archives2003

Echos of Encouragement
Encouragement and Challenge for Singles for the year 2002
by Brother Barnabas

NOTE: devotions below are in REVERSE order chronologically

Christmas Presence

December 27, 2002

Today is the day after Christmas. I’m sure by now most if not all the presents have been revealed either to delight or "you shouldn’t have" and meant it. Though the Christmas presents have been revealed has the Christmas presence been revealed either at your home or in your life and to others?

The Christmas presence of course is the presence of God the Father and the Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit flowing through one’s life; remember, one God but three persons. As you did all your Christmas "stuff" did Jesus shine through your life? Remember the light people currently see isn’t a star over a manger in Bethlehem, but it is spiritual illumination of the presence of God in the Christian’s life penetrating the darkness of sin. If all you did was reveal Christmas presents without revealing the Christmas presence then Christmas was meaningless.

Wouldn’t you like to have Christmas all year long instead of once a year? You can; no really you can. The way to celebrate Christmas all year long is to win people to Jesus all year long. Essentially, when Christ is "born into a lost person’s heart" and he/she becomes born again, that person is essentially able to celebrate Christmas; even in July. Since you’re the one that leads that person to Jesus you have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with them as you witness the new birth of Jesus into their hearts. What a deal!!

Let me encourage you to begin making Christmas more than a once a year event. Make sure the Christmas presence is revealed regularly. Celebrate Christmas by regularly sharing Jesus and enjoy watching Jesus be born into someone’s heart.

Encouraging Christmas presence,

Brother Barnabas

Cradled Child or Conquering King
December 20, 2002

Have you ever thought how Jesus celebrated His birthday? Did He celebrate it at all? If He did, do you think that He got the disciples together and retold the stories concerning His birth? Can you see Judas asking to be told again about the gold as well as the frankincense and myrrh?

As I have been reflecting on Christmas lately there’s one particular item I have observed which is the lost world for the most part celebrates Christmas with us. Many do either gift giving or Santa Claus. Businesses count on Christmas each year for a large part of their profits. But some actually give attention to "baby" Jesus. And why not, it’s easy to patronize a baby. Everyone loves babies. Sweet baby Jesus. Tell the stories of baby Jesus and see Him in the manger. Most everyone can celebrate the birth of a child.

We Christians are so busy focusing in on the miraculous birth that we often times don’t tell as Paul Harvey says, "the rest of the story." This cradled child came to be the conquering King. Through His life, death, and resurrection He has already conquered death and Hell for all who believe. There is a day approaching where He will be seen in all His glory as the Conquering King of the universe. The Bible says of Jesus that every knee shall bow and every tongue shall give Him praise. Whether with anticipation or reluctance there will be a time when all will be in submission to Him and give Him honor and praise as Lord and God.

I’m not sure Jesus ever told about His birth. Someone did or we wouldn’t have the accounts in Matthew or Luke. Jesus did tell His disciples and told them regularly about why He came. He came to give us eternal life through His death and resurrection. And, He’s coming back but not as a cradled child but as the conquering King!!

Let me encourage you this week as you celebrate Christmas to celebrate the miraculous birth of Jesus. Enjoy listening or telling yourself the stories concerning His birth. Don’t forget though to get Him out of the manger. Tell the rest of the story to those that need to hear it. God became flesh and dwelt among us. All hail King Jesus, all hail EMMANUEL!!

Encouraging praise to the King at Christmas,

Brother Barnabas

Great Expectations

December 13, 2002

As we are in the Christmas or advent season we have all sorts of "stuff" going on in our lives. For some there is the rush to meet expected deadlines at work before the end of the year. Some are struggling with the expectations of enduring their first Christmas without a close loved one who died earlier this year. Some are busy with doing all the expected traditional Christmas things they have been doing it seems forever. Some are even busy doing the expected Christmas stuff at church.

With doing and enduring all the expected Christmas type things that you are currently in the midst of doing, what expectations do you really have for Christmas? With all your Christmas expectations do you have great expectations for this Christmas? Do you have great expectations of encountering the Christ of Christmas in a fresh vibrant life change manner this Christmas?

During the time of Jesus’ birth there was an expectation of a promised messiah, but I wonder how many people were actually expecting the messiah to be born. We know only of a select few. The magi were of the few, and they weren’t even of the chosen people to expect the messiah. We don’t know how long they viewed the star before setting out to find this new king. All we know is that God revealed the star to them, and they proceeded to find this new king with great expectations.

The only person we know besides Mary and Joseph with perhaps the exception of Elizabeth and Zacharias that had great expectations of seeing the messiah at that time was an old man named Simeon. He was told by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had seen God’s Christ. That’s it as far as we know. Everyone else was doing life with the normal expectations placed upon them.

Let me encourage you this week as you are in the process of doing Christmas with all it’s expectations placed upon you to have great expectations of encountering the Christ of Christmas in a fresh vibrant life changing manner. Don’t allow doing Christmas to make you miss life’s greatest expectation which is Jesus.

Encouraging you at Christmas,

Brother Barnabas

Unexpected Blessings
December 6, 2002

As I was Christmas shopping recently with my step-mom we stopped at a particular store. As we were entering the store on this cold evening with residue of ice and snow still lingering from the day before, we passed by a Salvation Army bucket. The girl working the bucket seemed a little cold but very cheerful as she wished us a Merry Christmas. She then asked us a question.

As we passed she asked us if we had any carpenters in our family. Why would she be interested as to whether or not we had any carpenters in our family? How odd! My immediate thought was to respond by saying that I liked Karen Carpenter’s music, but I wasn’t related to her. I didn’t. My step-mom and I both responded to the girl by saying no. She then followed up her first question with a second one. She asked, "Well how about Jesus Christ?"

It had been a bit of a frustrating day. Several little things hadn’t gone as I had hoped or expected. I had also found out Coach Fran had left Alabama for Texas A & M. I wasn’t in the best of moods. I didn’t even want to be shopping. Then out of the clear blue, WHAMO!!! I had suddenly, unexpectedly, and without any warning been blest. WOW!!

I began laughing and told the girl that my step-mom and I were both Christians so, yes, I guess we did have at least one carpenter in our family. She responded, "Pretty creative, huh?" Yes, it was. It was pretty creative. Quite honestly, I hadn’t given thought about Jesus being a carpenter or carpenter’s son for quite some time. This young lady standing in the cold, ringing a bell for the Salvation Army, and wishing all a Merry Christmas had become for me an unexpected blessing. She was a perfect blessing by reminding me of Jesus on a less than perfect day. I laughed about her creativity all the way home.

As you are in the midst of doing life and Christianity during this Christmas season don’t forget Jesus. Don’t allow the business to take your focus off Jesus. Look for opportunities to be an unexpected blessing to someone else by reminding them and pointing them to Jesus. He is the reason we celebrate.

Blessing you through encouragement,

Brother Barnabas

Accuracy
November 29, 2002

This past week as I was writing you concerning Thanksgiving I told you it became a holiday back around the time of Abraham Lincoln. I also told you that it was celebrated on the third Thursday of November. I was wrong. It became official in 1942 and is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.

Don Davidson who so graciously puts Barnabas on his website www.singlesmall.com occasionally corrects Barnabas for me and then lets me know of the corrections. He never throws my ignorance in my face. We are friends though we’ve never met, and since we have a firm friendship he has the freedom to correct me without me becoming offended. I am grateful for Don’s friendship and corrections.

My inaccuracies were out of ignorance. They were of little importance to the main point of last week’s Barnabas which was about forgiveness. Don simply made the corrections and informed me in order to increase my awareness, understanding, and effectiveness.

Sometimes we will either make inaccurate statements concerning Christianity, or we will hear others make inaccurate statements. Sometimes inaccuracies won’t be important, but sometimes they will. Whenever inaccuracies occur we must deal with them appropriately. The appropriate way is to always be redemptive if and when there are corrections to be made.

