Echos of Encouragement
Encouragement and Challenge for Singles for the year 2001
by Brother Barnabas
NOTE: devotions below are in REVERSE order chronologically
I always enjoy the beginning of a new year. It brings so much freshness and hope even if it’s for us in OK during some of the coldest temperatures of the year. There is for me as well as others the evaluation of the past year and the setting of goals for the new year ahead. Some I will accomplish while others will either be deferred or even abandoned. I can become a bit idealistic when it comes to goals. I suppose it’s easy to be idealistic when one has or is full of hope.I am grateful for hope. Hope is one of the emotions that pushes us into the future. It urges us onward and upward. It is never satisfied with the way things are, but it challenges us to dream of accomplishing what can be. Hope compels us to become more than what we are. Hope encourages us to overcome the negatives in our lives. Hope is always optimistic.
I suppose there are negatives with hope. One can neglect the present by spending too much time dreaming for the future. Hope can also lead to laziness because why worry about today when the future is so much brighter. If not careful hope can lead one down a life of "pipe dreams." Hope does have to be tempered a bit with reality.
However, when tempered with reality hope becomes a wonderful friend. In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul writes that the big three that abide are faith, hope, and love. In Romans 5: 5 Paul says that hope doesn’t disappoint. Hebrews 6:19 says that we have hope as an anchor of the soul.
Let me encourage you this week to become hopeful. Hope for a better new year than last even if last year was great. Hope for a closer walk with the Lord Jesus. Hope for all sorts of things that will honor Jesus and grow you in your walk. Live in the present and hope. Run well finish well.
Encouraging you in hope,
Brother Barnabas
The Vulnerable God
December 20, 2001We will this week celebrate Christmas with all the festivities. Some will celebrate gift giving and call it Christmas. Many of us will actually celebrate Christmas. We will read and/or talk about the birth of the Lord Jesus. We will celebrate God becoming man in order to identify with us as Hebrews talks about. We will celebrate all sorts of aspects of Christmas. Whether we realize it or not when we celebrate Christmas we will also celebrate God’s vulnerability.
Yes, the all encompassing self sufficient Holy God demonstrated the depth of His love to us a fallen creation by becoming quite vulnerable to mankind. In some senses He had already demonstrated His vulnerability by allowing mankind to have a love relationship with Him. This made Him vulnerable to rejection. However, at the birth He became much more vulnerable. By being born a man He became vulnerable to all the hurts and joys we fallen humans face though He Himself wasn’t in a fallen condition.
Have you ever thought about whether or not Jesus caught colds when He was a child? Most likely He had scraped knees, sunburn, and mosquito bites. Boy, there was power in that blood!! As a single I wonder if He was ever rejected on a date. Did Jesus get cavities in His teeth?
Hebrews 4:15 says that Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses because He was tempted in all things as we are yet He didn’t sin. Hebrews 5:8 says that though He was a Son, He learned obedience through the things He suffered. God became quite vulnerable when Jesus was born.
Let me encourage you this week to celebrate Christmas. Celebrate the birth of God becoming man. Celebrate with gifts and however else you honor the Lord Jesus. This year, celebrate the fact God became vulnerable. Celebrate the fact that Jesus can identify with our struggles and celebrations because at least for a while He was one of us.
Encouraging you at Christmas,
Brother Barnabas
God Also Waits
December 13, 2001As we are in the Christmas season many are excited about Christmas Day with all the gift giving, food, and all that encompasses the Christmas event. Children are especially excited and can hardly wait to begin ripping apart the pretty wrapped packages. Waiting is such tough work!! I know because I still hate to wait on almost everything.
My favorite passage of Scripture to preach and teach from during this time is from Galatians 4. It’s where Paul says that in the "fullness of time" God sent Jesus as the Christ. I have preached that many times in life we have to wait on God for His perfect timing. Have you ever stopped to think that not only do we have to wait on God, but God also has to wait on us?
God had to wait until the full term had taken place for Jesus to be born. Nothing in the Scriptures says anything about Jesus being a "premie." God went through the steps of time for Jesus to reach adolescence and then reach manhood. God waited for Jesus to become thirty to begin His short ministry before the crucifiction/resurrection. God had to wait.
God has to also wait on us periodically. He waits until we can understand a little of salvation before He convicts us of sin and the salvation process begins. God waits for us to mature some before He places us in leadership roles. Sometimes people don’t wait, but God does. Paul writes specifically that deacons shouldn’t be new converts. Sometimes God has to wait on us to go through a period of brokenness before He can reveal Himself and His will more completely to us. We don’t only wait on God, but God also waits on us.
Let me encourage you this week as you’re waiting on God to remember God is also waiting on you. Neither you nor God will hurry His timing. Perhaps you would be inclined to hurry God a bit, but He won’t allow it. God also won’t hurry you. He patiently waits on His perfect timing.
Encouraging you in the hurry of waiting,
Brother Barnabas
Ignoring the Light
December 6, 2001Last Saturday evening some of us were at a fellowship at a friend’s home. As the evening progressed some began leaving. As one friend, Steve Williams, was leaving he suddenly reappeared asking me to come outside for a moment. I was suspicious but cautiously went outside with him. He showed me some lights that seemed odd that were moving in the night sky. He asked me what I thought they were. They were indeed like nothing I had ever seen before. There seemed to be sparks flowing from one of the lights with a blue light on the end of it. I mused that it must be some type of aircraft from K-Mart with a "blue light special." I seriously concluded it must be some type of aircrafts flying in formation from Tinker Air Force Base which is in the area.
He left for the evening, and I returned inside to the gang. He had seriously wanted to know what he was seeing, but he didn’t want to look foolish; therefore, he had only asked me to come outside. I of course had a laugh at his expense making him look foolish anyway. I told of the "blue light special" and such.
The next morning as I was preparing to leave for Sunday School I saw something interesting on the news. The news stations had been inundated with calls concerning these strange lights. It was concluded that it was residue from a Russian rocket reentering the earth’s atmosphere. Who looked foolish now? At Sunday School it was pointed out to me numerous times that I was the foolish one.
Around two thousand years ago a magnificent star burst into the night sky. It must have caught the attention of many. I wonder how many people passed it off ignoring the light much the same way I did the rocket on Saturday evening? Evidently, some took it seriously enough to follow it to Bethlehem and pay homage to a new king which was born. And oh what a King indeed!!
Later that baby would grow up and not only be known as a king, but He would also be known as the "Light of the World." Some would see the Light and be drawn to it. Others would ignore, try to ignore, or even try to extinguish the Light. They would never succeed.
Let me encourage you this week as we prepare to celebrate once again the ultimate Light coming into the world not to ignore Him. Don’t let all the Christmas "stuff" keep you from seeing and celebrating Jesus.
Encouraging you in the Light,
Brother Barnabas
Balance
November 29, 2001
A week or so ago I was over walking in the park which I normally go. I came upon a man walking an unusual looking hound. He looked similar to some of the hounds I was use to, but there was some differences. I approached the man and inquired, as is my custom, as to what kind of dog he had. He told me the dog was a cross between an Australian Heeler and a Beagle. Then he made the humorous comment that the poor dog didn’t know whether to heard or chase. He said however, that when it comes to the squirrels in the park the dog is all beagle.I walked away laughing at the thoughts of how the dog’s so different instincts could cause confusion for the poor dog. Talk about a dichotomy, this dog was one!
I began thinking that there are lots of Christians like this dog. I thought about how some Christians are confused as to whether to evangelize or disciple. This is an age old conflict. Some believe the primary responsibility of the Christian is to evangelize everyone they can. Others believe their primary responsibility is to disciple everyone they can. There are good reasonable arguments on both sides of the evangelism/discipleship issue.
The answer isn’t an either/or, but it’s a both/and answer. We are to look at Jesus as our example. Jesus first evangelized and then poured His life into those whom He evangelized. Now, Jesus didn’t always have time to disciple along with evangelizing. The "woman at the well" is a prime example. However, look at His last words to His disciples in Matthew. He told them that as they went about life they were to make disciples. I would surmise those were pretty important words. Those words were specific and understandable. The words for the twelve (eleven) are relevant for us.
Let me encourage you this week to make a habit of seeking to balance your Christianity. There’s no need for confusion. As you "do your theology" in life, make disciples. Evangelize first then pour your life into those you evangelize when possible. Where discipleship isn’t possible, point them in the right direction of a church that will disciple them.
Encouraging you in the balance,
Brother Barnabas
Thanks 2
November 22, 2001Does the Bible ever anger you? Perhaps there are commands that you wish just wasn’t in there such as "love your neighbor" when in reality you would like for it to say "if your neighbor bothers you tell him to kiss off."
Of all the passages that I either don’t understand or desire to always obey, I think 1 Thessalonians 5:18 gives me the most trouble. We are commanded to "in everything give thanks." Quite honestly there are times when I simply don’t want to give thanks. I had much rather have a tirade, pity party, or something similar. Notice also that these words aren’t an idea, they are a command. There are times that I tell the Lord that I’m not very happy with Him right now and I rather not give thanks. What I’d rather do doesn’t matter. Even my attitude concerning this or any other commandment doesn’t matter. What matters is my obedience. I must always remember that He is my Lord and master, and I am His servant or slave.
Let me encourage you this week to "in everything give thanks." Will it always make you feel better, I doubt it. In some cases it may even "tick you off" more. Then why give thanks? Simple, because you are to be obedient.
Thankfully speaking,
Brother Barnabas
Thanks
November 15, 2001For some of us singles as Thanksgiving and Christmas begin approaching we begin to be a bit apprehensive. On one hand we are thankful for the holidays and the enjoyment that they bring with all the food, fun, and fanfare(ok so I got a little carried away with the alliterations). On the other hand quite honestly, we’re not sure we want to celebrate the holidays as singles anymore. Some of us had rather be married with our own families rather than facing the holidays single "AGAIN." Some of us have had to deal with the death of a family member during the year. Perhaps some have gone though the pain of divorce. We become lonely for various reasons.
We tend to not want to talk about the loneliness that we feel, we try to gloss over the reality of the loneliness, or we even deny it exists. We feel that as Christians we shouldn’t moan and groan. Everyone wants everyone to be in a festive mood. No one wants to be around a "moaner."
I have to admit that I don’t want to be around a moaner either, even if it’s me. I’m reminded of Billy Joel. He sang, "I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints; the sinners are much more fun." No doubt that I think most of us would much rather laugh than cry. How then do I deal with this loneliness during the holidays?
