.....eitherway

The fear of rejection may be one of the most basic fears of the human experience. Dr. Joe Harding tells a heart-warming story of a man who finally decided to ask his boss for a raise in salary. It was Friday. He told his wife that morning what he was about to do. All day the man felt nervous and apprehensive. Late in the afternoon he summoned the courage to approach his employer. To his delight, the boss agreed to a raise.

The man arrived home to a beautiful table set with their best china. Candles were lighted. His wife had prepared a festive meal. Immediately he figured that someone from the office had tipped her off! Finding his wife in the kitchen, he told her the good news. They embraced and kissed, then sat down to a wonderful meal. Next to his plate the man found a beautiful lettered note. It read: "Congratulations, darling! I knew you'd get the raise! These things will tell you how much I love you."

While on his way to the kitchen to get dessert he noticed that a second card had fallen from her pocket. Picking it off the floor, he read: "Don't worry about not getting the raise! You deserve it anyway! These things will tell you how much I love you."

Total acceptance! Total love. Her love for him was not contingent upon his success at work. In fact, just the opposite. If he were to fail there, if he were to be rejected by his boss, he'd be all the more accepted at home. She stood behind him no matter what; softening the blows, healing the wounds, believing in him, loving him. We can be rejected by almost anyone if we're loved by one.

That's the way families can be with each other - and I think that's the way God is with us, too! "We love Him because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 

- david langerfeld

.....storm

 "He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 

'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm." Mark 4:39

I did not know His love before, the way I know it now.
I could not see my need for Him, my pride would not allow.
I had it all, without a care, the "Self-Sufficient" lie.
My path was smooth, my sea was still, not a cloud was in the sky.

I thought I knew His love for me, I thought I'd seen His grace,
I thought I did not need to grow, I thought I'd found my place.
But then the way grew rough and dark, the storm clouds quickly rolled;
The waves began to rock my ship and my anchor would not hold.

The ship that I had built myself, was made of foolish pride.
It fell apart and left me bare, with nowhere else to hide.
I had no strength or faith to face, the trials that lay ahead,
And so I simply prayed to Him, and bowed my weary head.

His loving arms enveloped me, and then He helped me stand.
"You still must face this storm, my child, but I will hold your hand."
So through the dark and lonely night, He guided me through pain.
I could not see the light of day, or when the storm might wane.

Yet through the aches and endless tears, my faith began to grow.
I could not see it at the time, but my light began to glow.
I saw His love in brand new light, His grace and mercy, too.
For only when all self was gone, could Jesus' love shine through.

It was not easy in the storm, I sometimes wondered, "Why?"
At times I thought, "I can't go on." I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.
But Jesus never left my side, He guided me each day.
Through pain and strife, through fire and flood, He helped me all the way.

And now I see as never before, how great His love can be.
How in my weakness He is strong, how Jesus cares for me!
He worked it all out for my good, although the way was rough.
He only sent what I could bear, and then He cried, "Enough!"

He raised His hand and said, "Be still!" He made the storm clouds cease.
He opened up the gates of joy, and flooded me with peace.
I see His face now clearer still, I felt His presence strong.
I found anew His faithfulness, He never did me wrong.

Now I know more storms will come, but only for my good.
For pain and tears have helped me grow, As naught else ever could.
I still have so much more to learn, as Jesus works in me;
If in the storm I'll love Him more, that's where I want to be.
- wendy greiner

.....means

The Apostle Paul was a pillar of strength who saw the ways of God more clearly than any other individual. He had a unique boldness in his message because he had received the gospel directly from God: The gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ Galatians 1:11-12.

There is no doubt that Paul had a special blessing from God: "This man {Paul} is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel" Acts 9:15. But if Paul would have remained attached to this highly favored position of strength and superior knowledge, his ministry would have been severely limited.

To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some 1 Corinthians 9:22 Paul was so devoted to preaching the Gospel that he could humbly minister to anyone! He was determined to reach every person God placed in his path - even if this meant lowering himself and becoming weak.

We must be careful to understand that weakness does not mean we engage in sin! God NEVER asks us to violate His commands in order to accomplish His will; we never need to sin in order to reach someone with the gospel. Rather, becoming weak means showing compassion without regard to a person's status; it means having the "strength" to walk beside the weak, who may be living in terrible sin, and minister the love of Jesus without condemnation. Godly weakness means showing grace to others because we understand the grace we have been given.

