bbarchives2005

Echos of Encouragement
Encouragement and Challenge for Singles for the Year 2005
by Brother Barnabas

NOTE: devotions below are in REVERSE order chronologically. Also, year 2005 is rather incomplete.

Tribal Singing
September 1

When our Christian Native American people get together for events there is a wonderful event that transpires. We will have announcements, singing of hymns, and all sorts of stuff that has to take place. But before the guest speaker speaks, we have tribal singing.

Tribal singing is where people from different tribes sing Christian hymns or songs from their native tongue. Each tribe represented will be asked to participate. There are great songs to hear from the different tribes. The Greeks have a “Hallelujah” song that is one of my favorites. It is wonderful to hear Jesus praised in the Native American tongues. It is also significant.

The reason tribal singing is significant is because many of our Native American brothers and sisters don’t know how to speak their language. Until the 1940’s it was illegal and a Federal offense for Native Americans to speak their own language. Many were sent to boarding schools as children where they were forbidden to practice their culture, speak their language, or do things that reminded them of who they were. When they disobeyed they were literally beaten and abused.

We live in a day and age when so much stuff is written and spoken in Spanish and English here. We now promote being bi-lingual. It is becoming too late for many of our Native Americans. Their indigenous tongue is dying. Few are carrying the different tribal languages from one generation to the next. For some the only time they refer to their native language is through singing tribal hymns.

When Christian Native American people sing tribal songs several things happen. One, it is an opportunity to remember their heritage. Secondly, it demonstrates a determination to never forget their heritage. Thirdly, it is an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Jesus and forgiveness to those who would try and take away their heritage and their right to be a unique people.

Encouraging you to make a joyful noise; ha ho (Cheyenne for thank you).

Brother Barnabas

Dance Children Dance
August 26

When I wrote to you last time I mentioned that the Cheyenne people do honor dances to aid their people. In fact our Cheyenne Arapaho Baptist Association held an honor dance for Brother Max Malone before his departure to Glory. It has been my position that one of the great things about being an Indian Baptist is that one can dance without feeling guilty. That isn’t exactly true unfortunately.

An honor dance is an event in the Cheyenne community where the family gets involved from the elders to the “young’un s.” Much of the dancing is Gourd dancing where dancers hold shakers and shuffle their feet. Unless you’re participating it’s rather boring to watch. During this time those participating will “pay” to dance. I learned very quickly one takes lots of “ones” with them to an honor dance. You also can pay someone already participating if you don’t want to go to the dance area. I spent almost thirty dollars there.

During this time there will also be people going around raffling different items anything from baskets of groceries, Pendleton blankets, or any number of items donated in behalf of those being honored. I checked with Brother Max to make sure it was alright for me to participate in the raffles in order not to appear gambling or misrepresenting the Lord Jesus in any way. He assured me in this instance it was quite all right.

Later on some of the other dances are performed which are interesting to watch unlike the Gourd dancing. There is no way anyone could misconstrue any of these dances as vulgar or inappropriate.

At Brother Max’s honor dance between three and six hundred people showed up, many of them lost, to pay honor to one who they knew loved them and devoted his life to the Lord Jesus and to them. Over fifteen hundred dollars was raised for Brother Max and his wife Jan with over six thousand dollars, I was told, going through the event.

Later, I was told that “eyebrows” were raised as to our Baptist Association holding “a dance.” Some questions were actually raised by those from other tribes that don’t have anything like an honor dance. Others questions were raised by non-Indians.

Several places the Bible actually says “to dance.” It has nothing to do with honor dancing either. Psalm 149:3 and 150:4 are two places that tell us “to dance.” We also know how King David danced unto the Lord when the Ark of the Covenant was brought back from captivity. If we are to be people of the “Book” we must accept it all and not simply the passages we agree with.

Encouraging you to be a person of the “Book,”

Brother Barnabas

Jesus Must be Cheyenne
August 19

I am fascinated by the Cheyenne people. They have so many wonderful qualities. They are some of the most selfless people I have ever met. One of them, my main church member, said in reference to the Cheyenne, “They don’t have nothing because they give it all away.” She is right. Most of the Cheyenne I know are dirt poor. Some of them don’t work while others do. No matter, because those that work and those that don’t give of themselves to others. “Stuff” doesn’t matter much to the Cheyenne; relationships do! Let me explain.

When someone is sick or has a special event in their life the Cheyenne will hold an “honor dance.” I know some Southern Baptists have a problem with the word “dance.” Get over it!! It is important to know that not all tribes have honor dances, but the Cheyenne do.