If the loneliness gets to you then cry out to God. He is our Heavenly Father. He desires to love and nurture us in tough times as well as good times. We may have to deal with loneliness, but we don’t have to deal with it alone. We also don’t have to dwell on the loneliness.
REJOICE!!! It’s amazing what praising can do. Give thanks to the Lord Jesus for all the blessings He has and is bestowing upon you. Don’t dwell on what you don’t have but what you do have. Really, do count your blessings. Scripture says to let your mind dwell on good things and not bad.(Philippians 4:8 my paraphrase). In fact, read all of Philippians 4. We are able to overcome loneliness in and through Christ Jesus. We are overcomers in Christ Jesus!!
Let me encourage you this week to give thanks and be thankful. Jesus loves you and so do I.
Thankful to be able to encourage you,
Brother Barnabas
Jesus is coming. Look busy. A while back a friend told me he had read those very words at of all places a bathroom wall. When he told me about them we both laughed. I like many others work in an environment where workers are to stay busy. Sometimes though work gets a little slow. Whether one is actually busy working he is to at least "look busy." Therefore, these words to the average worker are very understandable.Jesus is Coming. Look Busy?
November 8, 2001However, as I began thinking about these words they are contrary to what Jesus actually taught. Jesus didn’t teach us to look busy but to actually be busy. He said things like, "Work for the night is coming when no one can work." He told stories about good workers who were rewarded for their efforts when their master returned. He spoke of lazy workers who were punished for their laziness. He, by the example of His life, taught us to be diligent in our work accomplishing the goal set forth. John tells us in the book named after him that if all the things that Jesus did while the disciples where with Him were written down that there wouldn’t be enough books able to contain all the events. What was written, however, was for our benefit in order that we might believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Wow! Jesus must have really been busy because every time we read about Him He is doing something.
The point is that we as Christians are to be busy about doing Christ’s work until He returns or until we go to Him through death. We are not just to "look busy" without accomplishing very much; we are to be busy. As we "do life" we are to be about His business. Christianity isn’t for spectators, but it is for participants. We aren’t to be extremists forgetting to relax and becoming too tightly wound up that we aren’t any good to anybody much less the Lord Jesus. Nor are we always to let somebody else do the work while we watch and applaud their efforts.
Let me encourage you this week to become actively involved in the work of service to the Lord Jesus. Jesus is coming. Don’t look busy. Be busy.
Busily encouraging you,
Brother Barnabas
Sin or Consequences
October 25, 2001Have you ever wondered whether or not one sin was worse than another? I’ve been in a theological argument off and on over the past several years concerning this issue with several of the singles in our ministry. My premise was that there were degrees of sin. As I was preparing to write this week I consulted with a trusted friend who is one of my former professors at Southwestern Seminary.
As we discussed the matter he aided me in seeing more completely the matter of sin. Based upon our discussion with Biblical evidence I readily admit I have been wrong in my understanding. Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death. This death is primarily spiritual death, but it can also call into being physical death as well. There are no degrees of death. There are however degrees of consequences.
Because we live in a sinful world and in order to be able to live within human society God has given us spiritual absolutes, decrees, and laws to both govern our lives and to direct us heavenward through the Lord Jesus. If we choose to be rebellious we may suffer varying degrees of consequences both in this life and the judgement. We must remember and remind others that not all sin is judged the same. For example, to God as well as to man throwing a child in a dumpster is normally worse than running a stop sign. For the lost, his sinful consequences will follow him into Hell for eternity. For the Christian his consequences may prohibit him receiving some rewards in Heaven.
So what one might ask? We must remember that God takes sin seriously, He takes it personally, and He hates it absolutely. We live in a day when sin seems to be taken lightly by both lost folk and Christians. If sin is taken lightly can it also follow that forgiveness is taken lightly?
We Christians must be in the business of sharing the consequences of sin and the beauty of forgiveness with others. We must remember a severe price was paid at Calvary for sin. We must also remember that while grace and forgiveness are free they aren’t cheap.
Let me encourage you this week to remember the consequences for sin. Some consequences are severe, and some are eternal. Let me also encourage you to remember and receive the beautiful forgiveness that Jesus offers to all. Run well, finish well.
Encouraging you to avoid the consequences,
Brother Barnabas
No Covenants
October 18, 2001I desire to have a little fun with you while also trying to make a point. I do want to give you something to think about. Some will snicker when they read the title because they already know where I’m headed with this.
Covenant with me to pray over a matter. Let’s make a covenant concerning a matter. The expressions go on and on. Please don’t ask me to make a covenant with you concerning anything because I simply won’t do it.
If we are to take the Bible literally, as I believe we should, there’s something to be known about covenants. The Old Testament word is "berith" which means to cut. The New Testament word "diatheke" should be used similarly. The author of Hebrews, in chapters 8-10, talks extensively concerning the Old Testament covenant and how it fell short. He also addresses the New Testament covenant and how it is eternally better. According to Hebrews 9:16 &17 if a covenant is made with someone then someone or something has to die. This is keeping well within the context of the Scriptures. A covenant was ratified by death(Hebrews 9:17) such as the Law, David and Jonathan, the New Covenant, and on and on. I haven’t found any evidence to support any other view.
I’ve heard and used the sentence "I covet your prayers." This sounds righteous until one discovers the meaning from either a Bible dictionary or Webster’s. This term covet never has positive meanings or implications.
My point to all this returns to Biblical accuracy. We sometimes use Biblical terms and ideas without understanding the Biblical meaning and context of either. We must be careful with Biblical matters.
Using "covenant" or "covet" out of it’s intended context won’t send anyone to Hell. However, Jesus said that he who is faithful in small things will be faithful in larger things. Jesus said the opposite is also true. Negligence lends itself to further negligence as accuracy lends itself to accuracy.
Let me encourage US, myself included, to be as accurate as possible in our teachings and assertions concerning Biblical matters. Let us continue to be studious in handling accurately the Word of Truth, as Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:15 (my paraphrase). Run well; finish well.
Encouraging you...without covenanting to do so,
Brother Barnabas
Biblically Accurate
October 11, 2001I am amazed at how inaccurate and/or ignorant Christians tend to be when it comes to the Bible. I understand the difficulties in trying to maintain an in-depth Bible study. As I have had the privilege of being a layman for a while and seeing life "from the other side" I have come to realize how precious time is, and how often there is too little of it; it seems. I confess that I have often substituted quality time with God for a few moments of "tagging base with God." It is impossible to please God without faith as Hebrews 11 says, but without sufficient time it is very difficult to please God. In order to please God we must understand God more completely. We understand God more completely by living, prayer, and quality time in the Bible.
2 Timothy 2:15 says that we are to be diligent to be approved by God as unashamed workers which handle with accuracy God’s Word(my paraphrase). My understanding of this means that I must not be careless in my devotion to God’s Word, quoting God’s Word, or interpreting God’s Word. I don’t believe that we need to give chapter and verse every time we use the Bible. Sometimes it’s better not to be so specific unless asked because it can give an air of arrogance. However, I do with all sincerity believe we are to be as accurate as possible with God’s Word.
While I don’t even pretend to know and understand all Biblical truth, I do take seriously my commitment to know God and His Word. I have heard other preachers as well as lay people assert that the Bible says things that it simply doesn’t say. I often hear Scriptures misquoted or taken out of context. I see other things placed on top of the Bible. I cringe at these things. What upsets me more is a seemingly lack of concern. This isn’t Shakespeare. This is divine with eternal consequences at stake. Perhaps a similar understanding prompted James to write in James 3:1 "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgement."(NAS)
I am encouraged however. I am encouraged at the number of our singles that are involved with numerous Bible studies. I am overjoyed at the AWANAS program which promotes and rewards children in Scripture memory. Because of AWANAS adults are memorizing Scripture also.
Let me encourage you to love God and His Word. Talk about it, memorize it, meditate on it, interpret it, but by all means strive to be accurate with it.
Hopefully, encouraging you accurately,
Brother Barnabas
America Bless God
October 4, 2001I’ve seen lots of signs since Sept. 11 saying "God Bless America." Let me reassure you, He already has. My soul, we have been so richly blessed by God from the time our country was founded to the present. From my perspective it isn’t so much that God needs to bless America anymore, but America needs to bless God. We must not become like the Dead Sea in which we are always on the receiving end without also giving out of ourselves.
Acts 13:2 says that Paul and Barnabas were set apart as they were "ministering to the Lord" and fasting. As Christians we are to minister to the Lord or bless the Lord if you will as well as receive blessings from the Lord. How can we bless the Lord you might ask. I’m glad you inquired. Here are some suggestions.
The first way we can bless God is to acknowledge Him. I was appalled over the fund raiser that the entertainers did because as they were saying parts of the Pledge of Allegiance they purposely left out "One nation under God." We must acknowledge Him as never before in our history. We need Him desperately.
Next, we bless God by confession. We must realize that we have sinned against God and gone our own way instead of His. Sin has become something to tolerate than something to repent from. We have watered down sin to the point where we call sin mistakes. We may make mistakes, but we openly rebel against a holy God.
Next, we must repent of the sins we have confessed before God. We are full of remorse, but often we don’t repent. Remorse is being sorry, either sorry for what we’ve done or sorry we got caught. Repentance is turning away from those sins and turning more completely to God.
Next, we must invite the Lord to become our focal point in our lives. God wants to be wanted. Often times He crashes our life because we didn’t invite Him to be a part of it. We must let Him know He is welcome. He is always the guest of honor.
Lastly, we must submit to His authority. We bless God as Christians submit and surrender to His leadership and guidance. He does know best for our lives. He will discipline us for our benefit. We will guide us into a life of holiness and fulfillment.
Do I want God to continue to bless America and our world? You bet!! The best way I see for God to bless America is for America, especially the Christian church, to bless God.
Blessing you through encouragement,
Brother Barnabas
Movie Ratings
September 28, 2001It’s great to be back with you after a few weeks of being away. We all like to be entertained in one fashion or another whether it’s through sporting events, the theater, or movies. The movie industry makes billions of dollars annually by seeking to entertain us. What in your opinion constitutes a good movie, one that you would see again or recommend to others? Some like a good plot, others like romance (chick flick), while others like lots of action and adventure. Movies are becoming more and more explicit however, and sometimes "good" movies are marred with vulgarities and sexually explicit love scenes. There is of course a rating system in place that is supposed to aid the viewer in what he/she selects to see. I often hear Christians reviewing movies they deem great or good that have quite a bit of explicit scenes in them. These movies are often justified as "that’s how life is and I really wanted to see the movie."