Our message must focus on His saving grace. Without Jesus we are ALL lost and on our way to an eternal damnation; "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23. We must never forget this basic truth. We must never let our position in Christ cloud the message of the cross. We have been saved and set free; "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness" Colossians 1:13. But now that we are free, we need to understand that the world around us is in desperate need of this same gracious Savior.

We each have a message to share, a message which can encourage and be used to draw others to faith in Jesus. Let's begin to step outside our select and "comfortable" group - outside the group we relate to and claim to understand. The Good News of Jesus is a precious life-saving gift! Let's begin to share this gift with ALL, by ALL possible means.

- adapted from steve troxel

.....test

For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God's people Colossians 1:4

The Rev. and Mrs. Robert Porteous were missionaries with China Inland Mission beginning in the 1920's. They ministered in Jianxi Province and they began an intensive Bible school. Beginning in the late 1920's, communist troops rose to power and began disrupting life in the province.

In 1931, the Porteous family was taken prisoner by the communists. They were led to a lonely spot on top of a hill where they were to be executed. The leader said, "This is the place." The executioner took a long knife from its holder and raised it above the necks of the courageous couple. 

Certain death seemed imminent. However, instead of cringing and begging for mercy, the couple began to sing. The bandits stared open-mouthed as they heard this hymn...

    "Face to face with Christ, my Savior, 

    Face to face-what will it be?

    When with rapture I behold him, 

    Jesus Christ who died for me."

These two were ready for death and thought that would be their last song. But, no order was given for their execution. The executioner returned the knife to its place, and the couple was released and enjoyed another 40 years of ministry.

May we, filled with faith, be willing to give it all for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, no matter what the cost!  

     I have decided to follow Jesus

     I have decided to follow Jesus

     I have decided to follow Jesus

     No turning back, no turning back

- peter kennedy

.....waiting

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:18

Even when we don't think they are, they are. Even when we don't see them, their eyes are upon us. Even when we don't pay any attention, they do. Somebody's always watching. I got an ugly reminder of that earlier today.

We pulled into the Hampton Inn to grab a room for the night and there was one other vehicle under the registration awning as we arrived. The vehicle immediately got our attention because it had license plates that read GOSPEL. The familiar "fish" was plastered near the back bumper. And there were other Christian messages adorning the front of the vehicle as well. We knew these must be one of our kind.

And then, it happened...

They locked their keys in the car. Apparently, it was the wife's fault, judging from the tantrum and explosive words the husband began throwing at her. Unaware that we had pulled up behind them, unaware that anyone was watching, unaware that someone who had observed all their Christian decorations had their eyes locked on them, and unaware that their testimony for Christ was on open view.

This man began throwing an old-fashioned fit. Ranting and raving, hurling abusive accusations, just generally being very ugly to his wife. All because they were going to have to call AAA to get their keys out of their locked vehicle. Only God knows what would have happened if it had been a real crisis!

The point I want to make is this: you and I wear the Name of Christ. Whether or not we have a license plate that bears it or we wear a cross or a WWJD bracelet or Christian t-shirt, or whether or not we adorn the traditional fish symbol, we wear the Name of Christ 24/7/365.

That's not to say that we are going to be perfect, because we're not. It is to say that somebody's always watching. Even when we don't see them. Even when we don't know they are there. Even when we aren't paying any attention. Someone is always watching.

And it's important that we "let our lights shine" for Christ as best we can. It's important that we remember that our words and actions represent Him. It's important that we remember Christianity isn't something we put on for Sabbath days when we're at church and we take off during the remainder of the week.

If we belong to Him, then we ought to live for Him.

Today someone might pull up behind you. You may not see them, but they'll see you. You may not notice them, but they'll notice you. You may not be paying any attention to them at all, but I assure you, they will be paying attention to you.

What will they see? Will they see YOU or will they see CHRIST THROUGH YOU? Will they see the flesh working or the Spirit at work?

Today, let us endeavor prayerfully to be like Jesus by His grace. And let's let our lights shine to the glory of God for all to see. Because I can guarantee you. Somebody's always watching.

Have a "Wonderful DAY in Christ." 

- jimmy d. brown 

.....wait

God's will is for us to live a life of thanksgiving and prayer, a life of contentment and peace independent of circumstances. It is also "God's will that you should be sanctified {set apart, made holy}; that you should avoid sexual immorality" 1 Thessalonians 4:3. These are general aspects of God's will, given to every one of His Children. His specific direction will come as we obediently align our life with His general will...and wait.

