the Barnabas Blog...

Strange Place

2011-03-07T19:32:00.001-05:00

Depression can be ugly. Believe me, I've been there. You can mask it for awhile but eventually the ugliness breaks through.

But the Man of Sorrows, Jesus, knows every detail, every nuance, every heartache, every gut-wrenching situation and stands ready to help carry us through the darkest hell.

The other night I couldn't sleep. My mind played games. Ruminating can be disastrous. But words and phrases that came to mind were placed in sentences and random thoughts became poetry, albeit frightening stuff.

Here's what I wrote about the strange place I found myself in:

This strange place in which I stand

Is neither hell nor promised land;

But shards of both now pierce my soul,

O God, please make me well and whole!

This strange place in which I sit

Can be a throne or deep, dark pit;

But hidden from the Son's warm ray

O God, please take the pain away!

This strange place in which I lie

With dread cry out "O let me die";

Now where I lie or sit or stand,

O God, please take my trembling hand.

This strange place so fraught with pain

Beset by loss and seldom gain;

Can be the place You've brought me to

Where all I have is me...

And YOU!

Copyright © 2011 - David W. Fisher

God has a way of bringing us out into a better place. During those dark, depressing hours I reread the 18th Psalm where David joyfully states, "He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." - Psalm 18:19 (NIV)

Note: Your comments are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

God Understands

2009-10-29T15:42:00.013-05:00

Several weeks ago the Lord gave me the melody to a song as I drove home to Peterborough from my position with SIM Canada in Scarborough, ON. I couldn't wait to get to my mother's home to play it on the piano to "lock" the tune into my mind.

Yesterday it was my turn to lead the chapel service at SIM Canada and I wanted to teach my colleagues the song. But, alas, there were no lyrics.

On Sunday evening these words came to me. I trust they will be a blessing to you. Come and hear me perform in Carnegie Hall in New York City to hear the melody. Dream along, David!

Here are the words and, as you read them, remember that God really does understand the circumstances and nuances of our complicated lives.

GOD UNDERSTANDS

Have you been struggling? No peace can you find

Life is so barren and dry

Darkness surrounds you and friends seem to fail

Clouds always cover your sky.

Chorus:

Hold to His hand,

He’ll understand

He’ll be your refuge and strength

When all around you brings heartache and pain

God will restore and sustain.

He’ll give you joy once again. (after 3rd verse)

When you’ve decided that life is too hard

Worry and fear brought you down

Lift up your eyes to the Savior, my friend

He always cares for His own.

When clouds have lifted and sunshine breaks through

Darkness and gloom pushed aside

You can point others to this Friend divine

And in His arms safely hide.

© David W. Fisher – October 2009

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Be still and know that I am God.” - Psalm 46:1,10 (NIV)

How Long?

2009-09-09T08:13:00.014-05:00

The 13th Psalm has been especially meaningful to me over the past two months. The Psalmist David cries out to God and asks, "how long?" four (4) times.

Then he petitions God to respond.

Finally his tone takes an abrupt U turn and he praises God for His unfailing love, His salvation and His goodness.

May the final two verses of the Psalm be our testimony today even though our circumstances would cause us to ask "how long?".

"How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death
My enemy will say, "I have overcome him" and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing to the LORD for he has been good to me."

Psalm 13 (NIV)

Strength For Today

2009-04-28T06:36:00.005-05:00

Thomas Chisholm's (pictured) powerful hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness never ceases to move me. What a mighty God we serve! He truly is faithful! He gives strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Isn't that what we need? Praise Him today for His love!

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

The Valley of Vision

2009-04-24T06:46:00.004-05:00

This prayer is taken from The Valley of Vision, an excellent collection of Puritan prayers:

"Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision. Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine; let me find Thy light in my darkness, Thy life in my death, Thy joy in my sorrow, Thy grace in my sin, Thy riches in my poverty, Thy glory in my valley."

Tears

2009-04-05T06:23:00.009-05:00

Oops! I almost did it again. One of my typos almost got widespread distribution but I caught it just in time.

I was referring to the past 35 years of sports ministry but I accidentally typed "tears" instead of years. 35 tears of ministry? Actually there have been many more than 35 over the years.

Ministry and life, in general, are not without their share of heartaches, sorrows, tears. They are part of the equation.

I'm reminded, though, of one of my favorite Bible verses . . . a promise that I have appropriated and I have seen God confirm the truth of His Word.

The Psalmist writes, "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." (Psalm 126:5,6)

As we share God's "good news" with love, compassion and tears, we can expect a glorious harvest in His time. Don't shy away from tears. As the songwriter penned, "Tears are a language, God understands."

P. S. I guess the classic typo from my pen was when I stated that "many livers have been changed through the Epistle, letter-writing ministry."

The Centrality of the Cross - A to Z

2009-04-05T06:10:00.009-05:00

A – His AGONY & ANGUISH provided ATONEMENT

B – His BLOOD, His BRUISING and His BROKENNESS provided BLESSING

and eternal BENEFITS

C – His CRUCIFIXION brought CLEANSING and a CLEAR CONSCIENCE

D – His DEATH gave us DELIVERANCE

E – His EXCRUCIATING death gave us ETERNAL life

F – Through the FOOLISHNESS of the cross we received FORGIVENESS &

FAVOUR with the FATHER.

G – His GRIEF brought us GLORY

Our GUILT was replaced by His GRACE

H – His HANDS gave us HOPE and HEAVEN

I – His INFINITE loss became our INDESCRIBABLE gain

J – Instead of being JUDGED we were JUSTIFIED

K – He was KILLED but I became a child of the KING

L – His LOVE gave us LIFE

M – His MARRING brought us MERCY (Mercy there was great and grace was

free)

N – His NAILS brought us NIGH and made us NEAR to God

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13)

“Near, so very near to God, Nearer I cannot be;

For in the Person of His Son, I am as near as He!”

O – His ORDEAL gave me OVERCOMING power

P – His PAIN provided PROPITIATION, PARDON & PEACE

Q – His QUEST to do His Father’s will led to my QUICKENING (new life)

R – His REJECTION led to REDEMPTION, RECONCILIATION, REST &

RIGHTEOUSNESS

S – His SUFFERING, SHAME & SUBSTITUTIONARY SACRIFICE provided

SALVATION & SECURITY

T – His THORNS lead to TRIUMPH

U – His UNDYING commitment to His Father brought us into UNION with the

Godhead

V – His seeming VANQUISHING defeat turned into VICTORY

W – His WOUNDS led to our WORSHIP. Instead of God’s WRATH we

became WORTHY in and through Him.

X –

Y –

Z –

Midnight

2009-03-31T06:37:00.002-05:00

Last night I was awake for quite some time...my mind racing as it often does. I picked up an old copy of Springs in the Valley, edited by Mrs. Chas. E. Cowman, and found the following thought:

"Go unto Him at midnight!" Let us go when all other doors are barred and even the heavens seem brass, for the gates of prayer are open evermore; and it is only when the sun is gone down and our pillow is but a stone of the wilderness, that we behold the ladder that reaches unto heaven with our Infinite God above it, and the angels of His Providence ascending and descending for our help and deliverance. He is a friend in extremity. He is able for the hardest occasions. He is seated on His throne for the very purpose of giving help in time of need.

No matter if the case is wholly hopeless, and your situation one where you have nothing, and the hour is dark as midnight, "GO UNTO HIM". Go unto Him at midnight. He loves the hour of extremity. It is His chosen time of Almighty interposition.

There's a budding morrow in midnight

So fold your griefs away,

And wait for the bud to open,

A fragrant and fair new day.

Wait for the bud to open,

Cease to worry and to grope;

There's a budding tomorrow in midnight

It's name is The Dawn of Hope.

So today, my friend, remember - He is a friend in extremity! Run to Him and let Him enfold you in His everlasting arms.

"Go unto Him at midnight." - Luke 11:5 (KJV)

No Scar?

2009-03-30T20:58:00.004-05:00

Dr. Stephen Olford writes the following words concerning Amy Carmichael:

Amy Carmichael was an Irish missionary who spent 53 years in South India without a furlough. She founded the Dohnavur Fellowship, a refuge for children in mortal danger. For a great part of her life she was bed-ridden with an incapacitating affliction but she never let up in serving others by her prayers, writings and personal counseling. The Spirit of God, to whom she was totally committed, has wafted the fragrance of her life across the Christian world.

Her life and ministry are best reflected in this challenging poem:

Hast thou no scar?
No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand?
I hear thee sung as mighty in the land;
I hear them hail thy bright, ascendant star.
Hast thou no scar?

Hast thou no wound?
Yet I was wounded by the archers; spent,
Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent
By ravening beasts that compassed Me,
I swooned.
Hast thou no wound?
No wound?

No scar?
Yet, as the Master shall the servant be,
And piercèd are the feet that follow Me.
But thine are whole; can he have followed far
Who hast no wound or scar?

by Amy Carmichael

Sabbatical

2009-03-25T20:41:00.005-05:00

For years I've dreamed of taking a sabbatical from some of my regular routines. It's always been near to impossible. How do you leave a job, forsake a family, drop the important things? Usually you can't.

Over the past several years I've resigned from the boards of several organizations in an effort to simplify my life. It has helped somewhat.

Tonight I decided to take a sabbatical, for at least 40 days, from Facebook.

It's so easy to become addicted to some of these social network systems that are so popular these days. There's a lot of value in these if we discipline ourselves and use them to build and maintain positive relationships and to minister to others but all too often I've found myself leaving silly comments and spending too much time writing things that weren't really that uplifting.

And so...I'm taking some time off.

I'm going to try to concentrate on writing encouraging, thought-provoking posts both here on The Barnabas Blog and over at my other site, Pilgrim Scribblings.

Thanks for your prayers as I seek to refocus...by the enabling of the Spirit of God.

Be encouraged today!

David

Specific Plans

2009-03-16T07:16:00.000-05:00

I've always appreciated Joni Eareckson Tada's godly perspective on life and suffering. Today's devotional thought in her excellent book Pearls of Great Price ministered to me in a special way.