As Christians we are to be salt and light. Our standards are to be different than the world at large. What we view in the name of being entertained is to no less glorify God than any other aspect of our life. I don’t understand how anyone can call a movie good when it takes God’s name in vain numerous times throughout the movie. I have thus proposed my own rating system for your evaluation. D -Decent, this movie is ok but not spectacular; fair plot, not much cussing, etc. C -Caution, it’s a pretty good movie, but some of the scenes have a fair amount of cussing and/or sexual content. G -Great, this movie has a great plot, great cinematography, etc. GR -Grieve the Holy Spirit, this movie has lots of language, some sexual explicitness, etc. R -Repent, if you see this movie as a Christian you should repent immediately for embarrassing the Lord.
You may or may not like my rating system, but let me encourage you to at least give it prayerful consideration. Is being entertained worth hurting our spiritual walk?
Encouraging you to rate your walk
Brother Barnabas
Connectedness
September 20, 2001Last Friday I did something that I haven’t done in over six years. I mentioned last week how it had been a difficult week reliving memories from the Oklahoma City Bombing with the tragedy which happened in New York. I picked up the phone and called my two bosses from the time of the bombing. During the week I had felt a sense of being disconnected from those with whom I had experienced the bombing. I needed to feel connected in some way.
As I renewed old friendships it was obvious I had done the right thing. There was a sense of appreciation that I had called from the other end of the phone. I conversed with both ladies with whom I had worked for a few moments then hung up. Why had I waited six years?
As I hung up I began to be reminded of the church. One primary purpose of the church is connectedness. I understand theologically as a Christian I am the church, the body of Christ, but together we are also the body of Christ Jesus. We need each other.
Whether we are active members of a church or not so much of the time we are living our lives "doing our theology" that we sometimes forget that we do actually need each other. Then something happens in our lives which may be good or bad. At that point we feel disconnected and alone. We need to feel connected to something and someone. That need brings us back to the church in order to feel connected.
As active members it’s so much easier to feel the connectedness we need. We know we have those that love us and support us because as recently as Sunday we saw them in Sunday School sharing with us; connectedness. After Sunday School we sat together in worship; again connectedness. We must not forget the importance of being connected both to the Lord Jesus first and to each other, especially as Christian single adults. We singles must be an encouragement to each other.
Let me encourage you this week to either further enhance your connectedness with fellow believers or get reconnected to fellow believers. We are not to be "Lone Ranger" Christians. We are to be connected to each other because we need each other.
Connected and encouraging you,
Brother Barnabas
A Matter of Perspective
September 13, 2001This has been a very tough heart wrenching week for most of us in this country. The incredible loss of life has sorrowed us all. For myself and I know for many other survivors of the Oklahoma City Bombing this week has either been a reopening of old wounds or a tugging at old scar tissue. It’s simply been difficult.
I along with all patriots Christian and non-Christian stand behind our president and leaders of this country as they seek Godly guidance as to the proper response for so horrendous a crime against our nation. There must be a response to those responsible and it must be severe and just.
However, I am broken over some of the comments I have heard from Christians this week. I have heard things such as, "We ought to go over to Afghanistan and level the place." I have heard other slams from angry Christians in regards to Middle Eastern people and particular countries.
In our anger we must not forget who we are and whose we are. For those that would like to level Afghanistan let me remind you that there are people there such as moms and dads, little boys and girls, teenagers and singles that had nothing to do with this atrocity on America. Jesus loves them and died for them too. Evidently there are others which believe this for there are eight American women on trial for trying to spread Christianity among the Afghans. Are we so arrogant and self-serving that we believe we deserve God’s grace more than they? Everything I believe says there is level ground at the foot of the cross. That level ground isn’t only for Americans or countries we like.
One of the major signs for revival to begin is brokenness. This brokenness is not only for our nation, but it is also for our world that is so lost and sin sick. We must not forget that John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world. . ."
Let me encourage you this week as you mourn and grieve to keep this grief in perspective. Mourn for the loss of innocent life in our country. Grieve over our nation. But do not forget to be broken before God for the lost throughout our world.
Grieving and encouraging you as you grieve,
Brother Barnabas
Warnings and Alarms
September 7, 2001Every so often we see on the news where someone ignored a railroad crossing warning, tried to beat a train, and wound up in the hospital or the morgue. We also see periodically where people ignored warning signs about water over a road only to either have their car stall and have to be rescued or have it swept away and again wind up in the morgue. On a lighter note how many of us adhere to the sound of our alarm clock and cheerfully get up the first time it goes off? Alarm clocks seem to be necessary evils in our lives which we hate but can’t live without.
Warnings and alarms have positive purposes, but they are often looked at with disdain or even repulsiveness. It seems that humanity at large doesn’t want anyone or anything telling us what we can’t do or must do. We’ll show it or them.
Lost people often don’t listen as Christians cry out warnings concerning a life without Christ. Christians often don’t listen to warnings concerning moral purity and discipline. My question is why sound the warning when noone wants to listen and adhere to the warnings?
Warnings are sounded for one’s benefit but not one’s enjoyment. By giving into the warning of the alarm clock we are able to get to work on time. By yielding to stop signs we avoid accidents and/or tickets. By surrendering our lives to Christ we discover peace, fulfillment, and ultimately a home in heaven. By submitting to spiritual disciplines we avoid spiritual bankruptcy and finish our Christian lives running well without embarrassment.
Let me encourage you this week to heed the warnings and alarms God places in your lives. You and He will be glad you did. Run well finish well.
Warning you about warnings,
Brother Barnabas
Lax vs. Relax
August 30, 2001We are at Labor Day Weekend once again. Lots of folk are leaving town for one last chance to get away and enjoy the lake or any number of recreational sights before beginning the serious business of Fall and all that comes with it including school, business ventures, etc.
As we will be enjoying this time, it is important to remember that we are to relax, but we are to be careful about becoming lax. Relax can mean to lessen the concentration or release stress. Don’t we all need to lessen our intensity from time to time? We also need to release stress in our lives for ourselves and for those around us. Lax can mean loose or careless as in lax morals.
In our efforts to relax we must never become lax. Really it’s a bit of a dichotomy for Christians that the more we relax the more we have to guard our lives from becoming lax. For example, as we are relaxing in a restaurant we must not become lax in being courteous to our waiter. As we are enjoying the beach we must guard ourselves from the lustful eye. Quiet honestly, if we are away from the church building this weekend, for we are the church, we must not forget to give God the tithe by either giving ahead of time or doubling up next week.
As I look at the life of Jesus I find times in the Bible where He went on retreat by Himself or with His disciples in order to try to get away and relax. I say try because several times when He tried to get away others found Him to which He forgot about Himself in order to minister to them. There were times when He did get away. He relaxed, but He was never lax.
Let me encourage you this week to relax. Enjoy the lake or wherever you are even if it’s at home. However, be careful not to become lax in your moral integrity. Jesus is relaxing with you. Run well finish well.
Relaxing but not being lax from encouraging you,
Brother Barnabas
Better With Age
August 23, 2001I heard the pastor say something Sunday that I had been contemplating recently. He referred to the statement, the older I get the better I was. I saw that on a t shirt a couple of years ago and found it quite humorous, especially now that I have hit forty. Of course, I definitely don’t believe that statement is for me but for others my age and older. I think that the statement is quite funny unless it refers to the Christian life, which at that point it ceases to be funny and becomes tragic.
Ideally, when one becomes a Christian it should initiate a life of growth and service to the Lord Jesus. Ideally, at the end of one’s life one should be much more in love with Jesus that they were when they first met the Savior. The problem is that for so many Christians just the opposite occurs. They tend to fade in both their love and zeal for the Lord. You’ve seen this as well as I have, Christians that are chronologically older in the Lord being led by those much younger because the "older" ones failed to grow. So many Christians don’t finish the race well. In fact some do good to somehow cross the finish line of the Christian life. It is quite the severe problem in the American Christian church for this crosses denominational lines.
Let me encourage you to never let it be said of you, the older I get the better I was in reference to your walk with Jesus. Ever grow and glow in your walk with Jesus. Don’t creep across the finish line, but finish well.
Encouraging you,
Brother Barnabas
Many of you know I am diagnosed with ADHD. It’s not a curse, but neither is it an excuse for incorrect behavior. Quite simply, it’s life. Of all the things one can have ADHD isn’t nearly as bad as some of the alternatives.Spiritual ADD
August 15, 2001Some of the characteristics of ADHD are short attention span, lack of ability to concentrate for lengths of time, hyperactivity(though not always), short temper, impatience, often fails to finish things, and there are others.
As I was recently contemplating my life with ADHD I began thinking that many people including some Christians have a type of "Spiritual ADD." I began thinking of Israel in the Old Testament primarily, but those thoughts soon began to expand to today.
Israel had quite the short attention span. No sooner did God do something good or great for them when they forgot and turned away from God. Israel was often short tempered with God by whining and complaining about the way He did things that wasn’t to their liking. Often they would begin a commitment to God, and often they would quickly abandon that commitment without finishing it. These are definitely symptoms of "spiritual ADD."
Even today within our churches we find Christians with "spiritual ADD." How many Christians do we know that made genuine commitments to Christ but now are nowhere to be found? How many start well but finish badly to even terribly? How many Christian have such short attention spans that they have to be fed "milk" over and over rather than graduating to more mature spiritual food? How many try to balance multiple tasking by living both worldly and in the spiritual world? There are other examples.
There are no cures for ADHD, but there are medications such as Ritalin and others that treat the symptoms and makes life better. Most of us will have to deal with ADHD the rest of our lives.
There are no magical cures, potions, prayers, or formulas for Spiritual ADD either. There however is Jesus. For those that don’t want to live a life with Spiritual ADD they don’t have to. A more complete commitment and following of the sinless Son of God is all it takes to get past Spiritual ADD.
Let me encourage you this week to get past Spiritual ADD. Run well, finish well.
Attentive to encouraging you,
Brother Barnabas
Too Logical?August 9, 2001 When you approach reading/studying your Bible do you ever approach it with too much logic? What I mean by that is this, when I read a book I read it once maybe twice and then put it away. I personally don’t go back and re-read the same book over and over again. I have read several books more than once, but never have I continued to re-read a book over and over. There isn’t that much time to continue re-reading books when there are so many more out there to read.