We live in a generation where waiting is viewed as a waste of time, but learning to wait is one way we grow: "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" Isaiah 40:31.

This is a powerful and encouraging passage: if we wait on the Lord, we will be strengthened, soar like the eagles, and not grow weary. But what does it really mean to wait? We are not called to "take up the cross of Salvation" so we can then live our lives sitting on the couch. Rather, as believers in Jesus Christ, we have been invited to a wonderful lifetime journey - a journey which is sometimes difficult, but one always filled with adventure and purpose.

But you, man of God, flee from all this {evil}, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12

Notice all the words of action: flee, pursue, fight, take hold. This is definitely a call to actively move forward in our journey of faith; a call to move toward a life as God intended it to be lived!

So do we wait, or do we fight and take hold? Do we rest and hope in the Lord, or do we flee and pursue? The answer is a simple, but absolute, yes! We are called to a life of action, to a life where we "bear much fruit" John 15:8, but we must learn to "act" while waiting and trusting God for every result. We must give Him all our effort while remaining "in the vine" John 15:4, and allowing the life of Christ to flow through us and produce the fruit.

This means we are to boldly share the gospel message, but then to wait on God for the harvest of belief. It means we are to seek opportunities and diligently prepare for service, but then continue to listen for God to reveal His desired path. It means we are to be agents of Godly change in the world, but then patiently trust His timing and rest in His strength.

God calls us to a faith of complete trust, a faith which produces both action and patience. Let's take hold and fight the good fight of faith as we learn to actively wait.

- steve troxel

.....funeral

 "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Galatians 2:20

"There's nothing wrong with you that a good funeral won't solve," I said to the woman. "I'll even send you flowers!"  She smiled in response. I was speaking figuratively, of course, to a woman who was stressing out about an issue in her life. Her problem was the same problem that most of us have - too much of "us" and not enough of Jesus and the cross. Many of the daily problems in life can be solved by coming to an end of ourselves so Jesus can take over. 

The apostle Paul recognized the need for a "funeral" too when he penned these words: "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" Rom 6:1-4.

Whenever we stress over a matter, get angry over a daily circumstance, or seek to have our own way - it is a sign there is still life in the grave. We need to fill it with dirt and smother the life of our flesh so that Christ may live in us freely, unhindered by the "old" man.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Galatians 2:20.

Send yourself some flowers today. Have a good funeral. 

- os hillman

.....changing

Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever Hebrews 13:8

Every time I looked out my window or door this week there was a huge, lovely purple Crepe Myrtle tree in my view. I would exalt God for that gorgeous example of His beautiful world. It seemed I couldn't sing and magnify His praises enough for the joy those brilliant blooms brought me. 

Today when I peeked out there again the bright purple tree was blooming, but close to it was my ten year-old granddaughter, Mary Kathryn, who had fallen from her bicycle. We could tell from the pain in her voice that major damage had been done. Her mother brought her in the house and began cleaning the injuries, but soon decided from the swelling and discomfort that she must see a doctor. 

Sure enough her arm was broken in two places. A mobile cast was placed on it until she could see an orthopedist in the next couple of days. As I passed that purple crepe myrtle again it occurred to me that much had changed quickly from that incident, but that stately tree stood there in full bloom for all the world to see. Just as lovely as it has been all those times I had gazed at it the past few days. 

I thought about how God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Unlike our personal situations he does not change. That beautiful crepe myrtle will soon shed its vibrant blooms and I can no longer adore them every time I step out the door. 

Our personal experiences were altered drastically as we hurriedly transported Mary Kathryn to the doctor with her broken arm. But our wonderful Lord we love and serve remains the same. He still Loves us and cares for us. His promises of healing, peace and comfort still apply. 

As the x-rays were read and the diagnosis was made, I knew that in this changing world of circumstances, we could still trust our unchanging God.
 - david langerfeld

.....will

Much of our Christian walk seems to involve searching for God's will. We search for His perfect will for our job, home, school, church, and relationships; and we are often frustrated because God seems silent regarding the details of our life. But God is not silent! His Word reveals much of His will, and a large portion of His will for our life today is the same as for every past generation.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We often gloss over such passages, thinking we already understand and ought to search for "deeper" truths. But in God's plan for us to be "conformed to the likeness of His Son" (Romans 8:29), there is no greater challenge to our faith. Do we really believe God is in control and can be trusted? Does the attitude of our heart reflect such a belief?