Joni writes:

"God's plan is specific. He doesn't say, 'Into each life a little rain must fall,' and then aim a hose in earth's general direction to see who gets the wettest. He doesn't wind up nature and then sit back to watch its sunny days and devastating hurricanes. God doesn't let Satan prowl about totally unrestricted. Do you feel as though God has taken a hands-off policy to certain hardships in your life? Right now, place them under His sovereign care. Commit to trust Him with His plan for your life."

Good stuff! Agree?

The Big "E" - Encouragement

2008-12-28T21:37:00.002-05:00

A New Day

2008-02-02T10:59:00.001-05:00

This incredible sunrise photo appeared on my friend Stephen Weber's devotional web site Daily Encouragement today. Just seeing the picture caused the following lines to well up in my spirit. I trust they will bless you. Check out Stephen's site here.

SUNRISE

The sun arose this morning
And God is on His throne
No need to fret or worry
The Father loves His own.

So bid farewell to doubting
And welcome trust anew
Rest in the truth of scripture...
The Father cares for YOU!

~ David W. Fisher
January 29th, 2008

That Night

2008-01-27T17:08:00.000-05:00

Mary conceived
Joseph protected
Innkeeper accommodated
Straw cradled
Baby slept
Cattle lowed
Shepherds watched
Angel announced
Shepherds trembled
Angels sang
Shepherds visited
Mary pondered
Salvation birthed
Mankind delivered
Prophecy fulfilled
God smiled.

~ David W. Fisher
December 19/07

No Pat Answers

2007-10-30T17:11:00.000-05:00

This morning Carol and I were briefly discussing how annoying (and angering) pat answers can be when one is in the midst of a difficult and trying situation.

Years ago I remember reading a book entitled NO PAT ANSWERS penned by the well-known novel writer Eugenia Price. It cut me to the bone because I had been guilty of just that...giving out pat answers to all who would listen. I naively thought I knew it all.

Now, many years later when I actually DO know it all...honestly, I'm just kidding!

The older I get the more I realize just how little I DO know. I have discovered that indiscriminately dispensing pat answers for the problems of others is not wise and often can be very damaging. Usually the hurting friend we want to help just needs a loving pat on the back, a listening ear or a loving note of encouragement saying that we care.

But aren't the scriptures God's truth on every matter? Yes they are! But to load someone down with a bucket full of Bible verses without adding a large dose of compassion and empathy could drive them deeper into the depths of despair.

We need discernment when dealing with those who hurt! Watch what you say! A kind deed done in love will mean more than empty words even though the words are truthful.

NO PAT ANSWERS PLEASE!

Barnabas Takes a Blogging Break

2007-05-17T23:03:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, it's been awhile since I posted an encouraging word here on The Barnabas Blog. Things have been very hectic over the last few weeks and my health issues have slowed me down considerably.

For the next few weeks I'll be taking a blogging break from The Barnabas Blog but I will continue to post on a daily basis (usually) over at Pilgrim Scribblings. Please be sure to check that site on a daily basis. There will be lots of encouragement available over there for all my Pilgrim Pals.

Thanks for your visit to The Barnabas Blog. I'll let you know on Pilgrim Scribblings when I'm up and running again.

God bless you abundantly, dear friends!

Visit us at Pilgrim Scribblings: http://www.pilgrimscribblings.blogspot.com

Knowing the Triune God

2007-05-08T11:36:00.000-05:00

Here's more from Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers:

"Acquaint now thyself with Him." - Job 22:21 (KJV)

If we would rightly "acquaint ourselves with God, and be at peace," we must know Him as He has revealed Himself, not only in the unity of His essence and subsistence, but also in the plurality of His persons. God said, "Let us make man in our own image". Let not man be content until he knows something of the "us" from whom his being was derived.

Endeavour to know the Father; bury your head in His bosom in deep repentance, and confess that you are not worthy to be called His son; receive the kiss of His love; let the ring which is the token of His eternal faithfulness be on your finger; sit at His table and let your heart make merry in His grace.

Then press forward and seek to know much of the Son of God who is the brightness of His Father's glory, and yet in unspeakable condescension of grace became man for our sakes; know Him in the singular complexity of His nature: eternal God, and yet suffering, finite man; follow Him as He walks the waters with the tread of deity, and as He sits upon the well in the weariness of humanity. Be not satisfied unless you know much of Jesus Christ as your Friend, your Brother, your Husband, your all.

Forget not the Holy Spirit; endeavour to obtain a clear view of His nature and character, His attributes, and His works. Behold that Spirit of the Lord, who first of all moved upon chaos, and brought forth order; who now visits the chaos of your soul, and creates the order of holiness. Behold Him as the Lord and giver of spiritual life, the Illuminator, the Instructor, the Comforter, and the Sanctifier. Behold Him as, like holy unction, He descends upon the head of Jesus, and then afterwards rests upon you who are as the skirts of His garments. Such an intelligent, scriptural, and experimental belief in the Trinity in Unity is yours if you truly know God; and such knowledge brings peace indeed.

- C.H. Spurgeon

Bonhoeffer's Prayer

2007-05-02T21:55:00.000-05:00

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote this incredible prayer for his fellow inmates while incarcerated in a Nazi prison awaiting his death.

MORNING PRAYER

O God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray
And to concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone.
In me there is darkness,
But with you there is light;
I am lonely, but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with you there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,
But you know the way for me…
Restore me to liberty,
And enable me to live now
That I may answer before you and before me.
Lord, whatever this day may bring,
Your name be praised.

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Sharing David's Shelter

2007-05-01T09:30:00.000-05:00

Chuck Swindoll's thought for today in my desk calendar reads as follows:

"Can't find a refuge? Why not share David's shelter? The One he called My Strength, Mighty Rock, Fortress, Stronghold, and High Tower.

"The God of my rock: in Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Savior." - 2 Samuel 22:3 (KJV)

Today I'm choosing to share David's shelter! Why not come along as well, dear friend!

I've Been There

2007-04-30T21:45:00.000-05:00

How often have you heard someone say, "I know what you're going through, I've been there", when you know that they have never experienced what you're facing. Empty, shallow words! When someone who has actually plumbed the depths of despair comes alongside you, you "know" that they understand what you're going through. There's a unique bonding of spirits. This has happened to me often and as recently as a couple of weeks ago, I sat down with a friend and realized that he knew exactly what I was battling.

Elizabeth Skoglund (see link at the left) has penned an extremely helpful book, "Bright Days, Dark Nights" in which she tackles subjects like depression, loneliness, anxiety and change. She quotes extensively from the writings of the great preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon who was no stranger to extended periods of dark depression. The following quote was illuminating and reassured me that when we go through the dark valleys, we are fitted and equipped to take the hands of others and lead them through when they face similar situations.

Spurgeon writes:

“I often feel very grateful to God that I have undergone fearful depressions of spirits. I know the borders of despair, and the horrible brink of that gulf of darkness into which my feet have almost gone; but hundreds of times I have been able to give a helpful grip to brethren and sisters who have come into that same condition, which grip I could never have given if I had not known their deep despondency. So I believe that the darkest and most dreadful experience of a child of God will help him to be a fisher of men if he will but follow Christ. Keep close to the Lord and He will make every step a blessing to you.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

Whatever the mountain that looms before you or the valley that you're struggling through, understand that a loving Father is walking every step with you and will use this "dark" time to enable you to help others. You are NOT alone. Take His hand and trust His heart.

God's Way is Perfect

2007-04-25T04:53:00.000-05:00

This morning I read Amy Carmichael's poem THY WAY IS PERFECT in her book of collected poems entitled MOUNTAIN BREEZES.

She writes:

"Long is the way, and very steep the slope;
Strengthen me once again, O God of Hope.

Far, very far, the summit doth appear;
But Thou art near, my God, but Thou are near.

And Thou wilt give me with my daily food,
Powers of endurance, courage, fortitude.

Thy way is perfect; only let that way
Be clear before my feet from day to day.

Thou art my Portion, saith my soul to Thee,
Oh, what a Portion is my God to me!"

"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him." - 2 Samuel 22:31 (KJV)

Will Explain Later

2007-04-22T19:17:00.000-05:00

Vance Havner (pictured) from North Carolina was a great preacher and an excellent writer. He has been quoted often by other writers due to his pithy, pertinent, provocative pronouncements. Recently I was reading The Red Sea Rules (again) by Robert J. Morgan and came across one of Havner's better-known quotes.

Havner said, "God marks across some of our days, 'Will explain later'."

So true! The explanations often aren't forthcoming and we can wait for years without getting the reasons or the answers. C. S. Lewis once said that the most-heard word when we finally get "home" will be "OH!". The explanations (if we even need them) will resolve all our misgivings, doubts and misunderstandings. Personally I believe that the reasons won't have to be articulated by our omniscient God. My sense is that we will instantly understand when we stand before the King of Glory. We won't need to know anything or anyone but Him. We will spend the "ages to come" enjoying the riches of His grace with all our questions left behind.

But, back to Vance Havner . . . I got to preaching there didn't I!

He writes, following the homecall of his beloved wife, "When before the throne we stand in Him complete, all the riddles that puzzle us here will fall into place and we shall know in fulfillment what we now believe in faith - that all things work together for good in His eternal purpose. No longer will we cry "My God, why?" Instead, "alas" will become "Alleluia". All question marks will be straightened into exclamation points, sorrow will change to singing and pain will be lost in praise."

Wow! Vance Havner certainly gives us something to think about and look forward to!

So, dear friends, are we willing to wait for God to explain later? Looking back we'll see that "His appointed way" was truly the best plan.

Eternal God, give us Your strength to stand against the enemies of doubt, defeat and discouragement. Through You we will find grace to help in time of need. Thank You, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN!

Confidence in God

2007-04-20T06:58:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I listened to two sermons by a dead man! It seemed strange but I recently bought a book about A. W. Tozer which included a CD with two of his messages on it. I never had the privilege of hearing the modern-day prophet (in the truest sense) but have certainly read much of his work. I was surprised to discover that he wasn't as skilled an orator as I expected but he certainly left no stone unturned when "speaking the truth in love".