In all honesty, I sometimes approach my Bible with this attitude. I’ll finish one book and begin browsing to see where I will begin next when the thought hits me that it hasn’t been very long since I read that particular book, and here I am beginning it again. This is what I mean by using too much logic in reading the Bible.
The cold hard facts are that though I may read, re-read, and/or study the Bible over and over I continue to need to study. Unfortunately, I forget too often what it says about loving my neighbor, especially when they have just cut me off on the interstate, etc. There are other Biblical truths that I too often forget. There is hardly a time that I re-read Scripture that the Lord doesn’t speak something new and fresh to me.
Let me encourage you this week that as you approach reading, re-reading, and/or studying your Bible that you pray for God to speak His Word to you in a fresh way. I promise He will.
Logically speaking,
Brother Barnabas
One, Two, Three
August 2, 2001This week our singles along with some others have been doing a sports camp/Bible time for kids around our church. It has been great. My responsibility has been to teach very basic tennis to the children. I have taught tennis before to kids with a good measure of success. However I have been taught myself on how to do it better.
Kevin Howze, one of our singles, has been helping teach the tennis lessons. As Kevin was showing the kids some of the basic strokes I saw that he was doing a better job than I. I would tell the kids what to do, show them, and then demonstrate the objective to them. Kevin however broke down the objective into components in order for them to understand the objective better. One is stand, two, move and prepare your racket, and three swing; one, two, three. Wow, how simple, but how much more understandable and effective for teaching little kids. He also came up with a better explanation for teaching little kids how to grip their rackets. I began using his techniques immediately.
As I saw Kevin teaching and how effective he was I could have become envious. I could have continued teaching with my own style since after all I had been shown by a professional on how to teach. But why? Why should I allow pride to prohibit me from doing something in a better way in order to become more effective to those I was teaching? Praise God I didn’t allow pride to get in the way, at least this time. I learned a better way to teach, and kids learned an easier way to understand tennis. Neat!!
In the Christian life principles, doctrine, and such stay the same, but our methods of conveying those truths may change. We must always be open to better ways of sharing Jesus and allowing people to enjoy the Christian experience more fully without compromising ultimate truth. If guitars and drums allow people to enjoy the music better, so what? If people feel more comfortable in casual clothes rather than suits and such, what’s the big deal? We must look and be open to finding new ways of doing Christianity more effectively for those looking at it for the first time.
Let me encourage you this week to look around you. Are there better ways of presenting the ultimate truth about Jesus without compromising your integrity? If so, the solution is quite simple; adjust. Don’t allow pride or tradition to prevent you or those you are conveying ultimate truth to from enjoying Jesus to the fullest. Change for change is no good, but change for more effectiveness is great!!
Encouraging you and encouraging effectiveness,
Brother Barnabas
It’s a Grace Thing
July 26, 2001Just today I was in a local Christian bookstore trying to inquire in the music section about a particular compact disk (cd) I was interested in. I say trying because as the lady behind the counter was telling me about the cd another lady came up to the counter talking loudly on her cell phone. I asked the clerk to please repeat what she was saying, but still I could not understand what was being said because of the continuous noise from the other woman. As nicely as I could, I told the woman with the cell phone that I couldn’t hear this lady because of her. She rolled her eyes at me as if I had cussed (Southern for cursed) her and walked off. I looked back to the clerk who agreed that I had been kind and shouldn’t feel badly for the way I had spoken to the woman.
I tried to be nice and still got treated badly. My first reaction to the situation afterwards was to have told the woman with the cell phone in a definitive manner to leave or hang up. After all, I am a prophet in that I am a "forth teller" of the Gospel. Prophets tend to be direct; it's easier that way. It’s even fun. Being direct leaves little room for misinterpetation. If I was going to have the woman roll her eyes at me I might as well have had the satisfaction of telling her directly that she was a bother.
In comes the Holy Spirit speaking "directly" to me. He quickly reminded me that I had done the right thing by being kind. He reminded me of the Scriptures Colossians 4:6, 2 Timothy 2:24-26 and Proverbs 15:1. He also reminded me "directly" to look at the greatest prophet as my example, namely the prophet Jesus. Isaiah 61:1-3 tells of His message which was good news with GRACE. And what grace did, He always demonstrated! While being betrayed, He called Judas "friend." On the cross He prayed for forgiveness for those that killed Him. Not only is He Lord and God, but during Jesus’ time on earth, He was also a prophet with grace.
We prophets do tend to be direct. It’s easier being direct. It’s even fun. However, we prophets will do wisely to cease trying to emulate Amos and seek to emulate Jesus. All that we are and all that we do must be done in order for others to see Jesus in us. It’s a grace thing.
Let me encourage you this week to emulate Jesus when tempted to emulate Amos. It’s a grace thing.
Graciously encouraging you,
Brother Barnabas
Out of Character?
July 19, 2000One of my favorite commercials in the past few months has been about toy soldiers that were dressed in prom dresses. They were dressed that way because the company had failed to use the correct shipping company to get the right uniforms to the toy people. The commercial was for Fed Ex. or someone. It was funny because these tough toy soldiers were out of character in prom dresses.
Have you ever seen a painting of a tough Roman soldier holding kittens? Have you ever seen cowboys lassoing pigs? These things seem out of character don’t they?
In 1 Samuel 16:18 David is described to King Saul as a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, a handsome man, and the Lord is with him. This is only the second time we see David. The first time is earlier in this same chapter when Samuel anoints him king over Israel. Prior to Goliath, we tend to think of David as a young shepard boy. Goliath in fact refers to him as a youth. It is out of character for a warrior to tend sheep or is it?
A warrior was tending sheep because at that time that was exactly what he was supposed to be doing. As the youngest son of Jesse he was doing what his father told him to do. He was an obedient son. From reading 1 Samuel 17 we can see that he probably wanted to be doing battle. His time would come. He would be very successful because the hand of God was on him mightily. He would relate how times tending sheep prepared him for battle. Tending sheep also prepared him for being king.
Perhaps you’re a warrior tending sheep currently. It seems so out of character for you to be doing what you are doing. You long for the battle lines and an opportunity to show what God can do through you. Don’t give up or in. Be obedient to what God has you doing presently. In God’s time, your time will come, and you will be successful.
Let me encourage you this week to stay in character as to where God has you and what He has you doing. Rest in knowing in God’s perfect time your opportunity to demonstrate your abilities will come. Develop your character now in order to demonstrate your character later.
Keeping in character by encouraging you,
Brother Barnabas
Take Time*
July 12, 2000I don’t have time; that’s a sentence used quite often in society these days especially among Singles. It seems of all the commodities in life that we’re short of, time is one of the most precious. We will easily give money to a cause before we commit our time. Some say that Singles don’t know how to commit to anything. I say just the opposite is true. We tend to be reluctant to commit to those things where time is a major factor because we want our time for ourselves.
As Christians we are to be in the business of winning others to Jesus and making disciples, but how can this take place if we aren’t willing to invest our time and our lives? Jesus gave us the supreme example. We know that time was limited to Him yet He spent most of His time investing in the lives of others knowing that there would be others like Judas where there would be no return on His investment.
Let me encourage you to be like our Lord and get involved in the lives of others. It will be your greatest investment of time management.
Taking time to encourage you,
Brother Barnabas
* From the 2000 Archives
Ring it Again
July 5, 2001Growing up in a small town in Alabama had some advantages. For instance every Sunday morning at approximately 9:15 my home church would ring its bell signaling that it was almost time for Sunday School. Every Sunday week in week out that bell rang. Sometimes it was a welcomed friend. Sometimes it was an annoyance. One thing was for certain though, on Sunday morning that bell was going to ring. The dear man who rang the bell was doing a service to the Lord, and nothing else mattered.
I was confronted this week with the celebration of Independence Day. What can be further said that hasn’t already been said over and over again. Like the church bell, July 4 comes consistently; sometimes as a welcomed friend but sometimes perhaps as an annoyance. I began thinking that I had to come up with something new and different? Why? Isn’t the same story of our struggle for freedom worth repeating at least once a year? So what if people complain that they’ve heard this before. Do complaints negate the significance of the event? Should complacency dictate the importance of truth and honor? Should we perhaps revise history to make it more exciting to a new generation? We should leave our history alone except for the passion that should always burn within our souls because we are Americans. We don’t need revision of our history. We need revival and re-vision of our passion.
The Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:1 and the Apostle Peter in 2 Peter 1:12-14 writes of the significance of repeating the same message of the Gospel. Paul said it was a reminder and safeguard. Peter said it was to stir us up.
We are living in a day when some seem to think we need to revise the Gospel. Some feel we need to come up with something new and different. People have heard the same message for over 2,000 years. So?! Should complacency among some dictate the importance of ultimate truth? We don’t need revision of the Gospel. We need revival of our passion and re-vision to the centrality of the Gospel message.
Let me encourage you this week to revive and revise your passion of the message of the cross/resurrection. The souls of people are at stake. Run well finish well.
Encouraging you again and again,
Brother Barnabas
Point of Reference
June 28, 2001Last evening I went to Falls Creek to see and hear an old friend from seminary days. It was good to see and hear him, but it was incredible as usual to see what God did.
As Brother Barnabas goes over the Web and such some may not know about Falls Creek. Falls Creek is the State Southern Baptist Camp in Oklahoma. But Falls Creek is so much more. Falls Creek is the one place in this world where I know God shows up. We have a wonderful camp in Alabama called Shocco Springs. I’ve been to lots of wonderful places, but I have never been anywhere and seen on a consistent basis what I have seen God do at Falls Creek. At Falls Creek the incredible is the norm.
Falls Creek is a point of reference to many through out the world. Many missionaries will testify that they first felt their call to missions at Falls Creek. There will be similar testimonies from preachers, preachers’ wives, other types of ministers, as well as lay people stating that they first felt called at Falls Creek or Falls Creek was the place where they were born again.
I’m not sure why God has so honored Falls Creek. It has the same rocks, trees, hills, and dirt that one can find throughout southern Oklahoma. There’s nothing magical or mystical about the place. Perhaps it’s mystery can be traced back to the beginning to those who had a vision for Falls Creek and the prayers that were prayed in behalf of Falls Creek. I would like to be able to return in time to its dedication and be there to hear some of the prayers prayed. I’m sure I would find the answer to why God has chosen to honor and anoint this sacred ground.