Our Heavenly Father desires us to live each moment with a thankful heart, full of joy - regardless of our circumstances. Why? Because this reveals our trust in a loving God. He wants us to continually commune with Him in prayer and refuse to leave His presence to pursue concerns or pleasures of the world. This portion of God's will has been clearly revealed!

But some are facing situations which make following God's will very difficult; they see absolutely no reason for rejoicing. How is it possible to be joyful when being pressed down from all directions and when the pulls of the world seem relentless?

We must begin by viewing our life from an eternal perspective rather than the temporary nature of the world; "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever" 1 John 2:17. All our trials will soon be gone (do we really believe this?). In the end, all will glorify His name; "In all things God works for the good of those who love Him" Romans 8:28. As we trust and love Him with all our heart, God walks right by our side and works ALL things for the good. This level of trust is what Paul referred to as "the secret of being content" Philippians 4:12

There are certainly times when God will give us very specific direction, and this direction may call us to get out and change the world; but perhaps He's waiting until we follow His general will for our life - perhaps He's waiting for us to rejoice and trust. Let's come before Him today with a thankful and loving heart. Let's enter His presence and refuse to be taken away by circumstances which will soon fade. Let's trust Him without compromise and joyfully walk each step by faith according to God's perfect will.

- steve troxel

.....intentional

Barnabas was an encourager in the lives of Paul and Mark. We considered how Barnabas must have seen the "Christ-potential" in others and discipled them at critical seasons of their life.

Discipleship involves prayer, teaching, compassion, commitment, and the ability to lead by a Godly example; some portions are passive, while others are extremely active and intentional. When Barnabas saw how Paul was being rejected in Jerusalem, he "took him and brought him to the apostles" Acts 9:27. When he may have been concerned that Paul was discouraged; "Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Paul" Acts 11:25. And when Mark was facing rejection and almost certain discouragement for future ministry, "Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus" Acts 15:39

Each of these events involved much more than a kind word as Barnabas continued on his own path. They involved evaluating the need, and then making the necessary changes in his own path to help meet the need - they involved being intentional.

There was certainly no better example of how to disciple others than Jesus. During His ministry on earth Jesus was an example to all who saw or heard of Him. He taught large groups and ministered to individuals at every opportunity. But with a specific group of twelve, Jesus gave an extra measure of His time and energy to help them grow closer to God and equip them for future ministry.

Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated apostles Luke 6:12-13

We ought to do more than encourage when it's convenient, more than live a Godly life and hope others will follow. In Jesus, we are given a wonderful example of choosing, through prayer, individuals whom we intentionally lead closer to God. This is clearly His command when Jesus says, "go and make disciples of all nations" Matthew 28:19

I wish I could say it's easy to "go and make disciples," but it's not. And I wish I could say I'm good at it, but I'm definitely not! Getting schedules and desires to match up seems to get harder all the time, and the process can often become quite discouraging. And yet, we must not give up. Jesus showed us the way and commanded us to follow; this is the only true plan for discipleship!

Let's continue to lead through the example of a devoted and holy life and encourage those in need at every opportunity. But let's also take the next step and prayerfully identify those who will receive our special attention for an extended period of time. Let's pour ourselves into others and help them grow closer to Jesus through intentional discipleship.

- steve troxel

.....resting

Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest Matthew 11:28

Frank Laubach once said, "If you are weary of some sleepy form of devotion, God is probably just as weary of it as you are."

Walking with Jesus shouldn't bore you or drain you - it should energize you! Are you feeling burned out? Jesus said: "If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, [that I didn't give you] come to Me and I will give you rest."

Nobody was busier than Jesus.  Yet, He was never in a hurry. He had a lot more to do than you, yet He never seemed to do it in a way that severed the life-giving connection between Him and the Father, or interfered with His ability to give love when love was required. He regularly withdrew from activity to the place of solitude and prayer. 

And when His disciples returned, flushed with success, their adrenaline pumping from a busy time of ministry, He told them "Come away... all by yourselves and rest a while" . 

Mark 6:31 explains that "Many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat." Sound familiar? Constant hurry is the mark of an un-prioritized life. It's a sign that second and third things have become first things. 

We want microwave maturity. We try to exchange wisdom for information and depth for breadth - and it doesn't work. Depth comes slowly. Following Jesus can't be done at a sprint; you can't go faster than the one who's leading. So, slow down. Don't just work for God - spend time with Him!

