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Sept. 11, 2001 was a terrible day. It was so unreal. I made a video of all the film of the crashes in to the buildings. It was like a Hollywood movie. It was surreal. Why did it happen? God knows. We do know that God gives everyone a free will. Each one of us can choose good or evil. He allows people to be raped, murdered, robbed and abused. We don’t understand it. Lucifer fell. Judas betrayed Jesus. There are no robots. We all have a choice too - to follow Jesus or not. Sept. 11, was definitely a wake up call for us. We are not all powerful, self sufficient, and invincible. Our false sense of security in the Economy, the stock market, and our fancy buildings, disappeared quickly. We saw that buildings, people, and finances can all be lost in an instant. We’ve also seen good come from it. Some wonderful heroes were discovered and recognized. Many died but so many escaped. So many acts of kindness shown. So many people caring, praying, and giving. Some were saying this was the beginning of the end, that Jesus is coming back soon. This is not necessarily the end and Ben Laden is not necessarily the Anti - Christ. Remember Hitler and the Holocaust, many thought that was the end. Remember Desert Storm and Hussein rebuilding Babylon, many thought that was the end. Remember the Y2K scare. Many people have gone back to church since Sept. 11. Some out of patriotism. Some out of fear. Some seeking God for protection. Some thinking that maybe God is mad at us. Some in fear that Jesus may come any day
Although this may not be the end Matthew 24 says that it is important to be ready. We don’t know the hour or the day. We make sure we are ready in other ways. Extra cash on vacation, Cell phones on a long trip, Spare tire in case of a flat, AAA in case of breakdown, Home owners, Life, Health and Auto Insurance - just in case. Realize there is a deeper issue here than Fire Insurance from Hell. Many of us are not in right relationship with God. Rom. 3:23 says that we all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. Is. 53:6 says that all of us like sheep like have gone astray. You see God made us, and gave us His word to live by. It’s our Owner’s Manual. We choose to do our own thing instead. I had a friend in high school that had a Corvette. He put Automatic Transmission fluid in brake master cylinder. It ruined the brakes. We too have many problems because we don’t do it God’s way. Rom. 6:23 - We all deserve to go to hell, but the free gift of God is eternal life, through Christ Jesus Our Lord. Rom. 10:9, 10 – If we confess with our mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in our heart God raised him from the dead, we’ll be saved. James 5 says our lives are temporary - a mist. Be sure you are ready. And be sure that your life is counting for Jesus - it’s short - a mist. You can be sure about your standing with God and readiness for Jesus’ Second Coming. We make sure we are ready about other things. Let’s be sure we are ready about this. Mike Barres -
Things are constantly changing all around us. Technology is advancing so fast, it is hard to keep up. I remember 8 track tapes, then cassettes, then CD’s, now we have mini disc’s, mp3 and DVD’s. In order to stay competitive in business you have to keep changing to keep up with new trends and technology. Computer technology has become commonplace in many businesses. Many businesses that don’t change, end up going out of business. Even churches need to be willing to try new things. Many churches are now using newer songs, video, and drama. Sometimes we have a harder time reaching the next generation if we get stuck using old methods. One thing that is important to remember however, is that God’s Word never changes. The truth of God’s Word is never old fashioned. Human nature has never changed and God’s standards have never changed. If God said that something was wrong, and a sin in the Bible, it still is. His word in the Bible is timeless. Many times today, God’s word is not popular, because people want to do what they want to. God knows what is best for us and his ways are higher than ours. The Bible is still our owner’s manual. God made us and knows what’s best. So as we see things changing all around us, and we change the way we do things, remember, God’s word never changes. Mike Barres -
3 Lawful or Profitable? Permissible or Beneficial? In the Bible it says that all things are lawful, but not all things are profitable (1 Corinthians 6:12). In James chapter 4:14 it says that our life is like a vapor that is here for a little while and then gone. Do we want to live our lives just doing what we are allowed under God to do? I think it would be better for us to consider doing what is profitable and beneficial. Matthew 6:33 says to Seek First The Kingdom of God. As Christians, wouldn’t it be better to think about doing things that matter to God, rather than us just living a life, pleasing ourselves with things that are _OK_? There is a higher calling than just asking the question, _What can I do and still be a Christian?_ We should be asking, _How can my life count the most for God?_ At the end of our lives we’ll look back and feel good about the things we did to serve God and help others. The rest will look pale and unimportant. So as we go through our day, and we make plans for our future, let’s pray that God will show us how to invest our time, resources and heart in to the things that really matter for Him. Mike Barres -
In these busy days that we live in a little more love would sure help the day go better. Everyone is in a hurry and sometimes it seems like task is more important than people. It sure does feel good when someone really loves you and cares about you. In the Bible it talks about love in I John 4:7,8. It says that God is love, and if you know God, you know love. It also says that if you don’t know God you don’t know love. God sure did demonstrate His love by sending His son to die on the cross for us (John 3:16). God’s love is unconditional. He just loves us period_ Wouldn’t it be great if we could be that way to each other. The world’s kind of love is usually _I love you if...._ or _I love you because....._ Sometimes the world’s love is not really love at all but actually lust. As we draw closer to God I think we have a greater capacity to love. It should be one of the most important things to us as Christians, since the Bible says that they will know we are Christians by the love that we have for one another. Let’s remember the two great commands. To love the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. If we find ourselves with an unforgiving, angry or bitter heart, let’s pray to the one who can change our hearts to love. Mike Barres -
In Matthew 5:9 it says _Blessed are the peacemakers._ With all the strife and turmoil constantly stirring around us, we really need more _Peacemakers._ Romans 12:18 says, _If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone._ Whether it be in marriage, family, work, school, or church, _peacemaking_ should be an important goal of ours. When it comes to conflict we often have other goals instead . We want to _Put someone in their place_ or _get even._ Instead of peace, we want to prove that we are _right,_ or show someone that we are _in charge._ Many of these attitudes keep problems brewing rather than resolving them. Wouldn’t it be better to extend grace, mercy and forgiveness? Those are things we all want to receive, but are not as quick to give. As Christians let’s be _shock absorbers_ in life by being peacemakers. Isn’t peace more important than getting our way or being right all the time. Jesus was the Prince of Peace. Let’s follow his example. We’ll be glad we did. Mike Barres -
It used to be that people expected life to be painful at times. Farmers, coal miners, factory workers, and the like, knew that life was hard. We used to say, _no one said that life is fair._ Today we avoid pain at all cost. We actually make it a major priority in life to be comfortable and pursue a life of ease. Aren’t we glad that Jesus didn’t try to avoid pain as he was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane? Jesus knew that He was on the brink of experiencing a tremendous amount of pain. He knew that He would be mocked, whipped, and crucified, but he didn’t run from it, He faced it. We should be willing to suffer some too. Romans 8:17 says, _Now if we are children, then we are heirs- heirs with God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory._ When we are faced with decisions I hope that we will ask ourselves if it is something that God wants us to do, or if it is something that is important, rather than asking ourselves if it will be painful. As we remember all those who served their country in war, and those who gave their lives trying to rescue people on September 11, they didn’t ask would it be painful, they just did the right thing. Let’s _Seek first the Kingdom of God,_ and not just try to live a comfortable life. Serving Jesus and seeing His Kingdom work done, and doing the right thing, is much more important than my feelings and my comfort. Mike Barres -
Most people have been hurt by others at some time in their lives. Some are hurt on a regular basis. Matthew 6:14 in the Bible says that if we don’t forgive, that God won’t forgive us. Forgiveness is so important, that God made this strong statement. Unforgiveness can actually cause physical and emotional problems. Unforgiveness can cause ulcers, headaches, high blood pressure and stomach problems. Emotionally we can rehearse the hurt so much that we are tormented by it. God knew this and that’s why He commands us to forgive. Hebrews 12:15 talks about a root of bitterness. Some people are bitter over things that happened many years ago. There are even people who are bitter at someone that has since died. Bitterness will eat at us like a cancer. Jesus was our example when on the cross He said, _Father forgive them, for they know not what they do._ Jesus had never done anything wrong. He forgave those who mocked, beat and crucified Him. I heard a POW say one time that if he didn’t forgive his captors, that after he was released, he’d still be bound by his unforgiveness. Forgiveness is an action and a decision. We don’t have to wait for the feeling. Another thing to remember is that we don’t have to wait to be asked to forgive, we just forgive anyway. Forgive and be free. That’s God’s way. Mike Barres -
Some people in the Bible were thought to be out of their mind. In Acts 26:24 Paul was accused of being out of his mind and insane by Festus. In First Corinthians 4:10 it says we are _fools for Christ._ The Bible says that the natural man does not understand the things of the Lord, for they are spiritually discerned. Faith, according to Hebrews is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not yet seen. To walk in faith we have to go beyond what we can see and touch and even what we can figure out with our minds. We receive salvation by faith. We believe in God, and believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, by faith. We also believe that the Bible is God’s word to us. We read it and live by it. When it comes to salvation, miracles, God meeting your needs, and God changing lives, we have to believe past what we can figure with our minds. We must come to God in simple child like faith. God is not opposed to us using our mind, but He is opposed to our minds limiting our faith. If we are going to step out and serve God to the fullest we’ll have to walk in faith and to some degree, get _out of our minds._ There will be those who don’t understand. That’s ok, and it’s always been that way. Mike Barres -
Feelings and emotions are part of the human make up of any human being. God gave us emotions. We have good feelings and bad feelings. Most of us go after the good feelings and try to stay away from the bad feelings. As Christians we often associate good feelings with being close to God and bad feelings with being away from God. This may not be true. I heard of a train illustration that I like. The locomotive is Facts and God’s Word. The second car in the train is Faith. The caboose is feelings. The train will run with or without the caboose, but you should never try to pull the train with the caboose, (your feelings). Even Elijah after defeating the Prophets of Baal in I Kings 18 was so sad in Chapter 19, that he became suicidal. For most of us our emotions fluctuate up and down. Sometimes tiredness, sickness, stress and conflict can affect our mood and feelings. We shouldn’t panic. We are still human. The good news is that Jesus Christ is the solid rock through it all. He said, _Lo I am with you always._ His word never changes. He is our constant. We can enjoy good feelings, but not be so shallow as to only pursuing good feelings as our life goal. If we avoid bad feelings, we may shy away from things that are tough, but important. We should, _Seek first the Kingdom of God,_ whether it feels good and easy or not. Feelings come and go. They are a part of our humanity. The good news is that we don’t let them throw us, because God is _the same yesterday, today and forever._ Isn’t it good to know that we have an anchor that will hold us, and a solid rock to stand on regardless of how we feel. Mike Barres -
In many churches, the subject of giving is an uncomfortable one. The Bible mentions giving frequently. It talks about tithing, gifts and offerings. I think that we shy away from the subject because some preachers have over done their appeals for money. The Bible says that it is more blessed to give, than to receive. We have all experienced the _joy_ of sacrificial giving. The Bible says that the Lord loves a cheerful giver. God has been so good to us that we should be happy to give back to Him in the work of the ministry. Even those of us who think we have it hard, would feel very blessed if we could see the way that most people live in other parts of the world. Our poor would be considered rich in many places. The Bible says to give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down shaken together and running over. This is a promise in God’s word. In Malachi, it even says that we can test God. It says that if we tithe that he will open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing that we can’t contain. This is all true, but I don’t want to give, just to get. I enjoy giving because I’m thankful to God and because the Church and the things I’m giving to are worthwhile and a great cause to give to. Our giving in church helps so many people in so many ways. Another way to be cheerful and thankful in our giving, is to think about how God blesses us with it all in the first place. If we sell Real Estate, He made the land. If we are a carpenter, He made the trees that the wood comes from. God made all the plants, animals and even natural resources - that we use to make our money. Even if we use our brain. We didn’t make it. It was a gift from God. If you are real smart, you didn’t have anything to do with it, it was a gift. If you are strong and healthy, that too is a gift from God. You didn’t make your body. We all have so much to be thankful for, that we should give cheerfully and thankfully back to the Lord. Giving back the tithe and offerings to the Lord and the Church is easy when we think of how blessed we are. Thank you Lord. Mike Barres -
There is so much tension, anxiety and stress in our world today. Many people turn to drinking and drugs to try to find some peace. These are only artificial, temporary substitutes for the peace God can give. These things also have consequences that will only add to our problems and stress. One of my favorite verses is in the book of Philippians. It says _Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus._ Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Ps. 23 talks about the Lord leading us beside still waters. What a great word picture. Billy Graham has a little booklet entitled, _Steps to Peace with God._ We can also find peace by having a right with relationship with God by accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. He loves us and will forgive us of our sins if we only ask. His abiding peace can be with us through the storms of life. One time Jesus was asleep in a boat that was in a storm. That is a great picture of the peace that He can offer us. He is our solid rock and our anchor in the storm. His words are still true today, _Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid._ Mike Barres -
In Psalm 100 it tells us to _Enter his gates with thanksgiving in our hearts._ In I Thessalonians 5:18 it says, _In everything give thanks._ Thankfulness helps us to see life in a brighter light. We often focus on our problems and what we _don’t_ have. If we were to make a list of all we have to be thankful for, life would look a lot better. Referring to the term, thanksgiving, there is actually a message in the name. If we are truly thankful we’ll want to give. Thanks, leads to giving. Matthew 10:8 says, _Freely you have received, freely give._ The woman who brought the alabaster jar of perfume, poured it at Jesus feet and washed His feet with her hair, brought a very valuable gift. It was because she was so thankful for Jesus’ love and forgiveness. In Luke 7:47 it says, _Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little._ We have so much to be thankful for. We have been so blessed. It should make us want to give. My son went with me on a mission trip to Guatemala when he was 8 years old. I had given him some spending money for souvenirs. When he saw the poor children there, and realized how little they had compared to what he had, he walked up to one of the children and gave the child his spending money. If we are thankful for what we have, we should want to help out those who are in need. I think it is a way to give back to the Lord. The Bible says we are _doing it, unto Him._ When we realize that God is the source of all of our income and blessings then it is easy to give with thanks. If we don’t realize that He is the source, we may try to hold on to it, in fear that we’ll lose it. Mike Barres -
When you hear of testimony, often you think of a court of law. When someone gives testimony, they are talking about something they saw and heard. As Christians we should be giving testimony too. In I Pet. 3:15 (KJV) it says, _But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear._ We should be ready and happy to tell others what the Lord has done in our hearts and lives. If someone goes to a new restaurant, and likes it, they’ll tell all their friends. If someone discovers a new diet that works well, they’ll tell all their friends. If someone takes some new vitamins or health food that makes them feel better, they’ll tell all kinds of people about it. The Lord has been so good to us and done so much for us we should be telling others about how He’s changed our lives and helped us. When the Lord does something to help us or meet a need, we should give Him thanks and praise by mentioning it to others. The Lord wasn’t ashamed of us and experienced total public humiliation on the cross for us so we shouldn’t be fearful or ashamed to mention Him to others. Romans 1:16 (KJV) says _ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ._ Matt 10:32 (KJV) says that, _Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess before my Father which is in heaven.” There are so many people these days who are frustrated with life. We can testify of how the Lord has helped us and point them to Jesus. Rev. 12:11 (KJV) says _And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death._ Let’s not be afraid of people, or ashamed of our Lord. Let’s share our testimony with others, so they can find the hope and the peace that we have. Mike Barres -
We were all shocked and grieved by the loss of the Columbia space shuttle. It all seems so surreal. These were 7 individuals with families that will miss them very much. Grief is a very real process that we shouldn’t try to ignore. Even in the Bible it says that, “Jesus wept.” John 11:35 KJV. Grief is painful but necessary. Sometimes we as Christians focus on how individuals are in heaven after they die, that is good, and right and true. However the fact that we will miss someone, or that we are frustrated or confused about how they died is normal and shouldn’t be suppressed or ignored. Something else that has been mentioned in regard to this tragedy is that each and every trip through space involves a lot of risk. We are so thankful for all of those who have gone before us and took risks to achieve the things that benefit us in so many ways. I think of how God told Abraham to _Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land I will show thee. _Genesis 12:1 KJV. He stepped out, not even knowing exactly where he was going. Stepping out in faith, into areas of risk, is a part of the American way of life and the life of a Christian. Death is so hard to deal with and so hard to fathom. Jesus said, “greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 KJV. Jesus himself laid down His life for us. He died on the cross for our sins, when He had done nothing wrong. The people who came across the water to settle in our country took great risks and had much loss of life. Those who serve us in law enforcement and fire fighting risk their lives on a daily basis. The people who have served in our armed forces have done so with great risk and loss of life. I often think of our missionaries around the world who risk their lives, and sometimes lose them, serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I hope that as we grieve, that we will do so with thankfulness. I also hope that we will keep on taking risks, and continue to be willing to give our lives as we serve one another, our country and our Lord Jesus. Mike Barres -
Many of us can remember a Godly man or woman who really had an impact on our lives. Passing the truth of God's Word from one generation to the next is so important. Someone affected our lives with the truth of God's Word and now it's our turn to pass it on. Read this wonderful story called _The Ripple Effect._ In 1855, a Sunday School teacher, a Mr. Kimball, led a Boston shoe clerk to give his life to Christ. The Clerk, Dwight L. Moody, became an evangelist. In England in 1879, Dwight L. Moody awakened evangelistic zeal in the heart of Fredrick B. Meyer, a pastor of a small church. F.B. Meyer preaching to an American college campus, brought to Christ a student named J. Wilbur Chapman. J. Wilbur Chapman, engaged in YMCA work, employed a former baseball player, Billy Sunday, to do evangelistic work. Billy Sunday held a revival in Charlotte, N.C. A group of local men were so enthusiastic afterward that they planned another evangelistic campaign, bringing in Mordecai Hamm to town to preach. During Mordecai Hamm's revival, a young man named Billy Graham heard the gospel and yielded his life to Christ. Only eternity will reveal the tremendous impact of that one Sunday School teacher, Mr. Kimball, who invested his life in the lives of others. 2 Timothy 2:2 Says, _And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also._ In this passage Paul, was speaking to Timothy. He was telling Timothy to teach the things that he had taught him, to others, who would be able to teach it to others also. There we see four generations of teaching and discipleship. Remember Matthew 28:19,20 says, _Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world._ We can see the wonderful ripple effect that occurs when we teach, disciple and invest in the lives of others. It will bear fruit in the generations to come. What a great way to live our lives. Mike Barres -
It has been said that, _Seven days without prayer, makes one week._ Sometimes you hear someone say, _We've done all we can. The only thing we can do is pray._ Prayer really should be our first resort rather than our last resort. Jesus gave us the Lord's Prayer, as a model prayer and Jesus himself often went off to pray, setting an example for us to do the same. In Matthew 14:23, it says, _And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone._(KJV) If Jesus needed to go off and pray, how much more do we need to? Praying should not be something we do out of duty and routine. Prayer is talking and listening to our loving, all knowing, heavenly Father. The book of James tells us to pray for wisdom when we don't know what to do (James 1:5). In Philippians 4:6,7, prayer is connected with receiving God's peace. In Ephesians 6:18, prayer is a very important part of battling the forces of evil. We are also told to pray for those in Authority over us (I Timothy 2:1,2). Prayer shows our dependence on God, His power and His wisdom. Prayer is powerful and so important. Studies have been done in the medical field showing the power of prayer. They used two groups of people to observe the difference between the group that was being prayed for and the group that wasn't. There was a marked difference in the recovery of those who were being prayed for, and they weren't even told that they were being prayed for. Most hospitals realize the importance of prayer in the healing process for their patients, and welcome pastors and chaplains to be a part of the healing team. It has been said that, _If you are too busy for God, you are too busy._ In the midst of our busyness let's remember how much we need God and need prayer and make a daily practice and our first resort instead of our last. Mike Barres -
17 What’s Right With the Church? Sometimes you hear someone say, “I’ll tell you what’s wrong with this church.” It seems like some people get a strange pleasure from saying this and then point out all the ways that they think a church is falling short. Virtually every church has many things that it is doing right. Most churches have wonderful pastors that are serving sacrificially, musicians who volunteer their time, Sunday School teachers who prepare and come early, someone who comes early to open up and volunteers that keep the grounds and clean the church. It is such a blessing to see the faithfulness of people who have attended and served faithfully for years, through the good and the bad. Many people tithe and give offerings from their hard work and finances, support missionaries around the world and usually help with local helps ministries too. Many churches have youth and children’s ministries, men’s and women’s ministries and outreach ministries. Scripture tells us, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18 KJV) and mentions, “edification” which is saying things that “build up.” Rather than being fault finding and pointing out all the things wrong with our churches, wouldn’t it be better to point out all the things that are right and good, and to be thankful for them. Most areas have many wonderful churches. We should be thankful for every one. Let’s speak well of our own churches and speak well of someone else’s church. After all, we are all trying to do the same thing and in a way are on the same team. When we get to heaven we’ll all be focused on Jesus and not have any divisions. I know the Lord will be pleased to see us practicing that down here too. Mike Barres
With so many issues facing us these days it sure would be easy to give in to a spirit of fear. We hear about wars and rumors of wars. We hear about the stock market dropping. We hear about plant closings and lay offs. We hear about scandals in corporations, government and law enforcement. If we weren't careful we could feel like the rug is being pulled out from under us. 2Timothy 1:7 says, _For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind._ (KJV). We have God's power and love available to us. It can keep us from being fearful and give us a sound mind. In Hebrews 13:5 it says, _I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee._(KJV) When we were little we knew everything would be alright as long as we were close to our father. We had a feeling he could handle anything that came along. It would calm our fears just to be close to him. Let's draw close to our Heavenly Father in these uncertain times. Remember in Matthew 28:20 it says, _lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen._ (KJV) Isaiah 41:10 says, _Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness._ (KJV) Fear can be paralyzing. It can also make us look for and expect the worst. Let's draw close to God and hold firmly to our faith in God and His promises. God is not limited in his provision for us, by the stock market or the world or national economy. God is not limited in his ability to watch over us and protect us because of possible wars or terrorism. It says in Psalm 27:3, _Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident._ (KJV) God can supply our needs regardless of how many plants close down. Philippians 4:19 says, _But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus._ (KJV) Hebrews 6:19 talks about, _an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast._ (KJV). In this stormy time let's hold on to that sure anchor and not give in to a spirit of fear. Mike Barres