When someone dies in the Cheyenne community, unlike the “White” community and others where friends, relatives, and the like come and feed the family, the family of the Cheyenne person(s) that dies feeds everyone else. Friends and family may contribute to the feeding, but the family feeds everyone and goes last to eat after everyone else has eaten.

After the funeral the Cheyenne normally will have “give aways.” Not every tribe does this either. They will “give away” gifts to the pastor(s) who performed the funeral and to others whom meant a lot to the deceased. These gifts may be anything from Pendleton blankets which are highly prized to serapes, shawls, groceries, or other gifts of appreciation.

As I have only begun to understand this culture I can’t help but be reminded of our Lord Jesus. Though God in the flesh, He never made a big deal about “stuff.” In fact, in the Sermon on the Mount He tells us not to make a big deal about “stuff” either. As Philippians 2 tells us He left the “stuff” of Heaven in order to establish relationships. Paul tells us to be like Jesus in this regard. From what I’ve experienced as an Anglo becoming a Cheyenne pastor, I can’t help but believe that Jesus must be Cheyenne. Jesus like the Cheyenne place lots of emphasis on relationships and little emphasis on “stuff.“ I thinks He feels at home among the Cheyenne. I am working to aid the Cheyenne and others to feel at home around Jesus.

At home with Jesus among the Cheyenne encouraging you,

Brother Barnabas

Weigh Your Words
July 8

There’s so much to share with you after my absence, but something happened this week which has left me more cautious, but I hope not cynical. As an avid tennis player I have learned a few things over the years in regards to playing opponents. The main thing I’ve learned is that if you ask someone to play and they immediately accept and add the phrase “I have a great serve” be warned you will almost certainly be wasting your time unless you use the situation for fellowship or a teaching lesson.

There has only been one exception in my experience when someone says they have “ a good or great serve” that they actually know how to play the game of tennis. This exception was my mentor’s son Kent Talley son of Dr. Jim Talley. ALL others knew little about the game. They didn’t know a ground stroke from the backstroke. They didn’t know a volley from a volleyball. Listen for catch phrases for they will aid you in life.

For the second time this summer I have had a church tell me they could not help us with Vacation Bible School after assuring me they would. These two churches are from out of state. Both used the catch phrase “We want to minister to you and your church and be a part of your lives.” I’m sure they meant well, but all they succeeded in doing was to put me and my little Indian church behind the eight ball in regards to VBS. I am now praying and working harder at trying to find who God wants to help us pull off VBS in August.

As both a small and poor church we don’t have the manpower to pull off VBS. We could provide the resources though it would stretch our budget. We need a paracleet(not parakeet) to come along side of us and help us. The Holy Spirit is described as a paracleet. We don’t need or want a handout. We need a partner.

Words matter. When someone makes a promise, gives their word, or says something to build hope and trust and then for whatever reasons renege on those words it brings both disappointment and sometimes hardships on those promised. As Christians we must especially be careful in making promises we can’t or won’t keep. Mission type churches hear all sorts of promises that never come through. The result is a building of mistrust and/or cynicism. We can’t afford to be cynical.

Let me encourage you this week to weigh your words. Words mean something as my friend Doug Jackson chided me once in seminary. Let your yes be yes and your no, no.

Encouraging you with weighted words,

Brother Barnabas

He Fought the Good Fight
June 24

I begin my return to bb with bringing you up to date on my friend and advisor Max Malone. I had written previously concerning Max, who he was and how he had contracted cancer and that it didn’t look good for him. During my hiatus from bb, Brother Max as he was so often known went to Glory. Max was diagnosed with cancer at the end of March and was in glory by the first part of May.

I only knew Max for a little over a year but during that year he impacted my life tremendously. Now he’s gone, but I still need him. In almost two months I have asked God why several times, but He doesn’t feel the need to answer. Since I have last written I have had to conduct two funerals which were together. One of the couples out of my church died in a fire. It wasn’t a good thing. How I longed for Max in order to get advice, but Max was no longer there. However, God took care of me then and is now. It would have been easier with Max around.

Max prepared his own funeral before he left for Glory. He was specific concerning his wishes. One of the most important wishes was that his name NOT be mentioned during the service. He wanted all attention and honor on the Lord Jesus. Those conducting the funeral tried diligently but failed to keep his name from being mentioned. It was a very large funeral mostly consisting of the people he loved so much and tried to minister to in Jesus’ name; the Indian people.