....resting

 "Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Frank Laubach once said, "If you are weary of some sleepy form of devotion, Gog is probably just as weary of it as you are."

Walking with Jesus shouldn't bore you or drain you - it should energize you! Are you feeling burned out? Jesus said: "If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, [that I didn't give you] come to Me and I will give you rest."

Nobody was busier than Jesus, yet He was never in a hurry. He had a lot more to do than you, yet He never seemed to do it in a way that severed the life-giving connection between Him and the Father, or interfered with His ability to give love when love was required. He regularly withdrew from activity to the place of solitude and prayer. 

And when His disciples returned, flushed with success, their adrenaline pumping from a busy time of ministry, He told them "Come away... all by yourselves and rest a while" . 

Mark explains that "Many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat." Sound familiar? Constant hurry is the mark of an un-prioritized life. It's a sign that second and third things have become first things. 

We want microwave maturity. We try to exchange wisdom for information and depth for breadth - and it doesn't work. Depth comes slowly. Following Jesus can't be done at a sprint; you can't go faster than the one who's leading. So, slow down. Don't just work for God - spend time with Him!

.....encouragement

Barnabas played an essential role in Paul's ministry. He boldly introduced Paul to the apostles in Jerusalem Acts 9:27, and then searched for Paul when he fled Jerusalem to his home town of Tarsus Acts 11:25-26. After taking Paul to Antioch, Barnabas remained with him for several years while they encouraged the church...and each other.

Being an encourager was a way of life for Barnabas. His name was originally Joseph, but prior to even meeting Paul, the apostles had begun to call him "Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement)" Acts 4:36. Barnabas was able to evaluate other people according to their ability in Christ - an ability determined by the strength of Jesus and not hindered by past failures. This allowed Barnabas to see great potential where others saw only weakness, and to encourage when others had given up.

Barnabas went with Paul on his first missionary journey where they jointly proclaimed the name of Jesus wherever they went. Another young man, named Mark, began this first missionary journey with Paul but then turned back Acts 13:13. This apparent lack of perseverance bothered Paul so much that when he began his second missionary trip he refused to take Mark along.

Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus Acts 15:37-39

Barnabas saw the Christ-given potential in young Mark and encouraged him as he had done with Paul many years before. As a result, Mark matured in his ministry and faithfully continued in his service to Jesus. He ministered alongside the Apostle Peter 1 Peter 5:13, was reunited with Paul Colossians 4:10, Philemon 24, and later wrote an account of the life of Jesus - the Gospel of Mark.

The early church faced many difficulties - many opportunities for discouragement - but God used Barnabas to strengthen those who had been called to the front lines of battle. We can't all stand up and preach in front of large crowds or travel as missionaries to foreign lands, but we ALL have the ability to encourage those whom God places in our path.

The world is full of people crying out for someone to care for and believe in them. Individual lives can be changed, families can be restored, entire communities and even nations can be turned toward God, if each of us will encourage others to draw closer to our Heavenly Father, to love Him more, and to trust Him with all our heart. Let’s do our part to change the world! Let's share the love of Jesus and effectively minister by seeing others, and then taking action, as a Son of Encouragement.

- steve troxel

.....feel

Have you ever seen a hot, dusty child throw off their tee-shirt and sandals and run across a beach into the water? Have you ever seen someone who has just received good news do a little dance or twirl – totally oblivious to all around them? Have you, yourself, felt the freedom of the removal of doubts, worries or fears? If so, then you can relate to the following scripture.

“Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance, the race set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

It is only too easy, or perhaps a human reaction, to hang on to our sins. We ruminate our infractions. We question ourselves - How could I have done such a thing? Why am I having those thoughts? What is wrong with me? And on we go, digging deeper and deeper into the pit.

Instead, scripture tells us to throw off the sin that entangles us or "ensnares us". Toss it aside, never to be picked up again. Focus on the goal ahead and run for it. God has forgiven us when we confess, and He has already forgotten our sin. He is with us urging us forward in total freedom. The voice that hinders our race, that insists we are not worth it, that we have totally blown our relationship with God, is the enemy of our souls. He would have us wallow in the darkness of our sin BUT God says, “ No – You are my beloved, forgiven child. Move forward into the light.” How wonderful is that!