There was a time when a preacher named Apollos was preaching Jesus mightily, but he only knew about the baptism of John. A couple named Priscilla and Aquila pulled him aside and taught him a more excellent way as recorded in Acts 18: 26.

Notice that Priscilla and Aquila didn’t ridicule Apollos or correct him in front of others. They didn’t belittle him because of his ignorance. They pulled him aside and taught him more accurately. They were redemptive in their approach. A mighty preacher became more accurate and effective because he was corrected appropriately.

Let me encourage you this week to be as accurate as possible with your Christianity. When inaccuracies occur, handle them appropriately. Allow others to correct you without anger or resentment even if they do it incorrectly. Be sure you correct others when needed in a redemptive manner.

Encouraging you as accurately as possible,

Brother Barnabas

Forgiveness
November 22, 2002

This week our country will celebrate Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving didn’t become an official national holiday until the time of Abraham Lincoln and has, since the early 1940s, been celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November.

As I reflect on things I’m thankful for, and there are many, I suppose I’m most thankful for forgiveness both from my Heavenly Father and from people mostly who are friends. I am also thankful for the opportunity to demonstrate forgiveness.

I am thankful that there was a time in my life when I realized that I was a sinner separated from a holy God who wanted to have a relationship with me and wanted to forgive me of all my sins. I am thankful that He made forgiveness possible through the death, resurrection, and relationship with His Son Jesus. I am very thankful for the relationship I have with God the Father through Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.

I am thankful that I can receive forgiveness from people. Though I am a Christian I am still a sinner. I instigate wrong and act unchristian at times. I need to be forgiven by the people whom I’ve sinned against.

I am thankful to be able to demonstrate Christian forgiveness to the people who wrong me. Not only am I the instigator of wrong I am also the recipient of wrong sometimes intentional and sometimes unintentional. Regardless of the motive, as I need to be forgiven I also need to be forgiving. People need to experience Christian forgiveness from me.

As you are thankful this week be thankful for forgiveness. If you haven’t experienced God’s forgiveness you can. It’s only a sinner’s prayer away. Be thankful not only for being able to be forgiven, but also be thankful for the ability to demonstrate forgiveness. Forgiveness lightens the load in a sin heavy world.

Thankful to be able to encourage you,

Brother Barnabas

Pickups or Porches?
November 15, 2002

I drive a pickup truck. I love that truck. It’s a stick, and I can put my bicycles or other things in the back of it. I can go across fields in it and do all sorts of things with it. However, if I had my choice of what vehicle I would prefer I would most likely choose a Porsche 911 convertible. The Porsche is a sports car. It only holds two people and isn’t very practical, but boy does it look good and go fast. It’s a bit ironic that my pickup and the Porsche are almost totally different but actually have the same purpose. Both are made to drive and get people from point a to point b, etc.

We Christians are much like the Porsche and pickup. We can be very different from each other while simultaneously having the same goals and purpose in life. We Christians are to fellowship and glorify God with our lives while pointing and leading people to Him through a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. We way we glorify God and point people to Jesus can be very different indeed.

Some such as myself have very little problem talking with people. For the most part, I have more of a problem not talking with people. Others are quiet and reserve. I have the tendency to confront people with the Gospel while others will develop deep relationships with people slowly and methodically pointing them to the Savior. Others will sing, be a mechanic, or do all sorts of other things which will point people to Jesus.

Which is best the pickup or the Porsche? Which is the best way to live and point people to the Savior? The answer to both is whichever one or way God chooses for you to use for your particular life.

We must not forget that in the Parable of the Sower in Matt. 13 not all the good ground yielded the same amount of fruit. Some 30, some 60, some 90. We are all to bear fruit, but we bear the amount we are capable of bearing as being gifted and directed from the Lord. Though we are the same we are not the same.

Let me encourage you this week as you do your Christianity develop your ministry. Are you a pickup or a Porsche? As God directs you use your God given abilities to live for Him and point others to Him; some 30, some 60, and some 90.

Driving on to encourage you,

Brother Barnabas

Signs of Encouragement
November 8, 2002

Have you ever thought you were in the right place only to discover you were in the wrong place? Perhaps you were going to visit some relatives and thought you knew a shortcut only to discover that you were on the wrong road which actually made the trip longer. Perhaps you entered a classroom not recognizing anyone only to discover you had entered the wrong classroom. In both instances you looked for signs of encouragement and familiarity but found none.

Isn’t it encouraging when traveling to see familiar landmarks until we reach our destination? Isn’t it encouraging when entering a classroom to see familiar faces as well as the "right" teacher entering the room? Signs of familiarity give us encouragement and security as we are busy doing life. As Christians especially as Christian singles we must be in the business of showing signs of encouragement and familiarity to those we encounter.

When I enter the single’s Bible study area I am always encouraged when I see greeters in their places both to say hello to me and to be there for the guests that enter.

When I enter Bible study time I am encouraged when the teacher gets his Bible with his lesson plans and begins teaching rather than using the time for meaningless chatter.

When I enter the worship service I am encouraged when the music exalts the Lord Jesus and the preacher preaches uncompromisingly the Word of God.

When I see people getting saved or furthering their commitment to Christ I am encouraged and know I am in the right place.

Let me encourage you this week to become a sign of encouragement to someone. Give a smile and handshake. Be a friend to someone in need. Most of all be a positive witness. Point people to Jesus the ultimate sign of encouragement.

Hopefully, a familiar sign of encouragement,

Brother Barnabas

Warning or Irritant?
November 1, 2002

This past week I bought a new horn for my Nissan truck. The old horn was basically worthless. There were times when I needed to use it to warn other vehicles that were approaching too closely, etc., but the horn wasn’t loud enough to do any good. I must admit there were also times when I wanted to use the horn to scare friends, but again the horn wasn’t very much good.

I have a new horn on the truck now. It’s plenty loud and it sends a clear warning to those who need to hear the warning. It is also loud enough to irritate my friends. I must be careful to use the horn properly and not to overuse it. If I use it too much, that which should be an effective tool to warn others will become basically a useless irritant. It’s useful effect will be lost because of misuse.

I began thinking about the similarities between the truck horn and our witness as Christians. We are to effectively sound out warnings periodically to others. If our witness isn’t loud enough no one will listen. If we try and scare people with our witness, misuse our witness, use it too often, or use it too loudly it will loose its effectiveness and become a useless irritant.

I have seen Christians use their witness to try and scare others into heaven. Sometimes it’s needed on hard cases, and sometimes it works. However, the Bible says in Romans that it is the love of God that draws people to repentance.

I have seen misuse of the witness by those that talk a good witness but don’t live a good witness. Most of us are guilty of that at some point because we all fail at times, but I’m referring to those that do it on a consistent basis.

We can use our witness too often. I have to admit those that "praise the Lord" every other breath sometimes get on my nerves. Sometimes we try and witness too often rather than allowing time to nurture our witness to those we seek to win for Jesus.

Then there are those that witness too loudly. They are obnoxious with their witness. They want to be seen and heard at any cost. They also intentionally pray so loudly in restaurants that it is impossible not to notice them.

Let me encourage you this week to use your witness, use it often, but use it effectively. Don’t allow your witness to cease being an effective warning only to become a useless irritant.

Sounding off to encourage you,

Brother Barnabas

Short Term Approval or Long Term Respect
October 25, 2002

It appears the terror is over in the Washington D.C. area. It appears the deranged people have been caught. It is a time to give thanks to God, remember the dead, and celebrate life. Throughout this entire ordeal Police Chief Charles Moose has carried a heavy burden with dignity and character.

I’ve been impressed with Chief Moose. At the onset of the killings President Bush, as well as others in high office, began making public statements concerning the case. Chief Moose responded by asking those that were not directly affected to please refrain from making comments. He basically said these comments could do more harm than good, and he was the one who was there having to deal with the results not them.