Max and his wife had been adopted by a Cheyenne family early in his ministry. He had learned the culture and the language. He became one of them. His funeral was conducted in the Cheyenne way. His love and devotion to the Indian people transcended the Cheyenne. He loved all Native American people, and it showed by the various tribes which attended his funeral.

Max is already missed. He is missed by his family for he was well loved. He is missed by those of us that looked to him for guidance and friendship. He is missed by the people he sought to serve and bring to Jesus. Max lost his battle with cancer, but Max fought “the good fight” and won. Will you?

April 4 I had another birthday. It’s nice to have birthdays especially when thinking about the alternative. I normally don’t make a big deal out of birthdays. I mostly like to keep a low profile and such. This birthday was a little different though. I wasn’t expecting a few surprises that I received, but they were nice.

The surprises began Sunday night on the third of April. I was checking my email when I noticed an email from someone I didn’t recognize. I almost didn’t open it but decided to anyway. All it said was “Thanks for your ministry.” Ok, I guess this person found Barnabas on the web and enjoyed what he read. The next morning on my birthday I received one or two more emails from people I didn’t know saying encouraging words about my ministry. This aroused my curiosity.

Southern Baptist have a daily devotional entitled “Open Windows.” Each day there is a devotional plus the names of Southern Baptist missionaries both in the United States and on foreign fields whose birthdays are that particular day. One is encouraged to pray for the missionaries on their birthdays. This is very important to the missionaries. I began thinking that I must be on the list since I am classified as a “church planter” with the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board. This was great because when I use to receive “Open Windows” and read them I would pray for the missionaries on their birthday. Now this was happening to me.

I found out I wasn’t in “Open Windows” but I was on the North American Mission Board web page. The people that had written me had taken the time to go to the web page, find the birthday missionaries, and write them a short note of encouragement. I can’t tell you how wonderful this made me feel. What a nice surprise.

Let me encourage you this week to pray for some of your Christian friends, and let them know about it. It won’t be prideful. It will be encouraging as they know someone cares enough to pray for them.

Encouraging you,

Brother Barnabas

Surprised by Easter

March 25

This year Easter is coming a bit early. The celebration date varies from year to year. Most of the time it’s in April, but occasionally it lands in March. Here in Oklahoma the weather isn’t cooperating with Easter either. Growing up in Alabama Easter was always during the Spring when the Azaleas and Dogwood trees were in bloom. This year the weather is rather cool, blustery, and it’s even suppose to be wet Saturday and Sunday. It’s not supposed to rain at Easter!!!!!! Oh well.

The weather isn’t the only reason Easter has come as a surprise this year. With trying to close on my house, which is close, having the Indian Evangelism Conference, the Revival the next week, and such Easter has surprised me this year. I had great plans last year of how much better the Easter celebration would be this year. So much for plans because “it ain’t happening.” Hopefully next year will be better.

I can’t help thinking if I’m surprised by Easter how about those folk during Jesus’ day. I’m not talking about the believers either. Can you imagine the expression on the guards’ faces when the angel came and rolled away the stone? I wonder if any of them became believers? What about the hard hearted rulers that paid them off to keep silent about what really happened? It’s difficult for me to comprehend just how hard hearted people can be. Even after the actually resurrection they simply would not believe. Easter became a very disappointing surprise for them. I’m sure that’s not the last time in eternity those guys were surprised by Easter.

The best way for Easter to come as no surprise is to live every day as if it were Easter. Oh, it is!! For the believer you have heard me say or write this over and over that EVERY DAY AND MOMENT OF OUR LIVES IS EASTER. The un believers are the ones that should be surprised by Easter not us.

Let me encourage you this week to celebrate Easter. The actual celebration timing may have surprised you as it did me, but the living Easter every day shouldn’t. Live every moment of your life as a testimony that you celebrate Easter because the risen Lord lives in you.

Christ the Lord has risen,

Brother Barnabas

Confession or Repentance
March 11

One week ago Henry Blackaby was in Oklahoma City for our Indian Evangelism Conference. Native Americans and a few Anglos, such as myself who pastor Indian churches, gathered together at the Southern Hills Baptist Church for a time of renewal and encouragement.

One point Dr. Blackaby brought out while addressing us was the difference between confession and repentance. I had never thought much about the difference before, but his point prompted me to begin thinking and contemplating the difference.

We all sin whether Christian or non-Christian. We all need forgiveness. What steps do we take to receive that forgiveness? Lots of times we immediately confess our sin.
I John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sin He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sin, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Confession is agreeing with God that we have sinned. Confession is an important part of the forgiveness process, but it is only a part.

So what's next?