Faith is a word we use a lot. We use it in general terms, like in an obituary. Remembering a person who has passed away it will say a person was of the _Baptist Faith_, or the _Methodist faith._ Sometimes we speak of _faith in God_, and what we mean is that we believe He exists. We also talk about _sharing our faith,_ and by that we mean that we tell others of how we believe in God. In mentioning _saving faith,_ we understand that a person has asked Jesus to forgive his sins, and that he believes that Jesus died on the cross for his sins. All of these uses of the word faith are valid and true. The Bible gives us a definition of faith. It says, _Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen._ Hebrews 11:1 (KJV). Isn't it great to know that we can reach out in faith for things that we currently don't see. All we have, is not all we have. We have faith in God to provide the things that we need, but don't see yet. Sometimes we fret and seem to forget faith. In Hebrews 11:6 it says, _But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him._ (KJV) We must believe past what we can see and trust in God. If we don't, we'll feel helpless and hopeless. He is able. One time Jesus said, referring to being in a boat on a lake, _Let us pass over unto the other side._ Mark 4:35 (KJV). Later they found themselves in the middle of a big storm. They woke Jesus and said to Him, _carest thou not that we perish?_ He arose, rebuked the wind and everything became calm. He said to them, _Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?_ You see, they were with Jesus, they should have trusted in Him. Also, they should have remembered that He said, _Let us pass over to the other side._ Jesus will see us through to the other side. We must keep our eyes on Jesus and not on our problem. We also need faith to step out and do things for Jesus. Many have stepped out in faith to serve Jesus and didn't depend on just what they had or what they saw. Their faith was in an awesome God. Nothing is too difficult for him. With Him all things are possible. Mike Barres
20 Character - The Inside Story Sometimes we hear more about image, than we do character. Image is what we present, and character is who we really are. You can fool some of the people, some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people, all of the time, and you can't fool God any of the time. You see, man typically is more concerned about his outward appearance and God is concerned with the inside, with what is in his heart. It seems to me that we should be willing to look inward and ask God to help us with what is on the inside. In I Corinthians 11:28 it says, _But let a man examine himself._ (KJV) We are saved by the blood of Jesus, and by the grace of God. It says in Ephesians 2:8,9 _For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast._ (KJV) We can be thankful for our salvation and ask God to help us with our Character. When Samuel went to anoint a new King, he went to the sons of Jesse and was especially impressed with how one of them looked, but this is what the Lord told him. _Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart._ I Samuel 16:7 (KJV) Bad character on the inside will eventually come out, be seen, hurt us, and others, and hurt our witness too. One time I heard a man say, _If you want to know who I really am, ask my wife and my kids._ Those close to us really know us. Sometimes the inconsistency between what we present in public and how we really are at home creates a lot of hurt and resentment in our families. The Bible says, _Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new._ II Corinthians 5:17 (KJV). We should keep on growing and learning and maturing and let the Lord change us from the inside out. Then what is on the inside will shine out. It will bring glory to God, health to our families, and credibility to our witness. _Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven._ Matthew 5:16 (KJV) Mike Barres
One of my favorite hymns is _I Surrender All._ It starts off by saying, _All to Jesus, I surrender, all to Him I freely give._ It's a great song to sing, but a hard thing to do. I was talking the other day with a friend about the issue of _surrender._ So many times, we wrestle with God, and hold on to things. He is calling us to surrender. Sometimes we hold on to sin. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:1, _Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us._ (KJV) We have a tendency to hold on to sin, which actually hurts us. If we believe that God is our heavenly Father and really knows what's best for us, we should believe Him when He says that something is sin, and is bad for us. We also should believe, that with His help, we can have victory over specific sin in our lives. We wrestle with surrendering to God's will. His will and plan for our lives, is actually the most exciting and fulfilling place to be. Instead of surrendering to His will, sometimes we hold on to what is familiar and comfortable. Jesus said, _not my will, by thine be done._ Luke 22:42 (KJV). He has awesome, exciting things that He wants us to do, if we'll surrender to His will. It says in Eph 2:10, _For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them._ We can surrender to God's will, when things happen that we don't understand. He is God, and knows everything. We don't. Many people want to accept Jesus as their Savior, but don't make to make Him the Lord of their life. It's one thing to believe that He exists, and to believe that He died on the cross for our sins, and yet another to put Him in charge and let Him be the boss. Surrender to God, can bring us to the place where we can be saved. Surrender can free us from sin that hurts us. Surrender can open the door to a wonderful life of adventure, as we are willing to follow God's will. Surrender can bring us peace when we don't understand His will. Surrender can bring us to the place that we not only have accepted Jesus as Savior, but also are willing to allow Him to be Lord of our lives. Jesus was our wonderful example in every way. If He said, _not my will, but thine be done._ Shouldn't we say that too, mean it from our heart and _Surrender All._ Mike Barres
Do you have a sense of being on a mission in your life? Proverbs 29:18 says, _Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he._ (KJV). Many people have a feeling that life just doesn't have any meaning. We feel like we get up and go to work everyday, come home tired, pay the bills and all for what? Without a sense of vision and mission in our lives, life seems futile. It is so important to be sure that we have accepted Jesus as our Savior. However, some Christians, who know they are saved, may be just holding on until they get to heaven. It says in 1Peter 2:9, 10, _But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light_ (KJV) So each of us is chosen, and are a part of a _royal priesthood_ to serve Jesus. Matthew 6:10 says, _Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven._ (KJV) God has awesome, exciting things that He wants us to do, if we'll surrender to His will. It says in Eph 2:10, _For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them._ (KJV) You see God has plans for our lives. Like we just saw in the previous verse, He has _Good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them._ God has things He wants us to do and has planned for us to do. If we can see the bigger picture, and see God's Kingdom and His purposes and how we fit in to that, life really takes on a whole new meaning. Recently I heard a radio preacher say, _If we lay down our burdens, and pick up what burdens God, looking back, our burdens look much smaller._ Think of it like a carpenter who hits his thumb with a hammer. If he keeps working and focuses on his work, he probably will not notice the pain so much. If he just sat there and concentrated on his pain, it would hurt a lot more. When we focus on how we can serve God and see the bigger picture, life takes on a new meaning and we don't get bogged down as much with our problems, because we have greater things to focus on. It's an awesome feeling to be on a mission for God and realizing that my life counts, as I serve Him and are concerned about the things of the Kingdom of God. What a wonderful privilege to know that God is using me and that I'm making a difference. What a joy to discover the abundant life that God has for me. John 10:10 says, _The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly._ (KJV) Mike Barres
It's always so much fun to see babies. If you are in a store or at church and someone has a baby you'll see a crowd gathered around them. There is just something special about seeing that miraculous new life. It lifts everyone spirits just to be around it. We know that a baby is also a lot of responsibility and a lot of work but still, what a wonderful, joyful, miracle. It is the same way in the life of a church when someone is Born Again. John 3:3-6 _Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit._ (KJV) In a family, having new babies adds a wonderful new excitement. It is exciting to see the wonderful new baby and to know that the family is being carried on to the next generation. It is the same way in our church family. New converts add a fresh new excitement and perspective to our worship. Just like a new baby is a lot of work, sometimes a new Christian needs some help too. Leaving their old ways, they have some challenges and may need our help. It may be some extra work, but it sure is worth it. When we see a new convert come to Christ, we want to be sure to come along side of them and help them any way we can. I think that if we don't, it's like leaving a baby to try to fend for itself. They'll struggle without our help. It should be the desire for all of our churches to see new birth. Without it our churches can get stale. After all, it was the mandate of our Lord Jesus Christ to _Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature._ Mark 16:15 (KJV) In the book of Acts, they were seeing so many people saved that it said, _Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved._ Act 2:47 (KJV) Sometimes we think it is the Pastor's job to get people saved. It is for sure, but it is also the responsibility of all of us. One time I heard someone say, _Shepherds don't reproduce sheep, sheep do._ I'm sure the Lord wants all of us to be doing His work in trying to reach others with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, in a spiritual sense, have you or your church had any babies lately? Mike Barres
We all love the resurrection of Christ. What a picture of victory. We all love hearing about how we tap into that same resurrection power as we are born again. Rom 6:5 says, _For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection._ (KJV) The question is, have you died yet. Rom 6:6,7 says, _Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin._ (KJV) at salvation the old man dies, this is true. Scripture says in Colossians 3:3, _For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God._ (KJV) Gal 2:20 says, _I am crucified with Christ: neverthless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me._ (KJV) Also Paul said in 1Corinthians 15:31, _I die daily._ (KJV) Jesus said in Luke 9:23 _If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me._ (KJV) The cross represents death. We all like the resurrection but none of us want to die. John 12:24,25 says, _Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal._ (KJV) Lose your life and you'll find it. Mat 10:38,39, _And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it._ (KJV) You see, in order to experience the true resurrected life, we must die to self. Have you died yet? Are you born again (John 3:3)? Give your life to Christ. Maybe you died to self, at one time. Are you still dead? The old man triesto raise up his head. The problem with a living sacrifice is that it can crawl offthe altar. Rom 12:1 says, _I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service._ (KJV) If you die to self, you'll discover the wonderful abundant life of John 10:10, _The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly._ (KJV) If you stay dead you can continue to walk in that abundant life. If you don't stay dead, you revert back to a life of selfishness, and that produces emptiness. It never satisfies.No death, no resurrection. It's up to you. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus wrestled with the thought of his death. He made a decision. He was willing to die, so that He could and would be resurrected later.He is risen_ He is risen indeed_ Mike Barres
Sometimes you see t-shirts and sweatshirts with the initials of a college on it. One time I saw one that said UBU. It wasn't the initials of a college. It was actually making a statement. _You be you._ These days it seems like many people are trying to be someone that they aren't. Many times people do not feel good about who they are or how they look, so they try to imitate others. God loves each of us just the way we are. Each one of us was created to be unique. Just like no two snow flakes are alike, no two people are alike. When David was willing to slay Goliath, Saul told David to put on the King's armour. 1Sa 17:38,39 says, _And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. _ (KJV) You see David couldn't wear Saul's armour. He wasn't used to it and it wasn't his style. David's style was a sling shot and some stones. With that, he was very successful, when no one else was willing to go up against the giant. We shouldn't try to be someone else. Each one of us is special in our way. We all have different gifts and talents and abilities. Let's be thankful for who we are and all that God has gifted us with, and be the best we can, but be ourselves. So don't try to be someone else. Mike Barres
In Joel 2:13 it says, _And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil._ (KJV) In the Old Testament as an act of shock or repentance they would rend their garments. What that means is, they would tear them. It was an outward sign. In this passage, Joel is saying that God is more interested in us rending our hearts, than our clothes. Speaking of John the Baptist Luke 3:7,8 says, _Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance,_ (KJV) John was concerned that some of these people were just getting baptized for show. He was warning them, to be sure they meant it, and that their life would bear fruit, showing that they were sincere. We should take heed to this advice as well. In the book of Acts in chapter 2 verses 27 and 28, _Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost._ (KJV) Repentance is a deep heart work. It is a lot different than just being sorry, wishing we hadn't gotten caught or just trying to look like we are contrite. None of us is perfect. None of us can cast any stones because we all fall short. Even though these things are true, the Bible still talks about repentance. We repent when we get saved, by asking for forgiveness for all our sins. We should also repent when God puts his finger on a sin area of our lives. Repentance means to turn from sin. Let's not just be sorry, or wish we hadn't gotten caught, or just try to look sorry. Let's let God do a deep heart work in us, as we sincerely repent. Remember Joel said to _Rend your heart, and not your garments._ Mike Barres
27 Do you have to go to Church? Some people say, _You don't have to go to church to be a Christian._ In it's most basic essence I guess that statement may be true. The thief on the cross never went to church. Luke 23:43 says, _And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (KJV) We know that going to church isn't what saves us. Staying in a garage won't make us a car. Being around Christians in church won't automatically make us a Christian, anymore than having family members or relatives that are Christians automatically makes us one. We know each one of us needs to have a personal relationship with Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Is going to church Biblical, and something God wants us to do? Hebrews 10:24,25 says, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works; Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (KJV) The people of God all through the Bible met together. In the Old Testament, they gathered in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. In the New Testament we hear of them gathering together as churches and in homes. Picture logs on a fire. The logs help each other burn. If you take one of the logs out of the fire, it will soon go out. We need each other. As the book of Hebrews says, our assembling together encourages us to stay on the right track. God knew this was best, and that we needed this. We know that churches are not perfect and sometimes have problems. That is a lot like life. There is no perfect person (except Jesus), no perfect family, no perfect government or organization. We’ll see perfection in heaven. Until then, God calls us to love one another and to learn how to help one another and to get along. Fellowship in a church provides teaching, preaching, fellowship, support, prayer, help, care, concern and accountability. We need these things. As Christians, we need each other. Going to church helps. We don’t have to go to church, but it will help us. So in one way you could say that we don’t have to go to church, we get to. Mike Barres
Worship is such an important part of our relationship with the Lord. John 4:23 says, _But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him._ (KJV) God sees past what is on the outside of us and sees our heart. He desires true worship. Matthew 15:8 says, _This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me._ (KJV) Sometimes we get true worship and worship style mixed up. In Guatemala they have a unique style of worship and songs that are native to that land. I've been there and the worship is very exuberant and wonderful. My daughter just came back from ten weeks in Ghana, West Africa. She sang a worship song for us in their native language, Fante. It was beautiful and different than anything I'd heard before. I was in England one time and went to a really old Anglican Church. The worship was very different; I think they call it high church. It was very formal but also very beautiful. In each one of these cases, the songs were different and the style different, but it was all beautiful, and you could tell the people were sincerely worshipping. Sometimes we get the idea that God only likes one style. I think he is more interested in the heart. Another thing to think about in worship is time period. Many of us favor music from a certain time period, but I think that God is looking more at our heart. David wrote many of the Psalms. They were songs written thousands of years ago. _A Mighty Fortress_ was written around the 1500's. _Amazing Grace_ was written in the late 1700's. _The Old Rugged Cross_ was written in the early 1900's. Psalms 149:1 says, _Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints._ (KJV) In Revelation 5:9 it says, _And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation._ (KJV). Is it ok to sing a new song, maybe even one you wrote? I think that is exactly what King David did when he wrote his songs. He was expressing true, personal worship to the Lord. Writing your own worship song to the Lord is like a beautiful home made card. Just like we enjoy those home made cards because of the heart that went in to them, I think the Lord enjoys personal worship songs that we write and sing to Him. In every time period throughout history, new songs of worship have been written to express our worship to God. Our generation has new worship songs that have been written too. Worship is not just for church. It should be a part of our personal devotional time to the Lord and even a part of our day. I think that the Lord likes both congregational and individual worship. God is looking at our heart and desires true worship. He is more interested in a heart of worship than He is musical styles or music of certain time periods. So at the end of a church service or at the end of the day, have we truly worshipped the Lord, or have we just been singing. Mike Barres
Sometimes we as Christians feel like we are strangers and aliens. When Christians try to do what's right, people often make them feel as though they are strange, out of touch with society, or old fashioned. Jesus himself was misunderstood too. So we are in good company. It says in 1Peter 2:11, _Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul._ (KJV) You see we are just pilgrims passing through this world on the way to our heavenly home. To the world around us, Christians may appear to be different and strange, but to God we are the ones who are normal. If we are living according to the Bible and pleasing the Lord, that's what matters the most. The people around us, who are lustful, greedy, angry, and prideful, are the ones who are abnormal in God's eyes. If they aren't saved, they need to establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and _ be conformed to the image of His Son_. Romans 8:29. (KJV) Romans 12:2 says, _And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God._ (KJV) We should not be intimidated by the world around us, but be secure in our relationship with God. Some Christians seem to act strange on purpose and wear _strangeness_ as a badge. That is not necessary and may actually be a poor witness for Christ. If we are walking on the narrow road, we must realize that some will not understand us. After all, _the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned._ 1Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) Don't be intimidated by those who try to make you feel as though you are strange. Remember, however, that we should try to be a good example of those who believe, and walk in love and compassion, even if we are misunderstood. Mike Barres
Nature has four seasons. Each one is different and beautiful and unique. Life has seasons too. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, _To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven._ (KJV) Sometimes we can tell that a new season is coming. Will we embrace it and enjoy it, or dread it and grieve? Graduation from high school is a big step. At that season we realize we are stepping in to adulthood. It's scary, but exciting too. For others they may be entering other kinds of seasons. Some of these seasons of life are; college, marriage, having children, children in college, the empty nest, retirement, failing health, entering a retirement home, and even living after a spouse has passed away. For some people it is hard to see the new season, embrace it and move on. Seasons of life are normal. When we are facing a new season, it is normal to have some grief in leaving the old one, but we must be careful to not get stuck there. Some people would say, _I can't do this._ However, Philippians 4:13 says, _I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me._ (KJV) Try to see the good in every season. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, _He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. _ (KJV) We can rely on God's promise that says in Romans 8:28, _And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose._ (KJV) David ran toward Goliath and defeated him. When it comes to the new seasons of life, let us realize that they are normal. If we embrace the new season and see the good in it, life will take on new meaning. The Lord said that He would never leave us or forsake us and He wants to use us in each season for His purposes. So when we have a new season in life, let's not go backwards or get stuck. Let's see each new season with wonder and awe and see it as an adventure with God. Mike Barres
Money, designer clothes, watches, jewelry, CD's and tapes. These are all things that are counterfeited these days. People are suspicious and want to know if it is the real thing or a counterfeit. They want the genuine article, not a fake or cheap imitation. This is also true with spirituality. People see a lot and hear a lot. They see spiritual people with ulterior motives like greed, control and power. They don't want to subscribe to any of that. They want to see sincere, genuine spirituality. Christians say that they have the only way to salvation (John 14:6), however many of them do not model Christianity in a good way. Sometimes instead of growth and fruit, we see nuts and flakes. Sometimes the hypocrisy of Christians angers the unbelieving world that looks on. They would really like to see the real thing. One of our most powerful witnessing tools is to live the life, and walk the walk, on a daily basis. When we live a life that is Christ like and bear the fruit of the Spirit we can be most effective in our witness. Gal 5:22,23 says, _But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance._ (KJV) 1Timothy 4:12 says, _Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity._ (KJV) There is another issue however. That is an issue of truth. You see, the truth stands on its own. The truth of the Bible and the truth about God and Jesus Christ still remains true even if no one is living the life. _Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me._ John 14:6 (KJV). _ Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved._ Acts 4:12 (KJV). We must be careful that we don't use the shortcomings of others as an excuse for us not following the truth. Rom 14:12 says, _So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God._ (KJV). We all will stand before God, one at a time. No one can get us in to heaven and no one can make us miss heaven. We hear about counterfeit money all the time, but that doesn't stop us from using the real thing. So while we may be able to observe those who are a poor example of Christianity around us, that should never stop each of us from living the real thing. Regardless of what others are, or aren't doing, we should follow the truth and the real thing, which is Jesus Christ. Mike Barres
Life has its bumps in the road. Sometimes we call them trials and temptations. James 1:2-4 says, _My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing._ (KJV) I don't really know of anyone who _counts it all joy_ when they have trials and temptations, that's pretty hard to imagine. James does seem to be trying to get us to see something in this passage though. The trials and temptations can actually make us stronger and better equipped to handle life, if we can learn from them. The joy can come from knowing that we'll be better for having gone through them. Some people learn from their trials and temptations and are actually stronger afterward. Others, however, get stuck in a victim mentality and are paralyzed by self-pity. Do we dread trials or tackle them with God's help? People who go through college or trade school have a lot of assignments, projects, papers, and tests. They also have the joy of knowing that after they graduate they will be able to have a good, successful and rewarding career. It makes the preparation worth it. The joyous anticipation helps them endure it. Business executives don't grow to the place of not having problems. They actually handle dozens of problems on a daily basis. They have become successful because they have learned from their problems and can tackle them rather than dread them. James 1:5 says, _If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him._ (KJV) When going through a trial or temptation, we may need to ask God for wisdom to understand it. I'd like to suggest that we might want to ask some questions about the cause and purpose of the trial. Is it because of something I did? Is it a trial or temptation from the devil? Does God want me to see something or to learn something? Is it just the stuff of life, like a leaky faucet or a car breaking down? Can we see good in it? Romans 8:28 _And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose._ (KJV) If it has to do with people, are we learning to resolve conflict in a Christ like way? Trials and temptations are a part of life. Will we learn from them and get stronger, _wanting nothing?_ or will we be paralyzed by self-pity and fear? I guess the question is, when it comes to trials _will you be bitter, or better?_ Mike Barres