The following is the devotional thought which I received by e-mail today. Yes, we can have...

Confidence in Him

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)

"You can have this confidence in God, and you can have this respect for His will. Do not expect God to perform miracles for you so you can write books about them. Do not ever be caught asking God to send you toys like that to play around with.

But if you are in trouble and concerned about your situation and willing to be honest with God, you can have confidence in Him. You can go to Him in the merit of His Son, claiming His promises, and He will not let you down. God will help you, and you will find the way of deliverance. God will move heaven and earth for you if you will trust Him."

Trust Him today, dear friends! He is trustworthy and you can have...confidence in Him.

AFTER

2007-04-18T09:48:00.000-05:00

This morning I picked up a copy of Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret from my library shelf. Leafing through the pages I came across two lines by Frances Ridley Havergal (pictured), the renowned poet and hymnwriter.

Here are those two lines:

"Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain,
Sight after mystery, peace after pain."

Hoping there was more to this poem/hymn than just the two lines, I entered "sight after mystery" and did a GOOGLE search. Sure enough, I found a three stanza hymn with words by Havergal and the tune by Ira Sankey.

Here's "the rest of the song":

Light after darkness, gain after loss,
Strength after weakness, crown after cross;
Sweet after bitter, hope after fears,
Home after wandering, praise after tears.

Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain,
Sight after mystery, peace after pain;
Joy after sorrow, calm after blast,
Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last.

Near after distant, gleam after gloom,
Love after loneliness, life after tomb;
After long agony, rapture of bliss,
Right was the pathway, leading to this.

Dear friend, perhaps you haven't reached the "AFTER" yet. You may be in the midst of a savage storm, a lonesome loss, a desolate depression, a tearful trial. Take heart! The "AFTER" is coming. A sovereign God will not leave you abandoned in this seemingly hopeless place. There will be an "AFTER" and when it comes, you (and I) will be able to say with the hymnwriter, "Right was the pathway, leading to this."

I'm praying for you, my readers, today! Thanks for your partnership in prayer as well.

"And AFTER you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." - 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)

Changing Places

2007-04-16T10:12:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, I posted the following account on my Pilgrim Scribblings site but thought it might be encouraging to you to read because of God's intimate dealings with me over the weekend. In the midst of the terror and uncertainty there was a precious sense of His loving presence. I pray that you, too, will experience all that our Father has to offer you today. In the midst of our storms He speaks "PEACE".

Be encouraged today, dear ones!

Here's the CHANGING PLACES post:

This past weekend was one of those bittersweet occasions when the joy and excitement of doing something meaningful for God, family and friends was tempered by the edginess of financial insecurity and the persistent fear of possible ruin.

Throughout the weekend I had an incredible sense that the Father was with me as I walked the tightrope between where I am and where I want to be, occasionally glancing downwards at the frightening rocks and billows below.

During the long, dark night on Saturday, God was dealing with my heart and graciously reminding me that I’m never out of His care or His sight. What a precious sense of His presence and His providential care! Normally terror would have been my dreaded companion but during the night watches I could trace God’s hand as He dealt with my pain.

A reflective piece of prose or poetry kept coming to my mind as I threw myself into the Father’s arms.

Today (Monday) I hesitate to post this for fear that you, my readers, friends and fellow pilgrims, might think that I have finally “arrived”. That I have actually “got it”. That I’ve turned the corner. I wish I could say that I have but I know that there are many more mountains to cross, valleys to stumble through and deep, churning waters to navigate.

Here, then, is what I penned over the weekend. Verses two and three came to me this morning. Please note that the place I’m in hasn’t changed. It’s only my perspective that has…my understanding of a sovereign God’s dealings with His perplexed servant. As we understand Him aright, He can turn the valley of Baca into a refreshing stream. May it be so for each of us as we trust His heart.

CHANGING PLACES

Teetering on the precipice
O God…don’t let me slip…
Just above the murky mire
Begging You to take me higher
...Free me from this hellish place
...Where darkness hides Your radiant face.

Father as I contemplate
Reviewing where I am…
This is not what I’d have planned
But I’m held by Your strong hand
...Keep me in this scary place
...Where all I have is sovereign grace.

Learning here to trust Your heart
With nothing left but You…
The vain things that charmed me most
Gradually have all been lost
...Lord I love this sacred place
...Where we commune now…face to face.

- David Fisher

1st verse – April 14th, 2007
2nd & 3rd verses – April 15th, 2007

Note: This post should be read in conjuction with the revelations made in my recent post entitled FAITHFUL FRIENDS in mind.

Comforting Words

2007-04-12T11:56:00.000-05:00

What comfort can be found in the Word of God! Isaiah's prophetic words still speak loud and clear today...especially TODAY. May you be encouraged today knowing that He really cares.

"But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life." - Isaiah 43:1-4 (NIV)

This Says It All

2007-04-08T07:46:00.000-05:00

Desperation

2007-04-03T09:42:00.000-05:00

When we desperately cry out to God with that simple, one-word prayer, HELP!, He lovingly responds and graciously bestows:

H - HOPE
E - ENCOURAGEMENT
L - LOVE
P - PEACE

In the same way can we not offer those gifts when that same cry, HELP!, falls across our ears.

Father, make us instruments of hope, encouragement, love and peace as we journey up mountains, through valleys, across deserts and down uncertain pathways. Make us agents of all that You are and give as our lives intersect with Your creatures who don't know their Creator...yet. AMEN!

"May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him..." Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Uppers and Downers

2007-03-28T13:04:00.000-05:00

My friend Stephen Weber sends out a Daily Encouragement devotional through his web site @ www.dailyencouragement.net He is such a blessing to many including me. We met several years ago and I sensed his heart for God and his commitment to encourage others.

Here are a few lines from today's devotional entitled Refreshing Others:

"Several years ago I heard a speaker use an interesting illustration of how we impact other people. He spoke of being around those who always take you "up" on the elevator. It's as if being around them is like getting on an Up Elevator. They're energy givers, encouragers, refreshers, who have a powerful way of uplifting. As I consider my long string of friends through life I am blessed to have so many who invite me to go up with them.

Then there are those who have only one button on their elevator; the basement! They're energy drainers who discourage and have a way of sucking the very breath right out of you. And yes, I have also met my share of these as well. (But thankfully not nearly as many.) Getting on the Down Elevator with them is never an "uplifting" experience.

Let me encourage each daily encouragement reader to consider the blessing of having a refreshing spirit. As the Proverb states, "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." I hope you are blessed by those having this quality today. I also encourage you to conscientiously demonstrate this quality from your heart.

Of so many I can proclaim, "Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints." Today you will interact with others in various settings. May God bless you with those who will encourage and refresh you. May they strengthen you and take you up on the elevator! And may you seek to be that provision today for the weary, discouraged soul whom you meet in the course of this day who is in need of uplift. Today you have a choice; will you be an upper or a downer?"

Check out Stephen's web site @ http://www.dailyencouragement.net

Dear friends, let's refresh those we interact with today! Don't be a downer! May those we relate to sense the presence of the Lord in our lives. May we be like a refreshing stream.

"He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25). "Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints" - Philemon 1:7 (NIV)

Overheard in a Coffee Shop

2007-03-28T09:34:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I overheard the following exchange in a local coffee shop. It reminded me so much of my "discussions" with the Father.

An elderly man said, "Father why am I going through this terrible circumstance at this point in my life...after all these years. Please help me deal with it."

The Father answered, "My child, my grace is sufficient for you!"

The man responded, "But that's not enough!"

God lovingly and patiently replied (with his voice raised somewhat from his initial response), "My son, what part of SUFFICIENT don't you understand?"

His redeemed child had no answer but turned away, weeping...knowing that what the Father had spoken was true and trustworthy.

I've been in that man's shoes! So have you! We all have!

His grace WILL carry us through the trial, the tribulation, the turmoil, the terrible storm.

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:9,10 (ESV)

HE GIVETH MORE GRACE

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy;
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure.
His pow'r has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

- Annie Johnson Flint

Hudson Taylor's Trust

2007-03-20T13:45:00.000-05:00

The following note regarding J. Hudson Taylor brought such encouragement to me. I trust it will do the same for you, dear friends.

Taylor returned to England with ill health and was brought to the very doors of death by the terrible news of the Boxer Rebellion in May 1890. The disruption of the work and the murder of hundreds of missionaries along with native Christians caused him to say, "I cannot read, I cannot pray, I can scarcely think...but I can trust."

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee." - Psalms 56:3 (KJV)

Thorns

2007-03-18T18:51:00.000-05:00

While reading the book, Suffering and the Sovereignty of God, edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor (Crossway Books) I came across the following poem by Martha Snell Nicholson. I had read some of her work in the past but this one entitled The Thorn was new to me.

I share it with the prayer that each of us would look beyond the obvious and apparent and trust that God is allowing everything (the thorns and trials) to shape us into the image of His dear Son.

THE THORN

I stood a mendicant* of God before His royal throne
And begged Him for a priceless gift, which I could call my own.
I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would depart
I cried, “But Lord, this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart.
This is a strange, a hurtful gift that Thou hast given me.
He said, “My child, I give good gifts and give my best to thee.”
I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore;
As long years passed I learned at last to love it more and more.
I learned He never gives a thorn without this added Grace.
He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face.

- Martha Snell Nicholson

* a mendicant is a beggar. The term is also used of those
who set aside all earthly comforts to follow God iimplicitly.

What might God be using your present thorn for?

Trust Him, dear friends! His purposes are always good!

Refuge In His Wings

2007-03-17T08:36:00.000-05:00

Greetings, friends!

Today's challenging thought from Chuck Swindoll on my desk calendar reads:

"Peace is the ability to stay calm in spite of the panic of unpleasant circumstances."

"Have mercy on me, O God, for in You my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed." - Psalmn 57:1 (NIV)

So, I guess it's peace or panic and the choice is ultimately mine (and yours). Will we avail ourselves of all He has to freely offer or will we struggle along, paralyzed by the present storm? Let's abide in the shadow of His wings...not only 'til the disaster has passed but moment by moment.

