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)

It’s safe to say that most of us have eaten too much over the last week and over-indulged a little. I don’t know about you, but I’m going to cut back a little before the pounds begin to show. Christmas puts us together with relatives and old friends and we like to share lots of food, pies and chocolates that we don’t normally eat. In the Bible, early Christians liked to do that too, although Christmas wasn’t celebrated then. “They were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart” (Acts 2:46).

It’s interesting how we try to get together at Christmas with people we don’t see much the rest of the year. Uncles and aunts turn up and we send cards to people we haven’t seen in years. Even though we don’t get along with a person or two, we still attempt to be friendly and check on them. Again, this was a habit of the Christians we read about in the Bible. “But encourage one another day after day” (Heb.3:13).

My grandmother used to enjoy making Christmas ornaments out of colourful beads. They were usually bell-shaped; she was quite good at it. One day she gave us about half a dozen of them for our tree and we still put them up every Christmas. It’s our way of remembering her. Most of her descendants have a few. Christians, likewise, remember each other. “Remember those who fed you, who spoke the word of God to you, and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith” (Heb.13:7).

There’s a lot of love going around during the holidays. We overlook people’s flaws and extend a bit of affection. It’s good for us, and good for those we care about. Even a few black sheep in the family get a pat on the head. New Testament Christians were well known for their care. “For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus” (Phil.1:8).

Here’s my point. All the good things we do at Christmas don’t have to stop the rest of the year. In Christ, we practice kindness, love, encouragement, meals together, and even thoughts of those who have left this life for the next. We practice many of these good things every Sunday and every Wednesday night. That’s why I’ve included the above scriptures.

We are not only blessed this time of year; we are blessed all year. It’s great to be part of the church.

– Tim Johnson

National elections can be very stressful. A few months ago, we voted in a new government, which of course is the previous government reworked. Many people worry about how well our federal politicians will perform with the kinds of challenges Canada faces these days. In the United States, people are upset with the troubles in which their government is embroiled. This is the nature of democracy. Leaders are voted in when the previous ones have run out of time or become unfit to continue. Often the same people are placed in power for another mandate. We have the privilege of voting for the people we think are best, but we don’t always get what we want. In my lifetime, there have been 13 different Prime Ministers so far.  

If we worry about the suitableness of new leaders every four or five years, what would it be like if our great high priest in heaven changed every few years also? Wouldn’t we worry about his ability to keep us saved?

The writer of the Book of Hebrews discusses this in chapter 7:23-25. He reminds us that a new high priest had to be appointed over the Israelites every time an old one passed away. “They existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing.” Like our modern-day politicians, people never knew what they would get.

But Jesus is different. He will never become incompetent or die. He sits in heaven permanently, which gives us confidence that we will continue to be saved and looked after every day. “He, on the other hand, because He abides forever, holds his Priesthood permanently. Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

National leaders will come and go. But Jesus will always remain our great High Priest. He sits on the throne forever. He can keep us saved right to the end. Do not worry.

– Tim Johnson