Waiting sure is hard. As Christians we have God's promises in the Bible, and we claim His promises. Also the Lord speaks to us and shows us things, but waiting for these to happen sure is the hard part. Think of how hard it must have been for Abraham and Sarah. They were promised a son and had to wait all those years for it to come to pass. Computers keep getting faster because we get tired of waiting. Often when it's only seconds. At the drive through windows of some fast food restaurants they guarantee your food in 30 seconds. We don't like to wait. Discovering God's will is a wonderful thing. The hard part may be to discover His timing for His will. Sometimes the Lord shows us something early, and we wait with anticipation. The hard part may be that it won't happen for months or even years. We must trust God, knowing that his timing is perfect. If we launch out prematurely we may be sorry, things may not have all been lined up yet. We may also want to look at the fact that He may be preparing us, and we may not be ready yet. Many single people are anxious to meet their mate, but it may be that God is preparing one or the other, and they aren't ready yet. Patiently we must wait for God's perfect timing. He is a wonderful loving heavenly Father who knows and sees a lot more than we do. The Lord says in Isaiah 55:9, _For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts._ (KJV) Some of us want more patience and we want it right now_ We must be careful not to get mad at God, as though He were letting us down. Trust Him and know that He will bring it to pass when He sees it is best. Relax, rest and trust in Him. When it comes to praying for loved ones who don't know Christ yet, remember they have a free will and God is working in their heart, but it may take a while. So read the Bible, claim God's promises. Pray and listen to God's still small voice regarding His will for your life. Last but not least, willingly and patiently wait for His perfect timing. Mike Barres
Have you ever been in a bad mood, felt a heaviness, been blue or have the blahs. Sometimes this feels like an invisible barrier that is hard to break through. Someone who was out jogging recently said, _the gravity sure is thick today._ There are times when life feels like that. We are not without hope. There are some things that we can do to press through that heaviness. Here are a few from God's Word. Isaiah 61:3 talks about _the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness_ (KJV) Praise is powerful. When we praise God we break through that invisible barrier. Praise was seen as a weapon of warfare even with Jehoshaphat in the Old Testament. In 2Chronicles 20:21, 22 it says, _And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. _ (KJV) Quote and agree with God's word. Jesus did when He was tempted by the devil. In 2Corinthians 10:5 it says, _Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ._ (KJV) Speak faith, hope and God's Word. Resolve issues with other people. We may need to forgive someone, or ask them to forgive us. It mentions this in the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:12 _And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors._ (KJV) Lastly, be sure that you spend time with the Lord every day, in prayer. Things can build up if you don't. As the old saying goes, _7 days without prayer, makes one weak._ You can receive a daily dose of His strength, peace, love and joy. Phil. 4:6,7 says, _Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. In His strength, we can press on, press through, and run the race He has laid out before us. _Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us._ Romans 8:37 (KJV) Mike Barres
One time I accidentally left the sump pump unplugged in the basement of our church. You see the basement had a wet weather spring that would flood the basement, unless the water was pumped out with this pump, when it rained. The bad thing about it is that the basement was where most of the Sunday School classes were located. On a Saturday I had forgotten to plug the sump pump back in, and it had rained quite a bit. To my shock and surprise, coming in early Sunday morning, the entire basement was flooded. I remember feeling really terrible, knowing that it was my fault. Some of our Deacons and other men in the church scurried around with mops and wet vacs trying to get the water up so that we could have Sunday School. I was mopping and vacuuming too, but felt awful about it. One of the Deacons put his arm around me and said, _It's ok. If this is the worst thing you ever do, you'll be alright._ At that moment I got a big dose of _mercy._ All of those men could have been mad at me, and fussed at me for causing this disruption and all the trouble. Instead they showed mercy. I was very thankful. James 2:12, 13 says, _So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment._ (KJV) Aren't we glad that God is merciful? In Lamentations 3:21-23 it says, _This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness._ (KJV) Isn't it odd? We like receiving mercy, from God and from people, but we are not so quick to be merciful to others. In Matthew 18:23 - 35, we see the story of a King who had mercy on his servant and forgave his debt. Afterwards that servant would not be merciful and forgive the debt of a fellow servant. In verses 33- 35 it says, _Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses._ (KJV) Let's be thankful for God's mercy and the mercy we've received from others in our lives. Since we have received mercy, let's give mercy. Like it says in James chapter 2, _mercy rejoiceth against judgment._ Mike Barres
Sometimes the gospel is offensive, but we can't help that. 1Peter 2:8 says that it is, _a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed._ (KJV). The thing is, we have to be careful that it is not “us_ who is offensive. Hopefully we will present the gospel in a way that will lead people to Jesus, not drive them away. This can be accomplished by what we say, how we say it and how we live. We have all heard of people who were _turned off_ by someone presenting the gospel because the person was offensive in the way they went about it. Also if our lifestyle is a poor example, the words we say will carry little meaning. Tit 2:10 says that by the way we live _that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things._ (KJV) Just like the servant living right in this scripture, we can _adorn the doctrine of God_, or make it attractive by the way we live. We don't make the gospel attractive by big fancy buildings or by being mean spirited or by acting better than someone else. 1Peter 3:15 says, _But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear._ (KJV) So if we have a loving heart, and live the Christian life in front of people, we will _adorn the doctrine of God_ and make it attractive. So the next time someone is offended by your presentation of the gospel, ask yourself, was it the truth that offended them, or was it the way I presented it. Lastly we should ask ourselves if the way that we live makes the gospel attractive. Mike Barres
Money, designer clothes, watches, jewelry, CD's and tapes. These are all things that are counterfeited these days. People are suspicious and want to know if it is the real thing or a counterfeit. They want the genuine article, not a fake or cheap imitation. People see a lot and hear a lot. They see Christian people who appear to be fake imitations of the real thing. They want to see sincere, genuine Christians. Sometimes the hypocrisy of Christians angers the unbelieving world that looks on. One of our most powerful witnessing tools is to live the life, and walk the walk, on a daily basis. There is another issue however. That is an issue of truth. You see, the truth stands on its own. The truth of the Bible and the truth about God and Jesus Christ still remains true even if no one is living the life. _Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me._ John 14:6 (KJV). _ Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved._ Acts 4:12 (KJV). We must be careful that we don't use the shortcomings of others as an excuse for us not following the truth. We all will stand before God, one at a time. We hear about counterfeit money all the time, but that doesn't stop us from using the real thing. So while we may be able to observe those who are a poor example of Christianity around us that should never stop each of us from living the real thing. Regardless of what others are, or aren't doing, we should follow the truth and The Real Thing, which is Jesus Christ. What would people say about you? Would they say, _that is a real genuine Christian person._ Or would they say something else? Mike Barres
Everyone wants to be happy. It’s even in our country’s founding documents, “the pursuit of happiness.” For most people happiness seems to be so illusive. You often hear people say, “if I was married to ¼¼, or if my income was ¼¼., or if I had this kind of job¼¼, or if I lived in this part of the county¼.., ---- then I’d be happy.” I heard someone say one time, “if you aren’t happy with what you have, you won’t be happy with what you want.” That is so true. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”(KJV) Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It flows from that river of living water from within by the Holy Spirit. “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38 (KJV) Happiness depends on external circumstances and is temporary, joy flows consistently from the Holy Spirit, regardless of circumstances. Paul and Silas were in jail and had been sorely abused, yet the bible says in Acts 16:25, “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” Wow, now that is joy. It will come with prayer, thanksgiving, praise and worship. Choose joy. Often we find ourselves in tough situations and wallow in self-pity. Believe Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”(KJV) Have you ever seen someone in a tough situation choose to be joyful anyway? It’s a decision that we can make, and with thankfulness and praise, experience the joy from the Holy Spirit welling up from within us. Jesus exhibited this for us in an awesome way when, “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb 12:2 (KJV) Don’t seek temporary relief in happiness, emphasizing material things and depending on circumstances going your way. Don’t wallow in self-pity, choose joy. Through prayer, thanksgiving, praise, worship and God’s word, tap in to that wonderful, consistent river of living water that will cause joy to flow in your life. You will find it to be quite refreshing. Mike Barres
A popular saying these days is, _what's in it for me?_ Apparently that's what the people were saying in Malachi 3:14. They said, _Ye have said, it is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?_ (KJV) Too often these days, people have a _me first_ mentality. Jesus was just the opposite. He came to serve others, and give His life. He calls us to do the same. Luke 9:23 says, _And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me._ (KJV) All of us have sinned and fallen short according to Romans 3:23, so the fact that we are saved from our sin and eternity in hell should be enough for us to be real thankful. In many of our churches, people come to receive. There is nothing wrong with that except, that we also need many who are willing to give, in service to the Lord in the local church. Many years ago, John F. Kennedy said, _ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country._ How much more should Christians says, _Ask not what your Lord can do for you, but what you can do for your Lord._ Because He already gave us the greatest gift we could ever receive, the gift of eternal life. Mike Barres
Many people are concerned about our country. We used to have prayer and Bible reading in our schools. Some of the Ivy League Colleges like Yale and Harvard started off being Bible Schools. The Gideons used to be able to hand out Bibles in our schools. In many towns across the nation there have been those who have tried to get crosses removed, the Ten Commandments removed, and even Nativity scenes removed from town squares. As we look at the country it is important for us to ask ourselves the question, _Which way are we going in, more or less?_ If we were to think about how much we pray, or read our Bibles, are we doing more than we used to, or less? In regards to serving in our church and giving, are we doing more than we used to, or less? In reference to sharing our faith with others, and asking the Lord to help clean up our lifestyle, are we doing more, or less? The blood of Jesus Christ saves us, not by our works according to Ephesians 2:8,9. _For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast._ (KJV) Rev 2:4 says, _Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love¼_ (KJV) We can remember how we loved Jesus so much when we were first saved. We can remember witnessing, giving, serving, and asking the Lord to help us with our lifestyle. Let's remember our first love, and first works and keep growing closer to Jesus. The Bible compares our relationship to God like a marriage. We are called the Bride of Christ and we'll be attending the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Just like we want to keep our love alive in our marriages, let's keep our love for the Lord and our service to Him strong too. Mike Barres
It used to be that we heard a lot of preaching about Hell fire and brimstone. These days we seem to be emphasizing the love of God and how He wants to be our friend. These things are both true, but we need to keep a proper balance. Sometimes I think our view of God is too casual. The Bible says, in Proverbs 1:7,_The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction._ (KJV) It says in, Numbers 26:61, _And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD._ (KJV) In 1Chronicles13:10 it says, _And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God._ (KJV) He was too casual with something that was supposed to be revered. Some might say, _these are Old Testament scriptures._ God is Holy and can get angry in the New Testament too. God struck Ananias and Sapphira dead in Acts chapter 5. Jesus drove out the moneychangers in the Temple, and the book of Revelation demonstrates God's anger in judgment. I am so thankful that we can have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, but let's not get too casual about it. After all He is still God. Mike Barres
Have you ever heard the saying, _the road to hell is lined with good intentions?_ The road to heaven is narrow according to the Bible. In Matthew 7:13, 14 is says, _Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it._ Going to funerals you might think that everyone goes to heaven. But according to the Bible the way is narrow and few find it. Too many times people have excuses as to why they can't surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ. It was no different back in the times of Christ. In Luke 14:18-20 it says, _And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. Another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come._ What is your excuse for not surrendering to the Lord Jesus Christ and serving him? No matter what your excuse is, there are no excuses_ He is Lord and King_ That's all there is to it. Will you surrender to Him. There's going to be a Wedding supper one day. Will you have a place at that supper? Is your name written in the Lambs Book of Life? (Rev. 21:27) Are you Born Again? (John 3:3) Sometimes we're too busy and sometimes the pursuit of wealth and possessions distracts us. What is your excuse? Surrender to Him today. John 10:10 says, _The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly._ Surrender and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord and enjoy His abundant life and eternal life. Mike Barres
We can probably all remember being in school and there being certain people that no one wanted to sit next to during lunch. Even today, there may be certain people that you don't want to be seen around. The kingdom of God is just the opposite of this. In I Corinthians 12:23,24 it says, _And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked._ (KJV) So we are not only willing to associate with anyone, we actually give extra attention to those who seem to need it. Isn't that a beautiful picture of God's love and grace? We are told in James chapter 2 not to practice favoritism. In Romans 12:16 it says, _Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits._ (KJV) No one of us is better than the other. We are all sinners saved by grace or a sinner not yet saved by grace (which we all were, at one time). Jesus was a great example for us. He spent time with Tax Collectors, sinners, common people, diseased people and prostitutes. The next time we see someone excluded, or shunned and left out, let's go out of our way to befriend them and show them the unconditional love of Jesus. Let's show them abundant honor. After all they are of eternal value to God, and should be to us. Mike Barres
Do you want to quit when things get hard? Many of us do. Years ago Florence Chadwick wanted to swim from Catalina Island to the California coast. It was a distance of 21 miles. She swam in a dense fog for over 15 hours in the bone chilling waters but then gave up and quit. She found out later that she was only a half-mile from her goal. Too many of us quit before we can achieve what God has for us. Galatians 6:9 says, _And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not._ (KJV) Another thing that we need to see is that God may be doing something _in_ us through difficult times. If we quit or bail out of a situation, we won't learn what he wanted us to, and that change will not have taken place _in_ us. Philippians 2:13 says, _For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure._ (KJV) I heard a story about God telling a man to move a big rock. The man attempted to move the big rock for quite some time and was not successful. That man prayed to God and asked Him why he was told to move the rock when God knew that he couldn't and that he would fail. God told him to notice how strong his back and shoulders were, and how strong his arms and legs were. God was using that rock to strengthen the man. Often our adversity strengthens us too. The good news about Florence Chadwick is that later she attempted swimming from Catalina Island to the California coast again and completed her task, beating the men's record by 2 hours. When people around you get negative and want to quit, do you say, _me too._ or do you say _not me__. A persevering attitude can be contagious. If you press on, you may attain what God has for you. If you faint not, God may be able to do something _in_ you. If you don't quit, people around you may notice, and follow your example. Mike Barres
Recently Bill Bright and Larry Burkett died. Bill Bright was the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. That organization was the founder of the Jesus Video Project that has sent the gospel all around the world. Larry Burkett founded Christian Financial Concepts and was heard often on Christian Radio stations and the Focus on the Family radio program with James Dobson. Both of these men made a significant contribution to the work of the Kingdom of God with their lives. In the Bible in Hebrews 11 we read of Heroes of the Faith, like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Barak, Samson, David, Samuel and others. We read of the Heroes of the Faith in the Bible and it gives us a great examples to follow. When we think of these men who have passed on and others who recently died like Derek Prince and Kenneth Hagin Sr. we have recent examples to follow. Billy Graham has been a wonderful modern day example of a hero of the faith. Who knows how much longer Billy Graham will be with us. As we look at these Biblical and modern day examples, it makes me think that it is _our turn now._ Heb 12:1 says _Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us._ These men would say that they were just ordinary people trying to be obedient and trying to do something for their Lord Jesus. Now that these men have gone on, and Billy Graham is getting up in years, it may be time to be asking, _Lord what can I do for you?_ and _How can I make a difference for Your Kingdom, in some big or small way._ Will we say, like Isaiah in Chapter 6 verse 8, _Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me._ After all, it's our turn now. Mike Barres
Jesus told us in Matthew 28 to go and make disciples. In Matthew 6:33 we are told to seek first the Kingdom of God. As Christians, living for Jesus is the most important thing to us. One of the ways we live for Jesus is attending, and being involved in, the local church. The Bible says, _And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching._ Heb 10:24, 25. Some people see Church attendance and serving in the church as _optional._ It might be better if we looked at it as _needed._ We need to learn and grow. The Bible says in 2Timothy 2:15, _Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth._ Attending Sunday School, Church and Bible Studies are some of the ways that we can learn and grow. Even if we have been Christians for a while and have learned a lot, we should realize that we are needed to serve and attend. As mature Christians we have a lot to offer as we attend and serve in the local church. Sometimes we need to remember that it is not just about receiving, but also about giving. Acts 20:35 says, _I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive._ We may have opportunities to minister to others, not just to be ministered to. The programs and ministries of the church are not just things that the Pastor and leaders dream up and try to _get_ people to come to. They are programs and ministries designed for the growth and health of the people of the church. Sometimes it seems like we are too busy to attend church and serve the Lord. It could be that we have scheduled too much activity in other _optional_ areas of life. So when it comes to attending church and serving the Lord let's see what is _needed_ and pray about our commitment, involvement and priorities, rather than just looking at these things as _optional._ Mike Barres
With many air conditioners and heaters there is a small unit on the wall. It has two things in it, a thermometer and a thermostat. Are you a thermometer or a thermostat? A thermometer measures the temperature. A thermostat changes the temperature. Anyone can describe a situation, or complain about a situation, I think that as Christians we can affect the atmosphere where we are. The Bible says in Matthew 5:13 _Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men._ Salt flavors what it comes in contact with. The Bible also says in Matthew 5:14-16, _Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven._ I heard someone say one time that as Christians we can be the shock absorbers that smooth out the potholes in the road of life. We have the fruit of the Spirit flowing through us so we can have love, joy, peace, and patience even in tough situations. In 1Timothy 4:12 it says, _Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity._ So with God's help, we can be salt and light and an example of those who believe by affecting the atmosphere of where we are. The next time you are in a heated situation, ask yourself, _am I being a thermometer or a thermostat?_ Mike Barres
One time I heard of a pastor who came real early to the church building dressed as a hobo. He covered his face and curled up on the sidewalk near the church dressed in old clothes. Most of the church people just walked by and mumbled as they talked about him. When it was time for the service to start, the pastor walked up the center aisle, still dressed in the old clothes and then went up to the pulpit. The people were shocked and embarrassed and ashamed. Do we love and accept everyone? What would you do if someone like this was near your church? Would you stop and offer to help them, or at least invite them to church with you? What if they did come in to your church? How would people treat them? The story of the Good Samaritan in Luke chapter 10 illustrates what we should do. We should reach out with love and concern. In the book of Acts, the Lord gave Peter a vision that resulted in him going to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile, to preach the gospel. Prior to that time, Peter was only ministering to the Jews. The Lord showed him that he should reach everyone. It was interesting to see in Acts 11 how the other Jewish Christians responded to the news of this Gentile family receiving the gospel. It say in Acts 11:1-3, _Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, saying, _You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them__ These people were shocked that Peter would associate with these Gentiles and even have a meal with them. We should be willing to associate with all kinds of people. I heard a saying long time ago, _The ground is level at the foot of the cross._ We should love and accept everyone and show them the love of Jesus. Jesus Himself was born in a humble manger, because there was no room for Him in the Inn. Jesus loved and reached out to all kinds while he was here on earth. Shouldn't we do the same. Mike Barres
Our house is right by the woods. We really love it. This winter we were starting to notice some noise in the ceiling above our bedroom. It was mice. In the middle of the night when we were trying to sleep the mice would get busy and it would keep us awake. At first we wore earplugs. I guess out of desperation for some sleep we were denying the reality of the problem. Then we felt sorry for ourselves. After several nights with little sleep, we had a pity party, wondering, _Why is this happening to us?_ Then we got mad and went up in to the ceiling, through the attic and eventually put out 2 different types of traps and 3 different types of poison. Guess what? They're gone. Peaceful sleep once again. This kind of thing reminds me of the devil. Not that mice are of the devil, but the situation was a lot like dealing with the devil. In I Peter 5:8 it says, _Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour._ Sometimes our reaction to the devil's attacks is like our first reaction to the mice. At first we just used earplugs denying the reality of the problem. Other times we just feel sorry for ourselves, thinking, _Why is this happening to me?_ and have a good pity party. The last and best reaction to the devil's attacks is to get mad at him and resist him. It says in James 4:7, _Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you._ Many times we either pretend we aren't being attacked or just feel sorry for ourselves when we have been given the authority in Jesus name to resist the devil. It says this in Luke 10:19 _Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you._ So let's go forward in faith like it says in Ephesians 6:16 _above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one._ _For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds._ 2Corinthians 10:4. So the next time the devil tries to give you a hard time, don't pretend it isn't happening or give in to a fatalistic pity party. Instead remember the words of 1John 4:4 _You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world._ Mike Barres