Have a wonderful weekend, dear friends!

NEEDED...Spiritual Discernment

2007-03-16T08:06:00.000-05:00

Friends, it's been awhile since I posted a quote from A. W. Tozer, preacher and writer from a past generation who had such a fruitful ministry in the Christian & Missionary Alliance denomination.

Sometimes I feel that I may be using Tozer's insight and reputation to get my own point across but I'll risk that and post these thoughts:

Tozer writes:

Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours? --1 Kings 3:9

"That so-called Bible religion in our times is suffering rapid decline is so evident as to need no proof, but just what has brought about this decline is not so easy to discover. I can only say that I have observed one significant lack among evangelical Christians which might turn out to be the real cause of most of our spiritual troubles. Of course, if that were true, then the supplying of that lack would be our most critical need.The great deficiency to which I refer is the lack of spiritual discernment, especially among our leaders.

How there can be so much Bible knowledge and so little insight, so little moral penetration, is one of the enigmas of the religious world today....If not the greatest need, then surely one of the greatest is for the appearance of Christian leaders with prophetic vision. We desperately need seers who can see through the mist. Unless they come soon, it will be too late for this generation. And if they do come, we will no doubt crucify a few of them in the name of our worldly orthodoxy. But the cross is always the harbinger of the resurrection."

taken from We Travel an Appointed Way, pages 111-112.

Hudson Taylor...the Exchanged Life

2007-03-15T15:27:00.000-05:00

As many of my readers know, J. Hudson Taylor, the missionary who opened up inland China to the gospel, is one of my heroes. Last week while in England, Roger Steer who authored excellent biographies on both George Muller and Hudson Taylor, gave me a copy of his book on Taylor. What a treasure!

The following excerpt concerning Taylor's struggle to find a fruitful life was taken from an In Touch web site.

http://www.intouch.org/myintouch/mighty/portraits/hudson_taylor_213660.html

The author of this brief article relates the following incident:

After Taylor's return to China in 1865, he feverishly worked and preached, attempting to meet the many needs of the spiritually and physically impoverished residents. However, his struggles were also spiritual. Taylor desperately desired to grow in holiness. But he also knew the frustration of aborted attempts of living the abundant life. He prayed. He fasted often. By the summer of 1869, his spiritual condition had reached the critical state.

"Every day, almost every hour, the consciousness of sin oppressed me. I knew that if only I could abide in Christ all would be well, but I could not. I began the day with prayer, determined not to take my mind off of Him for a moment; but pressure of duties, sometimes very trying, constant interruptions apt to be so wearing, often caused me to forget Him . . . Each day brought its register of sin and failure, of lack of power. To will was indeed present with me, but how to perform I found not." But as Taylor sought the Lord, an answer came in the form of a letter from a friend, John McCarthy.

McCarthy wrote: "I seem to have got to the edge only, but of a sea which is boundless; to have sipped only but of that which fully satisfies. Christ literally all seems to me now the power, the only power for service; the only ground for unchanging joy . . . "How then to have our faith increased? . . . Not a striving to have faith, or to increase our faith, but a looking off to the Faithful One seems all we need; a resting in the Loved One entirely, for time and for eternity."

As Taylor laid McCarthy's letter down, his spiritual eyes were opened and his heart was warmed by the reality of his oneness and identity with Christ. In a letter to his sister some days later, Taylor jubilantly declared his discovery of the "exchanged life."

"As I read [McCarthy's letter] I saw it all! 'If we believe not, he abideth faithful.' I looked to Jesus and saw (and when I saw, oh, how joy flowed!) that He had said, 'I will never leave you.' 'Ah, there is rest!' I thought. 'I have striven in vain to rest in Him. I'll strive no more. For has He not promised to abide with me—never to leave me, never to fail me? And, dearie, He never will! . . . .

"The sweetest part . . . is the rest which full identification with Christ brings. I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize this: for He, I know, is able to carry out His will, and His will is mine. It makes no matter where He places me, or how. That is rather for Him to consider than for me; for in the easiest positions He must give me His grace, and in the most difficult His grace is sufficient . . .

"So, if God places me in great perplexity, must He not give me much guidance; in positions of great difficulty, much grace; in circumstances of great pressure and trial, much strength? No fear that His resources will be unequal to the emergency! And His resources are mine, for He is mine, and is with me and dwells in me. All this springs from the believer's oneness with Christ."

Dear friends, be encouraged! As we make this journey together may we each discover what it really means to abide in Christ.

Barnabas Is Back

2007-03-10T10:48:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, thanks for your patience while Barnabas was away on his British pilgrimage. It was so difficult to post regularly while I was away. Finding internet cafes and places where I could get computer connections wasn't always easy.

I trust that you are encouraged today! Abide in the shadow of the Almighty and you will find strength for every trial.

Have a good and godly weekend!

He Is MY Shepherd!

2007-03-10T05:43:00.001-05:00

This picture and slogan is presently being used by the mens' fragrance, Old Spice, in an advertising campaign. I found this particular ad on the back page of the current issue of Sports Illustrated magazine. "THIS MAN LOVES SHEEP." I have no idea what the corelation is between shepherds and after shave lotion but that doesn't matter in this instance. I received a strong and moving message in another direction.

It could have just as aptly been used in the evangelical Christian journal, LEADERSHIP, to depict a local church pastor who tenderly and lovingly cares for his mottled and troubled flock.

It also could fittingly portray the "Good Shepherd of the sheep", the One who leads us by green pastures and still waters. The One who restores our soul.

While traveling in rural England recently I was struck by the pastoral scenes throughout the countryside. The predominant farm animals seen grazing the lush pastures were sheep. The beloved Good Shepherd often came to mind.

He, like the experienced sheep herder in the picture, tenderly lifts His sheep who are called by His name, when they are endangered and lovingly places them back in the fold or strongly holds them to His breast until danger has passed. He knows His sheep by name and calls them to His side. We, too, hear His voice and we follow Him. And He gives unto us, eternal life, and we shall never perish. Neither shall any man, mechanism, demon or devil wrestle us from His strong hold. This Man loves His sheep!

Do you love the Shepherd?

"The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.] And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand. My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all [else]; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father’s hand." - John 10:27-30 (Amplified Bible)

Greetings From Barnabas

2007-03-06T15:50:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, it's Tuesday evening and my pilgrimage is quickly coming to a close. I've sensed
the presence of God in a wonderful way during these days. Today during a bout of homesickness or lonesomeness (is that a word?) I reminded myself of the truth that the Lord is with me here just as much as he is when I'm home. When we abide in the shadow of the Almighty we have nothing to fear. He is ever present and communes with us if we but listen to His voice.

Please check out Pilgrim Scribblings and pray for my eye condition. I'm not going to obey the biblical injunction to "pluck it out" but I will get it checked out when I arive home.

Thanks for your prayers, dear friends! Be encouraged today!

Blessed Beyond Measure

2007-03-05T16:36:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, thanks for your love and prayers as I make my journey across England. I have been encouraged day by day as I've sensed God's presence in a wonderful way. He is faithful and worthy to be praised. Enjoy His love today!

From Bristol, England,

David

Note: Be sure to check out my latest posts on Pilgrim Scribblings!

Be Encouraged

2007-03-01T18:00:00.000-05:00

Beloved friends, be encouraged today! I was as I took in the sights in London. There was an unusual and blessed sense of God's presence with me as I made my way around this huge city. God is good and He is an ever present help. Trust Him today, dear friends!

The tombstones at David Livingstone's grave in Westminster Abbey included this phrase, "For 30 years his life was spent in an unwearied effort to evangelize the native races..."

Let's do our part to let the world know of the Father's love.

87 Cents

2007-02-28T16:41:00.000-05:00

Last night while waiting at the Toronto airport, I read a quote by J. Hudson Taylor that thrilled me. I'm not quoting this exactly but the essence of what he said is this, "I only have 87 cents but I have all the promises of God." Yes, friends, God does provide and has always kept His promises. Be encouraged today!

Quoting Newton

2007-02-25T20:26:00.000-05:00

In the next few days, Lord willing, I'll be visiting Olney, England where the former slave trader and composer of the beloved hymn Amazing Grace, John Newton, pastored. His good friend William Cowper (pronounced "Cooper") also lived in Olney. Between them they wrote many wonderful hymns including Cowper's "There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood". I'll write more after visiting the Cowper/Newton Museum.

William Carey, the Father of Modern Day World Missions also pastored in Olney before sailing for India to open up that dark land to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Here's a quote from John Newton that encouraged me. I pray that it will do the same for you, dear friends:

"If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer—His grace sufficient, His promises unchangeable."
—Attributed to John Newton (1725-1807)

Mountain Breezes

2007-02-24T17:09:00.000-05:00

Greetings, dear friends! We just returned from the Christian bookstore in Ottawa, Shiloh Storehouse, where I picked up a copy of Amy Carmichael's "Mountain Breezes", a volume of her collected poems.

Her work entitled Thy Way Is Perfect caught my attention. The accompanying scripture passages is
2 Samuel 22:31.

Amy writes:

Long is the way and very steep the slope;
Strengthen me once again, O God of Hope.

Far, very far, the summit doth appear;
But Thou art near, my God, but Thou art near.

And Thou wilt give me with my daily food,
Powers of endurance, courage, fortitude.

Thy way is perfect, only let that way
Be clear before my feet from day to day.

Thou art my Portion, saith my soul to Thee,
Oh, what a Portion is my God to me!

Trust, Wait, Watch

2007-02-23T12:37:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, please accept my apologies for not posting much in the last few days. I've been busily preparing for my pilgrimage to England next week. My long-awaited dream will become reality next Tuesday, Lord willing, when I board the plane in Toronto, bound for London, England. My flight leaves just before midnight on the 27th. Thanks for your prayers!