I thought his challenge showed a lot of hutzpa. He essentially was telling everyone from the President on down to please shut up and let him do his job without making it more difficult. It seems as if everyone complied. He didn’t make the most popular statements, but then again he wasn’t trying to win a popularity contest. He won lots of respect.

There comes a time when we Christians are going to have to choose between short term approval and long term respect. There are issues that demand that we take a stand with our belief system which will go against popular opinion sometimes even in the church. We have to decide whether we will compromise our belief system to be popular or be willing to be committed to our biblical convictions and withstand criticism. Standing with a crowd is easy, but standing alone or with a few isn’t especially if it’s an issue on which the church is divided.

Let me encourage you this week to be willing to forego short term approval for long term respect. Be willing to compromise on issues when possible. When compromise dictates that you go against your biblical convictions be willing to stand alone if need be. Run well---finish well.

Holding a conviction to encourage you,

Brother Barnabas

Just Listen
October 18, 2002

This past weekend I was watching the weekend Today show. There was a controversial film maker talking about his latest docudrama "Bowling for Columbine." In it he interviews Marilyn Manson, the famous Gothic shock rocker. He tells him that numerous people blame he and his music for the travesty at Columbine. He asks Marilyn if he could say anything to the kids there what would he say. Marilyn Manson replied that he wouldn’t say anything, but he would listen to what the kids had to say. A pretty profound answer I thought.

I began thinking about the Christian community; especially we preachers. We Christians have ultimate truth at our disposal. We are commanded by the Lord Jesus to be witnesses for Him until either we die or He comes back. Unfortunately, we often forget that being an effective witness also involves listening.

It’s easy to forget to listen while witnessing. There is an urgency of the Gospel to compel people to be saved. Many of our evangelism programs teach to "win them now." Most of us that witness genuinely want to see people saved, enjoy the benefits of a walk with Jesus, and miss Hell. We want to see them saved immediately.

In all of our good intentions and excitement we sometimes forget to listen to people and give them time and space. Jesus was direct concerning witnessing. He is quoted as saying, "Today is the day of salvation." He told Nichodemus that he must be born again. However, He also listened to people. Though His message had an urgency He wasn’t in a hurry with people. Often you find Him taking the time to listen as He was sharing Himself. Since Jesus is our example of the ultimate witness we must pattern our methods after His methods. We must become listeners as well as talkers.

Let me encourage you this week as you are doing your Christianity take every open opportunity to be a witness for the Lord Jesus. Perhaps you will win one or more to the Lord Jesus this week. Perhaps you won’t. Don’t allow excitement or urgency to keep you from listening to people. Don’t forget that sometimes in sharing with people you need to just listen.

Encouraging you to just listen,

Brother Barnabas

Passion?
October 11, 2002

Do 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 and 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. Hey, passion is good; if it’s the right passion for the right purpose and at the right time. 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 positive change,

Brother Barnabas

From Apprehension to Elation and Anticipation
Octobert 4, 2002

I must confess that last Thursday morning I was apprehensive concerning my cataract surgery. Praises to God that everything went tremendously well. The amount of pain I experienced was similar to having sweat in one’s eyes.

I quickly went within a day or so from apprehension to elation. In the doctor’s office on Friday I was told my right eye was 20/30. When I returned to the doctor Tuesday I was told it had improved to 20/20. The doctor was amazed at the improvement. He told me though vision almost always improves that 20/20 is rare. I told him that God takes care of preachers and fools, and I get double protection.

As I write this Wednesday night I am anticipating the surgery on the left eye tomorrow. I am actually looking forward to having it performed. In the course of a week I have moved from apprehension to elation to anticipation.

As we see people who come to Christ have apprehensions concerning the cost of following Christ we must gently bring them along aiding them in their apprehensions. For some it will take more time than others. We will see them struggle with the newness and other obstacles. We will see many of them begin to experience success in their walk.

As we see Christians make successful progress in their Christian walk it won’t be long before we begin seeing elation in their lives. We must be careful not to bring them along too quickly. Allow them the time it takes to mature, and let the elation grow.

As the elation from following Jesus grows we begin to see them anticipating following Jesus at a deeper level. Success breeds success. Again we must allow them to mature at their own level in order to enhance a consistent successful Christian walk with the Lord Jesus. They will have moved from apprehension to elation to anticipation. At that point we rejoice because we helped to both win them and make disciples of them. We as they move on to help someone else move from apprehension to elation to anticipation.

Let me encourage you this week to get involved in someone’s life and aid them in moving from apprehension to elation to anticipation in the Christian life.

Elated to be able to encourage you,

Brother Barnabas

Thoroughly Encouraged
September 27, 2002

As I write this it’s Wednesday evening the night before not Christmas I assure you. I am feeling the prayers of everyone because I am calm not hyper. Thanks to you all. As I anticipate cataract surgery in the morning I am thoroughly encouraged.

As I went to the doctor on Tuesday to get all the measurements done for both eyes to be operated on for the cataracts the assistant apologized for taking so long. She told me people accused her of being a perfectionist. I replied that with my eyes I didn’t mind a bit. I had much her rather take too much time and get it right than not to take enough time and get it wrong. I was thoroughly encouraged.

When I met with the doctor he told me the cataracts were most likely the result of genetics rather than something else occurring. He told me I had nothing to worry about. I had a few questions. He listened and answered my questions patiently. I was thoroughly encouraged.

As we deal with those who are apprehensive about various commitments to Christ we must remember to be patient with them as much as possible. We must listen to their questions, anxieties, and even objections with Christ’s love. We must not blow them off or be degrading because of their apprehensions. We must thoroughly encourage them.

Some will ask stupid questions periodically in order to get us off track or for whatever reasons. They may ask nonsense stuff such as "Did Adam have a bellybutton?" We must dismiss this with as much kindness as possible, and I know that sometimes its tough to be kind when handling stupid stuff rather than honest questions or objections.

However, we must take the approach Jesus did with the woman at the well. He was patient with her. When she tried to get Him off the subject He answered her questions quickly without compromise and always brought her back to the point at hand.

Let me encourage you this week as you do your Christianity to not allow others’ apprehensions of following Jesus to get in the way of ministering to people. Thoroughly encourage them.

Thoroughly encouraging you,

Brother Barnabas

Apprehension
September 20, 2002

This Thursday, as some of you already know by now, I will go under the knife to have my right eye operated on for a cataract. My left eye will be operated on within approximately two weeks. The prognosis is great. Not only will the cataracts be removed but my nearsightedness will be repaired, too. I possibly won’t need glasses any longer. What a deal! The only problem is that I’m a bit apprehensive about it all.

I know cataract surgery is basically routine these days with a wonderful success rate. I’m looking forward to the possibility of not needing glasses or contacts any longer. I know all this stuff, but the fact remains that someone will be cutting on my eyes. I wouldn’t be real wild about someone else clipping my finger nails because they might cut them down to the quick. How much more do I care that someone is going to be slicing and dicing on my baby blues. I am praying that the doctor won’t have hiccups or be angry with anyone those days.

This episode in my life has made me think a little about commitment to Christ. We Christians are trying to win people and aid other Christians in further commitment to Jesus. We must not forget though that others have real apprehensions sometimes that need our support.

Some will be converted out of non-Christian homes where following Jesus may mean real sacrifice. Others may make a commitment to follow Jesus into full time ministry. This may mean a drastic reduction in income. Some women feel they aren’t cut out to be a pastor’s wife. Some aren’t! There are other issues as well.

We know following Jesus is worth any cost even our lives, but we must not forget that there are real apprehensions to deal with. We can’t patronize people nor trivialize their apprehensions. We must sympathize and empathize when possible. We must encourage them to make the right decision with the understanding we will stand with them.

I am grateful to all whom have already expressed sentiments of love, concern, and encouragement to me with the impending surgery. Thank you.