Do we just agree with God that we are sinners? Do we simply agree that we shouldn’t have done what we did? Of course not. We must take action against what we did. That’s where repentance comes in. We don’t just agree with God that we’re sinners and that we shouldn’t have committed whatever sin we committed; we must also take action against that sin. We must turn from that sin to righteousness in order to demonstrate our agreement with God that sin is bad. I’m afraid that we are neglecting to tell folks that they need to repent as well as confess.

I don’t think we neglect repentance intentionally. I don’t think that we are trying to be “user friendly” with people about sin. I simply think that we take for granted that people know the next step in removing sin from their life. I think that we simply assume that they know what to do. People need both to be told and reminded of all the components to forgiveness.

Let me encourage you this week to examine yourself. Are you guilty of confession without repentance? Perhaps that’s why a sin has left you defeated. Are you guilty of negligence in telling someone how to be forgiven? Remind yourself and others that confession and repentance go together.

Confessing I enjoy encouraging you,

Brother Barnabas

Max Malone
February 25

My advisor Max Malone is retiring from both the North American Mission Board and the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma due to health reasons. Max serves as one of the two Indian missionaries in Oklahoma along with his wife Jan. The two are a great team. Max is only 58 years old though I tease him that he looks 78. He has arthritis along with dentures. He walks with a cane, and when he has his teeth in no one recognizes him.

Max is as Anglo as I am, but he is also Cheyenne. He was adopted by a Cheyenne family early in his ministry. He speaks the language and knows most of the customs better than most of the Cheyenne in our area. Max is teaching me to be an Indian pastor. His first Indian church was First Indian Baptist Church of Kingfisher which is the church I currently pastor. I often tease and say that Max is still the pastor at First Indian Kingfisher, and I am the second in command because when people need advise they call him first. I am honored that our people love he and his wife so much. I indeed don’t mind playing “second fiddle” to Max Malone.

I can honestly say that Max loves Jesus very much. His heart is for souls especially for the Native American people. He also desires to see God move among the Cheyenne in a special way. Max is also one of the most pragmatic people I’ve ever been around. I am learning much from my advisor and friend, but I’m not sure how much longer I have to learn from him. You see, my friend and advisor Max Malone has recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Within the past two weeks Max went to the doctor and was discovered to have cancer. From what he has told me it seems the cancer has spread throughout most of his body. It doesn’t look good for Max outside of divine intervention, but we know God can do all sorts of things. Healing cancer is no big deal to Him though it is for us.

Let me encourage you this week to pray for Max and his wife Jan. Pray that God will do as He desires and will continue to be glorified in Max’s life. Personally, I am praying that God will heal Max. I need him around a while longer to teach me how to better minister to the Cheyenne people.

Encouraging you to pray for Max Malone,

Brother Barnabas

A Test of Friendship
February 18

Several years ago while doing our annual bicycle ride in Wichita Falls, TX my best friend Robert Adams and I got into it with each other. For a little while it became a real test of our friendship.

I had decided to ride the sixty-two mile course that year instead of the one hundred. He and several others were riding the entire one hundred mile course. Since we had ridden down to starting area in his truck I asked if he would mind me keeping his keys in order for me to be able to get into my bag for other clothes which would be locked in his truck. He agreed.

I did my ride, came back to the truck, got fresh clothes, and waited for Robert to finish his ride. It isn’t always easy to find people near the finish line, and things happen to either speed up or delay one’s finish; therefore, it’s easy to miss the person you’re waiting on. That’s what happened with myself and Robert. We misconnected. The problem was when he came in he was hot, tired, and ready to get into his truck for fresh clothing, but he couldn’t because I had his keys and was no where to be found.

When we finally did connect we got into an argument with each other over who was to be where when. Neither of us are pacifists. The argument became rather heated. We both grew silent for a time. It was during that silence I realized no matter who was right or wrong this argument was not worth losing our friendship. I prayed and asked God to “fix it”, and I began doing my part of the fixing.

I apologized to Robert. He softened and in turn apologized to me. Suddenly, all hostility was removed and we began laughing and telling about our individual rides. The trip home was very enjoyable.

There are times when we get crossways with each other. It’s not a matter of if, but it’s a matter of when. When it happens and not if, we must be willing to humble ourselves and do our part to make the situation right. We must not compromise our integrity, but an incident will often call for us to compromise our pride. As Christians we should be the first to try and right wrongs; not the last.

Let me encourage you this week if you have gotten crossways with someone, especially a friend, try and make things right with that person. Unfortunately, sometimes it isn’t always possible. If it is possible, and if it’s a matter of pride, then lose the pride. Good friendships are priceless.