The following devotional on David Jeremiah's Turning Point site was worth sharing:

"He who did not spare his own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" - Romans 8:32

Recommended Reading - Genesis 4:1-14

"Perhaps you have been an answer to prayer in someone’s life without even planning to. You drive down a street and encounter a friend whose car has broken down by the side of the road. Or you feel led to send a special financial gift to a missionary friend only to hear later that it paid for an emergency medical bill. It only takes a couple of those events to make you realize how active God is behind the scenes in meeting peoples’ needs.

Every child of God lives with the assurance that He who met our greatest need through the gift of Christ will also surely meet every subsequent need we have. In no one’s life is God’s constancy in meeting needs more apparent than in Joseph’s. For instance, Joseph needed to get out of prison. When Pharaoh needed someone to interpret his dreams, the only person on earth who knew Joseph could interpret dreams told Pharaoh about him. So Pharaoh ordered Joseph released—and he never returned. Joseph trusted God, waited patiently, and then watched as God miraculously met his need.

Imitate Joseph, for he had the order right: trust God, wait patiently, and watch expectantly. And don’t forget to give God time."

"Hurry is the death of prayer." - Samuel Chadwick

A Matter of Perspective

2007-02-19T07:46:00.000-05:00

"A thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure." - 2 Corinthians 12:7

Recommended Reading 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Dr. J. Oswald Sanders says that Paul first viewed his "thorn" as a limiting handicap; but later, seeing it in true perspective, he regarded it as a heavenly advantage. Our pains and problems are tools reminding us to appropriate God’s all-sufficient grace.

What about that nagging irritation that you are dealing with today? Look at it through God's eyes and see the opportunity for spiritual growth and advancement in your "thorn".

Have a wonderful, Christ-honoring week, dear friends!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

2007-02-18T10:23:00.000-05:00

My friend Chuck Gianotti who pastors a church in Rochester, NY sends along the following E-med(itation) today:

In the Book of the Revelation, the message to the seven churches is the same, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" Ben Patterson in "Deepening Your Conversation With God", illustrates how we tend to hear what we are attuned to:

Two men were pushing their way through the crowds in New York City's Times Square. They had to shout to each other to be heard above the din. One man was a native of New York, the other was a Native American from Oklahoma. The Native American stopped suddenly and said to his friend, "Listen! Can you hear the cricket?"

His friend thought it was a joke. "Are you kidding?" he laughed. "How could anyone hear a cricket in this bedlam? You just think you heard it." "No, I'm not kidding," he said. "Come over here." He walked over to a planter that was holding a large shrub and pointed at the dead leaves in the bottom. To his amazement, the New Yorker saw a cricket."You must have extraordinary ears," the New Yorker exclaimed. "No better than yours," said the Native American. "It all depends on what you're listening for. Watch this."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of nickels, dimes, and quarters. Then he dropped them on the sidewalk. People from as far as two blocks away stopped and turned to see where that sound had come from. "See what I mean?" he said. "It all depends on what you're listening for."

Chuck continues:

What are you attuned to? A desire for things of the world, will always cause you to turn your head at the latest titillation or late breaking news. But, a desire for the holy will cause us to be ever bending our ear in search and discover of God's voice in the events and interactions of our day; whether still and small in midst of storm or crying out in the barren wilderness. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice." (John 10:27).

Listen, today, right now. Can you hear his voice? Keep your ears attuned as you walk through this day, so that when you lay your head down tonight, you can say, "Yes, I heard God's voice today when..."

NOTE:

E-Med(itations) is a weekly devotional/commentary on life and current events from a biblical perspective. If you would like to subscribe/nsubscribe send an e-mail to:
E-Med@SendMeMore.net with "Subscribe" or "Unsubscribe" in the subject line

Honesty & Transparency

2007-02-15T06:12:00.000-05:00

Greetings, my friends! This morning I went digging in the Pilgrim Scribblings archive mine and came up with a post that evoked more response than most of my other writing. As I read it I realized that I am still "there". I still haven't learned to trust Him more implicitly. I'm still edgy as I "wait for the salvation of the Lord".

During these uncertain days I'm cast upon the Lord like never before. May I learn to trust Him more, the One who is completely trustworthy, the One who changes not and always keeps His word.

Here is that post. May the God of all grace use it to challenge you today!

I wrote:

Time and time again I go back to a book, Bright Days, Dark Nights, penned by a favorite writer of mine, Elizabeth Skoglund (see my links). She writes on subjects such as confidence, depression, anxiety, change and transition using the writings of the Prince of Preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, to illustrate her point.

The following quote by Spurgeon mirrors a statement that I used to make quite honestly and quite often. But now, I must confess, I don't know that I'm able to truthfully say it any more. The ravages of uncertainly, the stresses of being "down to the wire", the scariness of "not knowing" have played havoc with "all I once held dear".

Admitting this is difficult! What I once declared may have sounded very "noble", very "spiritual", very "right" but the years have taken their toll.

Let me give you Spurgeon's quote before I continue... "If I might have any choice between having abundant wealth, or being brought to absolute dependence upon daily supplies, if, in the latter case, I could have greater power to exhibit and to exert faith in Christ, I must confess that I should prefer the mode of living which would give me most room to enjoy the luxury of depending upon my God. I believe it is more happy and more divine a life to live from hand to mouth, dependant upon the provinces of God, and having the confidence to trust Him, than it is to have all the abundance of this world, but to have nothing about which faith may exercise itself." - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

There it is! As I said, I used to echo these thoughts although not so eloquently. Do I want to trust God implicitly? Of course! Do I believe that He can provide all I need? Absolutely! Do I want abundant wealth in a worldly way? Definitely not!

So, as I find myself in uncertain waters, I am crying out to God to be the Great Provider. He has been that in the past for me and He will never change.

Living on the edge has made me edgy and that can be a good thing.

For example...

Positively speaking:

1. I could be on the edge of another God-thing...another miracle that has no explanation other than that God did it!
2. I could be on the edge of a breakthrough where I experience deeper intimacy with God than ever before.
3. I could be on the edge of a new career path...a new vocation where God continues to be at the center.

Or, in a negative sense:

1. I could be on the edge of financial ruin.
2. I could be on the edge of unexpected grief or pain.
3. I could be on the edge of something that could shatter hope.

So, as I begin a new day with my hand held firmly by a Sovereign God I will say, "Surely God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid." - Isaiah 12:2

Yes, the unknown is scary! Yes, I want to truthfully say what Spurgeon said! But, for now, I will say this, "Moment by moment I'm kept in His love."

I'll choose to look at the positive "edges" and "expect great things from God."

Thanks for your prayers during my bumpy pilgrimage!

Transparently,

David

February 15th, 2007 note: I trust that you will be encouraged after reading this post in which I bared my heart and soul. Step out by faith and trust Him wholly. Because... "those who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true" as the hymnwwriter has so ably written.

Trust Him today!

Think On These Things

2007-02-14T07:24:00.000-05:00

Good morning, friends! Happy Valentine's Day.

Here's David Jeremiah's Turning Point Devotional for today:

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:9

Recommended Reading Isaiah 55:6-11

"There’s only one source for negative thinking, unhealthy emotions, anxious thoughts, impure minds, and fretful spirits—low thinking. We naturally see things from our own perspective. God looks at things differently, and His Word is the codification of His insight. As we trust His promises and see life through the lens of Scripture, we become high thinkers.

When the King James Version was released in 1611, the translators attached an "Address to the Reader," which said, in condensed form:

"Scripture is a paradise of trees of life, which brings forth fruits every month, and the leaves for medicine. It is a shower of heavenly bread and a cellar full of oil vessels whereby all our necessities may be provided. It is a pantry of wholesome food against moldy traditions, a pharmacist’s shop against poisoned heresies; a code of profitable laws against rebellious spirit; a treasure of costly jewels against beggarly rudiments, a foundation of most pure water springing up into everlasting life."

When your thoughts are negative, unhealthy, anxious, impure, or fretful, turn to God’s thoughts and let His Word dwell in you richly."

"Look up and not down; look forward and not back; look out and not in; and lend a hand." - Edward E. Hale

And a final note from Barnabas...God loves you so much that He not only gave you a Valentine Card, He gave you a whole book, His Love Story to you, the Bible. Revel in His love today. Tell others of His saving grace. Let your light shine. May you have a heart after God's own heart.

Be encouraged today, dear friends!

Quenching the Spirit

2007-02-13T06:08:00.000-05:00

Greetings, dear friends!

Tozer's devotional this morning poses a real challenge to those of us who shy away from the ministry of the Holy Spirit because of the excesses of some "wild-eyed fanatics". Let's search the scriptures for what is "sound doctrine" and avail ourselves of all that God wants us to have...in Christ.

Tozer writes:

"Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. " -1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

"This is a crude illustration, but let me tell you what we did after planting a field of corn when I was a young fellow in Pennsylvania. To save the field of corn from the crows, we would shoot an old crow and hang him by his heels in the middle of the field. This was supposed to scare off all of the crows for miles around. The crows would hold a conference and say, "Look, there is a field of corn but don't go near it. I saw a dead crow over there!"

That's the kind of conference that Satan calls, and that is exactly what he has done. He has taken some fanatical, weird, wild-eyed Christians who do things that they shouldn't, and he has stationed them in the middle of God's cornfield, and warns, "Now, don't you go near that doctrine about the Holy Spirit because if you do, you will act just like these wild-eyed fanatics."

Taken from The Counselor, pg. 63.

"Keep us, Lord, from shying away from such valuable truth and experience as the ministry of the Holy Spirit because of the excesses of a few fanatics. We lose too much, and we can't afford the loss. Amen."

Something to think about, friends!

Thanks For Praying

2007-02-12T20:35:00.001-05:00

I just came downstairs to my computer to check my e-mails and found several "get-well" notes plus a number of comments on my Pilgrim Scribblings and "the Barnabas Blog" sites. First of all, my heartfelt thanks to my dear blogging buddy and sister in the Lord, Terry from Canadian Blogger. What a special friend! She got on my case about my blogging disappearance over the last few days so I told her that I've been "sick as a dog". If I showed you my passport picture you'd think I was a dog.