Let me encourage you this week to be an encouragement to those making eternal decisions for the Lord Jesus.

Encouraging you on the "cutting edge,"

Brother Barnabas

Fresh Bread
September 13

Have you ever been hungry and wanted a sandwich, but when you opened the bread the bread was either stale or even molded? Then you remembered another loaf. You opened the new bread, made your sandwich, and as you took your first bite you tasted the freshness of the bread. Boy was it good!!

Several observations I have made is many preachers use the same stale and tired jokes for illustrations that were stale and tired when I used them over ten years ago. Many Bible teachers use stale and tired teaching methods. Many Christians use stale and tired testimonies. Our walk and witness with Jesus is to be the same way as a sandwich; FRESH.

As there is a difference between stale bread and fresh bread, there is a difference between a stale walk with God and a fresh walk with God. One of my professors and dear friends at Southwestern Seminary told me that if he missed one day with his quiet time he would know it, two days I would know it, and three or more days everyone would know it. I have tried to take that to heart.

Freshness doesn’t only apply to our quiet times it also applies to our entire Christian lives. We preachers must preach with freshness which comes from study and being with God. Teachers must utilize change and a fresh walk with God to become better teachers. Though the beginning of the Christian’s testimony may always be the same, people are listening for a freshness in that testimony as to what God is currently doing in one’s life.

If a person is hungry enough any nourishment will suffice, and we Christians have been guilty of giving people just anything. Since we have the best nourishment for the hungry soul which is Jesus the "Bread of Life" shouldn’t we also give Him to people fresh? In order to give fresh nourishment for the soul it demands a fresh walk from us.

Let me encourage you this week that as you do your Christianity look for opportunities to give away the Bread of Life to a hungry soul. When you give this Bread away give it to them fresh as the result of a fresh walk.

Encouraging you to give away fresh Bread,

Brother Barnabas

Insights from the Sidelines
August 23, 2002

There was a time when I couldn’t wait to get alone with God for prayer, Bible study or just fellowship. I relished the opportunity of leaving friends, work, and other things in order to be alone with God so I could gain deeper insights about Him. These were wonderful times of fellowship and learning. My spiritual life flourished.

After seminary I headed to the pastoral field. Soon I found myself alone with God more than I desired. The controlled environment with friends around at my disposal and such during college and seminary days were long gone. All pastoral friends were married with other responsibilities as were most of my congregation. I longed for human companionship. My desire for God began to diminish.

After coming to Oklahoma City I found an oasis of fellowship. I discovered friendships that will last the rest of my life. I am grateful for my friends. I have relished in the companionship afforded me during this time. I have had time alone with God, but more time has been spent with others than with Him.

Recently, I had noticed a beckoning from God to return to the solitude I once had with Him. I had noticed my spiritual insights had weakened since I wasn’t spending nearly enough time alone with God. Little things had begun tripping me up more and more.

Only this week I have begun the return to more time alone with God. Regardless of whether anyone else notices a change I do. There is a greater sense of peace and joy within my life. Why did I allow my life to become so unbalanced? Balance in life is a difficult process to achieve and maintain, but it’s not impossible.

Let me encourage you this week to strive for balance in your life. Perhaps you have neglected your time with God for too much fellowship with others. Perhaps you neglected your time with others for too much personal time with God which is possible also. Allow God to teach you the balance in your life He desires for you to maintain.

Balancing encouragement for you,

Brother Barnabas

Ted and Jerri

August 16, 2002

This past Sunday was the last day for my pastor Dr. Ted Kersh and his wonderful wife Jerri at the Village Baptist Church. To Village people he has always been known as either Ted or brother Ted. Jerri is simply Jerri which is very honorable. Ted and Jerri are leaving Village Baptist Church to begin as pastor and wife at First Baptist Church, Claremore, Oklahoma. First Claremore is very fortunate to gain them.

I first came to know Ted several years ago while doing my singles internship with Dr. Jim Talley. Jim had heard Ted was looking for a singles guy and made me go apply. I came into the church without an appointment and scared to death. I was surprised when Ted actually agreed to meet with me. As we visited Ted kept reassuring me and being a friend. I didn’t get the job, but I made a friend. I have loved him ever since that meeting and will always love him.

Ted has several qualities I admire. He is both a preacher and pastor. There are preachers who have trouble pastoring and pastors who can barely preach. Ted does both well. I love him for being a "soul-winning fool." Our primary business as Christians is to win souls. He’s real. Most of all he loves Jesus which is the most important accolade I could ever give anyone.

I don’t know Jerri nearly as well as I know Ted. As a single man I don’t try to know married women. What I do know though is that she is a woman of God. To me Jerri Kersh is the epitome of a pastor’s wife. I have told her that if I ever find my love I want my love to spend time with her to be taught about the life of a pastor’s wife. She has agreed to do that for me.

Ted and Jerri are a team. They make my heart ache since as it is my deepest desire when and if I marry to not simply have a wife but a soul mate and partner in ministry, I see they are both together. I keep telling the Lord that their partnership is the type of partnership I desire. Seeing them together makes me hope that perhaps. . . .

Let me encourage you this week in two ways. One, love and learn to appreciate your pastor and his family; you need each other. And secondly, if you're single, find your soul mate and partner not just your husband or wife.

Encouraged and encouraging because of Ted and Jerri,

Brother Barnabas

Practicing His Presence
August 9, 2002

Do you remember while being a child your parent(s) were away from home for some reason? Do you remember when they returned what was the first thing you wanted to know? "What did you bring me?" You couldn’t wait to see what they had brought you. After the important event of discovering what the toy or whatever the gift was, you settled down and began demonstrating to them by hugs, etc. how you had missed them. Overall, you simply wanted their presence, but for a moment or two all you wanted was their present.

How often do we do God that way? So many times in our Spiritual lives we are more interested in what God has to give us rather than God Himself. We tend to be so much more interested in getting something from the Lord than just being satisfied to be in His presence with all the warmth, joy, and satisfaction that His presence brings.

Let me encourage you this week to do something unusual. Spend some time in the presence of the Lord without asking for anything. Enjoy being with God simply for who He is and not for what He can do for you.

Encouraging you in His presence,

Brother Barnabas

Don’t Laugh, it Works
August 2, 2002

One evening last Spring I went over to a good friend’s house to deliver a fertilizer spreader. When I arrived she was out in her front yard extracting weeds. Instead of a weed extractor she was using a butcher’s knife to weed her yard. The sight of her on her knees extracting weeds with a butcher’s knife was hilarious to me. I began laughing at her while calling her Lizzy Borden and quoting from the movie which starred Elizabeth Montgomery. Of course she had no idea who Lizzy Borden was. She took the teasing well as she normally does.

The next day at work I began relating to some friends about my friend’s unorthodox method of weeding her yard. I intentionally tried to make it sound as comical as possible. When finished with my version of the event one friend looked at me and told me to tell her to use a steak knife instead of a butcher’s knife because the steak knife has a serrated edge. I looked at him in unbelief.

There are times in life when we do something a little bit unusual only to have people laugh at us. I have had my share of experiences where people laughed at me for appearing a bit unusual. The only catch to this is that many times the unusual works better than the usual or expected..

There are times as Christians when we will be laughed at. Sometimes this laughter will come from non-Christians, but sometimes it will come from within the Christian community. Have you ever thought how bizarre our relationship with Jesus sounds to lost folk who aren’t ready to hear? Some of our methods for reaching people will be questioned and ridiculed by other Christians because they aren’t the usual ways of doing things. I believe Rick Warren, a Southern Baptist pastor, began Saddle Back Community Church, a mega church, in a drive-in out in California. Some laughed then at his methods. They don’t laugh now. We call this not being afraid to "color outside the lines."

Let me encourage you this week as you do your Christian life don’t be afraid to be a bit unusual. Make sure you maintain your integrity. Standing on your head swallowing goldfish for Jesus is unusual, and it lacks integrity. Don’t be afraid to color outside the lines and neither be afraid to be laughed at. Methods some will laugh at now will later be known as the correct methods.