50 Seasons of Life and Eternity Life has all kinds of seasons. Not just the four seasons of the year, but seasons of Life. These include childhood, adolescence, marriage, having children, having teens, the empty nest, retirement, aging health issues, and then death. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, _To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven._ Death is the hardest part for us to look at. Recently my parents had a lifelong friend pass away. It was sad for them. The individual was 83 years old, close to their age. They must be thinking, _When will it be our turn._ The good news is that heaven will be wonderful and it will be wonderful for eternity, for those who have been saved by the blood of Jesus. If we can picture the streets of gold and God's glorious presence we can look forward to and embrace that glorious graduation. Philippians 1:21 says, _For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain._ At this time of the year, many people are sad, because they no longer have loved ones with them that have passed away. I pray that the Lord will help us to see them in heaven and rejoice with them. If we are Christians, we'll be with them soon. Sometimes we look at death as an enemy and something that we hate and fear. Instead, if we are Christians, we should look at it as a door to a wonderful heavenly realm. So rather than dreading death, let's be sure that we are ready, and embrace that wonderful divine appointment. If we have loved ones or friends who have passed on, think of how joyful they are in heaven and look forward to being with them there one day. Heaven is indescribably beautiful and glorious; it will be awesome to be there. One time a Sunday School teacher asked her children what they needed to do to get to heaven. One boy and raised his hand and said, _You have to die._ _O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? _ 1Corinthians 15:55
The American family is really in trouble. Divorce is the result of about half of the marriages, and some are trying to redefine marriage. Abuse, neglect, and emotional problems are a growing concern. Some say we idolize the family. I think we are much more guilty of neglecting it. Do you have a desire for God to be pleased with your family, for your family to be healthy, emotionally and relationally, and for your family to be a good witness for Christ? I heard someone say one time, _If you want to know who I really am, ask my family._ People will look at your family to see who you really are. May I make some suggestions to keep your family healthy? Carve out time, and make your family a priority. Get out your calendar, plan and guard time with your family. Balance your time. Be careful about optional things, even the ones that are good. Do we do them because we enjoy them, or because it's expected of us? Sometimes all the extras become quite a rat race. Are they sapping us of quality family time? Some people spend less time at church to make time for family. Consider trimming some of the other extra stuff instead. We should attend worship together, and make it a family thing. We can model discipleship, by attending Sunday School together. Serve the Lord together. Look for ways to do outreach as a family. Bad temperament can hurt the family. Remember, we can have the fruit of the Spirit, which is love and joy and peace. We should have a Spirit Controlled Temperament. Beware of the logjam. Some families have unresolved hurts and anger. In the past, I wanted to be right, too much like an attorney. Now I want peace, love, and harmony. Don't let the log jam stay jammed. Pursue reconciliation. Don't let the sun go down on your anger. Don't allow a root of bitterness to be in your family. Try to make peace, remove the wall and repair the broken bridge. Humble yourself and apologize. You'll be glad you did. Do a health check on your family from time to time. Ask, _are we ok?_ You could say, _If there is anything that you have wanted to say, but you didn't know if it was the right time, now is a good time._ Be sure that you listen. The Bible says to be quick to listen and slow to speak. If you listen when your family is speaking softly, then you may not have to listen when they say it loud. During this Holiday season let's think about these things. If your family is unhealthy - get healthy. If your family is healthy - keep healthy. Nurture your family. Serve the Lord together. Say with Joshua, _As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord._ With God's help we will be able to be models of His love and grace and mercy. Mike Barres
52 He Must Increase, I Must Decrease He is _I Am_ and _I am not.” However, I know _I Am._ It seems like a lot of people are suffering from a poor self image these days. Much of it comes from the way they are raised. In our society today there are a lot of _put downs._ To try to help compensate for that, we try to build up people's self esteem. We even tell them that they are a person of infinite worth to the Lord, and that if Jesus had to die for only them, he would have. This is all true and wonderful to comprehend. There is an equally important truth to look at. Without Him I am nothing. As a matter of fact, to be effective in serving Christ, according to John 3:30 _He must increase, but I must decrease._ I heard a speaker named Louie Giglio talk about the fact that God is called, _I am._ He said that the implication of that statement is that, _I am not._ We must remember this. Jesus Himself even said in John 5:30, _I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me._ So we feel better about ourselves knowing that God loves us and accepts us. We even feel better about ourselves because our Christian brothers and sisters affirm, love and support us. However, we must remember that without Him we are nothing, and that we must actually decrease in order for Him to work more freely through us. It's not about me, It's all about Him. As we have a desire to serve Jesus Christ more, it may not be by working harder, or doing more. We may serve Jesus Christ more, by getting more of us out of the way, and by lifting Him up more. Let's let His Spirit flow through us more freely as we decrease and He increases. He is the one who can save, heal and deliver. He is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and the Great _I Am._ Mike Barres
53 Seeing But Not Seeing – long version Simeon and Anna in Luke chapter 2 both recognized Jesus as the Messiah, when he was brought to the temple on the 8th day. They saw the things of the Kingdom. I’m guessing that there were many other people that day, which saw the baby Jesus that did not recognize Him as the Messiah. So, some saw and some didn’t see. Matthew 13:15 says, “For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” What do you see? Do you just see self? Do you just see your problems? Do you see the Kingdom of God? Some focus on themselves. Oswald Chambers said in My Utmost for His Highest, Dec. 18, _We treat God as if He were a machine designed only to bless us, and we think of Jesus as just another one of the workers._ Many would rather focus on their problems and feel sorry for themselves? Do you want to see? Do you see the Kingdom? People who see what God is doing are not necessarily gifted. Often it's because they have a desire to see. Desire and expectation have a lot to do with what you see. In Acts 3:5 it says that the lame man was expecting to receive something from Peter and John. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Do you have the desire, to know Him, to hear His voice, to know His will, to serve Him, and to please Him? Where does this desire come from? This desire comes from; an appreciation for Him saving you, recognizing how awesome He is, the futility of life with out serving Him, the joy of discovering His purposes for your life, and the excitement of knowing that your life is making a difference for His Kingdom. Do you see the sin that is hindering the work of the Kingdom in your life? Luke 6:42, says _Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite_ First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.” Your sin could be the obvious things or it could include busyness, good things or sin of attitude. Hebrews 12:1, says “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Are you seeing? He doesn't want you to just, survive. Don't just, not want to go to hell. Don't just have a self-centered view of Christianity. Don't just have an “enough to get by” mentality. Don't have a _just as good as most people_ attitude. Like Simeon and Anna, seek Him, see Him, see His Kingdom, and serve Him.
Mike Barres Seeing But Not Seeing – Short Version Simeon and Anna in Luke chapter 2 both recognized Jesus as the Messiah, when he was brought to the temple on the 8th day. They saw the things of the Kingdom. I’m guessing that there were many other people that day, which saw the baby Jesus that did not recognize Him as the Messiah. So, some saw and some didn’t see. What do you see? Do you just see self? Do you just see your problems? Do you see the Kingdom of God? Some focus on themselves. Oswald Chambers said in My Utmost for His Highest, Dec. 18, _We treat God as if He were a machine designed only to bless us, and we think of Jesus as just another one of the workers._ Many would rather focus on their problems and feel sorry for themselves? Do you want to see? Do you see the Kingdom? People who see what God is doing are not necessarily gifted. Often it's because they have a desire to see. Desire and expectation have a lot to do with what you see. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Where does this desire come from? This desire comes from; an appreciation for Him saving you, recognizing how awesome He is, the futility of life with out serving Him, the joy of discovering His purposes for your life, and the excitement of knowing that your life is making a difference for His Kingdom. Do you see the sin that is hindering the work of the Kingdom in your life? Your sin could be the obvious things or it could include busyness, good things or sin of attitude. Hebrews 12:1, says “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Are you seeing? He doesn't want you to just, survive. Don't just, not want to go to hell. Don't just have a self-centered view of Christianity. Don't just have an “enough to get by” mentality. Don't have a _just as good as most people_ attitude. Like Simeon and Anna, seek Him, see Him, see His Kingdom, and serve Him. Mike Barres
Some Recent poll data by George Barna gives us some frightening statistics. 26 % of Born Agains believe all religions are essentially the same. 50% of Born Agains believe that a life of good works will enable a person to get to heaven. 35% of Born Agains do not believe that Jesus rose physically from the dead 45% of Born Agains do not believe that the devil exists 33% of Born Agains accept same sex unions 39% of Born Agains believe it is morally acceptable for couples to live together before marriage Do we have a growing number of professing Christians who are Biblically illiterate? Do people no longer base their faith on the Bible? Is. 5:20,21 says, _Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter_ Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight__ Some say _no ones perfect,_ Jesus died for my sins, you shouldn't judge me, and all sin is the same. These things are true, however, remember, sin does matter to God. There is a rampant easy believism, and tolerance of sin that is really just an excuse for people to do what you want to --- it's always been this way. 1Peter 2:15,16 says, _For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God._ Are you a disciple of Christ and a Kingdom Seeker, or an _unbelieving Born Again?_ Remember, belief really does affect lifestyle_ If we believe God's Word we will desire to live it too. How are you learning and growing as a disciple? How are you helping others learn and grow in God's word? In the past it seems like more people were involved in Sunday School, Training Union, Wednesday Bible Study, discipleship and the study of God's Word. If we don't get grounded and rooted in God's Word more people will follow false teachings. Get grounded and rooted in God's Word, keep learning and help others learn too. What are your plans for personal growth in God's Word in 2004? Mike Barres
Recently I was driving through Atlanta. I was driving the speed limit and I noticed something. The cars were zooming all around me. Hundreds of cars were going around me, going way over the speed limit. I didn't have any kind of righteous, _holier than thou_ feeling, I actually was really tempted to speed up and do what they were doing. I actually felt kind of awkward, and very different. Isn't that the way it is for Christians? We feel different, and sometimes it makes us feel awkward and even embarrassed. Some accuse us being holier than thou. If we are just trying to do what's right that will happen to us. Some say it's dangerous to drive the speed limit on the interstate in Atlanta. It seems to me the Lord will help protect me if I'm trying to do the right thing for Him. Some may apply this to the Christian life. They may say it's dangerous to do the right thing. You may be outcast socially. It may affect your business. At work if you do the right thing, and don't cheat on your time card, work hard, it may make others look bad. People might think you are being _holier than thou,_ but isn't it more important to do the right thing before God, and let him take care of all those things. Romans 12:2 says, _And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God._ We tell our teenagers not to give in to peer pressure and do the right thing. We as adults need to take that advice too. 2Corinthians 6:14 says, _Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?_ Verse 17 says, _ Therefore, Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you._ We are supposed to different. Don't be intimidated, don't be embarrassed, don't give in just because you feel awkward, _But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,_ Matthew 6:33. Something we might forget is that even though some may ridicule us at first, they really want to see someone live the life. If we do, we will have many opportunities to _talk the talk_ about the One who helps us _walk the walk._ Mike Barres
Many of us are familiar with a lug wrench. They come with most cars to takethe lug nuts off of a wheel in order to change a tire, if you get a flat. Ifyou’ve ever used one to try to get the lug nuts off, you know that youstrain with all of our might to try to get them loose. These days they have new tools called Pneumatic tools, other wise known asan air wrench. It is hooked up to a compressor, which gives it a lot ofpower. The air wrench (pneumatic tool) can easily do what was very difficultwith the standard lug wrench. In Bible College, we had a class called Pneumatology. It was a study ofthe Holy Spirit, the Pneuma. If we don't rely on the Holy Spirit's power, God still loves us. If we haveaccepted Christ as our savior, we'll still go to heaven. No one can make you use pneumatic tools; it just makes things easier, byusing the additional power that's available. If a person wants to continueusing a lug wrench, it's ok, it's just harder. Likewise, no one can make usdepend on the Holy Spirit's power, but we will be missing out on anadditional power that is available to us. Zechariah 4:6 says, “Not by might,nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”Paul says in 1Corinthians 2:4, “And my speech and my preaching were not withpersuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and ofpower.” We shouldn’t just minister in our own strength and abilities.Some of us used to rely on the Holy Spirit but now have become tooself-sufficient. Galatians 3:3 says, “Are you so foolish? Having begun inthe Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?”Most of us don’t have any problem relying on pneumatic tools to service ourcars. Let’s rely on the Holy Spirit, Pneuma, in service of our Lord.Mike Barres
There is an old saying, _Anything that isn't growing is dying._ Businesses know that they need to attract new customers, communities want to grow to provide jobs, and people always like to see a new family grow with the arrival of new babies. When it comes to the church, we see growth in the New Testament. Acts 2:41 says, _Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them._ In Acts 2:47 it says, _Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved._ If the people in a church love God, love His word (the Bible), and love people, it will grow. If we are fulfilling the Great Commission, _Go into all the world_ (Mark 16:15) and the Great Commandments, _Love the Lord thy God,_ and _Love thy neighbour as thyself,_(Mark 12:30,31), our churches will grow. Some people don't really want a church to grow although they would probably never say that. It can be seen by their attitude toward visitors. Another way that you can tell if a person really wants their church to grow is by whether or not they actively share about their faith with others and invites people to church. Sometimes we just like it kind of cozy and really don't want to grow. Growth is simply reaching more people. Isn't that what we are supposed to be about? In 1Chronicles 4:10 it says, _And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, _Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain__ So God granted him what he requested._ Even though we realize how much God loves each one of us, our Christianity shouldn't be self-centered. It should be about reaching others too. It's not _all about me._ Philippians 2:3 gives us some good advice by saying, _Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves._ As we think of others, especially those who don't know Christ, we will be willing and eager to grow. Mike Barres
_Saddle up your horses, we've got a trail to blaze__ These are some of the words to a song by Steven Curtis Chapman, called The Great Adventure. When Moses sent out the spies, only two came back with a positive report. They were Joshua and Caleb. They had a sense of faith and adventure that the others were lacking. It is that way today. We can observe some who see their walk with Christ as a great adventure, many however seem to have a hum drum form of Christianity. John 10:10 says, _The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly._ With Jesus we can and should have an abundant life, a life full of meaning, purpose and adventure. Those who have gone before us had a heart for adventure. The pioneers in the early years of our country launched out to discover new territories. We have all heard stories of missionaries who dove into the middle of the jungle to reach the natives. To have a life of adventure we must be willing to go where we haven't gone and do things we haven't done. It is exciting and scary. The good news about feeling inadequate is that it makes us depend on God. He has told us in Matthew 28:20, _ lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen._ As the Lord leads us into adventures, He will go with us. Adventure does not have to include going away to a different land. God can lead us in to adventure right where we are. What is God nudging you to do that is new and scary to you? Are you open to stepping out into something unfamiliar to serve Him? I don't know about you, but I like adventure. Some people think we are born for it. Some people think God made us that way. If your walk with the Lord had become boring and comfortable and predictable, be open to a new adventure that He may be calling you to. Look for the open door, see the need, be willing to step out and dive in. Serving Jesus can and should be exciting. It really can be a _Great Adventure__ Mike Barres
When I was really young our family would go swimming in places that werecrowded. My dad was worried about losing track of us, so all four of us kidswore red shirts. It may seem like an extreme idea, but my dad had no troublepicking us out of the crowd.2 Corinthians 6:17 says, _ Therefore come out from among them and beseparate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receiveyou._We are called to be separate from the world. That doesn't mean that weshould all live in a Christian community. We are in the world, but called tobe separate from it in lifestyle. Are we living a separated lifestyle?Sometimes it seems like people can't tell the difference between thelifestyle of the Christian and the lost person. Too often they look a lotalike. 1 Peter 3:11 says, _Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let himseek peace and pursue it._I'm not referring to clothing, although it could certainly include that ifwe as Christians dress in ways that are worldly, sensual and provocative.Do we do the same things, go to the same movies, watch the same shows on TV,use the same kind of language, or are we different?1John 2:15,16 says, _Do not love the world or the things in the world. Ifanyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all thatis in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the prideof life--is not of the Father but is of the world._Sometimes we are afraid of not blending in, or offending someone. If we livea worldly lifestyle then we are offending the one who should matter themost, our Lord Jesus. We should always ask ourselves if He would be pleasedwith what we are doing and saying. We should also be concerned about livinga separate lifestyle that glorifies God and is a witness to the lost. Theyreally do want to see a difference.I heard a saying long time ago that I really like. It said, _If you werearrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convictyou?_ Mike Barres
Sometimes I think we forget the power of prayer. Often when we say, _I know I don't pray enough,_ it sounds like we are saying, _I'd get better grades with God if I prayed more._ We feel like the disciples in the garden when Jesus said in Luke 22:45,46 _When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He said to them, _Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation._ Prayer should not just be considered a duty neglected, but rather a powerful tool that is not used enough. Often we just work harder or grit our teeth when things get tough. Perseverance is a good thing, but sometimes we forget that there is a powerful tool that is available to us in prayer. Isn't it awesome when we stop fretting and pray about something and watch the answer come supernaturally? It really makes us ashamed that we didn't pray earlier. The Bible talks about fasting and prayer. There is an additional power added to prayer when we fast. Matthew 17:21 says, _However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting._ We view fasting as doing without food, and wonder if we are able. If we realized that there is additional power released we would be more willing to do without food. The ministry of intercessory prayer is so important. There are those who have developed sensitivity to the Lord and pray when he prompts them, even in the middle of the night. They realize the need and the urgency and the power released when they pray. Ephesians 6:12 says, _For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places._ There is a song called Prayer Warrior, sung by Heirloom that says, _ Prayer warrior down on her knees, wrestling with powers and principalities. Standing in the gap for others, for her sisters and her brothers, reaching heaven with her heart. We'll never fully know the debt we owe her, for we'll never know the evil we've been spared. The many nights she's crashed through satan's strongholds, reaching heaven with her prayer._ Prayer is not about _staying out of trouble with God,_ or doing our duty. Prayer is powerful. So let's pray more. Let's fast and pray. Let's pray with more intensity, fervency and faith. Not because we will get better grades with God, but because power that makes a difference will be released. Mike Barres
Have you ever lost something. It's a terrible feeling. In II Chronicles 34 we see that in the years prior to Josiah, something terrible had happened. They had lost the Word of God. As they were restoring the temple something wonderful happened. They found the Book of the Law. When Josiah heard it read, the Bible says that, _Thus it happened, when the king heard the words of the Law, that he tore his clothes._ II Chronicles 34:19. God's Word was rediscovered. It was honored and later read to all the people. It was so powerful that the people renewed their covenant with God. We desperately need this same thing to happen to us today. It seems that many in our country have lost the Word of God. George Barna says that according to his surveys, only 44% of born again adults are certain that absolute moral truth exists. He also says that only 9% of born again teenagers believe in absolute moral truth. We must not be doing a very good job of passing it on. Many years ago there was a powerful evangelist named Charles Finney. Listen to what he says in his Revival Lectures in a chapter called The Backslider in Heart. _Perhaps nothing more conclusively proves that a professor has a backslidden heart, than his losing his interest in the Bible. While the heart is full of love, no book in the world is so precious as the Bible. But when the love is gone, the Bible becomes not only uninteresting but often repulsive._ II Timothy 3:16, 17 says, _ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. Joshua 1:8 says, _This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success._ Jesus used the Word as a weapon against the devil in Matthew 4 and we can too. There is power in God's Word - use it. If you don't study it, you won't know it. If you don't know it, you can't use it. How did the people of Josiah's time lose the Word of God? How did we lose it? Just like Josiah, we must rediscover the Word of God. If we do, we won't be lead astray, and we'll rediscover its awesome power and wonderful promises. Mike Barres
I went to a mission conference recently where I heard a story about a pastor who was prompted by the Lord to pull over on his way to church and preach to a cow. I know this sounds absolutely crazy, but wait until you hear what happened. This pastor felt prompted to pull over and preach to this cow, but first argued with the Lord about how foolish it was. He felt so strongly compelled that he stopped and did it anyway. He presented the whole plan of salvation to the cow and prayed. He then got back in his car and went to church. At the end of the church service he gave an invitation. Many came forward. One of the men who came forward, asked to speak to him. This man told the pastor that earlier that morning he was near that cow in a ditch. He had heard the pastor give the plan of salvation and pray. He was so moved that he came to church that morning. Preaching to a cow must have seemed foolish, but think of others in the Bible who had something similar happen to them. Abraham was told to go to the place that the Lord would show him. He was told to get up and go, even though he didn't know where he was going. Think of Noah spending all those years building the ark and being the laughing stock of the people in his area. What about Naaman being told by Elisha to dip down in the river Jordan seven times? He must have felt stupid. But when he did it he was healed. Sometimes the Word of God seems odd to us. Sometimes the Lord is prompting us to do things that don't seem to make a lot of sense at the moment. Obedience to that still small voice is difficult, but very important. If we don't listen to that still small voice we may miss out on some wonderful divine appointments. Let's be willing to be _fools for Christ_ I Corinthians 4:10. Mike Barres
63 Thinking Small or Thinking Big In the prayer of Jabez, he prays, _enlarge my territory._ I Chronicles 4:10. Sometimes the reason that we don't pray this prayer is that we are used to thinking small. Small thinking says, _I can't_ and _it will never work._ Small thinking says, _there's not enough money_ and _it would be too difficult._ Often those who have small thinking are involved in squabbling and petty jealousy. Sometimes people with small thinking really want to keep things small. Small thinking people would rather predict failure than step out in faith. Selfishness and self-centeredness are usually characteristics of small thinking people. People who think big have faith in a _Big God._ People who think big say, _We can do it with God's help._ They say, _It will be worth the effort_ and _think of how many people this will help._ People who think big see the bigger picture of the Kingdom of God and how nothing is too difficult for God. Often people who think big really don't want to get bogged down with strife and squabbling and are willing to pursue unity and God's will instead. So, do you think big or do you think small? The Bible says, 2Ch 16:9 _For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. It also says, Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. I think God is wanting to do some awesome new things, but I also think he is looking for some people to work through who are willing to _think big_ for Him. Mike Barres