Anyhow, it's Monday night and I'm going back to bed in a few minutes to get more sleep. My CPAP machine that Terry mentioned hasn't been helping much so I'm going to try sleeping without it tonight. Early tomorrow morning I will make the decision whether or not to drive to Buffalo to catch my flight to Ft. Myers, FL where I will visit my dear friend David Shantz. David, who plays hockey for the Florida Everblades, has been the subject of many of my posts on Pilgrim Scribblings. I'm trusting that I'll be feeling much better in the morning. Please join me in praying that this will be the case. It's a quick 3-day trip. I'll be back, Lord willing, on Thursday evening.

The flu and colds have been running through our household and I had hoped that I would be immune after taking so many vitamins. NOT! Matthew and Carol are still battling it!

So, I'll be posting again as soon as possible. If I travel to Florida I'll have my two trusted friends with me, Mr. Sony and Mr. Toshiba, so I can post pictures on my sites.

God is good and He has blessed me already today through your prayerful concern. THANKS!

P. S. I'm certainly praying that I'll be feeling 100% on the 27th when I fly to England. It certainly is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.

Also - please pray for me this Friday as I travel to our nation's capital, Ottawa, to speak in an Ottawa Senators' chapel. Of course my nephew Mike Fisher and some teammates will be there.

The Barnabas Building

2007-02-07T16:34:00.000-05:00

Here's a photo (I took today) of The Old Colonial Weaving Building where my office is located. Yes, I DID take it today.

Actually there's a large picture of the building hanging in the main lobby. I took my SONY in there and took a photo of the photo.

Mine is the corner office between the post and the door. I'm not sure when that original picture was taken. What a privilege to share the corner of the building with colleagues who are Christians! Our landlord loves the Lord and we often pray together in my office.

That corner office is where much of "the Barnabas Blog" originates (in a geographical sense at least). As God ministers to my spirit through His Word, I pass those little tidbits of truth and blessing on to the world in cyberspace.

May you be encouraged today knowing that we are praying for you here in Peterborough. The prayer of the apostle Paul in Colossians 1:9,10 (ESV) is echoed here. "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Much love in Christ, my dear friends! Rest in Him!

- David

Security Net

2007-02-07T16:04:00.000-05:00

How is your day going, dear friend? Remember, this is the day that the Lord has made and He will walk with you each minute and every mile!

Today's thought from my Chuck Swindoll desk calendar speaks of God's security net which spans the globe.

He writes, "God's great net of security spans the globe. No matter when His children live, He has stretched out His everlasting arms beneath them."

The accompanying scripture is one that I've used many times before on my blogs. "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." - Deuteronomy 33:27 (KJV)

I'll add that we as believers have another security net to undergird us. We have each other! What a privilege to pray for others in the "Fisher connection" throughout the world. Rodney in Australia is just as close as Julie in Peterborough. We are all one in Christ Jesus and we can "bear one another's burdens and thus fulfil the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 (KJV)

I'm grateful today for each of my brothers and sisters in the Lord who are scattered around the globe. We have a gracious Father who looks down from above and everlasting arms which lift us up from below.

We are in a safe place, in Christ! Hallelujah!

Reminders

2007-02-06T11:35:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, sometimes we need to be reminded that our situation is not beyond God's control. He knows us intimately and is NOT "untouched by the feelings of our infirmities". He DOES care.

This morning I needed to be reminded of the truth of God's Word. I took the small plaque off my bookshelf and photographed it again so I could capture afresh the Psalmist's words when he wrote:

"The Lord will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; He will counsel you and watch over youl." - Psalm 32:8

What encouraging words to this weary pilgrim! What reassurance!

May you sense His loving watchcare today as you fall back into His everlasting arms.

Choices

2007-02-05T19:09:00.000-05:00

The following devotional thought appeared on David Jeremiah's Turning Point Ministries web site today! Good stuff!

"In his inimitable way, Yogi Berra said: "When you come to a fork in the road, take it!" The renowned poet Robert Frost was a bit more thoughtful: "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." God says it most plainly of all: "See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil . . . therefore choose life" (Deuteronomy 30:15, 19).

Nowhere in Scripture, or in all the world’s literature, are the results of life’s choices contrasted more plainly than in the lives of Jacob and his son, Joseph. Jacob was a trickster who always had an angle. He lived most of his life for himself and raised twelve sons who followed suit—except for Joseph, who chose a different, more godly path. Somehow Joseph decided to trust God regardless of his circumstances that, from age 17 to 30, were challenging to say the least. Every day presents choices—forks in the road of life—and we must decide: the way of Jacob or the way of Joseph.

Whatever your circumstances, choose to trust God in the midst of them. "

"Every day the choice between good and evil is presented to us in simple ways." - William Sangster

Dear friend, be encouraged today knowing that our wise and loving God stands at every crossroads with us, giving divine guidance and direction concerning the choices me must make. May we experience Him in all His fullness today!

Powerful Words

2007-02-05T07:09:00.000-05:00

Dear friends it's been too long since I posted here on the Barnabas Blog. I've been away on a class trip with our son Matthew. No internet access there.

Be encouraged today as you revel in God's bountiful grace!

Powerful words from the past:

"Our Lord Jesus is ever giving and does not for a solitary moment withdraw His hand as long as there is a vessel of grace not yet full to the brim....He is a sun ever shining; He is manna always falling...a rock in the desert, ever sending out streams of life from His smitten side; the rain of His mercy is always dropping; and the well-spring of His love is constantly overflowing....Who has ever risen from His table unsatisfied, or from His presence unfulfilled?...Every grain of sand which drops from the glass of time is but the tardy follower of a myriad of mercies.....

How shall my soul extol Him who daily crowns me with lovingkindness? O that my praise could be as ceaseless as His bounty! Miserable tongue, how can you be silent? "Bless the Lord, O my soul!"

- Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Biscuits

2007-01-30T21:56:00.000-05:00

Greetings, friends! What a hectic day it's been! Before leaving for work I want to share today's Turning Point devotional from David Jeremiah with you.

He writes:

"When the great preacher, Harry Ironside, complimented the cook at a conference center on her biscuits, she gave him a valuable lesson: "The flour itself doesn't taste good, neither does the baking powder, nor the shortening, nor the other ingredients. However, when I mix them all together and put them in the oven, they come out just right."

The same can be said for many of the circumstances in which we find ourselves in life. Limitations, pain, shortages, injustice, failure—none of those "ingredients" are palatable by themselves. But in every case, when the circumstances of life are mixed together by God's providence, something good results. When the apostle Paul found himself imprisoned for preaching the Gospel, it had to be distasteful! Yet the result was that his brethren were emboldened to preach the Gospel even more. It is the believer's responsibility not to focus on the "ingredients" but on the entire "recipe" to see what God is preparing.

If your circumstances are not palatable at the moment, step back and see if you can't find a reason to rejoice in the end result."

So, how are your biscuits today? Reminds me of my friend, the former Toronto Blue Jay, Mike Timlin, who refered to the OUR DAILY BREAD booklet as "OUR DAILY BISCUIT".

"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6 (NIV) or...

"Being confident of this, that the baker will not ask you to eat the shortening alone or the baking powder by itself, but will ask you to wait patiently for the finished product, a warm, tasty, biscuit...with gravy if you wish. Yummy!"

Alone With Jesus

2007-01-28T17:29:00.001-05:00

This afternoon I dug into the Pilgrim Scribblings archives and pulled out this poem. Walking alone with Jesus can change your perspective, your day and your lifetime. Try it!

No one in the forest
But my Lord and me;
Walking in the coolness
'Neath the shady trees.

Hand in hand with Jesus
As we walk along;
Troubled when I started
Now I have a song.

Lonely, tired, discouraged
Are you that today?
Take a walk with Jesus
On the narrow way.

Let His arms enfold you
As you journey home;
He will guide you safely
Never more to roam.

He's the Gentle Shepherd
You, the wand'ring lamb;
Walking home with Jesus
He's the great "I AM"!

- David Fisher, October 20/05

Underneath

2007-01-26T23:15:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, no preamble is needed for this excellent piece of poetry by the beloved A. B. Simpson, founder of the Christian & Missionary Alliance.

Are you sunk in depths of sorrow

Where no arm can reach so low;

There is One whose arms almighty

Reach beyond thy deepest woe.

God the Eternal is thy refuge,

Let Him still thy wild alarms;

Underneath thy deepest sorrow

Are the everlasting arms.

Other arms grow faint and weary,

These can never faint nor fail;

Others reach our mounts of blessing,

These our lowest, loneliest vale.

Oh, that all might know His friendship!

Oh, that all might see His charms!

Oh, that all might have beneath them

Jesus' everlasting arms.

Underneath us - oh, how easy!

We have not to mount on high,

But to sink into His fullness

And in trustful weakness lie;

And we find our humbling failures

Save us from the strength that harms;

We may fail, but underneath us

Are the everlasting arms.

Arms of Jesus, fold me closer

To Thy strong and loving breast,

Till my spirit on Thy bosom

Finds it's everlasting rest;

And when time's last sands are sinking,

Shield my heart from all alarms,

Softly whispering, "Underneath thee

Are the everlasting arms."

by A. B. Simpson

Deut. 33:27 (KJV) "The eternal God is thy refuge,and underneath are the everlasting arms."

For a printable version of this poem, please click on this link:

http://www.blessedquietness.com/journal/homemake/everlastingarms.htm

Marah and Elim

2007-01-26T09:09:00.000-05:00

Today's devotional in OUR DAILY BREAD the writer, Marvin Williams, speaks of the desert experience the Israelites struggling through for so many years. He relates both the Marah bitterness and the Elim refreshment. Like the wandering children of Israel we too have both the highs and the lows, the bitterness and the "times of refreshing".

Williams closes his thoughts by saying, "If you are being led into a wilderness of disappointment and bitterness right now, trust God, for He knows exactly where you are and what you need. As you obey His commands, He will lead you out of the desert and into a place of spiritual abundance, healing and refreshment."

So, my friends, regardless of where you are at today in your life's journey, Immanuel is with you and will bring you out of bitterness into blessedness or, if you are entering a dark period, the Light will shine on your path.

Have a great weekend!