Encouraging you to be a bit unusual,

Brother Barnabas

Hardened Heart Syndrome
July 27, 2002

I’d like to address an issue concerning the heart. It’s the issue of the Hardened Heart Syndrome. Hardened Hearts is a condition that, when not treated, can become fatal or at best extremely disruptive. There are some people who no matter how much you try and love them into the Kingdom of God, not matter how much you witness and pray for them, no matter how much you even wish for their salvation, and/or no matter how much they see God at work in their midst, they simply refuse to get saved and become part of God’s family. Sometimes there are Christians that develop a case of Hardened Hearts that if left untreated will rob all the joy of the Lord Jesus in their lives and prove them unproductive for the Kingdom of God.

The Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day had a terminal case of Hardened Heart Syndrome. They were in the very presence of God but refused to acknowledge it, understand it, or even submit to it. They either saw or heard about the miracles. They saw the character of Jesus in their presence. Even after the resurrection when the soldiers came from the tomb and related the story to them, they paid the soldiers off and tried to dismiss the resurrection. They knew Jesus had been raised, but refused to repent and believe. Theirs was the worst case in history.

I’ve seen Christians become angry with God or disillusioned with God and get a case of Hardened Hearts Syndrome. There have been Christians that I’ll see in heaven who toward the end of their lives did little to nothing for the cause of Christ except perhaps to become a stumbling block for those that would come to Christ. Some currently are relatively young Christians that are doing nothing for Jesus except being a bad example.

Let me encourage you to avoid at all costs Hardened Hearts Syndrome. It can do more damage than you can ever imagine. Keep your hearts tender toward God.

Encouraging you,

Brother Barnabas

The Severity of Grace
July 19, 2002

Periodically I have tried to justify occasional speeding by stating that I am under "grace" rather than "law." It’s a funny line. I have heard others try to justify sin by saying similar statements. If one tries to justify sin by being under grace rather than law, they don’t understand the severity of grace.

If John 3:16 is the most quoted verse in the Bible, I submit to you that Hebrews 9:22 is the most misquoted verse. People regularly quote it as saying, "That without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." That’s not what it says. It says, "And according to the law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

The reason for that statement is primarily found in Leviticus 5:11. If an Israelite was so destitute financially and could not afford a blood sacrifice, they could offer a grain offering and it would be accepted. God made concessions in the Old Testament for the blood sacrifice.

In the New Testament there is NO such concession. In fact, Hebrews 10: 4 says that it was impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin. He says that it took the blood of Jesus to take away sins. He goes on to say in v. 26 and following that if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth that there no longer remains a sacrifice for sin. He warns in v. 29 of the severe punishment one will deserve for trampling under foot the Son of God and regarding as unclean the blood of the covenant.

Why am I writing this? Simple. We live in a day which seems to take cheaply and laxly the grace of God demonstrated through the blood of Christ Jesus. We as Christians must understand that though grace is free it is neither cheap nor lax. In many cases grace is more severe than Old Testament law.

We must share with others the importance of receiving this wonderful grace which has been offered by God the Father through Christ Jesus. We must never compromise the severity of this grace through Jesus’ blood by making it appear cheap and lax. "Sin all you want God won’t mind" simply isn’t true.

Graciously encouraging you in grace,

Brother Barnabas

Remember
July 12, 2002

Have you ever forgotten who you are, where you came from, or what you’re about? For most of us our heritage is a very important part of who we are. This past week we as a nation celebrated our heritage on July 4. As Americans, how could we ever forget who we are and what we’re about? We have a rich and important heritage. Part of our freedom is remembering who we are, where we came from, and what we are about.

Real freedom is also remembering who we are in Christ. Many times has Satan oppressed us with such opposition that we forget who we are in Christ. This leaves us with feelings of defeat and robbing us of the joy that Jesus has given us. We actually believe that we have to give in to evil rather than remembering that, through Christ Jesus, we have the power and ability to over come evil. It shall not reign over us.

Let me encourage you this week to remember who you are, where you have come from, and what you are about, both as Christians and as Americans.

Overcoming by remembering,

Brother Barnabas

It’s ok to Miss
July 5, 2002

Recently I wrote concerning my love for the church and for church as in the building, worship, etc. I wrote of the importance of the church and church in my life. I want to say with all the importance of the church and church in the Christian’s life it is my belief that it’s ok to miss church occasionally.

A few weeks ago a tragic accident happened here in Oklahoma. A barge accidently hit a bridge causing parts of it to crumble into the Arkansas River. Several people lost their lives due to the accident by driving off the bridge unaware that it had fallen apart. Several other people however drove off the bridge and survived. Some fishermen fishing in a tournament came to the rescue of these people aiding them to safety. I wonder what would have happened if those fishermen had been in church rather than fishing.

Theologically it’s impossible for Christians to miss being the church though perhaps if one is a backslider they may quit functioning as the church or at least in the manner of the church. There are times when necessity and even desire dictates that we miss church. There are jobs in the medical field and other fields that dictate that the employee miss church. If a person is sick and contagious I prefer them to stay home.

Simply stated there are times when we all need or will miss being at a service or two for whatever reasons. It makes us no less a Christian to miss occasionally. Recently my niece told me of going on vacation and missing church. She began to immediately apologize to me. She didn’t owe me an apology.

I do believe that whether we are there or not we still tithe during that absence. It is our privilege and responsibility to tithe.

We must remember that we are under the grace of God rather than the Law of God. There are times when grace is actually more severe than Law, but not with church attendance.

Let me encourage you this week to remember whose you are and who you are because of your relationship in and with Christ Jesus. Let the Holy Spirit convict you when you sin. Don’t allow anyone yourself included to place you on a guilt trip because you occasionally miss church. Run well finish well.

Not missing an opportunity to encourage you,

Brother Barnabas

I Pledge Allegiance. . .
June 28, 2002

This past week the Federal Ninth Circuit Court in a two to one majority ruled that the Pledge of Allegiance was unconstitutional because of the phrase, "One nation, under God..." There have already been all sorts of backlashes from both liberals and conservatives joining together on this issue to basically say how stupid the court was in its ruling.

As we are about to celebrate Independence Day on July 4, let me say that I am grateful to be an American, and, most of the time, I’m proud to be one. We have truly been blest by God, not the generic one but the real One, in numerous ways.

I grew up in my community learning to love and respect our country in a time when being patriotic wasn’t always the popular thing to do. In appreciation to my home town, patriotism was and still is the right thing to do.

I wonder sometimes in the Christian community if we don’t love America a little too much. It’s been said of America that eighty percent of the preachers are preaching to twenty percent of the world’s population. Could we love America a little too much? Why do so few American Christians know of the plights of their brothers and sisters around the world? Why do we tend to be concerned by and large about international missions during special emphasis week? Why do we pledge our allegiance to the American flag in church before we do to the Christian flag and the Bible? There is even the tendency to think that God loves us more than He does Christians in other countries; especially where persecution is currently.

The apostle Paul was a Roman citizen which would be much like being an American today. He used his citizenship to his advantage periodically but never allowed it to supercede his citizenship in Heaven. He was always a Christian first. As Christians our allegiance to Jesus must always supercede our allegiance to anything or anyone else.

Let me encourage you this week as you celebrate your independence on the Fourth to celebrate your dependence upon Christ Jesus daily. As Ray Boltz sings, "I pledge Allegiance to the Lamb."

Encouraging you in your allegiance to the Lamb,

Brother Barnabas

I Love the Church
June 21, 2002

It’s summer time. It’s probably my favorite time of the year. I’m one of those that enjoys being brown rather than pale. I enjoy that it doesn’t get dark here in Oklahoma until after nine at night. There is so much to do and so little time it seems in the summer time. In the midst of all your doing and enjoying don’t forget that as Christians you are the church. Since you are the church let me encourage you not to forget church.