These days it seems like some people come to Christ for selfish reasons. Some of this is our fault. We tell people that if they will accept Christ they will have a great joy, even a spiritual high. We tell them that they will _live happily ever after._ Sometimes Christians live self-centered lives. This is in direct contrast to God's Word. In Colossians 3:1-3 it says, _If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God._ _It's Not About Me_ is a new book by Max Lucado. In this book he says, _Who's the center of the universe? We are_ That's the message we're getting from pop culture, _psychobabble_ experts . . . even some of today's churches. _ Lucado says _enough_---and challenges believers to make a _shift_ in their thinking. He suggests that we discover how putting God and His glory first can release you to live an unburdened, happy life. Rick Warren in his book Purpose Driven Life says, _Worldly Christians look to God primarily for personal fulfillment. They are saved, but self-centered. In contrast, world-class Christians know they were saved to serve and made for a mission._ Many self-centered Christians are interested in how Christianity is good for them. They may go to self-help seminars and enjoy being entertained. You can tell what is important to someone by where they invest their time, energy and finances. Is your life Christ centered or self-centered? If it is Christ centered you will be investing your time, energy and finances toward ministry, missions and the Kingdom of God. If you are self-centered, your time, energy and finances will be spent mostly on pleasing yourself. Self-centeredness will even show up in the way that you pray. Will your prayers be about how you can help others and serve God, or will your prayers be primarily about ways that God would bless you and help you? Matthew 6:33 says, _But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you._ True fulfillment and the abundant life that Jesus promised in John 10:10 will only be experienced if we seek first the Kingdom of God and live Christ centered lives. Someone once said that you can't take anything with you to heaven, but you can send it on ahead. Matthew 6:20 says, _but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven._ So let's set our mind on things above, seek first the kingdom and live Christ centered lives. I know we'll be glad we did. Mike Barres
Our home is in the woods and from time to time a storm will come through that leaves a lot of sticks and branches in our yard. When that happens I go get a burn permit and build a fire to get rid of all the branches and sticks. The last time I was working on the fire I saw some illustrations from that fire that apply to our Christian walk. First, lighter fluid is like emotionalism, it won't have a lasting result. You can soak the pile of sticks with lighter fluid and light it. The fire will burn bright, but soon go out. You have to build the fire from the inside out. Seek a deep heart work from God, and make the Holy Spirit and His Word your embers. Don't be like the one _who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while._ Matthew 13:20,21. Just like the sticks in the fire needed each other to burn, we need each other to burn bright too. Hebrews 10:24,25 says, _And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some._ If you take any of those sticks out of the fire, they will quickly go out. Different kinds of wood in the fire are like different denominations. Jesus' prayer for us in John 17 was _that we would be one._ Even though denominations are different, we are all part of the Body of Christ. We can work together and let our light shine for Him. After a while, I was trying to find sticks to keep the fire going. A surprising thing happened. Once I started looking for more sticks, there were a lot more left in the yard than I realized. In the same way there are a lot more unchurched people out there that we could invite to church and lead to Jesus than we realize, if we would _Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in._ Luke 14:23. So let's live our lives _on fire_ for Jesus. Let's let His Holy Spirit and His Word, be our embers. Let's realize that we need other Christians to stay strong. Let's realize that churches can work together. And let's always reach out to more and more people with the good news of Jesus Christ. Mike Barres
Have you ever had someone come up to you and say, _I see Jesus in you?_ Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Isn't that our goal? Sometimes we are concerned about being a good example. In I Timothy 4:12 it says to _be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity._ That is good. We also don't want to be a bad example. So moving from being a bad example, to being a good example is the goal, right? Yes, but there is more. Do people see Jesus? Warren Barfield has a new song out called _Mistaken._ He says that he wants to be mistaken for Jesus. The first couple of lines of the song are really convicting. They say, _I shouldn't have to tell you, who I am. 'Cause who I am, should be speaking for itself. 'Cause if I am who I want to be, then who you see, won't even be me._ Oswald Chambers addresses this twice in My Utmost for His Highest. In the September 20 devotion he says, _The true expression of Christian character is not in good-doing, but in God-likeness. If the Spirit of God has transformed you within, you will exhibit divine characteristics in your life, not just good human characteristics._ In his March 25th devotion he says, _A beautiful saint may be a hindrance if he does not present Jesus Christ but only what Christ has done for him. He will leave the impression - 'What a fine character that man is_' That is not being a true friend of the Bridegroom; I am increasing all the time, He is not._ So the goal is not only to be a _good_ Christian and to be admired, and to have people want to be like us. The greater goal is for people to see Jesus in us, and to want to know Him. Mike Barres
In the Bible, we hear a lot about faith. It says in Hebrews 11:6, _But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him._ Hebrews 11 is often called the Hall of Faith. It mentions the great faith of many men and women of God. It is awesome to read their stories. In Matthew 17:20 it says, _If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you._ I have heard it said that, _We must not be concerned about having great faith, but faith in a great God._ Having faith in faith would be focusing on the wrong thing. Our focus must not be on our faith, but on our God. We have faith in God for salvation. We have faith to believe for great things. We have faith to believe for God's provision. We have faith to believe for miracles. However, I think the greatest faith is when we trust God even though we don't understand. Sometimes a loved one dies, maybe even a child or a baby. Sometimes it seems like God is running late in meeting a need or answering a prayer. It is difficult to understand how God allows things like murder and war. Listen to what Job said in Job 1:21. And he said: _Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD._ In verse 22 the Bible says, _In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong._ We must not get mad at God, just because we don't understand. There have been times when I was mad at someone, when I later realized that I just didn't understand all of what was going on. We must trust God. He knows and understands all, we don't. Isaiah 55:9 says, _For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts._ We hear about people with great faith, but when we trust God in tough times that we really don't understand, that is the greatest faith. Mike Barres
The Greatest Faith (long version revised) Recently I did a funeral for a four-week-old baby girl. It was difficult. The family had started attending our church prior to the baby being born. We had a baby shower for the mother. She really felt loved and embraced by our church. When the baby died, she was devastated. She had questions about God allowing this to happen. I think it shook her faith. It is so hard to know what to say to someone in this kind of situation. My wife and I just tried to love them and pray for them and tell them we didn’t really understand either. There are four other children in the family. At the visitation, a couple of the other children came up to me ask questions. One asked me, “Why did she die?” Another one asked me, “Why did God take her?” For the most part, I said, “I don’t know.” I said there are things we just don’t understand. In the Bible, we hear a lot about faith. It says in Hebrews 11:6, _But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him._ Hebrews 11 is often called the Hall of Faith. It mentions the great faith of many men and women of God. It is awesome to read their stories. In Matthew 17:20 it says, _If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you._ I have heard it said that, _We must not be concerned about having great faith, but faith in a great God._ Having faith in faith would be focusing on the wrong thing. Our focus must not be on our faith, but on our God. We have faith in God for salvation. We have faith to believe for great things. We have faith to believe for God's provision. We have faith to believe for miracles. However, I think the greatest faith is when we trust God even though we don't understand. Sometimes a loved one dies, maybe even a child or a baby. Sometimes it seems like God is running late in meeting a need or answering a prayer. It is difficult to understand how God allows things like murder and war. Listen to what Job said in Job 1:21. And he said: _Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD._ In verse 22 the Bible says, _In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong._ We must not get mad at God, just because we don't understand. There have been times when I was mad at someone, when I later realized that I just didn't understand all of what was going on. We must trust God. He knows and understands all, we don't. Isaiah 55:9 says, _For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts._ We hear about people with great faith, but when we trust God in tough times that we really don't understand, I think maybe that that is the greatest faith. Mike Barres
Recently I was talking with a teacher. She said something that I really liked. She said that she was a Christian who happened to be a teacher. Often we hear of a teacher who is a Christian. She saw it the other way around. The Kingdom of God was first (Matthew 6:33). This was her perspective of herself. I guess we should all ask ourselves, _Which is first?_ Is it Jesus and His Kingdom, or do we identify ourselves with something else and then tack on, _ Who is a Christian_ after it. There is something else to look at regarding what is first. How do other people perceive you? Do they see you and the way you live your life as a demonstration that you are a Christian first? Being a Christian should be our number one sense of identity. Jesus Christ should be first and central in our lives. For many people, it seems like being a Christian, attending Church and serving the Lord, is a kind of optional thing that they do occasionally, if they have time. It is really refreshing to hear someone speak of their dedication to Christ as being the most important thing in their life that encompasses everything else they do. In his book, Purpose Drive Life, Rick Warren starts off by asking the question, _What on Earth Am I Here For?_ Our number one reason for being here on the earth is to fulfill God's purposes for our lives. So when we look at our own identity, or think about how someone else sees us, let's be sure, with no doubt about it, obvious to everyone, that Jesus is first. Mike Barres
One summer we went on a mission trip to Honduras. We did a drama as a part of our ministry there. In the drama, Jesus had just been scourged, and is carrying the cross. Someone in the crowd reaches out and slaps him. In this drama, my wife played the part of the person slapping Jesus. I played the part of Jesus. When she slapped me it was so loud that it could be heard all the way in the back of the large church we were in. It really hurt. I'm sure she was just trying to make the drama look realistic, for effect. I guess I got just a tiny taste of suffering for Christ. If it gave people a glimpse of what Christ did for them, it was worth it. The thing that shames me, even as I say that, is that there are Christians all around the world that are suffering tremendously for Christ. They lose their jobs, are disowned by their families, are imprisoned, tortured and even killed. Some of us really know very little about suffering, especially suffering for Christ. We think that if we live right and are close to the Lord, that we won't suffer. We think that somehow, the Lord will keep us from suffering as some kind of reward if we live right. In many countries, if a person lives right and is close to the Lord, they will certainly face suffering. An organization called Voice of the Martyrs calls the church to pray for the persecuted church worldwide. In a video they produced, a man who had spent many years in prison was speaking about persecution. He said that persecution was good, because the more persecution there was; the more people came to Christ. He was glad to suffer if it meant more people coming to the Lord. That challenged me, because I honestly couldn't relate to that concept at all. In Matthew 5:10-12 it says, _Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you._ John 15:20 says, _Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you._ Are we willing to suffer for Christ? Will it confuse us if we do suffer and are persecuted? If we avoid suffering and persecution we may miss His will for our lives. After all, 1Peter 2:21 says, _For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps._ Let's be willing to suffer for Christ. He sure did suffer for us. Mike Barres
If you were to ask most Christians if they love God I'm sure that most of them would say _yes._ We are commanded in scripture to love God. Mark 12:30 says _ 'And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment._ Do we express love to God from our hearts? Do we say, _I love you God?_ Marriage is something that is used as an illustration for our relationship to the Lord. We are called the bride of Christ. Just like a wife likes hearing her husband say the words, _I love you,_ God enjoys hearing that from us. He is our father and enjoys hearing us express our love, if it is from the heart. So, what if you gave your wife flowers and said, _I'm supposed to do this, so here._ Would that mean very much? In worship singing, do we express love to God from our hearts, or are we just singing because we are supposed to. We don't just worship God because we fear Him. We worship God because we love Him. We look around and see all He has created and it makes us stand in awe. When we think of what He has done for us personally it makes us want to say, _Thank You,_ and _I love You._ He has blessed us, protected us, helped us, provided for us and most of all saved us. If we really love God, we will want to obey Him. John 14:21 says, _He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him._ To love the Lord, with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, is not a passive love, but a very active love. It will not only be seen by our words, but by our actions. Love God. Express it to him often. He enjoys hearing it. Next time you find yourself in a worship service be sure that you aren't just singing. He can tell if it is coming from your heart or not. We don't have to wait for a church service to express our love to God. We can do it all through the day. Also, let's be sure that we show the Lord how much we love Him by living a life of obedience to Him and His word. If we do this we won't be guilty of what the scripture says in Matthew 15:8, when it says _These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me._ Mike Barres
Have you ever lost your child in a store or out in public somewhere? What a scary feeling_ Even if they get out of your site for a few seconds you can have a real panic attack. I can't even imagine how the parents of missing children feel. When you see them on television it doesn't look like they have slept, trying to figure out ways to find their missing child. I have also heard sad stories about parents who have teenagers and young adults that aren't missing, but that seem to have distanced themselves. There may not even be a physical separation, but merely a separation of the heart. Sometimes they are angry and act like they don't even want to be around their parents. It really creates an ache in the heart of the parent who loves that child so much but now feels like a stranger to them. They hope and pray and wait with anticipation for the day when that teenager or young adult will _come back_ to them. It is a wonderful thing when their love and closeness is restored. This must be how God feels. He made us and yet many have said that they don't want or need Him. If there were a real missing person, the parents would be so appreciative to anyone who would try to help find them. The parent of a teenager or young adult, who was in a strained relationship, would love it if someone tried to help successfully restore his or her relationship with their child. Second Corinthians 5:18 says, _Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation._ We are Christ's ambassadors. God wants us to reach out to those who are lost and lead them to a restored relationship with Him. Mark 16:15 says, _And He said to them, _Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature._ It is not only our job to do this, but if we understand the aching heart of God we will want to be a part of that reconciliation. Let's really care, and do all we can to help these lost children be restored to their heavenly Father. Mike Barres
Have you ever believed a lie? Maybe the lie was from a used car salesman who told you there was nothing wrong with a car, and later you find major problems that they must have known about. What about a building contractor who promised that he would have a job completed by a certain date and later you found out that it couldn't possibly be done by that date. They were just giving you an early date to get the job. When we realize that we've been lied to it usually makes us angry and sometimes even resentful. or some of us we believed a lie when someone, maybe our parents, told us that we were no good and that we would never amount to anything. It took the love of God, the Word of God and the love of the church to reprogram our minds to believe the truth, that God loves us and has a wonderful plan for our lives. Romans 12:2 says, _Be transformed by the renewing of your mind._ As our minds are renewed, we recognize the lies and believe the truth of God's Word. Satan is a liar and he is still lying to us on a regular basis. John 8:44 says, _When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. I think that one of his favorite lies to us is that we can't change. 2Corinthians 3:18 says, _But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord._ By the power of the Holy Spirit working in us we can change, not only initially at salvation, but God can work on us in a fine-tuning process of change as a life long process. Another lie that I believe that devil tells us is that in the middle of our busyness, that there is nothing we can change to slow down, and make our priorities right for Him. Some of us find ourselves too busy, and aren't serving the Lord like we know we should, but we say, _There's really nothing I can do to change my schedule._ I believe that is a lie. If the devil can get us to believe that we can't change anything then he has us right where he wants us, stuck in a lifestyle that's out of balance. Let's call him a liar, examine our lives, and make the changes, with God's help that will make our lives, our families and our ministries, healthier, more in balance and more effective for the Kingdom of God. Mike Barres
Have you ever seen a box that had a sticker on it that said, _Some assembly required?_ If you are like me, you might be in a hurry and try to put it together as quickly as you can and not pay close attention to the instructions. If you do that, it will likely be shaky, wobbly and not work right, and you'll have parts left over. When it comes to spiritual growth, we should be willing to go slow. In the parable of the Sower of seed in Matthew 13:5, 6 it says, _Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away._ We need to grow slow, so that we have deep roots. Sometimes when you hear about someone growing in the Lord _really fast_ it almost sounds like they are bragging. Slow growth would be healthier. We definitely should not put a _fast growing_ new convert in to leadership too quickly. In I Timothy 3:6 it says that a leader should not be _a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil._ If we elevate someone to leadership too quickly they may not be prepared and be frustrated. They may also give in to pride by being promoted too quickly. When I think of discipleship, character building and leadership training I think of a term I heard called, _deliberate prudent speed._ It takes patience. Many people in the Bible had a hard time being patient with God's process of preparing them. Think of Moses, David, and Paul. It must have been hard for them to wait, but I'm sure that they looked back on their preparation time as being very important and were glad that they didn't get in too big of a hurry and crash and burn. We want everything to be done quickly these days, but let's slow down, and let God do His work in His timing. If we do, it will be healthier growth, and we will be better prepared for what He has for us. If we are patient there will be solid changes in our lives. Other results will be that we will have less frustration in ministry, and be a better witness. Let's be committed to growth, not staying the same. However, let's be willing to grow slow, for His glory. Even if it is hard to wait, His timing is perfect. Mike Barres
Weaknesses are something that we usually try to hide. I'm not referring to sin. I'm referring to emotional, physical and mental weaknesses. Typically we hate our weaknesses and wish that we were different. We rarely share our weaknesses with others because we want people to think we are strong. One time when I was preaching I said, _I thank God for my insecurities because they make me depend on Him. Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life says that God likes to use weak people. Great, I'm a good candidate then. Rick says that God can use our weaknesses in 4 ways. First it makes us more dependent on God and more prayerful. Secondly it keeps us from becoming arrogant and proud. Thirdly it makes us realize our need for other people and fellowship. Fourthly it actually makes us more sympathetic and effective in ministry to other people with weaknesses (which actually includes all of us if we are honest). Rather than trying to hide our weaknesses and putting up a front to cover them, we would actually do better to admit them. It would put us at ease and actually make it easier for others to relate to us. Being honest about our weaknesses is difficult, but look at how honest Paul was. In 1Corinthians 2:3 he says, _I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling._ In 2Corinthians 12:9 he says, _And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me._ We all have weaknesses and that's ok. We can relax and realize, that just like Paul, God can use us in spite of our weaknesses. We can even thank God for them if they make us humble and make us depend on Him more. The other really good thing about God using us in spite of our weaknesses is that He gets all the glory, not us. _But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty._ 1Corinthians 1:27 Mike Barres
Hypocrites have always hurt the witness of the Church. I know that we could say that we are all hypocrites since none of us is perfect. None of us should want to judge or condemn, since we all fall short too. We definitely want to have compassion on a person who is struggling with sin. However, the person described in I Corinthians 5:11 has a glaring contrast to his profession of faith and his lifestyle. That scripture says, _But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner--not even to eat with such a person._ There is some question about this passage. Is this a person who is a brother in Christ, or just someone who is calling himself or herself one? God is the only one who knows a person's heart. What is our duty with a person like this? Loving confrontation is what this verse is prescribing. Sin and hypocrisy can be like a cancer in the church if it is not dealt with. The Bible says in Proverbs 27:5 _Open rebuke is better than secret love. _ Love should always be our motive, not anger, pride or spite. Galatians 6:1 says, _Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted._ Sometimes a person won't listen to us and we have to stop fellowshipping with them (according to I Corinthians 5:11) and pray. The Holy Spirit is able to do what we can't. Describing the Holy Spirit, John 16:8 says, _And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment._ Acts 2:37 illustrates the work of the Holy Spirit when it says, _Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?'_ The men on the road to Emmaus said of Jesus, _Did not our heart burn within us?_ The Holy Spirit can speak to a person at a heart level, even if they won't listen to us. We should continue to love them and pray for them. So if we call ourselves a brother or sister in Christ, let's be sure that we live like one. If we confront someone who is in sin, let's be sure that we do it in a spirit of love, humility and prayer. Mike Barres
I'm sure many of you have heard of the Tater people. Some people never do anything to help, but are gifted at finding fault with the way others do the work. They are called _Comment Taters_. Some people are always looking to cause problems by asking others to agree with them. It is too hot or too cold, too sour or too sweet. They are called _Agie Taters_. Then there are those who love others and are always prepared to stop whatever they are doing and lend a helping hand. They bring real sunshine into the lives of others. They are called _Sweet Taters_. It seems like for many Christians that criticism is so much fun to give and so hard to receive. Criticism can drain the life right out of a sincere Pastor or Christian worker who is trying their best to serve God and the people. Just about everywhere there seems to be those who see themselves as superior to others and exercise the gift of criticism. I know it isn't really a gift, but some people sure do seem to take pride in it. I guess pride might be the problem. Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest (Updated Edition) says, _The average Christian is the most piercingly critical individual known._ He also says, _Criticism serves to make you harsh, vindictive, and cruel and leaves you with the soothing and flattering idea that you are somehow superior to others._ Isn't that the way it is? We couch our criticism in so called spirituality to justify it. In some churches people have a tendency to see all that is _wrong_, or what _isn't _ being done, instead of being thankful for all that is _right_ and _is_ being done. Their frustration with what isn't being done, can make them critical. It would be better to be thankful and prayerful. The Bible says in James 2:13, _For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment._ In Luke 6:37, it says _Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven._ Let's walk in love, mercy, and forgiveness and not be so quick to be critical. So the next time you find that critical spirit rising up in you, maybe it would be better to be thankful, merciful, and prayerful. I really think that in today's church we need less _Comment Taters_ and _Agie Taters_ and more _Sweet Taters._ Mike Barres