Fears and Doubts

2007-01-25T10:17:00.002-05:00

Greetings, friends. Thanks for your visit. I trust that you will be refreshed as you take a moment here. May this be an oasis in the midst of a hectic day...or evening.

Elisabeth Elliot in her book, Secure in the Everlasting Arms quotes Thomas Carlyle who commented, "Doubt of any sort cannot be removed except by action." Elliot adds, "There is wonderful therapy in taking oneself by the scruff of the neck, getting up, and doing something. While you are doing, time passes quickly. Time itself will in some measure heal, and "light arises in the darkness" - slowly, it seems but certainly."

She continues, "I myself have been hauled out of the Slough of Despond by following the advice of the simple Saxon in an old English parsonage: 'Doe the nexte thynge'."

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from heaven,
Time, opportunity, guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King -
Trust them with Jesus. Do the next thing!

Whatever is happening today, know that as a believer, a follower of "the Way", you are secure in the everlasting arms."

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." - Deuteronomy 33:27 (NIV)

Lessons Learned in a Crisis of Life

2007-01-23T20:04:00.000-05:00

Greetings, friends! A man I really respect is Dr. Al Mohler, a strong defender of the faith. He recently had a medical setback as is just now getting back his strength. He writes about what he learned during this very difficult peiiod in his life on his blog. Please check it out. See the link below. I'd reproduce his post in its entirety but I don't want to break any copyright laws. PLEASE CHECK OUT THE LINK. It will encourage you!

Note: Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminar, the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention and one of the largest seminaries in the world. He is a theologian and ordained minister, as well as an author, speaker and host of his own radio program The Albert Mohler Program.

Check out this link:

http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2007-01-22

I trust that you have a rewarding week!

Desert Reflections

2007-01-22T08:37:00.000-05:00

Greetings, dear friends, as you begin a new week. I trust you had a great weekend! Here's a post from the Pilgrim Scribblings archives that, hopefully, will be an encouragement to you.

Sitting By the Lake

What a beautiful Lord's day! A clear blue sky, a warm breeze and a place to sit by the lake at Elim Lodge, a place of refreshment! As I sat by Pigeon Lake watching Matthew and Nathan swim and play on the beach, I was reading Nancie Carmichael's excellent book, Praying for Rain. This is my second reading as I went through it a year or two ago. As I read her chapter on depression there were a couple of quotes I couldn't wait to share so I called in this "audio post" using my cell phone. I added the text you're reading now later after I arrived home.

As we encounter our desert experiences on life's pilgrimage we are not alone! The One who Himself was tempted in the desert (yet sinned not), walks with us through our droughts and desperations. We can choose to make these desert places a meeting place where we encounter the living Christ and then, as we emerge from our trials, we can "comfort others with the comfort wherewith we ourselves have been comforted".

"Blessed are those whose strength is in You, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion." - Psalm 84:5-7 (NIV)

Morning Stillness

2007-01-21T10:33:00.000-05:00

Good morning, dear friends! I finished work this morning (Sunday) at 7:00 a.m. and took my time coming home. It was such a still, quiet morning. A misty fog covered much of the city of Peterborough as I drove home.

The sun hadn't risen yet but I could tell that it would be spectacular sunrise. I had my trusty SONY with me so I captured some of the morning beauty. Check out some of the pictures on PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS.

The stillness gave me a quietness in my spirit as I slowly took the long way home. Normally it's about a 20-25 minute drive but I took the back roads. After the sun had risen I could see its reflection on the snow and on other buildings.

The verse that came to mind was Hebrews 1:3. I love the King James Version rendering of this passage. The writer penned these words, "Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Hebrews 1:3)

I remember some of the "saints of old" who would stand up in our "breaking of bread" service and reflect on the first few verses of the Hebrew epistle. A word they often used which I have never forgotten is "effulgence". This morning I checked again on its meaning. Effulgence means "radiant splendor" or "shining forth".

Jesus was the "express image" of the Father. He was God, manifest in the flesh or "shining forth" in the flesh. He was and is the "radiant splendor" of all that God the Father is. He was and is "very God" and "very man". God incarnate!

This morning I was capitivated by the sun in all its glory. More important, I reveled in God's Son, who created and upholds all things by the Word of His power. Rejoice in Him today, this Lord's day. Rejoice that He is now enthroned at God's right hand, a Prince and a Savior.

Be encouraged today! The Son has risen and lives for evermore. He inhabits the praises of His people. Give Him praise today!

Forget Your IQ...What's Your KCP?

2007-01-19T08:06:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I heard someone with the Windsor Police Services speak about my friend, Chuck Congram's work as police chaplain. They spoke of his "presence on the perimeter"...being there but not getting in the way. Three (3) key words were mentioned as being essential for a chaplain...he/she must have a knowledgeable, compassionate presence. So true!

We can have all the knowledge in the world yet lack compassion or the reverse...being very compassionate but have no idea what to do. Have you ever had a doctor or a nurse who was very informed but had a terrible bedside manner? Of course you have. It's not nice! At times just being there is the best gift for the one we're ministering to.

Jesus is the Perfect Example. He was and is omniscient, all knowing, knowledgeable. Without question He was a compassionate Savior! And He was ever-present or omnipresent.

What is your KCP quotient? Let's work on all three so we can be effective agents of encouragement and hope to those who desperately need us. Let's point them to the One who "looked with compassion on them as sheep having no shepherd".

"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble." Psalm46:1 (NLT)

Try to just "be there" for someone today!

Healing Silence

2007-01-18T07:46:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, don't negate the importance of silence and solitude as disciplines in your pilgrimage to Christian maturity. They are absolutely essential! Here's another challenge from a modern day prophet (in the true sense) who, being dead, yet speaketh.

"And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray." - Mark 6:46 (KJV)

A. W. Tozer writes:

"Very few of us know the secret of bathing our souls in silence. It was a secret our Lord Jesus Christ knew very well. There were times when He had to send the multitudes away so He could retire alone into the silence of the mountainside. There He would turn the God-ward side of His soul toward heaven and for a long time expose Himself to the face of His Father in heaven.

My eyes and ears and spirit are aware of the immaturities in the so-called evangelicalism of our time. The more noise we make, the happier we seem to be. All of the signs of immaturity are among us. We are seeing a general abhorrence of being alone, of being silent before the Lord. We shrink from allowing our souls to be bathed in the healing silences."

taken from Men Who Met God, 103-104.

Encouraging Athletes For 32 Years

2007-01-17T23:19:00.000-05:00

Please keep EPISTLE SPORTS MINISTRIES in your prayers.

We are into our 32nd season of ministry to professional and amateur athletes and we are trusting God to do great things this year.

We depend on the prayers and financial support of the Lord's people.

Last night we had 21 of the Peterborough Petes in attendance at our bi-weekly MONDAY WE HAVE FISH Bible studies.

Thanks again, dear friends!

"We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ." - Colossians 3:28 (NIV)

My Friend Writes...

2007-01-17T13:55:00.000-05:00

My friend Pauline Stringer penned the following masterpiece of prose and passed it along to me. I previously posted the poem, Sweet Hush of God, that Pauline refers to. I'm adding it to this post for those who didn't read it before. Great work, my friend!

Enfolded in Love

Taking a stroll down memory lane can often lead a person into the nooks and crannies of their most favourite places. For me, that journey back in time is graced with the pleasure of settling down into an old, cozy wing chair nestled into the farthest corner of my family room. I am transported back over a decade to a much younger, (and thinner, I might add) me. No longer is my hair speckled with gray; nor does my face harbour any wrinkles. I am a young mom. The old chair is an oasis, a resting place from the unending activity of raising five small children close in age. It is a place where that which is simple delights the soul. To slowly sip a cup of coffee in the early morning light, to read a treasured portion of Scripture, as if seeing it for the first time or to daydream of exotic places yet unseen are the gifts the chair offers me.

The most prized moments come, however, when one of my little ones sneaks downstairs to crawl onto my lap just to be alone with me as the sun rises. In my usual custom, I wrap them up under my housecoat, cocooning them in my love. There they lie, relishing the warmth of my arms around them, sometimes drifting back to sleep to the rhythm of my heartbeat. Such precious remembrances are those cuddling times shared between mother and child, where hugs and kisses flow. Pure bliss!

At eveningtide, that priceless, old chair would once again be my refuge after the whirlwind of another day. Tucked away in my corner, I would sit longing to talk to God, yet far too weary to formulate the words I knew He was longing to hear. It was at this point, when the house echoed of quietude, my babies fast asleep, that God would visit me right there in my chair. Only now, it was I who would climb upon His lap where He would tenderly enfold me in His robes of righteousness, drawing me close to Himself. Often, feeling the need, I would make another deliberate attempt to articulate something, anything in the form of prayer. Then I would hear God’s gentle “Shhh.” Closing my eyes, I knew no words were necessary, only His embrace. The sweet hush of God! In this intimate bond, I knew I was His child. Once more, the old chair offered to me its simplistic joy. I loved God and He loved me.

The following poem was penned many years ago to capture the essence of these precious moments. As you might have guessed, it was written in the blessed solitude of my favourite
chair.

Sweet Hush of God

In the stillness
Where I find You
There I know You
And I love You;
In the stillness
Of Your presence
Where I find
My hiding place.

Sweet hush of God,
Sweet hush of God,
Breathe on me now
Sweet hush of God.

In the stillness
I will listen
To Your heartbeat
I surrender.
In the stillness
I will trust You
As You enfold me
In Your love.

ALL Means ALL

2007-01-16T12:30:00.000-05:00

Amy Carmichael in her excellent devotional book Edges of His Ways writes today about a sermon she heard the beloved Andrew Bonar (pictured) preach. Bonar was on in years and his voice was weak. He was challening his audience from Paul's 2nd letter to the Corinthian church. Carmichael was seated near the back of the auditorium in Scotland and couldn't make out most of what Bonar was saying. He put every bit of strength he could muster into the 8th verse of 2 Corinthians chapter 9. The words "all" and "always" rang out loud and clear.