Falls Creek is in the process of undergoing some changes. Some will say the changes are needed others might disagree. The changes are supposed to make Falls Creek better. Personally, I believe the changes will make Falls Creek different than it currently is, but I’m not sure it can become better.
Whatever changes occur there’s one change I pray that and trust will never change. I pray and trust that the anointing of Almighty God never leaves a patch of ground in southern Oklahoma called Falls Creek.
Let me encourage you to remember those special places with fondness and reverence where God showed up in your life. Run well--- finish well.
Fallen for Falls Creek,
Brother Barnabas
In Appreciation of Christian Women
June 21, 2001I have always loved women. I am now learning to appreciate them more. I must confess as a Southern male there have been times when I have been "brain dead" where women are concerned. Women don’t act or think like a guy which I suppose is good, but it has often left me frustrated. I have only recently stopped to think how many times I might have frustrated women. That couldn’t have actually happened could it? Me?!
This Barnabas is a result of some friendships with Christian single women that have aided me in my spiritual journey lately. As I come to appreciate these specific women I began to think of some of the contributions women have made to Christianity as a whole. I sometimes wonder where would Christianity be without Godly Christian women?
First, it was a woman that God the Father used to bring the Lord Jesus into planet earth. God became flesh and dwelt among us. Second, outside of the twelve it was the women that were seen following Jesus, contributing to His needs, and ministry. Third, Martha showed more theological understanding in John 11 than I ever saw out of the twelve. Also, it was her sister Mary that anointed Jesus’ feet for His burial. No guy bothered. Fourth, it was women who went to the gravesite first on Resurrection Sunday to further prepare His body, etc. Where were the men? Thus, it was women Jesus first appeared to rather than men.
Even now much of the work done in the church is done by women. Men are supposed to be the spiritual leaders in the family, but often they abdicate the job leaving it to the women to take the lead role.
As a Christian man and minister I believe that some of the most meaningful prayers I have ever heard have been prayed by women in touch with God. I thoroughly love to hear women pray. They seem to have a depth and insight that I wonder if I will ever have.
I wrote this with pure motives. I’m not in trouble with any of the ladies as far as I know, but then again I’m a guy which means I’m normally brain dead. I also didn’t write this to get on anyone’s good side. I’m not sure that’s possible anyway.
Thank you Christian women, especially the single women that faithfully give of themselves to the Lord Jesus. You are appreciated.
Encouraging, and appreciating, but not understanding,
Brother Barnabas
It’s Over?
June 14, 2001This week was a trying time more many in Oklahoma City and around the country. Timothy McVeigh was executed for perpetrating the Oklahoma City Bombing. He had confessed to doing it.
Many were glad to see him executed, but others weren’t. Some felt he should have been made to stay alive to live with his deed until his natural death. For many his death meant closure of sorts. For some they now believe that they can get on with their lives. It’s over, but is it?
As a survivor of the Oklahoma City Bombing myself, I wonder if it really is over for those so adamant about having McVeigh executed. I admit that I’m glad he’s gone. He killed 168 people. One of those killed was a friend, one was a member of our singles group that I didn’t know, and two were children of a co-worker of mine. It seems however that some have been consumed with having McVeigh put to death. That consuming desire frightens me. It’s the same type of desire that led McVeigh to do what he did after Waco with the Branch Dividians.
McVeigh was a temporary problem, but there is a permanent problem which is more tragic than McVeigh. The real problem is hate. As long as hate is around the problem won’t be over until Jesus returns. Hate destroys more than the body. Hate destroys the soul. Hate used Tim McVeigh, but now it moves on looking for another victim. The unfortunate tragedy is that hate is now influencing numerous victims in it’s power. Christians aren’t immune either.
Christians must never get caught up in hate. Tough a Christian can never loose his salvation once genuinely saved he can most certainly loose his witness. We must remember that Peter warns that the devil prowls around the earth like a lion seeking someone to destroy. We are told to resist him firm in our faith. The power of forgiveness is much stronger than the power of hate.
Let me encourage you this week not to hate. If there is a problem with someone or something demonstrate forgiveness. Use the Matthew 18 principal. Once hate infiltrates our lives it will consume us for the worse not the better. Hate destroys. We must never allow that to happen. Say to hate, "It’s over!" Run well, finish well.
Encouraging you not to hate,
Brother Barnabas
Painfully Speaking
June 7, 2001I have now completed reading Bruce Wilkinson’s book, The Prayer of Jabez. I was surprised and refreshed by the book.
I was interested to see how Dr. Wilkinson was going to treat the "pain" element in the book. But he didn’t touch on it much except to say that Jabez had prayed that by God keeping him from evil it would also alleviate the pain that came with evil. I can concur with that. When I first read the passage in the New American Standard, I misinterpreted it to think Jabez was praying for no pain in his life at all. I don’t believe that’s what he was after. I hope not.
The reason I hope Jabez wasn’t asking for no pain at all is because pain is a tool that God lovingly, yes lovingly, uses to spear us onward towards holiness. In Hebrews the author says of Jesus that though He was a son He learned obedience by the things He suffered. Suffering comes from pain. Isaiah calls the messiah (Jesus), a man of sorrows. Again pain. Of course we know of pain but I’m not sure how much we can understand of the pain Jesus felt on the cross.
God also used pain in the lives of others to bring brokeness as well as holiness: examples include King David, Jeremiah, the disciples, Paul the Apostle, and C. S. Lewis who wrote a book about it entitled The Problem with Pain.
There have been lessons in my own pilgrimage that I have only learned through pain. Some of my greatest lessons have been taught to me through the experience of pain. Pain aids me vividly in remembering those experiences.
Pain is problematic because it hurts. I would assert that no one who is emotionally stable is masochistic. We don’t like pain even if and when it’s good for us. Pain is not a welcomed friend.
Pain, however, is a wonderful teacher. Though I am not grateful for the pain itself, I am grateful that pain has been used to teach me incredible lessons and aid me in being conformed into the image of Jesus. I am grateful for the lessons learned without pain, but if the only way I can learn and become more like Jesus is through pain, then bring it on.
Let me encourage you this week to allow God to bring you to a deeper level of holiness as He sees fit. Hopefully it won’t have to be through pain, but if it is, then allow Him to use pain for His glory and your benefit. Run well, finish well.
Encouraging you without pain,
Brother Barnabas
Let’s Fight
May 31, 2001Have you ever known anyone that simply liked to fight; either physically or verbally? They aren’t too much fun to be around because they always seem to be antagonistic towards something or someone. I would think when the subject turns to fighting most of us would classify ourselves as pacifists. It’s nice to be a pacifist.
However for the Christian there is no room for one to be a pacifist. We Christians are continuously in a fight. We are in a fight for the souls of men. We fight against the forces of Hell. The war is over. It was finished at the cross/resurrection. By the way we won!! However, until the RETURN or until we go to be with the Lord we must continue to fight battles against evil. The stakes have eternal consequences. The souls of men are at stake.
With battles around us, let us become actively involved in the fight. The hymn says onward Christian soldiers. We have been drafted into God’s army. We are soldiers of the cross. Most of us I think would rather either let others fight the battles or arrange terms of peace with the devil. We just don’t want to fight. We have no choice. We must be in the thick of battle. There is no room for "sideline soldiers" or going AWOL here. Everyone is needed now!
During the time of the American Revolution, many of the best soldiers weren’t professional fighting men. Paul Revere for instance made tea kettles for a living. But he became concerned and involved for the price of freedom. He saw his sense of duty. How much more important than the American Revolution is the fight for freedom from sin and Hell.
Let me encourage you this week to become more active in the fight for souls. You can become actively involved through prayer, witnessing, and a number of other ways. Remember, eternal prizes are at stake.
Encouraging you in the midst of the fight,
Brother Barnabas
Blessings
May 24, 2001Do you believe God really does want to bless your life? Many would say yes, spiritually, God wants to bless my life. But do you really believe God wants to bless you physically and materially as well as spiritually? At this point many will say, "I don’t know" or "I really don’t expect God to bless my life like that."
The fact is many of us have a difficult time believing God wants to bless us in any manner other than spiritually. Perhaps the Lord has taken us through some tough times to discipline us or simply taken us through some tough times. We can become limited in our expectations of God. We can come to the point where we don’t believe God will bless us in any manner other than in a spiritual manner and then only when we plead and beg. For whatever reasons we come to a point where we only expect God to give us the "left over crumbs of life" rather than having us sit at the "banquet table."
It is my understanding that God does want to bless us. According to the Scriptures God desires to lavish His love and blessings upon us. We must take a stand against the "Gospel of prosperity." It is theologically wrong and even dangerous. But we must not go to the other extreme and believe that God will hardly bless us. However God chooses to bless us is His business. We must be prepared to receive those blessings in whatever manner He chooses to bless us.
One of my concerns with the "Prayer of Jabez" has been that it can lend itself to the "Gospel of prosperity" movement. It doesn’t have to. We have the right as children of God to ask for material and physical blessings as well as spiritual blessings. We do not have the right to make demands of God. He is our master, yes master, as well as our Heavenly Father. We must always be in submission to His will. We have the right to make requests of our Master and Heavenly Father. We must allow Him the right to fulfill those requests as He ultimately sees fit.
God invites us through the Scriptures to ask for blessings. Let us not be afraid to take Him up on His invitation. Let us also remember that all blessings spiritual and otherwise come from the overflow of our fellowship with Him.
Let me encourage you this week to seek after God. Let me also encourage not to be afraid to ask for His blessings.
Encouraging you to bless you in Jesus’ name,
Brother Barnabas
Be Passionate
May 18, 2001Do you ever set goals? Some people set goals once a year on or around New Year’s Eve. Within a week or two these goals have either been discarded or all broken. There are others however that begin each day with a "to do" list which is nothing more than daily goals in order to get more work accomplished.
My twenty year high school class reunion occurred a few years ago I was thinking about goals. Though we were small in number, I thought about all the goals and dreams that had been discarded since graduation. I began to think about my own major goals in life. My one major goal has never changed. I still want to change the world. I wanted it then, and I want it now more than ever.
Lots of people want to change the world. Terrorists change the world for the worse by their destruction. Christians are called to be world changers. We are to change the world for the better one person at a time. Changed people change people. Yet many Christians seem to be content with being "nice people" with "nice homes," "nice lives," "nice kids," etc. The Christians that I most enjoy being around are those like myself who are passionate to change the world. It’s up to each of us to do what God has called each of us to do in order to change the world.