The other morning I was out jogging. I time myself each day to see how I'm doing. This particular day I was making pretty good time. Some days jogging is difficult, but this day I was feeling pretty good. Enjoying my jog, I was about to hit the home stretch when I saw someone walking on the road that I hadn't talked to in a long time. In those moments I thought, _Should I stop and talk with them?_ You see I was making such good time. I wouldn't complete my jog, and I like to finish what I start. If I stopped to talk, since it was a workday, I'd throw my morning schedule off. I did stop and talk and I was really glad that I did. Sometimes we are so busy that we don't allow for, or see divine interruptions. We might be _making such good time._ Or maybe we are really getting a lot done and checking things off of our to do list. We may be doing a lot of business and having a profitable day. If we aren't careful, we'll see these interruptions as irritations rather than divine appointments. It has been said that most of Jesus' miracles where interruptions. Often He was on the way to another appointment when someone else would stop Him. In Mt 9:18-22 it says, _While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, 'My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.' So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples. And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, 'If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.' But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, 'Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.' And the woman was made well from that hour._ Jesus also took time to stop and talk with Zacchaeus as he walked by the tree he had climbed up into in Luke 19. Jesus could be interrupted and we should be willing to be also. Do you allow Jesus to interrupt your schedule? If you don't, you may miss some very important divine appointments. Mike Barres
A few years ago, I went on a trip to a ministry conference with several other pastors. One pastor spoke about how he was having trouble submitting to the people who were over him in his church denomination. Not long after that, he mentioned that he was having a difficult time getting people to respect his authority as pastor in his church. I said to him, _Authority is a funny thing. Many people don't like it, unless they are the ones in authority._ We rarely see both sides of authority. We should be willing to be in authority and under authority. I saw an email ad one time that said, _Don't like your boss, start your own business._ The funny thing about it is that if you did start a business and did well, then you'd have a number of people working for you, and you'd be the boss. So, it isn't that you were against bosses, you just wanted to be one. Romans 13 tells us a lot about God's viewpoint of authority. It says in verses one and two, _Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves._ We submit to governing authorities as unto God. God wants us to respect spiritual authority too. In Hebrews 13:17 it says, _Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you._ Some people have a hard time submitting to their pastor, but we do it as unto the Lord. 1Timothy 2:1,2 says, _Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence._ We live in a day where there is a lot of independence. We have to be careful that we don't give in to a spirit of lawlessness and rebellion. Submitting to authority, whether it be our governing officials, our laws, our pastors or our boss, is so that we can live a peaceable and orderly life. We won't always agree with those over us. We will object to things. We'll disagree. We'll ask questions. However, we must be careful not to give in to a spirit of rebellion. Let's submit to those over us as unto the Lord. Mike Barres
79 Proclaiming the Mystery of Christ Colossians 4:2-6 says, _Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one._ Do you pray for opportunities to share Christ? Why? Because He saved us, we love Him, and we are so thankful. Why not? Sometimes we are just too busy. Many of us have forgotten what it was like to be lost without Christ. Some people say that they don't know how to share Christ with someone else. I believe it is often more of a heart issue than a _know how_ issue. If we really love the lost and care about them, we'll share what Christ has done in our lives with them. We should be sure that we proclaim the gospel clearly. Some use what is called the Romans road. Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, and 10:9,10 lays out the plan of salvation very clearly. Some use the 4 Spiritual Laws tract, and others use a tract produced by Billy Graham called _Steps to Peace With God._ It is important that we tell of our experience but also use God's word, so that people will base their salvation on God's word, not our experience. This passage in Colossians tells us to _walk in wisdom toward those who are outside._ We must always be aware of the fact that lost people are watching all that we say and do. What is your life witness saying: in your home, where you live, where you work, and in your dealing with businesses? Think about how your actions, attitudes and decisions affect unbelievers. _Let your speech also be with grace._ Be careful about the way you talk. Sometimes the things that come out of our mouth are like fresh and salt water. We talk about God and Church, but also say things that are offensive. Do we communicate God's grace and mercy and love, or are we critical, angry judgmental, and impatient? The last part of this passage says to _know how you ought to answer each one._ According to 1Peter 3:15 we should _always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear._ Mike Barres
Often we hear of someone asking Jesus Christ in to his or her heart. That is good, but I think there is more. Is Jesus Christ in your life? Is Jesus Christ a big part of your life? Is Jesus Christ the most important thing in your life? Or would you say, _Jesus Christ 'is' my life?_ Acts 17:28 says, _In Him we live and move and have our being._ Jesus Christ wants all of us, but many of us just give him a part. In Luke 9:23 we are told, _If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me._ The rich young ruler in Luke 18:22 was sad when Jesus told him _You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me._ He only wanted to give up part of what he had, Jesus told him to give all. The scripture in Luke 14:26, 27 is startling to some people. It says, _If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple._ It is not that we hate our family, but that our love for Jesus far surpasses even our love for our families. The challenges of these New Testament verses seem to be in stark contrast to the level of commitment in many Christian's lives. Let's give him our lives not holding back anything and let's examine ourselves to be sure that Christ is not just _in_ our lives, but that Christ _is_ our life. Mike Barres
Power. It seems like many people want more power. For many years men have looked for more power in the engines in cars and trucks. If something is more powerful, that is usually good. God mentions power in His Word. Luke 24:49 says, _Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high._ Acts 1:8 says, _But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth._ God's power is for a purpose. It is to further the Kingdom of God. God's power can make us more than we are by ourselves. God's power can give us victory over sin and boldness for witnessing. God's power can melt a heart and enable us for ministry. God's power is for a purpose, not for goose bumps. Some people like a powerful speaker or powerful service because it excites them. That is fine, but it is not the purpose of the power. Do you want to see more power in your church? I'd like to make a couple suggestions. First fast and pray. That has always a prerequisite for a major release of God's power, Biblically and historically. Pray, pray and then pray some more. If you aren't fasting and praying then your aren't really serious about it. The second suggestion, is for God's power to be evident in _your_ life. Others will see it and desire it too. Paul said in 1Corinthians 2:4 says, _And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power._ If we desire to see the power of God, let's be sure that we want to see it for the right reasons. Its purpose is not to excite us or entertain us, but to change lives for the glory of God. Mike Barres
Have you ever heard someone pray that was really honest and open with God? They might have said, _I'm frustrated__ or _I'm angry__ Sometimes people have doubt and even tell God they are having a hard time, or are depressed. Some may think that this is irreverent, but God already knows all that we are thinking anyway. When we are honest and open with Him it doesn't shock Him. He knows us better than we know ourselves. In the Bible we see plenty of people being real open and honest with God. Listen to David in Psalm 142:2 as he says, _I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble._ Elijah and Jonah were so depressed that they told God that they wanted to die. In Jonah 4:8 it says, _And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah's head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, _It is better for me to die than to live._ In his book Purpose Drive Life, Rick Warren compares the two words audacity and authenticity. To some, being honest with God might appear to be audacious, when in fact it is just being more authentic. Rick goes on to say, _To be God's friend, you must be honest to God, sharing your true feeling, not what you think you ought to feel or say._ When we pray fancy, and formal prayers instead of being honest and authentic with God, He sees right through it. It can be liberating and powerful to be open, honest and authentic with God. He can handle it and He really cares about our struggles. We should always pray with proper respect to the Lord. Just like children should be with their parents, there is a difference between being honest and being disrespectful. After all He is God. We must always respect Him. So the next time you pray, don't try to hide your feelings from God. He knows about them already and cares about your struggle. Be open, honest and genuine with Him. The good thing about a real friend is that you can be totally honest with them. In James 2:23 it says, _And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.' And he was called the friend of God._ God is our best friend. Let's be open, honest and authentic with Him. If we do this, I believe that we will experience a new freedom in our prayer time, and a fresh closeness with our heavenly Father who loves us dearly. Mike Barres
83 Are You On The Right Plane? I have a friend who flies on planes regularly. He told me of an occasion where he missed his flight and was rebooked on another flight. During the flight they started passing out the paper work for a tourist visa. He said, _I don't need this, I'm not going out of the country._ They said, _Yes you do, you are going to Canada._ Somehow he had gotten on the wrong plane. What a terrible feeling that must have been. This can happen in real life in reference to our salvation. Matthew 7:21-23 says, _Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness_'_ We can get on the wrong plane by thinking we've been saved, but have never repented. Some people say a prayer because they want a better life. Some people say a prayer because they have gotten emotional or felt loved. Some people say a prayer just because they don't want to go to hell. Some prayed a prayer but really didn't mean it at all. Some people were told to try Jesus, like trying a new restaurant to see if they like it, but never repented. There is a difference between the words _Admit_ and _Repent._ Some people may have admitted that they were sinners, but never repented. John the Baptist in Matthew 3:2, says, _Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand__ Jesus used this word in Matthew 4:17 when He said, _Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand._ Peter in Acts 2:38 says, _Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit._ In Luke 13:3 it says, _I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish._ It is not just an intellectual acknowledgement of truth that the Lord is looking for, but a change of heart. For each of us and for those who we would talk to about our sinful condition, let's be sure that we explain that the Lord wants us to admit, repent, and surrender. Let's make sure we are not on the wrong plane. Mike Barres
I heard someone quote Dr. Seuss recently. They said, _ Because after all, a person's a person, no matter how small._ That is so true. We are valued not by our size, but valued because of the person we are inside. This made me think of something else however. Ten percent is the tithe, regardless of how small it is, and regardless of how large it is. Malachi 3:7-10 says, _Yet from the days of your fathers you have gone away from My ordinances And have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,_ Says the LORD of hosts. _But you said, 'In what way shall we return?' Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me_ But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,_ Says the LORD of hosts, _If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it._ The Lord made it really simple for us. Ten percent. No matter how little or how large that amount may be. Some people may think that their ten percent doesn't matter, since it is so small. It matters to God. He sees your heart, and your obedience and will bless you for it. Some may think that tithing on large amounts of money would be too much to give to the church. That is not even the point. Ten percent is ten percent. It is a simple act of obedience with a blessing promised. Some say, _If I made a lot of money then I wouldn't mind giving ten percent._ If you aren't tithing on the little that you make now, you wouldn't tithe on the larger amount later. Many people would like to see the church do more in the way of ministry and outreach. That sure would be possible if more people would be faithful to tithe. When we realize that it all belongs to the Lord, giving ten percent is easy. Mike Barres
When I was younger a number of us would go dirt bike riding on trails out in the woods. Once I was the last one in the group and the chain on my motorcycle broke. No one looked over their shoulder to see if I was still there and they went on for many miles. I had to walk and push my motorcycle for several miles. I was exhausted and disappointed in my friends. When I saw them, I fussed at them for not caring enough to look for me and be sure I was still with them. This can happen in the church. Do you look over your shoulder, so to speak, for those who are no longer attending church? Some may be in trouble. Some may have gotten distracted. Some may have gotten hurt. Ezekiel 34:1-5 says, _And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 'Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD to the shepherds: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves_ Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered.'_ As pastors we must care for the sheep, but fellow Christians should also care about one another. Recently our church's men's group went to a men's conference that had over 14,000 men in attendance. As we wove through this sea of people we needed to stay together as a group so that no one would get lost, and separated from the group. I watched to see who would look over their shoulder to be sure that all in the group were still with us. You could see some looking back and counting. Others however just vigorously walked on oblivious to those behind them. When it comes to caring about our brothers and sisters in Christ, and in our churches, lets look over our shoulder to be others are still with us. If they aren't, let's care enough to reach out, call and visit. In the past it has really made me sad to hear someone say, _I haven't been in church for 6 weeks and no one seemed to notice._ With God's love, let's look over our shoulder, so that this doesn't happen. Mike Barres
Some people refer to the church as a hospital. That is so true. In Matthew 9:12 Jesus says, _Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick._ Jesus cared about those who were _Sin sick_. He ate with the tax collectors and sinners. In Matthew 11:19 it says, _The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners_'_ People can come to Jesus just as they are. You don't clean fish before you catch them. You don't have to get your act together before you come to Jesus. I would hope that in our churches we could say, _If you are far from perfect, you'll feel right at home here._ After all we are not a museum of saints, but a hospital. Even the Apostle Paul in 1Timothy 1:15 said, _This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief._ Sometimes we forget what it was like to be lost and lose our compassion for _Sin sick_ people. Do you like to be around sick people? You do if you are a doctor or hospital. You are there to help people. It's the same with the Church. If you are a mature Christian, you are the doctors and nurses. If you are a fairly new Christian, you are like a volunteer at a hospital. God wants to use you in your church to help others. That's one of the reasons your church needs your consistent attendance, giving and involvement. If we are a hospital, imagine the doctors and nurses only coming sometimes. Be sure that you always reach out to visitors in your church. Can you imagine a doctor's office were the doctor and nurses and secretaries were so wrapped up in themselves that they didn't notice the patients in the waiting room? Has that ever happened to you? That would be the same thing as us going to Church to see all of our friends and not noticing visitors. Are you sin sick? There is a cure and it's free. Romans 6:23 says, _For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord._ 1John 1:9 says, _If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness._ As the church let's embrace the lost _Sin sick_ people with God's love and lead them to Jesus. Let's be a hospital that really cares. Mike Barres
I was 15 years old and my dad was teaching me how to drive. He reached over with his big left foot and pushed the accelerator to the floor. You see, I had told him that in Drivers Education class they had taught us what to do if the accelerator got stuck open. I reached up and turned off the key. I passed my dad's little test with my heart pounding. Learning to drive sure can be tough. I remember another thing that happened. I was about to pull out on to a four-lane highway and it was clear, but being a new driver I hesitated because I was nervous and then pulled out. Because I hesitated we almost got in to a wreck. When I learned how to use an entrance ramp to get on to the interstate I was told to accelerate and merge in to the gap in traffic. Don't hesitate or stop. In our Christian walk, too often we hesitate. When the Lord convicts us of sin, we often hesitate. Sin was rampant in Sodom and Gomorrah and Lot hesitated when it was time to leave. In Genesis 19:15,16 it says, _When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, 'Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city.' And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife's hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city._ When the Lord convicts us of sin, we should repent and not hesitate. Lot's wife looked back and became a pillar of salt. Sometimes we hesitate when it comes to talking to someone about our faith in the Lord Jesus. We watch opportunities just walk right by us, and we say, _I should have said something._ But then the opportunity is lost. Some people are prompted by the Lord to serve Him in ways big and small but hesitate and miss that wonderful ministry opportunity, only to regret it later. The good news is that if we miss our chance, He will often provide another one later. That is God's mercy. So in regard to repentance of sin, witnessing about Jesus, or an opportunity to serve the Lord, when you see that clear opening, don't hesitate. Learn to listen to that still small voice and be quick to obey it. Mike Barres
The College Professor in Comparative Religions Class asked the college student, _What if you die and you are standing in front of Jesus and He is about to judge you, what will you say to Him?_ The student said, _I will say to Him 'You have no authority over me, because I don't believe in You.'_ This really happened and illustrates how warped our thinking is in regards to the truth. Jesus said in John 14:6, _I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me._ The truth is not what I make it out to be, truth stands on it's own. God is the God of the Bible not what I imagine Him to be. I recently heard Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron talking about breaking the second commandment. That commandment says, _You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth._ Exodus 20:4. Ray Comfort was talking about how so many people today make up a God in their own mind. They often say, _to me ¼_ Which means they have their own concept of God that may or may not agree with the Bible. I heard someone say that the difference between the sheep and the goats is that the goats, _butt._ You may hear someone say, _I know what the Bible says, but._ That is not a sheep. The good sheep follow the Shepherd, which is Jesus Christ according to His Word. Thomas Jefferson took excerpts from the Bible and created what was often called the Jefferson Bible. He did not think that the parts he left out were authentic. Unfortunately, all of these things do not count and do not matter. We have to recognize and accept the truth about God and Jesus in His Word or reject it. We can't make up a version that suits us. John 8:31, 32 says, _If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free._ Mike Barres
We have had so many hurricanes and storms this year. It wears on you after a while. Life has its storms. How we respond to the storms can be a powerful witness. Sometimes the Lord calms the storms that rage. Ps 107:29 says, _He calms the storm, so that its waves are still._ Mark 4:39 says, _Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still_' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm._ I love it when He does that, but sometimes He doesn't remove the storm. Recently we were studying Stephen in Acts 6 and 7.Acts 6:8 says, _And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people._ Stephen was not described as a weak, faithless person, but as a strong Christian with faith and power. In the midst of persecution, the way that he handled the storm became a witness in itself. In Acts 6:15 it says, _And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel._ That anointing on his life did not result in deliverance from the storm, except in the ultimate way. This is hard for us to accept sometimes but God allows it. Acts 7:58 - 60 says _ and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not charge them with this sin.' And when he had said this, he fell asleep._ The way Stephen kept his eyes on Jesus in this storm had to be a witness to Saul. The way that we demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in difficult times can be a most powerful witness. Anyone can be joyful and peaceful when things are going well, but it is supernatural to have love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control when you are in a storm (the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22,23). When you find yourself in a storm, by all means pray that the Lord will remove it. If He doesn't, pray that the Lord will help you to be a witness in the middle of it. We don’t want to be guilty of being fair weather Christians. In the midst of a storm we hope that He will glorify Himself through us by the way we handle it. Mike Barres
In Athens Greece an event took place that we didn’t hear much about. The event was held Sunday, Aug. 22, at the Dora Stratou Theatre located on a hill adjacent to the Acropolis, site of the Greek Parthenon. It was sponsored by True Love Waits. This program challenges teens to abstain from sexual intimacy until marriage. 460,000 commitment cards from teens all over the world (20 countries , 200,000 from Africa) were presented as True Love Waits celebrated their 10th Anniversary. The pledge on those commitment cards said, _Believing that true love waits, I make a commitment to God, myself, my family, my friends, my future mate, and my future children to a lifetime of purity including sexual abstinence from this day until the day I enter a biblical marriage relationship._ True love really does wait. I’d like to coin another phrase, _True Love Obeys._ If we truly love the Lord, we will want to obey Him. John 14:21 says, _He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him._ Words like obedience, righteousness, holiness and repentance seemed to have fallen by the wayside. We have, and should emphasize that we are saved by grace alone, but these other words are in the Bible too. Obedience doesn’t save us, but it does show that we truly love the Lord and have been genuinely converted. In Samuel 15:22 it says, _Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice._ In Hebrews 11:6 it says, _But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him._ Biblical repentance is more than just an acceptance of the truth, it is also a change of heart. If we have truly repented and are born again, we will want to obey the Lord. Does that mean that we are perfect? By no means. But we should desire to obey. Does obedience matter? Yes. It shows where our heart truly is. Obedience shows that we really love God. It shows that we have sincerely repented. It shows that we want to please our loving Heavenly Father. _True Love Obeys__ Mike Barres
It happened in a local restaurant. A woman noticed a table full of people laughing and having a good time. She went over and asked why they were laughing so much. They told her that they were Christians. She asked them which church they went to. They told her. The next Sunday this woman attended the adult Sunday School class at that church. There in that class, as they studied and learned, they also seemed to be having a good time and there was much laughter. At the end of the class she asked for permission to say something. The teacher said _sure._ She told the whole story about the restaurant and that she wanted to come and see if what the folks at that table were talking about was real. Then she said, _It is._ This is a true story. I was in that Sunday School class. The Bible says in Proverbs 17:22, _A merry heart does good, like medicine._ Charles Swindoll wrote a book called, Laugh Again. In it he talks about the need to laugh. He also talks about the need to forgive and get rid of negative things that weigh us down and prevent us from laughing. Joel Osteen, the pastor of the large Lakewood Church, can be seen regularly on TV. Every time he preaches he starts off with a joke. When he was asked why, he said that his people often were going through difficult times and felt like they needed a laugh. By the way, did you hear about the agnostic, dyslexic, insomniac who laid awake all night wondering if there was a _doG._ Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5). I think that Christians should exhibit that joy. I’m all for being serious about our relationship with the Lord, but we should also be able to joyful. Psalm 126:2 says, _Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’_ Joy in the midst of adversity can be a powerful witness. In the Proverbs 17:22 scripture it talks about a merry heart doing good like a medicine. There are doctors who say that there are healing and health giving chemicals called endorphins that are released into our body when we laugh. In my office I have a picture of Jesus laughing. I’m sure there were times when he and the disciples, or he and his family laughed. Let’s learn to laugh again. It will be like medicine to us. It will also be a witness to a hurting sad world around us. Mike Barres