The next time we feel burdened by sin and dark thoughts, let’s look up. That great cloud of witnesses is cheering us on. Throw off the gloom and soar as an eagle into the light of God’s forgiving grace. That is His gift to His children and it’s ours for the taking.

- pat earl

.....barnabas

Prior to meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, Saul was one of the greatest enemies of Christians: "Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison" Acts 8:3. But Saul's conversion to Christ was dramatic, and after a few years he tried to join with the believers in Jerusalem. However, with his reputation for hatred toward Christians, the disciples were not willing to accept him.

But one man saw beyond the past mistakes, saw beyond the slimy pit from which he had been removed, saw the grace of Jesus which had worked a miracle in Saul's life - that man was Barnabas! Barnabas believed in Saul, comforted him, and defended him to the other believers.

"But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus." Acts 9:27

Saul was on fire for Jesus, ready to preach the gospel with the same energy he once used to persecute the church. But after just a short time in Jerusalem, Saul had to flee for his life back to his home in Tarsus. It's not clear what he did for the next several years, but there is no evidence of ministry work until Barnabas, once again, found Saul and provided the necessary encouragement.

"Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people." Acts 11:25-26

The Apostle Paul went on to have a greater impact in the forming of the early Church and in defining Church doctrine than any other follower of Jesus. But if not for Barnabas, Paul may not have ever preached beyond his own back yard. In the early days of the Church, Barnabas believed the absolute best in people and encouraged them at every opportunity. His encouragement of Paul resulted in more fruit for God's Kingdom than anything else he could have possibly done or imagined.

We all know someone who can use a lift - someone in desperate need of a friend to believe in them - someone in need of a Barnabas! Let's encourage others today by believing in the power of Christ working through their lives, by looking beyond what we can see to what we know Jesus can do with a life completely devoted to Him, by being the spark which reignites the fire and helps them return to the great race. Let's look for opportunities to encourage our Brothers and Sisters according to the example of Barnabas.

- steve troxel

....situations

 As long as you live in this world, you are subjected to the same chaos, the ups and downs, the good and bad, the positives and the negatives of life. You are not the only person facing this.

What sets you apart from others though, is how you choose to deal with this situation. Here are steps to cope with bad situations and create something good out of them:

1. Release Your Frustrations.

Don’t bottle them up because you might just implode. Talk to a friend about it. A listening ear does wonders. Go exercise and release the tension. Journal it out. Give it up to God. All of it!

2. Realize You Are Not Alone.

No matter what you may think, you’re not alone in this. God is with you. He brought you to this to take you through it. After you get through this, you'll be stronger, more dedicated and more faithful to Him. Knowing this helps you to get out of a self-victimizing mindset.

3. Being Frustrated Isn’t Going to Solve Anything.

The problem will still remain whether you go berserk at it or whether you think about it calmly. The former will create more problems as your agitation prevents you from making good decisions. Remaining frustrated will not help you, so focus on what can be done instead.  Keep your eyes on Jesus.

4. Know You Always Have A Choice.

Realize no matter what happens, you always have a choice in how you react. While you may not be able to control what happens to you, you can most certainly control your behaviors. You can face the worst things in the world, but if you make the choice not to let yourself be affected by them, you won’t be.

5. Objectify It.

An incident is an incident; we’re responsible for the feelings attached. Remove the feelings and look at the situation objectively. This will help us cope a lot better.

6. Focus On What You Can Do.

Action creates empowerment. It brings possibilities. It creates results. By taking action, you are no longer a passive recipient. You are a conscious creator.  "Be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only."  (James 1:22)

7. Ask For Help If You Need To.

It’s okay to ask for help if it makes the situation easier. Remember, you are not alone in this. "He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7)

8. See It As An Obstacle To Be Overcome.

Life is a journey of learning and growth, and everything happens for a reason. Obstacles are the things stopping you from getting your goals, and if you keep overcoming these obstacles, you’ll eventually get what you want. "I press on toward the prize of the upward high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14)

9. Identify the lesson learned.

There are always things to be learned from every situation. Learning a lesson, moving forward and not repeating the same mistake will help you the next time.

10. Give It To God

Give it to God - All of it!  And then forget about it. He's up every night. No need for you to be.

No matter what life throws your way, as long as you cope with it constructively, with God, nothing can get you down, slow you down or hold you down.

Keep looking up and you'll move up!