Let me encourage you this week to consider becoming a world changer. Quit being nice and become passionate!! Winning someone to Jesus will effect both their life and the world we live in eternally.
Passionate for change,
Brother Barnabas
Claiming Scripture
May 10, 2001The Prayer of Jabez has caused lots of attention to the Word of God. It has also gotten people into "claiming Scripture." Claiming Scripture is not a new thing. I have heard about people doing this and have been encouraged to do so myself from pastors and others throughout my Christian experience. In fact I am claiming Isaiah 4:1 for myself currently. It basically says that seven women will take hold of one man. Praise God. If seven claim me then perhaps one will stick. Ok, so I’m kidding on this, or am I?
There are times when the Lord will lead us to either a particular verse or verses to teach us and guide our lives in the direction we are to go. Many times these Scriptures carry special meaning lifelong. It is good to get a word from the Word.
One has to be careful in claiming Scripture. I remember hearing Dr. Paul Cho the South Korean pastor speaking about God’s vision. A young pastor had heard Dr. Cho and had claimed Dr. Cho’s vision as his own. As he spoke concerning his failures Dr. Cho told him he had to get God’s vision for himself rather than claiming someone else’s vision. The same is true in claiming Scripture. Through prayer and much time alone with God allow God to give you the Scripture(s) He desires for you to have rather than you finding Scriptures you like and asking God to bless them. We must remember the Scriptures are not a Ouigi Board or Aladdin’s magic lamp.
Regardless of whether you claim Scripture or not as a Christian we are called to be students of the Word. As we spend time reading, studying, and meditating, on Scripture God will speak to us and give clear direction to our lives. As we know God and know Scripture it will allow us to aid others, and it will aid us in knowing truth from error. Remember, heresy isn’t a total lie, but it is a mixture of truth with error.
Let me encourage you this week to be more involved in Scripture. Ask God to speak to you through it. As He leads, claim the Scriptures He shows you for direction.
Claiming Psalm 32:11 to encourage you,
Brother Barnabas
Fishing
May 4, 2001While home in Alabama recently my brother-in-law invited me to go fishing with him. The main thing I admire about him besides the devotion he has shown my sister is the fact that he is quite the bass fisherman. He taught me most of what I know about fishing.
As we went out on this particular Saturday he prepared a reel and rod for me with a Carolina rig. I fished with a chartreuse plastic lizard with black specs. I had never fished with a Carolina rig nor had caught anything with a plastic lizard. To my enjoyment I caught numerous Spotted Bass this way. It was one of the highlights of my trip home.
I began thinking of what Jesus said about teaching us to become fishers of men, but I began thinking in a different light. When using a net one may fish the same way for most fish. When using a rod and reel one uses different bait and tactics for different fish.
It seems to me that much of our fishing for the souls of men has been done in a generic "catch all" manner. It is my assertion that we may need to change some tactics when dealing with particular people in order to become more effective.
For instance, with young and median single adults one fishes for them with cell phones, pagers, and quality activities. Singles are mobile and seldom at home, but they like high quality events and challenges. These are simply a sample of the tactics which may be used in reaching singles.
We have the same central message of new life in and through Christ Jesus for everyone, but our tactics and approach needs to be specific for the people we are trying to reach.
Catching fish takes a studious approach. Winning people to Jesus also takes a studious approach. In order to effectively reach people we must ever be the student making necessary changes when needed.
Let me encourage you this week to join in becoming a "fisher of men." Observe and apply the correct tactics in order to reach the most people in the most effective manner. The apostle Paul wrote, "I have become all things to all men that I might reach some."
Encouraging you to "Go fish,"
Brother Barnabas
Azaleas
April 26, 2001It was great to be back in Alabama last week. Thanks for your prayers. There was too much to do with too little time. Numerous people and events went without seeing and doing. Oh well.
Though I enjoy the Oklahoma Redbuds, I miss dearly all the Dogwoods and Azaleas I was raised around. As I returned to Alabama I kept thinking perhaps I would get to see Azaleas in bloom for a change. I knew the peak season was past but perhaps there would still be some in bloom. There were.
As I noticed the Azaleas I noticed several things. There were some which had blooms on them with new green leaves. There were others that had live blooms mixed with dead blooms. The ones with the live blooms with the new green leaves were quite beautiful. How I enjoyed gazing at them. The ones with live and dead blooms mixed together were a different story. The unpicked dead blooms made the entire bush rather unattractive. I would say for the most part those bushes were down right ugly. The unpicked dead blooms spoiled the beauty that was intended for the bush. I thought to myself that someone should be more thoughtful and remove the dead stuff from the beauty of the live blooms. How much more attractive the bushes would have been if someone had taken better care of their plants.
These two types of Azalea bushes began to remind me of Christians. There are those with new life and beautiful blooms in their lives. They are robust and intriguing to see. There are other Christians that have evidence of life and even some new growth, but their lives are marred with residue from the old way of life before Christ. I am referring to either a reluctance to do away with the old life or an attempt at living a very worldly Christian life. The old doesn’t blend with the new at all. Instead of the new life eclipsing the old lifestyle the reverse transpires. Rather than the beauty of Christ in the person’s life being seen, the ugliness of the life without Christ detracts dreadfully. In Colossians 3 Paul tells the Colossians to get away from the dead stuff and embrace completely the new life in Christ.
Let me encourage you this week to bloom for Christ. Allow others to see the beauty in your life that Christ is producing. Don’t allow allegiance to an old lifestyle mar the beauty that is and is becoming the real you.
Encouraging new life and growth,
Brother Barnabas
Kryptonite
April 18, 2001Are you currently or have you ever been a fan of Superman? While growing up, my friends and I use to enjoy pretending that we were Superman or one of the other super-heroes. What was the Superman’s one deathly weakness? No, it wasn’t Lois Lane, it was Kryptonite. Kryptonite would first weaken Superman, and then, if it wasn’t removed from our hero it would eventually kill him. Thankfully, it never did.
Many Christians tend to think and live as if sin is God’s kryptonite. They are overwhelmingly misconceived. God isn’t vulnerable to sin. He isn’t afraid of sin. He simply hates it. He is completely incapable of sin, therefore He has no need to be afraid of sin and isn’t. I could give you numerous Scripture passages to back up this assertion.
Though sin is not God’s kryptonite it is ours. Through regeneration by the "cross/resurrection" experience we have been adopted into the family of God and have become according to the book of Romans "sons of God". We have in fact become a type of superman. But unlike God we do maintain a vulnerability to sin. We need therefore, to stay as far away from sin as Superman did kryptonite. Unfortunately, many Christians, rather than staying far away from sin, try to get as close to sin as possible without succumbing to it. That doesn’t work. If we get too close we will succumb to sin.
Let me encourage you this week to think of sin in a new light. Think of sin as your kryptonite. Make the analogy of Superman and kryptonite personal as to you and sin.
Encouraging you to be strong,
Brother Barnabas
Tu Au Accompli
April 12, 2001After a busy thirty-three years on earth, a corrupted conviction in court, and a most agonizing crucifiction Jesus uttered His last words on the cross which were, "It is finished." The French Bible I owned put it another way. They put "Tu au accompli" rather than "C’est fini." C’est fini is the literal French version for "It is finished." Tu au accompli means "All is accomplished."
"All is accomplished" has a much more significant meaning than does "it is finished." Something can be finished without being completed. One may be working on a project at work when it is time to go home. The project may be finished for that day, but it wasn’t completed. When Jesus uttered those words those were words of completion. In fact in John 19:28 it says that Jesus knowing that everything had been accomplished to fulfill the Scriptures uttered those words. "All is accomplished" speaks of victory and all sorts of positive thoughts of what God the Father accomplished through Jesus the Son.
The perfect life of Jesus had been accomplished for one. There had been no deviation in God’s divine plan though there had in fact been temptation. Not only was there temptation in the desert with the devil, but in Gethsemane as well.
The perfect demonstration of the incomprehendable love of God for man is accomplished. No one knows why God loves us and cares about as much as He does. He just does, and boy am I glad.
The perfect death by the sinless Son of God for the restoration of right relationship between God and man is accomplished. No other way and no other one could have brought God and man into a possible right relationship except Jesus. Jesus’ death made right relationship possible, but each person must enter into that relationship themselves by repentance and acceptance of Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.
Finally looking at the cross/resurrection as one event, the perfect finality to establish God’s right relationship with man would be accomplished three days later when Jesus would be victoriously resurrected from the death as a demonstration of authority and power over death, sin, and anything else that dared to stand in defiance to His being Lord and God.
Let me encourage you this week to celebrate Easter today and everyday because "All is accomplished!"
He is risen!!
Brother Barnabas
Pistol Pete
April 5, 2001There was an extraordinary special on the life of Pistol Pete this past Sunday afternoon on television. I’m referring to Pistol Pete Maravich. He was one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He died a few years ago unexpectedly at the age of forty.
The special documented his life and how from a very early age he lived basketball. The special detailed how his entire life was consumed with being the best basketball player he could be. For some, his commitment transcended into overkill. However, for Pete no cost was too great in order for him to be able to achieve his goal.
The special talked also about the emptiness in his life and his search for meaning. There was never any peace in his life for a long time. There was only the being consumed with basketball and the emptiness. Finally, in his adult life Pete met Jesus and became a committed Christian. For the first time in his life he had both peace and real purpose.
By watching Pete one could never tell anything was wrong. Lost people seldom wear a sign which says, "Hey I’m lost and in need of help because I’m empty inside." Much of the time they look like you and me.
Pistol Pete’s story is the story of everyone. All of us are consumed with trying to find an identity which distinguishes us about from everyone else. All of us also need to experience the love of Jesus in order to find real fulfillment. Pascal, also known for his triangle, is noted to have said that there is a God shaped vacuum inside of everyone which only God Himself can fill. Any and everything else that is placed in that vacuum doesn’t fit or bring fulfillment.
I’m glad Pistol Pete found his fulfillment. Unfortunately, not everyone will find peace with God. It is our responsibility as Christians, especially as Christian singles, to be on the look out for those that are empty and need the touch of Jesus. How will we know who they are? Quite simple, we ask them.
Let me encourage you this week to ask someone about their life. Perhaps God will use you to help them find peace through Jesus.
Committed to encouraging you,
Brother Barnabas
Congratulations!