In Bible College I had an interesting class. It was called Christology and Soteriology. It was a study of Christ and a study of Salvation. I love the greater body of Christ. At a recent crusade in our area I opened the service. I asked people if they knew how many churches there were in our tri county area. I told them that I was an officer in the local ministers association and that I knew. Then I told them. There is one. People looked puzzled at first and then they clapped. There is one true church of true believers. We are called the Body of Christ. In heaven there won’t be any denominations or divisions. We will all be side by side worshiping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Since we will be in heaven for eternity together, I wish we could get along a little better down here. Sometimes I wonder if we have convictions that cause divisions. Not that convictions are bad, they are good. However I think we could use some more unity. I hate it when I see Christians arguing over the mode of baptism, or which kind of songs to sing or which translation of the Bible to use. Some people get very angry over these issues and create some pretty stiff division in the Body of Christ. If our Christology and Soteriology is the same, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. I have my own doctrinal distinctives that I believe and feel very strongly about, but I do not want to be so dogmatic that I exclude myself from fellowship and friendship with another believer in Jesus Christ. We would all do well to heed the admonition of the well known saying by Rupertus Meldenius, _In Essentials, Unity; in Non-essentials, Liberty; in All Things, Charity._ Jesus’ prayer for us in John 17:20,21 was _I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me._ Mike Barres
At a recent meeting of our local ministers association, a nurse spoke to our group about the need for people to donate their blood. She encouraged us to have _blood drives_ at our local churches. She said that there was a great need and that supplies were running low. She also mentioned how the patients were charged when they received blood transfusions. She said something that really intrigued me. She said, _Of course the blood itself is free, but there is a cost to the process._ Isn’t that true for us. The blood of Jesus is a free gift, but there was a cost for the process. Romans 6:23 says, _For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord._ We had a problem, we had all sinned. Romans 3:23 says, _for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God._ We all had a sin debt that we couldn’t pay. Jesus paid that sin debt by shedding his blood on the cross for us as the _Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world__ John 1:29. You see, it says in Hebrews 9:22, _And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission._ There is an old saying, _Freedom is never free._ In virtually every country that is free, there was a price paid to attain that freedom. People can enjoy that freedom, but must realize that there was a cost for it. Salvation doesn’t cost us anything. For that reason many lost people are baffled by something so great, being free. However, it’s important to remember that even though the blood is free there was a cost for the process. Jesus gave his very life for us and _God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life._ John 3:16. Let’s accept this free gift with an appreciation for the cost and as Christians let’s live our lives in such a way that it shows how much we appreciate it. Mike Barres
It was the only thing that I wanted. They had called and asked me if there was anything that I wanted in particular. I told them that it was the only thing I wanted. My other brothers and sister had asked for other things including furniture, but it was all I wanted, and there it was in my sister in law’s trunk. What was it doing there? You see my parents were moving out of their home of 40 years in to a retirement village. I traveled from out of state to help with the move. They were having to down size since the apartment was much smaller than their home. The item that I wanted was an olive wood carving of the head of Jesus with a crown of thorns on his head. I had given it to them as a gift after my trip to Israel in 1982. It was a mixture of two brown tones of the beautiful olive wood from Jerusalem. There it was in my sister in law’s trunk. It appeared that she had decided that she wanted it. I prayed all the way to my parents new apartment. It was really bothering me. How could she do that? After much prayer, I had decided that I would let her have it if she really wanted it. As it turns out she unloaded it and brought it to the apartment. She had only put it in the trunk for safe keeping. I sighed with relief. I was going to be able to keep it after all. Later on that day however, my nephew, who had also come to help them move, noticed the olive wood carving. He mentioned to those in the apartment how he would really like to have it. I wasn’t there at the time. Everyone said, _That is for Mike, that is all he wanted out of everything._ I heard about all of that and decided to let him have it. He had been through a very difficult season of his life and I thought that in some way it might comfort him and draw him closer to the Lord. I gave it to him, and we hugged. I was really glad that I gave it to him. That evening I was loading up a bed on my brother’s trailer that my parents were giving my daughter. We were in the garage at his house when my other sister in law came out of her house with a beautiful carving of the head of Jesus with a crown on thorns on his head. She said that she had heard what I had done for my nephew and she wanted to give me her carving. I had forgotten that I had gotten them an identical olive wood carving from Israel. I got all choked up, thanked her and gave her a big hug. Luke 6:38 says, _Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you._ Mike Barres
They disagreed. Each side really felt strongly about their opinion. It had all started with some complaints. Now the church split was a very painful reality. Both sides really thought that they were right. The sad thing is that there was a group of people who weren’t on either side that left the church. They said, _If this is what this church is all about, then I’m not staying._ Conflict in church is as old as human nature. Idealistically we think that true Christians shouldn’t have conflict. I think that notion is naive. It’s not that we will never have conflict, it’s how we handle it when it occurs. Let’s look at a wonderful biblical example of conflict handled the right way. In Acts 6:1 - 5 it says, _Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, ‘It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’ And the saying pleased the whole multitude._ In verse 7 it says, _Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith._ They had complaints and handled them properly. Handling conflict with prayer, wisdom, and objectivity can allow a church to continue to grow. Proverbs 15:1, says _A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger._ And Matthew 5:9 says, _Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God._ I’m not sure it’s possible to resolve all conflict, but I believe that many times a peaceable result can be achieved. The next time you have conflict in your church, pray, stay calm, and look for a peaceful solution. It will be better for the church. You may avoid a split. You will avoid losing those people in the middle and your church will be a better witness in your community. Mike Barres
I recently saw a dress shop that had some dresses on display out on the sidewalk. It had a big sign, 25% off. I thought for a moment, and then chuckled. I said to myself that’s about right. Many dresses these days appear to be 25% off, or more. I Peter 3:3,4 says, _Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel, rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1Peter 1:13 - 16 says, _Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’_ The definition of Holiness According to the American Tract Bible Dictionary is HOLY, HOLINESS - These terms sometimes denote outward purity or cleanliness; sometimes internal purity and sanctification. True holiness characterizes outward acts, but still more the motive and intent of the heart. We know that we are made holy in our standing by the blood of Jesus. What is missing sometimes from a Christian’s life is a lifestyle of holiness. As it said in I Peter, _be holy in all your conduct._ In the past traditions of Christianity we saw holiness regarded as an emphasis on skirt length and the way a woman did her hair. There were also traditions of not going to movies and not wearing jewelry. Many Christians thought those views to be too extreme, but now it seems we have let the pendulum swing all the way to the opposite direction and anything goes. Many new polls by George Barna and George Gallup indicate that the lifestyles of most Christians are no different than the lifestyles of those who don’t know Christ. There are many reasons that we should pursue a lifestyle of holiness. We should have a desire to please our Lord in the way that we live. We should avoid worldliness because it hurts us and distracts us away from the things of the Kingdom of God. We should care about our lifestyle leading someone else astray. It says in Mark 9:42, _But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea._ We should also be concerned about how our lifestyle affects our witness to a lost world around us. Matthew 5:16 says, _Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven._ And 1Timothy 4:12 says, _Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity._ We shouldn’t be legalistic with a lot of rules about the way we dress, but we should care about living a lifestyle of holiness to please the Lord and be a living witness. Mike Barres
Whose slave do you think I am?_ _What’s wrong with your legs are they broken, get it yourself._ These are a couple of phrases you might say, when someone treats you like a servant. I heard someone say one time, _You know if you have a servant’s heart by the way you react when you are treated like one._ We don’t like thinking of ourselves as slaves. Even as Christians we often want to be noticed, and make a name for ourselves in some big or small way. We like to shine and stick out in a crowd. Jesus gave us a different perspective. Matthew 20:28 says, _just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many._ And in Matthew 23:11, _But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant._ In the Old Testament we see a beautiful picture of a love slave. Even though he was free to leave, he would stay and serve his master because he loved him. In Exodus 21:2 it says, _If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years; and in the seventh he shall go out free and pay nothing._ In verse 5 and 6 it says _But if the servant plainly says, 'I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,' then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever._ We are free to choose. We should chose to be servants of the Lord Jesus, because we love Him. Paul called himself a servant. In Titus 1:1 he says of himself, _Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness._ Paul even saw himself as a servant of other people too. In 1Corinthians 9:19 he says, _For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more._ I even heard a man talk about leadership one time. He was an elected official. He said, _As a leader, you are just a servant to a greater number of people._ Do you see yourself as a servant, first to Jesus and then to others? That is God’s way. Remember, _You know if you have a servant’s heart by the way you react when you are treated like one._ Mike Barres
He’s on the couch, with a big piece of chocolate cake. He’s got icing around his mouth, and big bowl of ice cream next to him. His wife can’t get him to take out the trash or pick up the kids from soccer. He doesn’t want to miss something that’s on TV. We would say that he is ¼? Lazy. Proverbs 21:25 says, _The desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor._ Many in the Church are spiritually lazy. Amos 6:1 says, _Woe to you who are at ease in Zion._ A great wake up call is going out to the church_ Dave Wilkerson in his October newsletter describing Isaiah 32:11 says, _Rise up out of your ease, O believer. You’re bold in your sin. You’re so confident in yourself that you’ve become spiritually lazy. Shake yourself out of this state of carelessness._ Just like physical laziness, when we are spiritually lazy, we see an increase in self-indulgence and we don’t want to work for the Lord. It is hard to stay on task and easy for us to get off track. We are then unhealthy, are over fed and more inclined to give in to the flesh. A spiritually lazy person usually has more temperament issues too, like being self centered, getting angry more easily and being impatient. Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest for July 10th says, _We are all capable of being spiritually lazy saints. We want to stay off the rough roads of life, and our primary objective is to secure a peaceful retreat from the world._ Do you only serve the Lord when you feel excitement? We are called the Bride of Christ and often marriage requires more work than it produces good feelings. Christianity is not about your feelings, it’s about the Kingdom of God_ We need to realize our spiritual laziness and repent. We should pursue the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study and personal worship. We should seek a close personal relationship with the Lord and take actions of obedience to our Lord and His Word. Rarely will someone intend to run their car off the road. It happens when they neglect steering the car. Likewise spiritual laziness can be the result of neglecting spiritual disciplines. Hosea 10:12 says, _Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you._ Don’t neglect your spiritual fitness, pursue spiritual disciplines and an active close relationship with the Lord. Check your heart beat, is it for the world and self, or for the Lord. Mike Barres
A pastor speaking to the church says, _Our church was saddened to learn this week of the death of ‘Someone Else. Someone Else’s_ passing creates a vacancy that will be difficult to fill. _Someone Else_ has been with us for many years and for every one of those years, _Someone else_ did far more than a normal person's share of the work. Whenever there was a job to do, a class to teach, or a meeting to attend, one name was on everyone's list, _Let ‘Someone Else’ do it._ Whenever leadership was mentioned, this wonderful person was looked to for inspiration as well as results; _’Someone Else’ can work with that group._ It was common knowledge that _Someone Else_ was among the most liberal givers in our church. Whenever there was a financial need, everyone just assumed _Someone Else_ would make up the difference. _Someone Else_ was a wonderful person; sometimes appearing superhuman. Were the truth known, everybody expected too much of _Someone Else_. Now _Someone Else_ is gone_ We wonder what we are going to do. _Someone Else_ left a wonderful example to follow, but who is going to follow it? Who is going to do the things _Someone Else_ did? When you are asked to help this year, remember -- we can't depend on _Someone Else_ anymore. The Bible says in Matthew 9:37, 38 _ Then he said to his disciples, _The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest._ Bill Hybels wrote a book called the Volunteer Revolution. He was asked by someone if he felt guilty for asking people to do things after they had worked all day and were busy at home. This is what Bill said. _You and I get to invite these people to be used by God in ways they never imagined. We have the opportunity to empower them to develop gifts they didn’t know they had. We can cheer them on as they courageously assume new levels of Kingdom responsibility that fill their hearts to overflowing. And we get to see the look on their faces when they realize God has used them to touch another human being._ _No,_ he said, _I never really feel guilty inviting people to become volunteers in our church. Never._ The next time you are asked to serve in volunteer ministry, really pray about saying yes. If you are too busy. You may need to pray over your schedule. Many of us have said yes to so many things without praying over them, that we are too busy to serve the Lord. We should be willing to say, _Here am I, send me,_ rather than, _ask ‘Someone Else.’_ Mike Barres
Recently we have had elections in several countries. In those countries, it was obvious that there are at least two different people who want to be the leader. Unlike this, there is often a leadership void in our society. Often in smaller organizations it is more like, “Whom can we get to lead?” Someone is suggested and that person says, “Not me, ask him.” There is a real need for leaders. We especially need those who will lead in the church. Too often people are dodging leadership. In the Bible in the book of Judges, we often saw this void of leadership and the need for someone to step up to that responsibility. Gideon was called by God to lead. In Judges 6:12 it says, “And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, ‘The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor_’” Gideon’s reply basically was, “What? Who me?” In verse 15 Gideon said, _O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house._ However, in verse 16 the LORD said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.” God saw Gideon’s potential as a leader even though he didn’t see it himself. That often happens with us. Moses didn’t feel capable either. He pretty much told the angel of the Lord at the burning bush that he had the wrong guy. Moses turned out to be a great leader. He was very humble and very prayerful. That’s the way leaders should be. Leading is such a great responsibility. Since we recently celebrated the holiday of Thanksgiving in the United States, I thought of the Pilgrims and their leader William Bradford. They had much adversity. It must have been difficult to be their leader. We need leaders in business, leaders of organizations, leaders of countries and leaders in Churches. Are you willing to be a leader? If your first reaction is, “Who me.” Then you might be a good candidate for a humble, prayerful leader, which is the very best kind. Mike Barres
Have you ever heard someone say, _They sure are lucky?_ For some people, it seems like things go well for them and we are almost a little jealous. We don’t really believe in luck. We believe that, _Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning._ James 1:17. We are blessed not lucky. Another thing to consider is _choices._ The most important choice is to choose Jesus. Of course He chose us first, but we must chose to repent and follow Him. Our salvation depends on accepting His death on the cross for our sins. After that point we still make a lot of other choices. These choices affect our future lives, and have good and bad consequences. Choices do matter. The person who is wealthy, probably made wise choices with their money. The person who enjoys good health often has made good choices about diet and exercise. Someone who gives in to temptation and lives a life of indulgence will have negative consequences to deal with as a result of his poor decisions. Even the choice of our friends is important. Proverbs 12:26 says, _The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray._ Deuteronomy 30:19 says, _I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live._ We bear the fruit of earlier decisions in our lives. We can sow good seed or bad seed. John 15:16 says, _You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you._ Mike Barres
Joy to the world, the Lord is come._ This is a season often associated with joy. Children laughing, giving and receiving presents, family gatherings and special activities at church are all considered joyous occasions. For some however this is not such a joyous time. It may be a time that is painful for those who have lost loved ones or find themselves hurting or alone. Psalm 51:10 -12 says, _Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit._ Some of us need to have our joy, _restored._ How can we have joy? Well first of all it is a fruit of the Spirit of God. Galatians 5:22 says, _But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law._ I believe we can have joy in spite of our circumstances because it comes from the Lord. As we draw close to Him, we have joy. John 7:38 says, _He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water._ Another way to have joy is to give of yourself to others. An old acronym for Joy is Jesus Others and Yourself. As we give of ourselves to others, joy is like a boomerang. As we give joy it, comes back to us. It is also important to eliminate things that rob us of our joy. Some things that rob joy are; fear, anger, bitterness, doubt, worry, and sin. Thankfulness will cause joy to well up in us also. Psalm 100:4 says, _Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. _We can have joy, but we must choose joy. Too many people almost enjoy feeling sorry for themselves. These people get settled in their sadness and subconsciously try to find ways to evoke sympathy from others. We can rise above our sadness. After all Jesus said in John 10:10 _The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly._ Draw close to Jesus, give to others, be thankful and choose joy. Mike Barres
Can you imagine having to walk along a crowded street yelling _Unclean, unclean?_ You see no one was supposed to touch you or they would be unclean too. The reason was that you had leprosy. In the Old Testament the lepers were told to say this so that others would be warned. Can you imagine how lonely they felt. No one wanted to be around them. They were never touched or held or embraced. They felt shunned and unwanted. The only person who could touch them would be another leper, because they already had the dreaded disease. I have always admired those who are willing to minister to lepers in other countries. They are willing to touch the untouchables and love the unloved. It makes me think of Jesus. Not only did Jesus minister to the lepers when He was here on the earth, but in a way, His coming to the earth illustrated this kind of love. You see we all have spiritual leprosy. You could call it leprosy of the soul. We have all sinned and couldn’t be with a Holy God. God loved us so much that He sent Jesus. He was born in a lowly stable. _And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. _ John 1:14. Jesus embraced us with His love. And provided a way for us to be cleansed of our sin, so we could be with God. I can visualize people shunning the lepers. They probably frowned at them and moved away from them. Do we frown at sinners? Do we act like we don’t want to be around them? We should remember we were just like them, before Jesus made us _clean._ So if they have leprosy of the soul, we can embrace them and love them, because we had leprosy of the soul too. God sent His son Jesus to love the unloved and touch the untouchables. Each one of us should be the same way. The next time you see someone with leprosy of the soul, don’t avoid them, embrace them with God’s love and illustrate the whole purpose of Jesus coming to earth and being born in Bethlehem those many years ago. Mike Barres
Around Christmas time, I like singing Silent Night. It says “all is calm, all is bright.” A thought came to me, “All is normal.” However, it was in a different way than you might think. We think of giving our all as extraordinary but in the Bible, it was normal Think of Noah. He spent many many years building the Ark. He gave up his reputation. He probably sunk a ton of his own money in to building the Ark. He gave up tons of his own time to build it. Giving all was normal for Noah. Think of Abraham. Genesis 12:1 says, “Now the LORD had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you.’” He left all to follow God. Think of the Disciples who left all to follow Christ. Luke 5:11 says, “So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.” Matthew 13:44-46 talks about selling all. _Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” The rich young ruler as told to “sell all,” and just like him, you’ll be sad if you don’t. Luke 18:22, 23 says, “So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.” Deep down in your soul, are you sad because you haven’t given all? What are you holding on to? If it’s sin, it’s just hurting you anyway. If it’s material possessions, they won’t make you happy. Why are you holding on to those things? Is it pride? Are you forsaking the wonderful adventure of giving all to Jesus and serving Him, so that you can have people think you are “something?” Isn’t it more important to fulfill your destiny in Christ and please Him? When you are in heaven, isn’t that what you’ll think as you look back on your life. Die to self and give all. Luke 9:23,24 says, “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” All was normal. All still is normal. Have you given Jesus “All?” Mike Barres
105 Burden, Vision and Passion In this New Year, what is in your heart? What is your burden? What is your vision? What is your passion? I would describe a burden as something that is deep down inside of you. It is something you think about, worry about and are deeply concerned about. It is something God has put there. God can give you a vision of something. It is something in the future. It is a possibility of something bigger than you are. Passion according to Webster’s New World Dictionary is an extreme, compelling emotion; intense emotional drive or excitement. I would describe it as something you are really excited about doing for God. What has God put in your heart? Has he given you a burden for a certain problem or group of people, or situation. What are you doing about it? If He put it there, shouldn’t you be responding? Paul had a burden for churches. In 2 Corinthians 11:28 it says, _besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches._ When it comes to vision Proverbs 29:18 says, _Where there is no vision, the people perish._ This is a critical part of your destiny in God. The Bible says that Paul followed the vision God gave him. Acts 26:19 says, _Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision._ When it comes to passion, doing God’s will is exciting. Fulfill your destiny in God. Enjoy the excitement of serving Him. John 10:10 says, _The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly._ Eph 2:10 says, _For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Oswald Chambers says, _Not often, but every once in a while, God brings us to a major turning point – a great crossroads in our life. From that point we wither go toward a more and more slow, lazy and useless Christian life, or we become more and more on fire, giving our utmost for His highest – our best for His glory._ New Year’s Resolutions are good. Getting out of debt, losing weight, and spending more time with your family are all good goals. However, as you pray and listen, what burden, what vision and what passion has God put inside of you? Pay attention to that burden. See how you can walk in obedience to that vision. Enjoy the passion of knowing that you are doing what God put you here for_ Mike Barres
Fire, Fire_ What dreaded words to hear. Recently in our town, some apartments caught fire. The people escaped but they lost all they had. Fire can be a terrible thing, but it can also be a good thing. Fire can warm our homes, and cook our food. Fire can be used to shape metal or to cut through steel. Quite often, we really need fire. Do you have the fire of God inside of you? We need to be on fire for Jesus and have His fire burning in us. John the Baptist said in Matthew 3:11, _I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Being “on fire” might seem like a bad thing to some Christians. They may equate being “on fire” with being a fanatic, someone who is a bit strange. I guess John the Baptist was thought of as a fanatic. Maybe we are a little “too” respectable sometimes. 1Corinthians 4:10 says, “We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ_ We are weak, but you are strong_ You are distinguished, but we are dishonored_” Jeremiah said in Jeremiah 20:9, “Then I said, ‘I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.’ But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.” The fire of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word, should burn in our hearts, just as it did in Jeremiah. In our desire to be respectable and in the frequent distractions of this world, it seems that we let that fire diminish and become weak, when it used to burn strong and bright. In the book of Revelation chapter 3 verses 15 and 16 it says, _I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Jesus wants us to be “on fire” for Him. Let’s ask Jesus to rekindle that fire in us and burn brighter and stronger for Him than ever before. Mike Barres