Perhaps it’s because I’m a preacher perhaps not, but I love being at church; normally. Church is a special place. It’s a haven against the storms of life. It’s a place where I can go and not only find solace, but also encouragement from fellow believers. Church reminds me that there is more to this life than the regularity of it. Church reminds me that there is life to come, and that life is more abundant than I’ve ever dreamed. Church is a place where I feel at home.

Our singles were on a mission trip a couple of years ago to Memphis, TN. We were having a great time ministering to kids and seeing the sights of Memphis. There was one place though I wanted to go but almost didn’t get to go there. At the last minute a friend and I got to go to Bellevue Baptist Church. Bellevue is where Dr. Adrain Rogers is pastor. It’s a wonderful church. Most of the others could have cared less about seeing the church but for me it was one of the highlights of the trip.

Whenever I go to a new town I always enjoy seeing the churches because I don’t feel like a stranger when I find them. I know if a problem arises I can find a friend at a local church. I also enjoy worshiping the Savior with new fellow believers.

There are times when we shouldn’t be in church. I’ll address that within a week or so. For now, let me encourage you that as you "do life" not to forget that you as Christians are the church and that you need the church actively in your life. In all your summer fun don’t forget to have fun at church and with the church.

Encouraging the church,

Brother Barnabas

"Whatever"
June 14, 2002

"Whatever" usually followed by "duh" or an expression of disgust is prevalent in our speech these days. It has the meanings of don’t bother me, you’re stupid, or any number of disparaging remarks towards another person. It has the implication of passive aggressive behavior. Whatever, simply isn’t considered a positive expression in our culture.

I remember being in a singles leadership meeting with my friend and former singles minister Randy Davis. He was urging us on towards more positive ministry. He stopped and told of the first time his oldest son Ian used "whatever" with him. He went pretty well ballistic telling Ian to never use that term around him again. I wonder if Ian thought to himself, "Whatever!"

I propose that we use the term "whatever" with our Heavenly Father, our Savior, and Holy Spirit. I propose that we use this term often. Why? Because we should always be in total submission to their authority in our lives. It should be"whatever" you want from me Lord. Whatever you want me to be, whatever you want me to do, and whatever I can offer to You in order to demonstrate my love for you. I propose that we use not only whatever but also however and whenever. With the proper response, whatever becomes a positive response to God rather than a negative one.

Let me encourage you this week to use "whatever" in your walk with the Lord Jesus. However, use it in a positive submissive manner rather than trying to "blow God off."

Encouraging you by "whatever" positive means,

Brother Barnabas

To Die For
June 7, 2002

I got up this morning to get ready for work as I do every other work day. I was thankful because today is Friday which means the end of another work week. I turned on the news and suddenly Friday took on a new perspective. Today I learned that missionary Martin Burnham had been killed as he and his family were attempting to be rescued. Also killed was the single adult nurse that had also been taken captive. Gracia Burnham was wounded but survived.

In the States we live in a somewhat sterile environment when it comes to the Christian Faith. There is ridicule. There is some persecution though to a minor extent. There are those that have died for their faith in this country. However, we are not accustomed to dealing with martyrdom in regards to our Christian Faith. We tend to forget that we have brothers and sisters around the world who are in harm’s way often because of their faith. When we do hear about them we pray for them, but we seldom feel the impact of their peril.

Hopefully, Martin Burnham’s death (or actually transformation from this life to the next) will deepen our understanding of the cost involved with following Christ Jesus. Paul said, "to live is Christ and to die is gain." We speak of the verse metaphorically, but Paul meant it literally. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian who died at the hands of Hitler, said "when Christ bids a man come, He bids him to come and die." Again, here in the States, it’s a bit hard for us to grasp that people are continuing to die for the Christian Faith.

We must remember that as we embrace this relationship with Jesus we surrender all of our rights to His divine authority. We submit to His ultimate will even if that will is for us to die for our Faith. Let us not forget that we have a Faith worth dying for.

Let me encourage you this week to remember the words of William Cary who said, "He is no fool to give up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

Encouraging you though life or death,

Brother Barnabas

No Favors?
May 31, 2002

What motivates you to give of yourself to others? For many, the motivation comes from an opportunity of giving, and some, actually have the spiritual gift of giving. For others the motivation is getting or selfishness. We Christians aren’t immune from this type of behavior. The thought seems to be, if I do this for them then they will owe me a favor.

Some bring this type of selfishness into their relationship with Jesus. The thought seems to be that if they are obedient and do enough good things then God is obliged to bless them. I regretfully admit there was a time when I had this attitude. The Lord kindly directed me to Scripture which would change my attitude towards obedience.

In Luke 17:7-10 Jesus shows us how we are to approach obedience. In reading this passage, one discovers that obedience is what we are to be about without expecting special favors from the Lord. If the Lord blesses us then "praise God", but He is not obligated to bless us because we are obedient.

Let me encourage you this week to re-examine your motivation towards obedience to the Lord. It may be that you like me may have to change some attitudes towards obedience.

Expecting no favors,

Brother Barnabas

Still Single After All These Years
May 24, 2002

This weekend my good friend from college Tim Dickerson is getting married for hopefully the first and only time. Tim is a year or two younger than I am. He has been a good friend over the years. I am happy for him. Next week two of our singles are going to get married to each other. Mia Hubbard and Cody Holcolm will tie the knot, and two will become one. Congratulations to Cody. Mia, you have my condolences.

Reflecting upon the celebration of these friends sometimes gets me to pondering. Mary, the mother of Jesus, pondered a lot also. At forty-five I’m still hopeful of marriage and children, but time is not standing still. Being a single preacher at forty-five I contemplate the "big question" which is of course "I wonder how big a church I would be ministering in if I were married." I’m reminded of the preacher who wanted a big church and a pretty wife and got a big wife and a pretty church.

I must admit I’ve enjoyed being single most of this time. I would have enjoyed being single a lot more if I had made better salaries. There are times of loneliness and frustration, but that goes for everyone. I’ve been told being lonely single isn’t nearly as bad as being lonely while married.

Being single has allowed me to develop my relationship with Jesus in a manner that perhaps I couldn’t have or wouldn’t have had I been married. I have also had to deal with prejudices against single ministers. I have come to the conclusion that there is no need to be angry or bitter about that. I don’t have time for anger or bitterness, and I don’t have to answer to God for a committee’s decision in those situations.

Whether or not I marry in this life I know I will be a part of at least one wedding and one marriage feast. It’s the most important marriage and what a feast it will be. The marriage will be that of the Lord Jesus or the Lamb of God to His church. The feast will be in Heaven. If I miss the adventure of getting married in this life it’s really of no or small consequence. If I miss the marriage in the next life of Christ to His church it’s of great consequence. I’m glad I already have that secured for eternity. I will be there.

Let me encourage you this week whether married or single to secure your invitation to the great wedding and marriage feast which will culminate in the next life. You secure your place by receiving Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. There is no other way to show up at that wedding. You don’t want to miss it!

Encouraged for at least one wedding,

Brother Barnabas

Nobles May 17, 2002

There is cultural idiom predominantly utilized by guys though not exclusive to guys that suggests when one is very good friends with another guy instead of calling them by their first name, one uses the surname instead. David Nobles or "Nobles" is such a friend.

Nobles and his family are leaving us to begin a ministry at First Baptist Midland, TX. We will all miss them. I will miss Nobles much because he has aided in my growth tremendously as a Christian and as a person. I can only hope I have aided to his growth.

Nobles told me that when he first began here the word on me was that I was a "bull in a china shop." I suppose that’s true. Seeing myself as a prophet and remembering the modern day prophets I sought to emulate, many were "bulls in china shops." David told me that’s no longer what he hears. I am grateful because I have realized that "bulls in china shops" often do more harm than good. If I am no longer that way much of the credit which always goes to the Lord Jesus goes through Nobles.