March 29, 2001Recently, during the NCAA basketball tournament a very exciting event took place. The event was not a basketball game, but it took place during a basketball game. Stanford and St. Joseph were playing each other. There was a kid named O’Conner for St. Joseph which basically carried his team the entire game. St. Joseph came very close to beating Stanford. At last O’Conner fouled out of the ball game. As he headed towards his bench he received a standing ovation. There’s nothing too exceptional about a standing ovation except this was from the entire arena. Stanford’s people as well as St. Joseph’s people were standing in honor of this young man and his performance. I was impressed and amazed.
In the Christian community I find lots of unnecessary competition. Even with local Southern Baptist churches there is sometimes unnecessary competition. It seems we’re always wanting to outdo someone else in having the most, being the most, doing the most, etc. I’ve been guilty of this type of competition.
My first pastorate was a small church. First Baptist Church, Wetumpka, Alabama was a much larger church. Their pastor, Jim Sexton, was a wonderful Godly man and a friend. As they enjoyed growth and we struggled, I became envious. "Why can’t we have some of their growth?," I asked. They had several hundred. We had less than a hundred. "God, it isn’t fair," I thought as I tended to look at them and anyone else as competitors. How sad I was to have had such an outlook. So much for immaturity.
There was a time when James and John came to Jesus whining about others doing miracles and such that weren’t part of the "group." It seems that to them, those people were competitors. Jesus encouraged them not to hinder those people. He told them that those that weren’t against them were for them. Jesus welcomed others to join the work.
Let me encourage you this week to down play competition for souls. Some competition can even come from within the body of a particular church. There are enough lost and backsliders for everyone unfortunately. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Do what God has called you to do without worrying about someone else. Congratulate those who have joined in the work.
Encouraging and congratulating all soul-winners,
Brother Barnabas
In Christ
March 22, 2001This week during Faith Evangelism a friend and I were discussing some of the Scriptures used in that conference. One was Ephesians 1:7 "In Him, we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." She asked me what significance would a lost person find in the phrase "In Him?"
I explained the phrase "In Him" or "In Christ" is probably the key phrase Paul used throughout his letters. This phrase is incredibly pregnant with meaning. This one phrase does more in aiding me to understand Christianity than almost anything else.
First, "In Christ" is key to understanding salvation. In explaining this to lost folk I would emphasize that rather than along side of as some might understand relationships, as we are "In Christ" we are enveloped with His love as a Keith Green song stated. We are immersed within His love. It’s very similar to a baby being enveloped by its mother. Jesus goes at the same pace in the relationship we do. He doesn’t go ahead or behind as He could if He only came along side of us. He doesn’t leave us.
Secondly, there is security being "In Christ." Colossians 3:1 says that we have died and our life is hidden with Christ in God. I know of no other Scripture that explains the security of the believer better than this one. For the devil to ever get us he has to go through the Father and the Son. And that "ain’t gonna happen!" We can rest securely knowing our salvation is "In Christ."
Thirdly, knowing I am secure with my salvation "In Christ" allows me the freedom from worry. There is a serenity of being "In Christ." The Bible says that we can cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. We can live and sleep serenely knowing we are "In Christ."
Finally, knowing I am "In Christ" allows me to rest and trust in His sovereignty. No matter what comes my way He already has a solution for it for His glory and my good. Since He is present tense nothing concerning me catches Him off guard. He will guard, protect me, and see me to completion as Philippians 1:6 says. 1 Peter 1:5 says we are protected(garrisoned) by the power of God. We can rest in His sovereignty knowing we are "In Christ."
Let me encourage you this week, those of you who have a relationship with Jesus, to rest knowing and appreciating that you are "In Christ." Perhaps some need to experience for the first time what it means to be "In Christ." Let me encourage you to establish that relationship with Jesus immediately!
"In Christ" encouraging you,
Brother Barnabas
Welcome Back
March 15, 2001A few weeks ago Oklahoma City(OKC) had a treat. The IGA women’s tennis tournament was in town. Among the players was Jennifer Capriati. Jennifer has come full circle in a manner of speaking. At age fourteen she was taking the women’s circuit by storm. She reach the semi-finals in several major tournaments. She had all sorts of sponsors. Almost everyone was expecting great things from her.
Then she hit bottom. She became "burned out." I read where her said she was feeling all this pressure from everyone. She became involved with the wrong crowd doing the wrong things such as drug experimentation etc. People as well as sponsors began writing her off. I was one. I remember saying to myself last year after seeing her on tv loose early in several tournaments that she’s a "has been." It goes to show how prophetic as a "forth teller" I am.
Jennifer’s back. Ten years after she was a sensation she is once again a sensation. Superbowl weekend she won her first Grand Slam title, the Australian Open. She "schooled" in straight sets Martina Hingis who is the number one women’s player in the world. Though she came in second here to Monica Seles, Jennifer is well on her way back to the top. Welcome back, Jennifer.
As I watched Jennifer I began thinking how often times we Christians write people off. Christians we know struggle spiritually. Some do fall morally. Many don’t meet the expectations we have for them because they aren’t progressing as we think they should. We need to be careful in writing them off. The end of their story hasn’t been written yet.
Moses spent forty years in the desert. David was annointed king of Israel and spent the next several years on the run as an outcast. The apostle Paul had been an accessary to murder. There are lots of "has beens" that have ended as champions for Christ. I am grateful that God has a place for "has beens." I am grateful He doesn’t so easily write people off as we do sometimes.
Let me encourage you to be careful as to how you treat the spiritual "has beens." Perhaps God is leading you to pray for and minister to some specifically. Perhaps you are a spiritual "has been" that God is saying, "Welcome back." It’s better to be a "has been" than a "never was." Run well finish well.
Encouraging you,
Brother Barnabas
Cautiously Committed II
March 8, 2001I can’t do this. This is stupid. What if I fail? What will people think if I tell them and can’t pull it off? You’ve talked before and didn’t do it. These are some of the thoughts I initially had when contemplating and praying about running the marathon. As I began hearing myself voice these anxieties I became more convinced that doing this is right for me at this time in my life. I must confront my fears. If I fail I fail. At least I will try and try hard. I pray that someone experiencing similar anxieties in committing their life to Christ or going deeper with Him will have the courage to confront their anxieties and make that commitment to Christ. Try and try hard. You can succeed!!
One of the most significant realizations if not the most significant is the realization that running this marathon is a process. I have made the initial commitment, but the marathon still has to be trained for and literally run. The further I go the more committed I will have to become. For the most part this will be an enjoyable experience, but there will be tough times. There will probably be times when I will forget why and will wonder why. As I reach my goal I will remember and be glad!
The Christian life is also a process. Salvation is past, present, and future tense. The further one goes with Jesus, the more commitment is required. For the most part it will be an enjoyable experience, but there will be tough times. There may be times when one will forget why and wonder why. When the spiritual goal is reached you will remember and you will rejoice; especially when the Jesus says, "Well done."
I have bought a book by an expert to give me guidance in my training. The Christian has the book from the Expert to give them guidance in their training.
Lastly, lots of patience is required for both my running and running the Christian life. Hebrews 12 encourages us to run with patience the race that is set before us looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of faith.
As I encourage myself to run this marathon, let me encourage you to commit to the Christian life for the first time or for a deeper commitment of your faith.
Run well finish well.
Brother Barnabas
Cautiously Committed
March 1, 2001Have you ever wanted to do something perhaps a little wild or unusual but were afraid to make the commitment to it?
I made such a commitment on February 3. It’s something I’ve wanted to do all my life, but was afraid to commit to it. In fact I had talked about doing it back when I was in seminary, but never had the discipline to see it through. I have been fascinated with it much of my life. I’m about to turn forty four, yes 44, on April 4, and I figured if I was ever going to do it I would do it this year. The "it" is to run my first marathon... 26.2 miles as in long.
As I first began contemplating the commitment I began to think that I could get therapy for those thoughts. I began to experience doubts and anxieties. I’m not exactly the picture of a runner at 250+ lbs though I do have lots of muscle content. Over that content is too much fat!!
I came to the conclusion however, that the reason I’m doing this is simply because I want to run a marathon and achieve this accomplishment. I have no delusions concerning time or anything. I simply want to finish. I have already begun making the necessary preparations to see this through to completion. I will select one of several marathons I have investigated.
I have been struck at the similarities of emotions and thoughts that I have experienced and am experiencing in making this commitment to run this marathon as it relates to one making a commitment in giving their life to Christ Jesus. I will have to continue these thoughts with you next week in order for you to grasp and understand the similarities of these commitments. It is aiding me in re-realizing the commitment involved in coming to Jesus. I suppose I forget the depth of commitment I am called to as a Christian. I sometimes become negligent.
Let me encourage you this week to reconsider your commitment to Christ Jesus. It may mean that God wants you to reexamine and deepen your commitment to Him. This commitment to running a marathon has temporary significance. Committing one’s life to Christ has eternal significance. Run well and finish well in your commitment to Christ.
Committed to encouraging you,
Brother Barnabas
No report February 22, 2001
Milestones
February 15, 2001I periodically take time and space to give thanks to special people who have touched my life in some way. One such friend is Dr. Jimmy Draper. On February 12 Dr. Draper celebrated ten years as head of Lifeway. He also celebrated fifty years in the ministry. During his ministry he served as pastor at First Southern Baptist Church, Del City, OK. Yes, there have been other pastors at First Southern besides Baily Smith and Tom Eliff.
I first met Dr. Draper when I was a student at Southwestern Seminary. In those days he was pastor at First Baptist Euless, TX and known affectionately as Brother Jimmy. I asked to interview Dr. Draper for an evangelism class I was taking under Jerry Sutton. Though a very prominent church in the SBC and especially in the Metroplex, First Euless had no television ministry. When interviewing Dr. Draper he told me quite simply he didn’t feel the need to have one. He had rather support Dr. Criswell at First Dallas with their television ministry. I came away impressed at his genuineness and his lack of ego.
A couple of years ago I was reintroduced to Dr. Draper via email through of all people Jerry Sutton. Jerry is now Dr. Draper’s pastor and had arranged for us to communicate with each other. As we began communicating Dr. Draper asked for a resume and asked or at least gave his consent to being added to the Barnabas email list. I was and am grateful.
A while back I was at a very desperate place in my life. I had met with one defeat after another and was considering dropping out of the ministry. Dr. Draper took time to write me to encourage me not to give up. He gave me a word of encouragement when I needed it the most. I will never forget him for that. Periodically he continues to drop a note of encouragement for which I am grateful. When God opens the door to a church I know he will be one of many which will celebrate with me.