.....hard

Jeremiah had been a prophet for nearly forty years by the time Jerusalem came under attack by the Babylonians. He had long been proclaiming a message of repentance, but the people continued to ignore his words. Now, the enemy had surrounded Jerusalem and the end was near. In this time of great turmoil, God told Jeremiah to purchase a field from his cousin.

This was a strange request but Jeremiah obediently purchased the field. However, he soon began to question God's reasoning: "See how the siege ramps are built up to take the city? Though the city will be handed over to the Babylonians, You say to me, 'Buy the field'" Jeremiah 32:24,25. 

Jeremiah had been a prophet for many years. He had been given the privilege of talking directly with God, but this command just didn't make sense. Why should he purchase a field when the enemy was invading and taking prisoners?

God answered Jeremiah with a simple, yet challenging, question.

"I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for Me?" Jeremiah 32:27

Yes, the enemy had invaded the land and would soon overrun the city of Jerusalem. But God's plan was for the people to one day return: "I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in My furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. They will be My people and I will be their God" Jeremiah 32:37-38. Jeremiah's field was to be a reminder that God would one day restore His people - a reminder that He could be trusted even in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

We often have a difficult time seeing how all the pieces of God's plan fit together. He leads us down a path and we fail to see the purpose - especially when the enemy begins to attack. We want to fight back, but God says to patiently trust Him and pray. We want to determine a solution and solve the problem, but God says to love Him with all our heart and share His love with others.

The times in which we are most tested and pressed down ought to be the times of greatest growth and closeness with our Heavenly Father. When it seems we have nowhere else to turn, we ought to rejoice and trust Him even more! Let's put our life firmly in His Hands and submit to His guidance - even when we may not see where we are going or how we will get there. Let's trust His ways and always remember...for God, there is NOTHING too hard! 

- steve troxel

.....wait

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried, 
Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied. 

I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate, 

And the Master so gently said, "Child, you must wait." 

"Wait?  You say, wait! " my indignant reply. 

"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why! 

Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard? 

By Faith, I have asked, and I am claiming your Word. 

My future and all to which I can relate 

Hangs in the balance, and YOU tell me to "WAIT"? 

I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign, 

Or even a 'no' to which I can resign. 

And Lord, You promised that if we believe 

We need but to ask, and we shall receive. 

And Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry: 

I'm weary of asking!  I need a reply!

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate 

As my Master said once again, "Child, you must wait." 

So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut 

And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting... for what?" 

He seemed, then, to kneel, and His eyes wept with mine, 

And he tenderly said, "I could give you a sign. 

I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun. 

I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run. 

All you seek, I could give, and pleased you would be. 

You would have what you want ... But, you wouldn't know Me. 

You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint; 

You'd not know the power that I give to the faint. 

You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair;

You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there; 

You'd not know the joy of resting in Me 

When darkness and silence were all you could see. 

You'd never experience that fullness of love 

As the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove; 

You'd know that I give and I save... (for a start), 

But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart. 

The glow of My comfort late into the night, 

The faith that I give when you walk without sight, 

The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked 

Of an infinite God, who makes what you have LAST. 

You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee, 

What it means that "My grace is sufficient for Thee." 

Yes, your dreams for your loved one overnight would come true, 

But, Oh, the Loss! If I lost what I'm doing in you! 

So, be silent, My Child, and in time you will see 

That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me. 

And though oft may My answers seem terribly late, 

My most precious answer of all is still, "WAIT." 

- Russell Kelfer

.....deeds

The area which probably causes the most contention is the role of grace in Salvation, this debate is largely due to various sides not really understanding one another, and also to shifting the debate to the role of good deeds. This message, will focus on those who agree that Salvation is completely through the grace of God but may disagree as to the role of good deeds.

For those who hold that good deeds do not have a part in Salvation we can point to, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast" Ephesians 2:8-9. Our works, or good deeds, do not save us.

And for those who hold that good deeds definitely do have a part in Salvation we point to, "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?" James 2:14. The implied answer to this question from James is a resounding NO! This seems clear: Our works, or good deeds, are necessary to save us

.

The answer to this apparent contradiction is found by looking closely at what James is really saying. And he seems to make his point abundantly clear in the next few verses.

"Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."James 2:15-17

When combined with verse 14, James is equating the one who claims to have faith with the one who says "keep warm and well fed." He is saying it does no good to verbalize these words, or claim to have faith, if you do not follow through with action - meeting physical needs or doing good deeds. A faith which does not result in action is useless - it is dead!