107 There's Heat in Those Rocks I have a friend that works with rocks. He builds retaining walls and erosion protection on lakes. On a recent Sunday I asked him if they would be working the next day because it was going to be real cold and windy. The forecast had the wild chill at 0 degrees. He told me that they would probably be working. He said that there was a lot of heat in those rocks. I was puzzled at first. I thought maybe they were left in the sun or something. Then he explained what he meant. He said that when you start lifting the rocks and working with them you start working up some pretty good body heat. Isn’t life like that. We really do better when we keep moving. Proverbs 20:4 says, _The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing._ In Bill Hybel’s book _The Volunteer Revolution_ a man mentions something that he heard on a radio talk show. He heard that retired men who volunteer one day a week, live two and a half times longer than retired men who don’t volunteer at all. It seems to me that God made us to move. Proverbs 13:4 says, _The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich._ We seem to be healthier physically and emotionally when we stay active. _Idle hands are the devils workshop,_ may not be in the Bible but that saying sure has a lot of truth to it. I think it’s harder for the devil to hit a moving target. I have known Christians who were very inactive, had too much time on their hands and became depressed. The devil seemed to be having a hay day with them. They say that when we are active there is a release of endorphins in our brain. These are chemicals that make us feel good about ourselves. God made us that way. Some people do too much and need to pray about balance in their schedule. Others however would probably do well to become active. After all the Bible says in Luke 10:2, _Then He said to them, ‘The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’_ There is plenty to do for Him. Let’s stay active and never retire in our service to our Lord. Mike Barres
was in 8th grade. We were in our Physical Education class but the teacher wasn’t around at the time. We were playing volleyball. A boy who was older, bigger and meaner than I was, kept trying to start a fight with me. I really didn’t know why he wanted to fight. I was pretty confused. The next day he tried to start a fight again. I stood up to him and said, _I’m not afraid of you, but I’m not going to fight you, so leave me alone._ So he did. He left me alone. That was one of my first big experiences with _intimidation._ Think of how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego felt when King Nebuchadnezzar tried to intimidate them. They would not bow down to his idol. No matter what the King said or did, they would not be intimidated. They said in Daniel 3:17, 18 _If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up._ The prophets of the Old Testament told the truth, whether people liked it or not. The Lord told Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:8, _‘Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,’ says the LORD._ I think the Lord was saying, _Don’t be intimidated by them._ If we aren’t careful, we as Christians, can be intimidated today. On the news sometimes Christians are presented as hateful people, just because they are standing firm in their convictions. When Christians aren’t _politically correct,_ diverse, and tolerant, they are made out to be narrow minded, and mean spirited. Sometimes when we tell people the truth, they get mad at us. If enough negative things are said about us, or to us, we may begin to suffer from _intimidation._ We will then begin to back off. We will hesitate to voice our convictions and even hesitate to say that Jesus is the only way to a personal relationship with God. But after all John 14:6 says, _Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’_ Acts 4:12 says, _Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved._ Don’t be intimidated. Voice your convictions, keep doing what’s right, keep telling the truth in love and keep proclaiming that Jesus is Lord. Mike Barres
I couldn’t believe it. I got a big lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. I was walking on the deck of a cruise ship. The wind was in my face and I could smell the salt in the breeze. We were somewhere between Key West and Cozumel Mexico. I had dreamed about it for a long time, and there I was on a cruise. That moment was wonderful, and humbling at the same time. I was very thankful, but also felt like I didn’t deserve it. Through a series of events and some kind people, this dream came true. The meals were wonderful. The scenery was breathtaking. Several times during those five days I would look at my wife and say, _I can’t believe it, we’re really on a cruise._ I remember the last evening standing with my wife as we watched the sun set. It was surreal. Sometimes God blesses us in special ways like that. He is a loving Heavenly Father who wants to do something special for us from time to time. Matthew 7:11 says, _If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him__ Sometimes the Lord surprises us and does more than we had prayed for. Ephesians 3:20,21 says, _Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen._ Isn’t God’s grace like that. I was told a long time ago that the definition of grace is, _unmerited favor._ We don’t earn it or deserve it. We just receive it. Sometimes when we think that we don’t deserve it, it keeps us from receiving it. I think some people have a hard time accepting God’s grace for salvation because they think they have to do something to earn or deserve it. We never will. We should just be thankful and receive it. The next time you receive a special blessing from the Lord, just receive it with thankfulness from your loving Heavenly Father. If you have never accepted God’s salvation, receive it. Ephesians 2:8,9 says, _For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast._ Also let’s walk in thankfulness for that grace and remember that Ephesians 2:10 says, _For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them._ Mike Barres
Habits Experts say that it takes 21 days to make a habit and 21 days to break one. We really are creatures of habit. When I became a Christian at the age of 19, a teacher at our church told us that we needed to make new habits. We all knew about our old habits, but he suggested that we needed to form some new _Godly_ habits. One of the things he was referring to was a time of daily Bible reading and prayer. Every day I would read my Bible, a chapter at a time, in order and pray. The actions over the next few weeks formed a pattern that is still with me today. Another thing that He stressed was fellowship at Church. He talked about how we needed one another and couldn't do it on our own. That also became a pattern for me. Some people have never created the daily habit of reading their Bibles and praying. It would be a good habit to have. Joshua 1:8 says, _This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success._ Psalm 5:3 says, _My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up._ Speaking of Jesus in Mark 1:35 it says, _Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed._ Fellowship in a local church is so important. Heb 10:24, 25 says, _And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching._ We need this good habit. Some people after missing a few weeks (21 days) have gotten out of the habit of going to church. Some of them say that they just stay home and watch preachers on television. I think that doing so would be like being married and only looking at videos of your wife. The interaction of God's people has always been a part of God's plan. We are the _family of God._ and the _body_ of Christ. With God's help we can break old bad habits. Since we are creatures of habit, let's be new creatures in Christ Jesus with new habits that draw us closer to Him. Mike Barres
I was eating breakfast with my wife. We had gone to a nearby town for the weekend. I noticed three college students eating near us. They had such a lively discussion that most of the other people in the restaurant weren’t even talking, just listening. As I was about to leave I felt prompted to go talk to them. I went over to their table, introduced myself and asked them, _What do intelligent college students like you think of the person of Jesus Christ?_ Their answers were very interesting, but one really got my attention. One student said, _I don’t think we need a book of rules like the Bible._ He described it as being like a straight jacket. I tried to explain to them that God made us and knows what is best for us. They aren’t rules just to restrict us or keep us from having fun. I realized how rules are good for us, when we were building a house. I had heard a lot of stories about how the building inspectors were and how they just liked to make a lot of rules in regard to building codes. On several occasions they made us change something that we had done. Initially it bothered me. After asking some questions however, I realized that the codes were for my safety and to protect my investment as a homeowner. God loves us and is not a cosmic killjoy. The more I live by His Word, the more I see that His ways really are right and best. As His children, He just wants the best for us. Don’t view God’s word as a book of rules that restricts us and keeps us from having fun. See His Word as a guidebook to a wonderful like. _All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (II Timothy 3:16,17) Mike Barres
I was on my way to speak at a college Bible Study. I had left the house later than I had wanted to. I had never driven to this college from my home and wasn’t sure of the drive time, but was sure that I was going to be really late. I was fretting and uptight about how I would handle being late to this Bible study, and how I was going to deal with the college student who was to be waiting for me in the parking lot. As it turns out, the drive time was shorter than I had anticipated and I was only five minutes late. The Bible Study turned out really well, but I couldn’t help but laugh at myself for being so worried about being late, when it all turned out just fine. Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever worried about something, fretted, or maybe even been irritable to those around you, over something that never occurred, or turned out just fine? Some say that 90 percent of what we worry about never happens. Calvin Coolidge said, _If you see ten troubles coming down the road, you can be sure that nine will run into the ditch before they reach you._ Many people spend huge amounts of money on excess insurance policies of all kinds, just because they are worried about what, _might happen._ Jesus said in Matthew 6:30 - 34 _Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble._ Philippians 4:6,7 says, _Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus._ Mike Barres
Not too long ago we had a guest speaker at our church. He asked those in the congregation to raise their hand if they felt that they were in the best church in town. Only a few raised their hands. I am their pastor, so you might think that this bothered me, but it didn’t. I actually had to explain their response to the guest speaker later as we ate out at a local restaurant. I explained to the guest speaker that I had been talking to our church about the fact that we are _not_ to think of our church as the best in town. If we do that, it implies that we think we are somehow superior to the other churches. Proverbs 16:18 says, _Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall._ We might be _different_ but we don’t think of ourselves as being _better._ We hope and pray that we are just one of the many churches that God is using in our area. Too many times Christians compare churches to each other. We aren’t in competition. We shouldn’t try to act superior, but instead support and compliment other area churches. Philippians 2:3 says, _Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself._ Sometimes you hear people comparing churches as they are shopping around trying to find the _best_ one to attend. I don’t think it is about finding the best church at all. We should be praying about where God is calling us to be a part of the Body of Christ in a local church. He may actually call us to a church because of it’s weaknesses. You may have gifts and abilities that they need. The _best_ church may change from week to week. Does that mean that we are to hop from one church to another, as it becomes the _best_ church? I don’t think so. Pray about where God is calling you, and planting you and connecting you in a Church family. If God is using your church, be thankful, but also be careful that you don’t act proud or superior and be sure that you give Him all the glory. 2Peter 3:18 says, _but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. I think the _best_ church is one that sees itself as a part of a larger team of churches that the Lord is using in an area. To God be the glory_ Mike Barres
Recently I heard an interview with Sandy Patti about her new book _Broken on the Back Row._ I think that we have many broken people in our churches. What are we doing to reach out to them? Are our churches a safe place to be honest? If our church is not a safe place to be honest, people will try to hide their sin and problems, and try to solve their problems by themselves. Sometimes it’s like they have fallen in a pit and hide from people walking by, rather than call out for help. Not always, but sometimes, people’s problems are a result of sin. There are two sides to this coin - not two faces - but two sides. We don’t want to be too casual on the issue of sin, but we do want to offer restoration for those who have sinned and have truly repented. When someone sins, we want to be sure and look for true repentance. James 4:8,9 says, _Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep_ Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom._ Repentance is not just being sorry that you got caught, feeling bad or just being miserable in your circumstances. Repentance is turning from your sin. Jesus told the woman who was caught in the act of adultery, _go and sin no more._ We shouldn’t be too casual about sin. Sin hurts us, has consequences, and hurts God. We see that sin hurts those around us as we look at Achan in Joshua 7. Others died because of his sin. God will discipline us too. Hebrews 12:7 says, _If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?_ Sin should be called sin. It’s not just a mistake or an indiscretion. We shouldn’t make excuses like, _God knows I’m weak, He understands._ 1John 1:9 says, _If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness._ When it pertains to other’s sin we often want judgment, but when it pertains to us we want mercy. If someone is truly repentant we can offer mercy, forgiveness and restoration to them. James 2:13 says, _Mercy triumphs over judgment._ I hope our goal is to restore. Galatians 6:1 says, _Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ._ Mike Barres
It happened in the year 2000 in the town of Franklin, North Carolina. April, a young adult who attended our church, was excited. She had invited a friend, Josh, to go with her to a special drama that our church was putting on called _Heaven's Gates, Hell's Flames._ Josh not only came but also received Christ that evening. Excited about his newfound faith, he bought a Christian CD, asked his family to go to church with him on Sunday, and told people at work that he had gotten saved. The following Friday, Josh was traveling down Highway 28, an extremely curvy road that runs alongside the Little Tennessee River. No one knows why, but he rolled his truck into the river. Because it was spring, the river was full and running fast. A search team couldn't find the body at first. I went to the river to see Josh's parents and to pray. They were thankful that their son had made a decision to follow Christ. Someone remarked that the new Christian CD was still playing in his truck when they got to it. Josh's mother wanted us to pray that they would find Josh alive or the body. She said if they found the body that at least she knew he would be in heaven. The body was finally recovered Friday afternoon. The family asked if I would do the funeral at our church since Josh found Christ there. Some said that the attendance of about 1500 people at the family visitation at the funeral home was the largest ever in that town. At the funeral the next day, many spoke about how Josh became a Christian just days before. I gave an invitation and several responded. At the grave side, one of the high school teachers reported that a number of students had told him that they, too, had come to Christ at the drama. Pastors told me that when they mentioned this at their churches Sunday morning, many more responded to the gospel. When I spoke of Josh in my sermon that Sunday, our own altar was full. Josh's brief time as a believer created an ongoing witness, causing others to hear the message of salvation. James 4:14 says, _Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away._ Whether it is the coming of Christ or an unexpected departure from this earth, let’s remember that Matthew 24:44 says, _Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect._ Mike Barres
In these busy days that we live in a little more love would sure help the day go better. Everyone is in a hurry and sometimes it seems like task is more important than people are. It sure does feel good when someone really loves you and cares about you. In the Bible, it talks about love in I John 4:7,8. It says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” We see a great picture of God’s love by the way that he took care of Adam and Eve even after they had sinned. Genesis 3:21 says, “Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.” God sure did demonstrate His love by sending His son to die on the cross for us. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” John 3:16 says, _For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God’s love is unconditional. He just loves us period_ Wouldn’t it be great if we could be that way to each other? The world’s kind of love is usually _I love you if...._ or _I love you because..._ Sometimes the world’s love is not really love at all but actually lust. As we draw closer to God we have a greater capacity to love. It should be one of the most important things to us as Christians, since the Bible says that they will know we are Christians by the love that we have for one another. Let’s remember the two great commands. Mark 12:30, 31 says, “’And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these._ If we find ourselves with an unforgiving, angry or bitter heart, let’s pray to the one who can change our hearts to love. Mike Barres
We are the sugar of the earth. I read one time that Oswald Chambers thought that in reality that is how we view the verse in Matthew 5:13. It says, _You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men._ We often try to be so nice that we don’t tell people the truth for fear that we’ll offend them. Romans 9:33 says, _Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame._ If someone is wounded, salt will initially sting, but later it will heal. There have been times my wife told me the truth, and at first I didn’t like it, but later realized she was right. We can’t be so afraid of offending people that we don’t tell them the truth of God’s Word and truth about salvation in Jesus Christ. Oswald Chambers in his devotional for December 20 in My Utmost for His Highest says, _If sympathy is all that human beings need, then the Cross of Christ is an absurdity and there is absolutely no need for it. What the world needs is not ‘a little bit of love,’ but major surgery._ If I’m nice to people and they even think I’m a loving caring person but I don’t tell them about our need for a Savior, they can still be lost in their sin. If someone was standing on the railroad tracks and didn’t realize that a train was coming, we wouldn’t worry about offending them, we’d push them out of the way. Many people have been offended by those who present the gospel in a way that is abrasive and judgmental. After all it does say in 1Peter 3:15, _But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear._ We should always _Speak the truth in love,_ Ephesians 4:15, but let’s also be sure we are willing to tell the truth, even if it bothers people at first. If we do this we’ll be in good company. In John 15:20 it says, _Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you._ Mike Barres
Some people are plagued with anxiety. Sometimes it seems to me that Christians have an added anxiety. This is really odd because we are told not to be anxious and are offered God’s peace. Philippians 4:6,7 says, _Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus._ The added anxiety I’m thinking of, is when the Christian says to himself, _Why me?_ when they are having problems. I see this the most in regard to illnesses. When a Christian has an illness that is prolonged, sometimes their anxiety seems to build. They say things like; _Why am I still sick?,_ _Do I have sin in my life?,_ _I’d probably be healed if I had more faith,_ _Maybe I’m not praying enough,_ _ Maybe I’m not reading my Bible enough,_ or _Is God punishing me?_ We know that nothing is too hard for God and He is still doing miracles, but we shouldn’t be anxious if we don’t receive one. I like what Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego said in Daniel 3:17,18, _If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up._ I think that they were saying, _Our God is able to deliver us, but even if He doesn’t we will praise and serve Him anyway, no matter what happens._ People who don’t know Christ have problems and illnesses and don’t have God’s peace. No God = No Peace. Know God = Know Peace. As Christians we can have God’s peace. I don’t really know all the reasons why Christians still have problems and sickness and illness, but we have to trust God even if we don’t see answers and relief. We really shouldn’t beat ourselves up with the added anxiety of all the _whys?_ Let’s rest in Him. Let’s trust Him. Let’s love Him and serve Him in spite of our circumstances. Job 13:15 says, _Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him._ Job 1:20 - 22 says, _Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: ‘Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.’ In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong._ Mike Barres
I was limping down the aisle of our church. People could tell I was in pain. I am their pastor, so they were concerned. They asked me, _What’s wrong?_ I told them that I had new leather shoes and they were killing my feet. They all then began to laugh, and as I hobbled back up the aisle to the pulpit, people were snickering and giggling. I’m always glad to provide a little entertainment when I can. When I was a little boy, I remember getting my first pair of new leather shoes. My dad told me that it would take a while to break them in, but once I did, they would fit great. That day in church there were people who said, _Why don’t you just get rid of them?_ I knew the pain was temporary and afterward they would be a fine pair of shoes that I would enjoy. Life is a lot like that. New things can be hard. We must press on until it gets easier. Galatians 6:9 says, _And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart_. We can miss out on wonderful new things if we quit just because there is difficulty at first. I remember when I first started using a computer. I was so frustrated. It made me so angry. There were many times that I almost gave up and decided to never try again. I got some tutoring and pressed on and now the computer makes my work and ministry so much easier that I can’t imagine being without it. Sometimes we step out in to a new job, or a new ministry. It involves things we aren’t used to and people that we aren’t used to working with. If it is difficult at first we may be tempted to quit. In reference to the shoes, I’m not sure if the shoes adjusted to me or I adjusted to the shoes, or both. New jobs and ministries can be like that too. It takes a little while for you to get used to working with new people and for them to get used to working with you. Following God’s will is not always easy. New things can try and test us. My new leather shoes hurt me at first, but now they are comfortable. I hope that we are willing to step out into new things for God, even if they are hard at first. Following God’s will is not always easy, but if we press on, we’ll come to a wonderful new place of joy in serving Him. Mike Barres
When people are critical of us, it sure does hurt. Criticism was very difficult for me in the earlier years of ministry. People would tell me I wasn’t doing things that I should. They would tell me that I could do things better and that certain things were being done wrong. Especially in those early years I was usually defensive and hurt. It lead me to read a book written by Jamie Buckingham entitled, Coping With Criticism. I’ve since learned to listen to what people say, even if they are saying it in an offensive way and try to genuinely care about their concerns. There may be some truth to what they are saying. A good example of handling criticism correctly can be seen in Judges 8:1 -3. Referring to Gideon it says, _ Now the men of Ephraim said to him, ‘Why have you done this to us by not calling us when you went to fight with the Midianites?’ And they reprimanded him sharply. So he said to them, ‘What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? God has delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. And what was I able to do in comparison with you?’ Then their anger toward him subsided when he said that._ Gideon heard their concerns and feelings and addressed them in a humble and peaceable way. King David exhibited great humility when he was fleeing due to the takeover of the Kingship by his son Absalom. 2 Samuel 16:5, 9, 10 says, _Now when King David came to Bahurim, there was a man from the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei the son of Gera, coming from there. He came out, cursing continuously as he came. Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, ‘Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please, let me go over and take off his head_’ But the king said, ‘What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the LORD has said to him, 'Curse David.' Who then shall say, 'Why have you done so?'_ Even though this man was cursing them, David was open to the idea that God may have been using him to discipline them. We may not like criticism, and it may hurt at first, but we can always learn from it. It may help us see things that we aren’t aware of. It may help us improve. And it may develop our Christlike humility. All of these are good things. Mike Barres
I remember the first time I went on the roller coaster called the _Scream Machine_ at Six Flags in Atlanta Georgia. I remember going up that first steep incline. The chain pulling us made a _clickity, clickity click,_ noise as we climbed higher and higher. I was nervous and talking a lot and loudly. I looked at my friend next to me and his eyes were closed. Just then he said, _Would you be quiet, I’m trying to pray?_ Many people love roller coasters because they are so thrilling. The steep climbs up and the super fast plunges down are exhilarating. I have heard of some people who travel all over the country just to ride the newest, most thrilling roller coasters. Too often that’s the way we are with life. We are so _sense_sational that we live for the thrills and excitement of life and are bored quickly. Many people when they get off the ride say, _Let’s go again._ The thrill is over quickly and does not satisfy. Wouldn’t it be better to do things that matter, rather than just looking for more excitement. Isn’t thrill seeking selfish after all. We are told in Matthew 6:33, _But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you._ Ephesians 4:14 says, _that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting._ Do we need recreation? Yes. We need to have some fun. Proverbs 17:22 says, _A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones._ Fun and laughter are great, and recreation restores us and recharges our batteries, but shouldn’t we be primarily living for Jesus, seeking His Kingdom and doing things that matter?
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