Nobles is one of the kindest and most gentle people I have known without forfeiting his masculinity. He has taught me much about being kind and gentle with people. I have thanked him numerous times already. He has taught me to look at ministry and life in different perspectives than how I am accustomed to looking. He is one of my very dearest friends. Thanks Nobles for being such a friend to me.

I will miss the rest of the family also. Margaret is a wonderful complement to David. She also has a very sweet spirit and is a Godly Christian woman. I will miss Sarah and her rambunctiousness. And then there’s Daniel. Oh well. I will miss seeing him do well in baseball and teasing with him.

I have used "I" a lot here, but it’s because I write Barnabas. We, as the Village Baptist Church Single Adult family, will miss the Nobles family. They have meant a lot to all of us. And so, I say to the Nobles family, "As you close this chapter in your ministry, know that we all love, cherish, and will miss you and your family. God speed and His richest blessings until."

Encouraging Nobles,

Brother Barnabas

Take Time
May 10, 2002

"I don’t have time" That’s a sentence used quite often in society these days especially among single adults. 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

PRAY
May 3, 2002

We celebrated the National Day of Prayer in our country May 2. I had never been a part of a cooperate service on this day before yesterday. But I found it to be a very positive experience to meet with others in order to pray for our country and for the world. Prayer is so important, but we do so little of it. It’s a subject that doesn’t seem to exhaust itself because we continue to learn and unfortunately have to relearn periodically.
Prayer is wonderful. It’s wonderful because it gives us the opportunity to dialogue with the Lord Jesus. We can spend intense or casual time along with God through prayer. It’s something that can be done most anywhere at anytime. There are times when my spirit is so in tune with the Lord there is an exhilaration which is difficult to describe.

Prayer is also frustrating. It is frustrating because one can’t hear an audible voice in the dialogue. It is frustrating because sometimes God is silent. It is frustrating because sometimes I want easy and quick answers to my prayers, but God doesn’t accommodate.

Prayer can lead to a theological "fatalism." When we don’t see or hear answers or the answers we desire we sometimes have the attitude of why pray because God is going to do what He desires anyway. According to the Scriptures prayer has changed the mind of God at times. We must fight the urge to give up on our prayers and perhaps even God. Remember the Scriptures remind us that Jesus Himself prayed and taught His disciples that they should always pray and not loose heart. Praying is a discipline such as running or many other commitments in life.

Let me encourage you this week to pray and pray often. Begin the discipline of prayer. Resist the temptation of becoming a theological fatalist when prayers aren’t answered as you desire. Pray well--- finish well.

Encouraging you to pray (for me too),

Brother Barnabas

No, It Is Painful
April 26, 2002
As I write this bb I feel as if I have been "sucker-punched" in the stomach still trying to gasp for more air. I received a call yesterday afternoon telling me about the death of a young man I knew who was only nineteen. It is probable that his death was the result of suicide.

I knew this young man because of his mom. She is a biblically divorced single mom with two children. I had gotten to know her and the boys rather well. We were close. I had developed feelings for her which scared her. We parted as friends. I had not seen this young man for several years until I saw his obituary in the paper.

In the movie MASH, at the beginning, there is a guy who allegedly wants to commit suicide. Hawkeye and some others give him a sleeping potion with a mock funeral. Someone sings a song which will become the theme for the tv series. That song is entitled Suicide.

The lyrics state that suicide is painless and very shameless. It says that the person can take or leave if he chooses. Well, let me tell you differently. Suicide isn’t painless. It"s very painful to those left living. There are all sorts of questions as to why and what could have been done to prevent this. It is shameful and very selfish on the part of the perpetrator. This family will be scared for the rest of their lives with the hurt left from this death. Friends and other loves ones will also experience some type of scaring. Life was hurting this young man, but perception and reality are always the same thing. Could the reality of life had really been as bad as the perception? Even if it was, which is doubtful, why didn’t he seek help? Perhaps he did and failed to receive it.

Most all of us wonder about suicide at least once or twice in our lives. We may be discouraged or even in depression when those thought occur. But, most of us never act on it. Unfortunately, some do.

It needs to be stated that people don’t go to Hell either because they committed suicide. There’s only one reason why people go to Hell, and that’s that they rejected Jesus in their lives and didn’t receive Him as Lord and Savior. That’s it. There are no other reasons for going to Hell.

Let me encourage you this week to never commit suicide. It hurts everyone. Encourage those you know that have experienced this tragedy. They need it.

Wondering why,

Brother Barnabas

Black and White?
April 19, 2002

This past weekend some of us in the singles ministry put on a melodrama for the rest of the church and as an outreach project. The money raised will be used to fund the single’s mission project in San Antonio, TX. The melodrama was both lots of work and lots of fun.
One basic premise of a melodrama is that the good guys are easy to recognize from the bad guys, at least to the audience. Another premise is that right and good always wins out over wrong and evil. It’s so easy to know who to cheer for and who to boo in a melodrama. I wish it were that easy in real life.

I’ve been told that Ruth Graham (not Ruth Hildebrand), wife of Dr. Billy Graham, has made the statement that the world has become so "churchy" and the church has become so "worldly" that it’s difficult to distinguish between the two anymore. It’s amazing but sometimes lost people act more Christian than do some Christians, and some Christians act more lost than some lost people.

The spiritual dilemma of living what one believes has gone on for a long time. Even King David, as we are well aware, had problems living out his belief system. King David was known as a man after the very heart of God, and yet, he fell into adultery with Bathsheba and had an innocent man murdered, namely, Bathsheba's husband, Uriah the Hittite. If one looks closely at the life of Uriah, one will find that he was one of King David’s mighty men. Have you ever wondered what the first meeting in Heaven between Uriah and King David was like?

Though living our belief system isn’t always easy, it is doable. We are called by God to be holy ("set apart") and to glorify Him by living what we believe. We, of course, will fall but we should strive to consistently live a life that honors God and draws others to Jesus.

Let me encourage you this week to live your life as if you were in a melodrama. The fact is that you are---in a way. Let others see the good in you because of the redeemed life you have with Jesus. Let others vividly see the difference between the Christians and lost people. Run well, finish well.

Acting as your encourager,

Brother Barnabas

Wise Investments
April 12, 2002

What happens to people in your life when they don’t either meet or live up to your expectations? Do you immediately write them off or do you work with them until either they become acceptable or prove to be not worthy of your time investment? There are those that we know that are "slow starters" in life. We wonder if they will ever "get their act together" or will they completely wash out. After time they prove to be one of the best investments in life that we could ever make. How do you discern concerning those that will and those that won’t become productive?
The apostle Paul had that problem. He and Barnabas were investing their lives into a young man named John Mark. After a short time John Mark left them. Paul gave up on John Mark, but Barnabas didn’t. Barnabas was willing to loose his friendship with Paul because he believed in John Mark and what he could become. Barnabas was right. John Mark proved to be a slow starter but worthy of Barnabas’ investment. The second Gospel is named for John Mark. In fact, towards the end of his ministry Paul had good things to say concerning John Mark. Remember, Paul was also an investment of Barnabas.

Let me encourage you this week to look again at those with whom you have serious doubts. Are they "wash outs" or just slow starters that need more attention and compassion? Will those that you’re ready to give up on actually be a "John Mark" in disguise?

Investing in you,

Brother Barnabas

"Soulshine"
April 5, 2002

Jesus said that the eyes are the lamp of the body. If the eyes are full of light the whole body is full of light. He went on to say however, that if the eyes are full of darkness how great is that darkness.
I was talking recently about a friend of mine with another friend. We were talking about how the eyes shine. I made the comment that it’s nice that the eyes shine, but it’s nicer that the soul shines.