Let me encourage you this week to encourage someone in the Lord. It will come back your way someday. Proverbs 11:25 says that "He who waters shall himself be watered." Thank you, Dr. Draper, for being a "Barnabas" to me.
Encouraging you to encourage others,
Brother Barnabas
Solemn Assembly
February 8, 2001This evening Village Baptist Church will participate in a Solemn Assembly. This is one particular event that I have never encountered before, but I look forward to what God will do in this service. We will have Dr. Greg Frizzell leading us in the worship service. Dr. Frizzell is a pastor and authored the book some of us have been working through entitled Returning to Holiness.
Since I am basically unfamiliar with the Solemn Assembly I listened as our pastor described it, but I also looked it up in a Bible dictionary and Bible encyclopedia. It is as our pastor described a special time for cleansing from sin both individually and as a church. The pastor said that the service will be approximately four hours long. He also said that the time will pass rather quickly. I agree with him. When God shows up time passes quickly. I believe and pray that God will in fact show up in a unique manner. This event has the capacity to be one of the most rewarding experiences in which a Christian can participate. There are times in our lives when we allow sin to take root and even become prominent. This can happen for a variety of reasons from sheer neglect to blatant disobedience. This event can be a time of renewal and refreshment within our lives. It is my desire and prayer that this is what it will be for myself first and for our body. It is my hope and prayer that this Solemn Assembly will be the catalyst for revival in our church and within our city. Most will acknowledge we are in desperate need for revival. I have been a participant in real revival. When a Christian experiences real revival he longs to see and participate in it over and over again.
Let me encourage you this week to be a participant but not a spectator in our Solemn Assembly. I do believe that a Christian can come away with a fresh positive perspective of the wonderful God which loves us and which we serve.
Solemnly encouraging you,
Brother Barnabas
Game Day
February 2, 2001A significant football game transpired last weekend. Of course I’m speaking of the football game between the Village Baptist Church Singles and Youth. The singles won by a score of nine to seven. What an exciting game; especially since the singles won! It was cold, wet, muddy, yet fun. At least that’s what I was told because I wasn’t there.
For the past two Sunday afternoons leading up to last week’s game several of us had gotten together to play and practice for this game. We were looking forward to Superbowl Sunday to play the youth.
With the conditions being as undesirable as they were on Superbowl Sunday, I expected the game to be canceled until a better day. It wasn’t. I decided not to play for fear of catching a cold.(I caught a cold anyway!) All went well Sunday afternoon as I relaxed, stayed dry, and kept telling myself how wise I was for not being involved. Sunday evening was a different story.
When I arrived at church I discovered the singles had won the game. As singles began arriving for our Superbowl party several of them began telling about the game; how much fun it was, how they were glad they played etc., and asked where I was. At the beginning of the evening service our minister to singles announced the victory to the church holding the trophy high for all to see. I couldn’t share in the victory, the comradery, or the teasing. I was there for practice, but I didn’t show up on game day. I began feeling left out.
It occurred to me how many Christians do their Christian experience much as I had done our football game. They show up for "practice" events such as socials, normal attendance, etc. However, when game day arrives such as evangelism, mission projects, or any activity which has a significant commitment they aren’t around for whatever reasons. Do we miss them? You bet! Do they miss out? You bet!!
These Christians miss out on the fellowship and on all the excitement. Perhaps most significantly they miss out on the celebration; especially the celebration of seeing people saved.
Let me encourage you this week to show up. Show up for the practices because they are fun. Most of all show up on game days because they are significant. They have eternal value.
In practice and on game day encouraging you,
Brother Barnabas
Don't Jump
January 25, 2001Sometimes I think that if I didn’t jump to conclusions I possibly wouldn’t get much exercise. For instance, just yesterday I was checking the mail when I came across a letter from an unknown church. Normally when I get such letters they are inquiries as to whether or not I would like to be considered for some position. I became excited. It has been quite a while since I have received such a letter. As I opened the letter with anticipation it suddenly became quite clear I had jumped to a conclusion. The letter was a gift statement for tax purposes for "Night of Praise" from Dennis Jernigan’s home church. Oh well.
It’s amazing how we sometimes jump to conclusions before knowing all the facts. Proverbs 18:13 says "He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him." I am notorious for trying to finish people’s sentences for them which is not a good habit to maintain. We sometimes hear a little information or we practice selective hearing and then draw conclusions concerning a matter. We often perceive things are one way or another without a complete investigation. We look at what appears to be the obvious which turns out totally different. We often use physical faculties to discern spiritual matters unlike what the apostle Paul suggests in 2 Cor. 4:18. From a lack of understanding we often take Scripture and our Bible studies out of context and therefore miss what God is actually trying to say to us.
In order not to jump to conclusions we must practice not jumping. We must hear the complete facts before deciding on a matter. We need to do a thorough investigation on a matter in order to see it as it really is. We must use spiritual faculties to gain spiritual insights. Finally we must learn how to properly interpret Scripture in order to be able to discern what God is saying to us. We must have a proper hermeneutic (interpretation).
Let me encourage you this week not to jump to conclusions. Conclude a matter only after gaining a proper understanding of it. Interpret Scripture based upon a proper method and understanding of interpretation.
In conclusion, properly encouraging you,
Brother Barnabas
Press On
January 18, 2001Phil. 3 is one of the most encouraging passages of Scripture in the entire Bible in my estimation. I love Paul’s usage of words and tenses. To paraphrase vs. 13 &14 he says that forgetting what is in the past and with a view towards the future I press on toward the goal for the prize of Jesus.
I press on is a significant phrase. The tense is present active indicative which means that something is currently being done. Paul didn’t use the subjunctive tense "I would press on if" or the future tense "I shall press on". Paul speaks to the "now" of his Christian life. Remember God’s name Jehovah or Yahweh is present tense; "I am." For Paul to live for Christ was present tense. He wasn’t chained to baggage from the past. He was hopeful for the future but wasn’t living there daydreaming all the time. He was seeking to live for God in Christ as God Himself lives which is in the present.
I meet lots of Christians that are living the majority of their lives in the past, subjunctive, or future tense with little room for life in the present. Such phrases as "I use to do this or that for the Lord", "I would do this or that if the circumstances were different", or "I intend on doing this or that for the Lord sometime." I promise you that the only tense the Lord Jesus is interested in is the present one. What are you doing for God’s sake currently in the present?
We are in the midst of a brand new year, millennium, etc. What are you doing right now for the Lord Jesus? One of the most important things you can do presently is to spend quality time with Him in prayer and Bible study. Time alone with God won’t make all your life wonderful. It simply makes the relationship and perspective of the Christian life better. As a seminary prof. once told me, "If I miss one day I know it, if I miss two days you know it, and if I miss three or more days everyone knows it."
Let me encourage you this week, year, etc. to "press on." Past failure need not chain you to defeat. Future hopes are only that; hopes. Forget the past, look to the future, but most importantly press on in the present.
Pressing on to encourage you,
Brother Barnabas
What a Deal!
January 11, 2001Do you look for that great bargain in life such as a low mileage 1957 corvette for five hundred dollars? I thought I had found such a deal this past week.
I had taken a couple of days off from work towards the end of the week. I had scheduled to be off in order to go to Alabama to see my family and friends there; especially two close friends. However the weather detained me from my destination. As I was in a pawn shop I frequent, I saw a small sculpture in bronze with Frederic Remington’s name on it. Upon inquiry I learned I could purchase the art for only sixty dollars and that it wasn’t "hot." Frederic Remington is perhaps America’s foremost western artist. I had visions of finding an original Remington in a pawn shop that was worth thousands of dollars while paying very little for it. It didn’t turn out quite as I had expected.
I now own a miniature copy of an original Remington which new would have cost me two hundred dollars. I found a pretty good deal but definitely no pearl of great price.
I began thinking however that I have already found my pearl of great price. It is my relationship with Jesus. I keep looking for "deals," but I already possess the greatest deal in which I will ever invest. The problem is that too often I neglect my priceless possession to look else where for deals that aren’t nearly as wonderful. I sometimes neglect and forget the value of having an active personal relationship with God Himself through Jesus. I find myself getting excited over cheap deals, telling all about them, but being negligent in telling others about the priceless investment that they may have themselves. I also am guilty of neglecting that wonderful relationship by failure of spending "quality time" with the Lord on a daily basis. I unfortunately tend to catch God for a few minutes here and there on a daily basis. I am learning that it isn’t the same.
Let me encourage you this week to find all the "deals" you can find. If you haven’t found your pearl of great price you can easily do that. It’s only a sinner’s prayer away. If you have found your pearl of great price don’t neglect it. Don’t forget that an active personal relationship with God through Jesus is the greatest gift and deal that you will ever possess. Don’t forget to share such a wonderful deal with others.
Encouraging you in life’s ultimate deal,
Brother Barnabas
Champions
January 4, 2001I must repeat something I wrote earlier which is "Boomer Sooner!" It’s official. The University of Oklahoma has its seventh national title in college football. They have done extraordinarily well. Few except those here in Oklahoma expected them to win the national title. All they have done is over achieve this entire season. I applaud them and have picked up several observations that may apply spiritually.
Coach Bob Stoops is committed to winning both on the football field and as a family man. I have heard and known of those that have focused so much on spiritual matters they have allowed their families to fail. No matter how many people a person may lead to Christ, if they fail at the family level they are failures.
Coach Stoops kept telling the media that they weren’t simply happy to be at the Orange Bowl, but they came there to win. I am grateful to those Christians who desire not only to be saved but also are determined to make a difference in this life for the cause of Christ. They are winners.
OU had numerous obstacles to overcome to reach their goal. They overcame them even with lots of people doubting them. There will be times in the Christian life when there will be obstacles that will seem insurmountable, but aren’t with the aid of the Lord Jesus. Listen to Him and don’t allow distracters to inhibit your progress.
People kept referring not only to the character of the team, but they kept referring in a positive manner to the individual positive character of the players and coaches. I kept hearing things like, "These are players you would want your children to emulate."
Finally, it was always the team at the forefront and not the individual performances. We must remember that serving Jesus is a team effort. We are the body of Christ made up of individual members. We suffer and succeed as one body rather than as individuals.
Let me encourage you this week to determine and succeed at being a champion for Christ. The souls of men are at stake!
Seeking to "Sooner" encourage you,
Brother Barnabas