Our good deeds cannot save us! Jesus makes this clear when He rebukes those who come to Him with their list of good deeds; "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" Matthew 7:23. Nor can simple belief save us; "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder" James 2:19.

How then is Salvation made effective? James gives us this answer through the example of Abraham as he offered Isaac to be sacrificed; "You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did" James 2:22. We see that saving faith cannot be separated from good deeds; rather, a saving faith is defined as a faith which results in good deeds, which can also be defined as obedience or following Jesus, are an integrated, essential part of saving faith!

Let's hold on to a faith which transforms the entirety of our life by the grace of God. Let's put an end to the divisive debate and live a life which worshipfully accomplishes the good deeds of faith.

- adapted from steve troxel

.....pity

Last Saturday, along with millions of other fans, I watched my favorite team play football. Yesterday, social media lit up with hundreds of posts from fans of every team that lost.  Most came from "amateur coaches" and "Monday Morning Quarterbacks", who obviously knew more than the coach about what plays to call and what should have been done. 

If you summarized what they all said, it was statements such as... 

     "If only the coach had/hadn't...."

     "If only the referee had/hadn't..." 

     "If we had just made that field goal..."

     "if we didn't commit that penalty..."

     "If we had only saved that time out..." 

     "I wish we had run instead of passing..."

     "Or conversely, I wish we passed instead of running..."

As I read those posts, I reflected on how many times we can easily live our lives based on a "What if" or a "If only" or a "If only I had/hadn't" statements or other some other fantasy world thinking where we think we can somehow change the past. 

"Leaving the Pity Party"

I had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, and yet, I found myself packing rather hurriedly. This trip was going to be unpleasant, and I knew in advance that no real good would come of it - I'm talking about my annual "Guilt Trip." 

I got tickets to fly there on "Wish-I-Had" Airlines. I got my baggage, which I could have checked, but didn't - because I chose to carry all my baggage all the way by myself. It was weighted down with a thousand memories of "what might have been". No one greeted me as I entered the terminal to the "Regret City International Airport". 

As I checked into the "Last Resort Hotel", I noticed that they would be hosting the year's most important event, "The Annual Pity Party". I wasn't going to miss that great social occasion. Many of the town's leading citizens would be there. 

First, there would be the "Done Family" - you know, "Should Have", "Would Have" and "Could Have". Then came the "Wish I Had" family. You probably know of "Wish I Had" and his clan. Of course, "The Opportunities" would be present - "Missed" and "Lost". The biggest family would be "The Yesterday's". There are far too many of them to count, but each one would have a very sad story to share. 

Then "Shattered Dreams" would surely make an appearance. And "It's Their Fault" would regale us with his stories about how things had failed in his life, and each story would be loudly applauded by "Don't Blame Me" and "I Couldn't Help It". 

Well, to make a long story short, I went to this depressing party knowing that there would be no real benefit in doing so. And, as usual, I became very depressed. But, as I thought about all of the stories of failures brought back from the past, it occurred to me that all of this trip and all of the subsequent "Pity Parties" could be canceled - BY ME! I started to truly realize that I did not have to be there. I didn't have to be depressed. 

One thought kept going through my mind, "I can't change yesterday, but I do have The Holy Spirit living in me to make today a wonderful day".  I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled, encouraged, content, blessed and totally at peace - because my sins have been forgiven and I will spend eternity with my Savior. I know who I am and where I am in Christ and I know where I'll be when I die.  Knowing this, I left "The City of Regret" immediately and left no forwarding address. 

Am I sorry for mistakes I've made in the past? YES! But there is no physical way to undo them, and more importantly, they've all been forgiven - no matter how bad they were. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If any man is in Christ, He is a new Creature.  Old Things are past away; behold, all things are become new."

So, if you're planning a trip back to "The City of Regret" (located between the land of "What If..." and country of "If Only..."), please cancel all your reservations now. Instead, take a trip to a place called "Starting Again". I liked it so much that I have now taken up permanent residence there. My neighbors, the "I Have Been Forgiven's" and the "New Starts in Christ" are so very helpful and encourage me each day. 

By the way, you don't have to carry around all of your heavy baggage, because the load is lifted from your shoulders upon arrival. God bless you in finding this great town. His Holy Word has all the directions you need. When you find it, please look me up. I live on "I-Can-Do-All-Things-Through-Christ Street!!! 

- dave langerfeld