I began thinking about this and asked myself if my soul shines. I came to the somber conclusion that it only shines sometimes. It’s easy for my soul to shine when directly talking about Jesus. It’s easy for my soul to shine when I return kindnesses that have been extended to me. It’s even easy for my soul to shine when I’m prepared for it to shine such as going out on FAITH visitations; but. . .

I must confess that there are times that my soul doesn’t shine. When traffic is slow, but I’m in a hurry sometimes my soul doesn’t shine. Occasionally due to negligence I will be late with a payment and get a phone call. Sometimes then my soul doesn’t shine. Often when telemarketers call I must confess that my soul doesn’t shine. Perhaps I should have an internal barometer which indicates the condition of my soul. Well, in fact I do have an internal barometer; it’s the Holy Spirit. My problem is I don’t always pay close enough attention to this eternal barometer and friend.

The Holy Spirit works with my spirit to guide me and encourage me into greater depths with Jesus in order for my soul to consistently shine for God’s glory. In order for that to happen I must practice the presence of God and pay attention to when the Holy Spirit speaks. If I don’t He will quit speaking. If I keep in tune with the Holy Spirit my soul will consistently shine, but if I don’t it won’t and neither will yours.

Let me encourage you this week to let your soul shine for God’s glory. Perhaps you need to check with your internal barometer the Holy Spirit to see if all is right. If things aren’t right they can be made right through repentance. Then when all is right with God your soul will shine for God’s glory.

Enjoy the soulshine,

Brother Barnabas

Tough Week
March 29, 2002

A favorite t-shirt shows Snoopy as the WWI flying ace on top of his dog house a little beat up with bullet holes shot all through the dog house. The caption reads "Tough Week!" All of us have tough weeks periodically; some more than others.
As we are celebrating Resurrection Sunday (Easter) my thoughts gravitated to this past week. The Christian community calls it Passion Week. Have you ever contemplated all or some of the "stuff" the Lord Jesus went through during Passion Week?

He rides into Jerusalem triumphantly on a donkey. His ancestor (so to speak), King David, rode a mule. Jesus sees a city and people that don’t have a clue about eternity and weeps over them. He cleanses the temple for the second time during His ministry. On top of all of this He is emotionally drained while having to deal with disciples that are still bickering with each other over who is the greatest among them. This happens while He is giving final instructions and having one last meal with them. Then comes the garden and the rest of the story.

We Christians are joyous over the resurrection. I wonder though if we are as joyous for Jesus as we are for ourselves with missing Hell and such. The resurrection meant Jesus’ pain was over. He would never have to suffer again. The job was completed. In the realest sense "Hell Week" was over for eternity. It was almost time for Him to return to Glory. Heaven was anticipating His return. By Jesus’ death and resurrection, the reality of eternal life for mankind was secured once for all. What a week!!

Let me encourage you as you joyously celebrate Easter and all it encompasses don’t forget to thank Jesus for all the stuff He went through on our behalf. Never forget that Easter is a time for us to focus on Jesus and to minister to Him. Hallelujah!! What a Savior!!

A tough week for eternal encouragement,

Brother Barnabas

Easter
March 22, 2002

In our Christian tradition, Palm Sunday of the beginning of Passion Week which culminates with Easter Sunday. Have you ever wondered where we get the term Easter?

Easter according to some scholars comes from the pagan goddess Eastre. She was a goddess of fertility. From this idea we understand the traditions behind eggs, bunnies, and such. There are parallel stories of Persephone returning from the underworld, etc. I find it rather amusing that we Christians get so bent out of shape over Halloween, but we embrace pagan celebrations incorporated with Easter.

I enjoy Easter egg hunts and all the "extra stuff"that goes along with Easter. I have fond memories of my mom taking time to color eggs with or actually for me, all the candy, and of course the new outfits that we had to have for church on Easter Sunday. As a single adult I look forward to having children and making memories of Easter with them someday.

Regardless of the pagan origins and all the "extra stuff" that has been added onto the celebration of Easter it is up to us as Christians to place proper focus and emphasis on the primary event of the Easter celebration.

On Easter Sunday or Resurrection Sunday as I personally prefer to call it we as Christians celebrate ultimate hope. We celebrate the death/resurrection experience of our Lord Jesus. It is one event not two. The sinless Son of God shed His innocent blood and actually became sin in our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God through Him.(2 Corinthians 5) By His historical resurrection our righteousness became reality because He became conqueror of sin and death. Because He lives to die no more we as Christians will face death once to resurrect in Heaven never to die again. We have eternal life beginning now when we repent of our sins and invite Jesus into our lives to be our Lord and Savior. Only because of Jesus does Easter Sunday have ultimate meaning.

Let me encourage you to enjoy Easter this week. Enjoy the Easter eggs, the mothers with their children, and all the "stuff." Enjoy it ultimately because Jesus died and was raised.

Encouraging you in life’s ultimate celebration,

Brother Barnabas

Unlikely Hero
March 15, 2002

This week the Christian single adult community of Oklahoma City lost one of its own to cancer. His name was Dan Lutz. Dan was 36. Dan wasn’t a regular on the single’s speaking circuit. Dan wasn’t a person lots of us would be attracted to in a crowd because he had cerebral palsy. Dan wasn’t even a Southern Baptist.

Dan Lutz was a radio personality on the Oklahoma City sports radio station known as the Sportsanimal. Dan forgot more sports than most of us will ever know. He had a very sharp mind with a love for sports and a love for people especially those he worked with. I never knew Dan personally and only listened to him sparingly. I do know though that he was and is a hero to many; this unlikely candidate for heroism.

Many spoke openly this week of his tenacity even stubbornness to defy odds and be treated like a regular person. Many talked about how he became more independent learning to drive and how he would literally crawl up stairs and such so as not to burden anyone else. But in his death volumes were spoken concerning his faith in Christ, that he lived it, and now before God he is standing and at ultimate peace without pain.

The fact that Dan embraced Christ, lived his faith authentically, and died with peace and hope makes him an unlikely hero in my estimation. We live in a day when so many Christians fall into moral bankruptcy, and many of those that profess it don’t often practice living it. How refreshing it was to hear from others that Dan Lutz not only professed a relationship with Jesus, but he sought to live out that profession. Over and over this week on the airwaves it was spoken of a Christian single adult that honored his Lord with his life. People were confronted with the Gospel this week through the life of one individual who was at best an unlikely hero. He most likely would be embarrassed that some of us considered him a hero.

Let me encourage you this week to live your Christian life. Live it genuinely and authentically. Live it in a way that though you may never do extraordinary things you live an extraordinary life for Christ which makes you like Dan Lutz an unlikely hero.

Encouraging you heroes of the faith,

Brother Barnabas

Illusions
March 8, 2002

I would like for all who read Barnabas to remember Keli McAlister, one of the singles in my church, and her family in prayer. Keli’s grandmother went to be with Jesus recently. She and her family are now having to adjust to life without their loved one. But Keli knows that her grandma is having a BLAST being in the full presence of Jesus with all its rewards.

Do you enjoy magic or illusionist? I enjoy watching David Copperfield and others like him giving us the illusion of magic. Before your very eyes one can be duped into believing the Statue of Liberty has disappeared or some other spectacular event has transpired.

We live in a world full of illusions. Keli’s grandma’s transformation led me to thinking of some of them along with the realization that we aren’t far from celebrating Resurrection Sunday or Easter. Actually, we celebrate Easter daily or should. I want to remind and encourage you concerning some of these illusions.

First, we live in a world that seems to be permanent. This seems to be all there is. We can believe in what our five senses reveal to us. Wrong! The apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:18 that what we see is temporal at best and what we don’t see is eternal.

Secondly, we are secure with what we accomplish. Wrong! September 11 should put an end to that. The only security that we Christians really have is eternal security and some Christians even question that unfortunately.

Thirdly, we control our own destiny. Wrong! Read the book of Job. There are other beings(not forces) that are influencing decision making either for good or evil.

Finally, dea