Do you have a Barnabas in your life? from "His Kindness Year Round"



Acts 9:26-27 “When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the followers.  But they were all afraid of him, because they did not believe he was a true follower!  Then Barnabas helped him by taking him to the apostles.  He explained how Saul had seen the Lord and how the Lord had spoken to him.  Barnabas also said that when Saul was in Damascus, he had spoken bravely in the name of Jesus.”

I recently heard a pastor teaching Acts 9.  He gave a personal testimony of an occasion in which he was ministering where he knew no one.  Until, God placed a ‘Barnabas’ in his life.  Barnabas stepped up from the others in the church body and community to be a friend; to support this pastor and introduce him to the church and the vicinity; to help the newcomer feel welcome and give him the sense of belonging, without the minister asking for help.  ‘Barnabas’ was a gift from God.

We aren't mind readers, and often people need to speak up and ask for assistance when needed.  But there’s also nothing wrong in asking someone from time to time if there is anything you can do for them.  Or in doing a deed of kindness, just because.  When you know one in need, or when someone desires to experience the treasure of a friendly face and the sense of belonging, please don’t think everyone else will be the ‘Barnabas’.  Step up and take the role. 

I understand we are busy and have our own trials.  But as I've said more times than you've wanted to see, even a smile or greeting is a precious gift to give another.

God shows us kindness year round. Extend your kindness.  Be a ‘Barnabas’.

2 Corinthians 6:1 “As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.”

Philemon 1:6-7 “And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.  Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.”

If you have one true, not superficial, Barnabas in your life, you are deeply blessed. More than one is priceless.

Your sister in Him,

Robin

Body piercing from "His Kindness Year Round"

Body piercing? Yes.

I recently saw a bumper sticker that read "Body piercing saved my life."

Upon seeing it, I was caught off guard . . . . until I saw the picture of the Savior on the cross.

Isaiah 53:5 "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed."

John 19:34 “Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.”

Body piercing saved my life.  I can’t say I display the bumper sticker or wear the t-shirt, but I can say the piercing of Jesus body, His death and resurrection, enabled me to choose to become His child to serve Him.  His body piercings saved me from eternity in the lake of fire.

2 Corinthians 4:14-15 “Because we know that the One who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to Himself.  All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”

Body piercing saved my life.  I'm thankful to the Lord for His great sacrifice for our sins!

Saved because of Him,

Robin

Nearer the Light from "His Kindness Year Round"

Someone asked me what I have been up to. My reply: sweating! Literally. But, that's another story.  However, it did make me think.

Naturally, we enjoy a comfortable life. When we have a healthy aspect of our lives removed, it can cause our flesh to rebel. We don't generally like losing healthy comforts.

So ponder this . . . . . we know in our souls that salvation and a close relationship with the Lord is necessary to be a follower of Jesus and spend eternity with Him. If we begin walking away from that relationship, we are deliberately removing a healthy, vital part of our lives.

Why would we do that? Why would we take something as critical and necessary to us as our relationship with the Father and put it in danger? Why would we walk away from the Light and into sin?

Matthew 4:17 "From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near."

The enemy comes is to kill, steal and destroy, to devour. With the death and resurrection of our Savior, we can’t allow satan the victory. Run to the Light, grow in Him, love and celebrate Him. He is our all.

Ephesians 2:13 "But now you have united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to Him through the blood of Christ."

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord . . . . . . nearer to the Light.

Your sister in the Him,

Robin
 

Are you proud? from "His Kindness Year Round"

I am!

Generally when a believer Biblically thinks of pride, we think of references from God’s Word of pride being sinful.  With the upcoming birthday celebration of our nation, how do you feel about being a part of this great country?  How do you feel about being a Christian?

This nation is not perfect by any means, but it still remains a great land to live.  The body of Christ is not flawless either, but we continue to strive to be obedient and pleasing to the Lord.

I’m delighted and grateful to be an American.  I’m furthermore extremely honored and pleased to be called a follower of Jesus. 

There are positive Biblical references of pride.   Paul writes:

Romans 11:13 “I am talking to you Gentiles.  Insomuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry. “

2 Corinthians 7:4 “I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you.  I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.”

Galatians 6:4 “Each one should test their own actions.  Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.”

I am proud to be an American and celebrate her birthday.  I am proud to be a Christian and celebrate the Father. 

Your sister in Him,

Robin