As a friend encouraging you,

Brother Barnabas

Let’em See Your Heart
February 12

Have you ever known anyone who almost always has to say something “cute and clever?” They can hardly carry on any type of conversation without trying to be clever. How annoying does that get? I know because I have been that person. I say have been because I am growing out of it in my old age, though it isn’t always easy, and I’m not completely over it yet. I am working on it!

Reflectively, I think part of my “attempts” at being clever comes from my desire for attention. Hey, if I’m honest I have to admit I like the spotlight. I am coming to an understanding though that I don’t always have to have the spotlight. I’m learning to share. Part of the “clever thing” comes from having an “off the wall” sense of humor. I’m one of those few that actually gets most of the Far Side cartoons. Lastly, part of it comes from not wanting to show my heart.

I can and do show my heart at times, but I’m not one of those who always wants to do a “group hug” gig. That’s not me. There are times though I don’t want to show my heart. I don’t want people to see that I hurt, I am sensitive to something, or that I’m vulnerable. Some people don’t need to see it, and some I don’t want to see it. Sue me!

I am learning, however; that in order to do life effectively sometimes I need to allow people to see the real me without trying or having to be funny or clever. There have been times when I tried to be serious or make a point, but no one took me seriously because they didn’t know they were supposed to. That get’s frustrating, but it’s my own fault.

Humor is wonderful. Humor is a large part of my life, but it must not stealth my heart. It must enhance my heart. I must be secure enough to allow people to see me warts and all; though not ALL the time.

I have written in first person, but the application is actually to all who read this Barnabas; especially those of us who are Christians. As Christians we must be genuine with people allowing them to see us for who we really are giving them the opportunity to receive us or reject us. It’s their right. We can’t possibly expect or hope that everyone will like us. That’s not reality. Some of the people we want most to like us won’t, and that hurts, but it must not keep us from continuing to be genuine, real, and yes vulnerable.

Let me encourage you this week as you do your Christianity to let people see the real you. Forget being cute and clever for a few moments in order to give them the opportunity to accept you or reject you based on the real you and not on some facade that you want them to see. Be real. Jesus is.

Encouraging you to let’em see your heart,

Brother Barnabas

Toot Toot!
January 21

I have a bit of a problem with my ‘97 Nissan truck. It toots its own horn; literally. I’m not kidding. The reason it does this is because a metal balance or something is loose inside the steering wheel underneath the air bag. It poses no known threat or danger. Upon turning the steering wheel it rattles around and periodically it hits the horn and makes it go off or toot.

Initially, I ignored the problem. It seems I need another steering column. Mechanics can’t simply remove the air bag, fix the balance, and put things back together. No, I have to either pay around $500 for a new steering column or go to a junk yard and find a good used one for around $100 or more, and then have it replaced. Ouch!! For now, I have decided to live with the problem.

When my truck first began tooting its own horn I didn’t mind too much. I simply ignored it. Then it began to be more frequent and became annoying. Then it began tooting its own horn at inopportune times. It became both embarrassing and more annoying. It would toot as I was turning and others were coming towards me. I received more than one strange look. It has grown to the point of being very irritating.

This event has reminded me of life. There are those that feel the need to toot their own horn in life. Now I understand that most of us will draw attention to ourselves occasionally. Sometimes it’s to make an important announcement such as an engagement, a pregnancy, or something significant that has happened to us. In fact, my niece Angelia broke the news to me just last week that she and her husband Chris after eight years of trying and finally giving up on having children are about to make me a great uncle. Actually, I thought I was already rather great in a most humble manner!!

When someone has to continually draw attention to themselves it goes from the normal to the abnormal. Often, it’s an insecurity issue in their lives. I know, I’ve been there periodically as have many of you. The more secure we feel the less attention we feel that we need to draw to our selves. Sometimes there are other reasons or issues that may need to be dealt with. For those of us who have to continually hear the “horn tooting” it goes from ignoring it to getting irritated whenever that person is around. That’s unfortunate. Remember, Proverbs 27:2 says, “Let another praise you, an not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips (NAS).

Let me encourage you this week to be careful in tooting your own horn. There are legitimate times for horn tooting. If you’ve bought a new Porche, earned your PhD in Nuclear Physics, or have had something significant happen in your life, don’t be hesitant about sharing it with your friends. However, be careful not to hog the spotlight. Give others an opportunity to have it.

Encouraging you to both toot and don’t toot,

Brother Barnabas

Restored
January 14