him and said, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you” (Mk.5:19-20). He did, and “everyone marveled.” Even today the people who bring others to the Lord are often untrained, simple people who appreciate what Jesus has done for them. They want their friends and families to hear about it.

God works with the lowly; He sent Jesus to do the same. Never forget: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh” (Lk.6:20-21).

Don’t worry about who you are not. Think of who you are in the Lord. He makes all the difference.

– Tim Johnson

As winter drags on and we experience too much gloomy weather and darkness, it’s easy to become discouraged. Feeling down is unique to human beings. Squirrels and birds don’t seem to suffer from it; they seem to scurry around endlessly. But we often find ourselves moping.

What causes discouragement and what can we do about it? Fatigue can bring it on. When we are physically and emotionally exhausted, we are a candidate. Our defenses are lowered and things seem bleak. We must find a way to refresh ourselves.

Frustration can cause it. When unfinished tasks pile up it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. We might have to let a few things go, or maybe ask someone for a hand.

Failure can lead to discouragement. Sometimes our best laid plans fall apart. Someone said, “Just when I think I can make ends meet, someone moves the end!” On the bright side, failure is often the best teacher. We can look for a better way. Akin to failure is fear. We fear failure, so we don’t stick our neck out very far. We fear criticism. What will people think? Can I handle my responsibility without being afraid?

What are other things that can help me with discouragement? When Nehemiah and the Jews were trying to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, opposition discouraged them. Nehemiah made some suggestions. He told them to build only a section apiece. He decreed that all workers should carry a weapon in case of attack. And he reminded them that “the Lord is great and awesome and will fight for your brothers, your sons, our daughters, your wives, and your houses” (v14). Sometimes we have to add up what we have going for us, then get up and get moving.

It’s important to rest your body. Lack of sleep will play with our minds. If you need a break, try to take one. You will feel more effective when you return to work. And let’s not forget that God will help. If we ask Him, He can give us new energy. There is great motivating power in faith. Fight back!

Discouragement is a choice. Hang on! Do what’s right. No feeling lasts forever.

– Tim Johnson (with an older article by David Johnson)