An Atmosphere of Hopefulness and Cheer > > Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Phil. 4:4. > > To the Christian is granted the joy of gathering rays of eternal light > from > the throne of glory, and of reflecting these rays not only on his own > path, > but on the paths of those with whom he associates. By speaking words of > hope > and encouragement, of grateful praise and kindly cheer, he may strive to > make those around him better, to elevate them, to point them to heaven and > glory, and to lead them to seek, above all earthly things, the eternal > substance, the immortal inheritance, the riches that are imperishable. > > "Rejoice in the Lord alway," says the apostle; "and again I say, Rejoice." > Wherever we go, we should carry an atmosphere of Christian hopefulness and > cheer; then those who are out of Christ will see attractiveness in the > religion we profess; unbelievers will see the consistency of our faith. We > need to have more distinct glimpses of heaven, the land where all is > brightness and joy. We need to know more of the fullness of the blessed > hope. If we are constantly "rejoicing in hope," we shall be able to speak > words of encouragement to those whom we meet. "A word spoken in due > season, > how good is it!" Souls are perishing for the lack of personal labor. > > Not alone in daily association with believers and unbelievers are we to > glorify God by speaking often one to another in words of gratitude and > rejoicing. As Christians, we are exhorted not to forsake the assembling of > ourselves together, for our own refreshing, and to impart the consolation > we > have received. In these meetings, held from week to week, we should dwell > upon God's goodness and manifold mercies, upon His power to save from sin. > In features, in temper, in words, in character, we are to witness that the > service of God is good. Thus we proclaim that "the law of the Lord is > perfect, converting the soul." > > Our prayer and social meetings should be seasons of special help and > encouragement. Each one has a work to do to make these gatherings as > interesting and profitable as possible. This can best be done by having a > fresh experience daily in the things of God, and by not hesitating to > speak > of His love in the assemblies of His people. If you allow no darkness or > unbelief to enter your hearts, they will not be manifest in your meetings. > . > . . > > By the mystery and glory of the cross we can estimate the value of man, > and > then we shall see and feel the importance of working for our fellow men, > that they may be exalted to the throne of God (Southern Watchman, Mar. 7, > 1905). > >>From Lift Him Up - Page 244 > > > _______________________________________
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