"God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." - 2 Corinthians 9:8 (KJV)

Amy Carmichael goes on to say that this message helped her time and time again over the years she spent in India. She says she has forgotten thousands of great sermons but not that one.

She closes her devotional thought for today by writing, "All means all, not some, always means always, not sometimes. Lord, today, help us to live upon this 'all'."

And...I close this post by adding a hearty AMEN to what Amy has written. Two people who I'm anxious to meet in heaven are Amy Carmichael and Andrew Bonar.

WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE!

Maid In Heaven

2007-01-16T08:36:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, have you checked out the STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY link on this site? It's worth the visit. I hope you'll go back often and get strength for your journey through the inciteful thoughts of Joseph Stowell. In today's devotional he shares one of his favorite stories. I'm not going to go any further. Drop over for a visit. Be thrilled by this account of God's intervention! Enjoy!

To make it even easier, here's the link!

God's best to you today!

NOTE: If you are checking out the STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY site on any day but January 16th, 2007, go to the archives and enter the January 16th date. You'll be directed to this wonderful story.

HIMSELF

2007-01-16T07:54:00.000-05:00

Greetings, dear friends! First of all, thank you so much for your many encouraging comments which are so uplifting. Your kind thoughts are such an encouragement to this fellow pilgrim! What a blessing!

Perhaps I've not articulated this fact in simple words so let me do it here and now:

My posts on "the Barnabas Blog" are birthed in my own life experience. I pray that you can sense that. Usually I seek to encourage others out of my own hurts, my disappointments, my frustrations. My prayer is that "the Barnabas Blog" will NOT be a symposium of pat answers, pet peeves, "pit" experiences, pot shots and put downs but a true source of encouragement, born out in everyday living and grounded in the eternally relevant and wonderfully inerrant word of God.

Which reminds me of a scripture passage that comes back to me time and time again. Many years ago I was ministering to a ballplayer from a visiting team in Montreal and the Lord directed me to this powerful verse. The apostle Peter penned these glorious words, "And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever, AMEN." - 1 Peter 5:10,11 (NIV)

Who restores and make us strong? God HIMSELF. Yes, He can and does use His people to come alongside suffering saints but He HIMSELF is the One who does the inner work of restoration and healing.

Rejoice in this truth today! If you are battling through a difficult circumstance, allow the God of all grace to extend that grace to you today in all its fullness. Know someone who is struggling? You can be an agent of reconciliation today. You can be God's hand extended to a hurting fellow pilgrim. God HIMSELF invites you to participate but He will effect the change. Hallelujah!

Have You "Been There"?

2007-01-14T13:42:00.000-05:00

How often have you heard someone say, "I know what you're going through, I've been there", when you know that they have never experienced what you're facing. Empty, shallow words! When someone who has actually plumbed the depths of despair comes alongside you, you "know" that they understand what you're going through. There's a unique bonding of spirits. This has happened to me often and as recently as a couple of weeks ago, I sat down with a friend and realized that he knew exactly what I was battling.

Elizabeth Skoglund (see link) has penned an extremely helpful book, "Bright Days, Dark Nights" in which she tackles subjects like depression, loneliness, anxiety and change. She quotes extensively from the writings of the great preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon who was no stranger to extended periods of dark depression. The following quote was illuminating and reassured me that when we go through the dark valleys, we are fitted and equipped to take the hands of others and lead them through when they face similar situations.

Spurgeon writes:

“I often feel very grateful to God that I have undergone fearful depressions of spirits. I know the borders of despair, and the horrible brink of that gulf of darkness into which my feet have almost gone; but hundreds of times I have been able to give a helpful grip to brethren and sisters who have come into that same condition, which grip I could never have given if I had not known their deep despondency. So I believe that the darkest and most dreadful experience of a child of God will help him to be a fisher of men if he will but follow Christ. Keep close to the Lord and He will make every step a blessing to you.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

Whatever the mountain that looms before you or the valley that you're struggling through, understand that a loving Father is walking every step with you and will use this "dark" time to enable you to help others. You are NOT alone. Take His hand and trust His heart.

Perplexed?

2007-01-11T13:47:00.002-05:00

Last night I took an old classic by V. Raymond Edman, the Disciplines of Life, up to our bedroom to peruse. I'm glad I did! At the close of each chapter is a verse of a hymn or a poem that really drives the point of the chapter home.

One of these poems was penned by John Oxenham and entitled "God's Handwriting". Oxenham writes:

"He writes in characters too grand
For our short sight to understand;
We catch but broken strokes, and try
To fathom all the mystery
Of withered hopes, of death, of life,
The endless war, the useless strife -
But there, with larger clearer sight,
We shall see this - His way was right."

Having trouble understanding why God is allowing certain trials and heartaches to be so much a part of your life? You're not the only one! We can take solace in this certain fact...

"As for God, His way is perfect." - Psalm 18:30

Believe it, friend, for His Word is faithful and true!

Tozer Thoughts

2007-01-09T06:55:00.000-05:00

Meditate Long and Often by A. W. Tozer

"I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands, I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land." - Psalm 143:5-6 (KJV)

"Among Christians of all ages and of varying shades of doctrinal emphasis there has been fairly full agreement on one thing: They all believed that it was important that the Christian with serious spiritual aspirations should learn to meditate long and often on God.

Let a Christian insist upon rising above the poor average of current religious experience and he will soon come up against the need to know God Himself as the ultimate goal of all Christian doctrine.

Let him seek to explore the sacred wonders of the Triune Godhead and he will discover that sustained and intelligently directed meditation on the Person of God is imperative.

To know God well he must think on Him unceasingly. Nothing that man has discovered about himself or God has revealed any short cut to pure spirituality.

It is still free, but tremendously costly."

taken from That Incredible Christian (A. W. Tozer)

Be encouraged today, beloved friend, there is no limit to the heights we can climb and the depths we can explore as we seek to discover more about the One who redeemed us and called us by His name. And it's not just knowing "about" the triune God...it's knowing HIM -personally, deeply and richly. Begin the adventure today!

My dear Grandma Fisher tought me this poem close to 50 years ago:

"Follow on to know the Lord
Follow where He leads;
'Til the joy of knowing Him,
Ever joy exceeds."

Thought Provoking

2007-01-08T20:59:00.000-05:00

Today I read the following quote on John Piper's Desiring God web site. See the link on the sidebar. Something to think about!

"The climax of God's happiness is the delight He takes in the echoes of His excellence in the praises of His people." - John Piper

God's Providential Care

2007-01-07T20:37:00.000-05:00

Rebecca at Rebecca Writes (see link at the side), always posts a majestic and meaningful old hymn on Sundays. Today's choice is one of my favorites. As I went over the lyrics I realized that there's a word in there that is unknown to me. I could hazard a guess as to its meaning but I really don't know what "thralldom" means. What do you think? I'll post my suggested meaning and then look it up later. Now that can be dangerous! I think "thralldom" means the act of being enthralled with things that, looked at from an eternal perspective, are quite meaningless. Now I'll go and check it out. I'll keep you guessing though. Do you have a dictionary nearby?

Here's that wonderful hymn:

GUIDE ME O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield;
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield.

Lord, I trust Thy mighty power,
Wondrous are Thy works of old;
Thou deliver’st Thine from thralldom,
Who for naught themselves had sold:
Thou didst conquer, Thou didst conquer,
Sin, and Satan and the grave,
Sin, and Satan and the grave.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of deaths, and hell’s destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee.

Musing on my habitation,
Musing on my heav’nly home,
Fills my soul with holy longings:
Come, my Jesus, quickly come;
Vanity is all I see;
Lord, I long to be with Thee!
Lord, I long to be with Thee!

- William Williams, known as the Isaac Watts* of Wales. This hymn was first written in Welsh

"For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end." - Psalm 48:14 (NIV)

My Father's Arms

2007-01-06T23:30:00.000-05:00

Here's a post from the Pilgrim Scribblings archive that I thought might encourage you.

Recently I saw this picture in one of my mother's photo albums and asked her if I could borrow it to post here. This was taken back in 1946 when I was 15 months old. Didn't my father look handsome and manly? He was! Dad has gone "home" to be with our heavenly Father so I don't have him to stand behind me anymore but "my heavenly Father watches over me".

Reminds me of the words of a chorus I wrote way back in the 70's.

"Before me, behind me, Thy hand shall be upon me,

Thy right hand shall lead me and guide me always.

How precious Thy thoughts Lord to me, Thy new creation;

Now search me and know me and lead me to God."

Fall back into Father's arms and rest in Him. He'll stand behind you and strengthen you as you journey on.

"The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms." - Deuteronomy 33:27

Comforting Words

2007-01-06T23:04:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, I've returned from my travels and I've missed writing these daily notes of encouragement. I'm blessed as I post these thoughts and I trust that you are as well. I'll try to make up for the days I've missed. Have a great weekend and I trust that you will be enriched in your spirit as you worship the King on Sunday!

He's Leading the Way
(Comforting words by Moses)

"Do not be terrified, do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as He did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place. In spite of this, you did not trust in the Lord your God, who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go." - Deuteronomy 1:29-31

He still leads the way today! Why do we fear? He is the Lord our God and He bids us follow Him.
Be encouraged today, dear friends!

Winning Words

2007-01-01T08:31:00.000-05:00

On the heels of my previous post I've been reminded of the words that should be part of every Christian believer's vocabulary. The list is certainly not definitive in any way. Just a few words to came to mind as I thought about the Incarnation. Could you define these glorious words and the accompanying truths if asked?

A partial list:

Redemption
Justification
Salvation
Humiliation
Incarnation
Propitiation
Substitutionary Atonement
Vicarious Suffering

"Redeemed how I love to proclaim it,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb."

"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" - Ephesians 1:7 (KJV)

Be encouraged today! God has done mighty things to accomplish our salvation without one iota of help from us. It's all of Him! It's all by grace! Hallelujah, what a Savior!

The Incarnation

2007-01-01T08:13:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year, dear friends!

On the evening of our Christmas banquet with the Peterborough Petes one of the players admitted that he didn't know what one of the words in a poem I read really meant. The word was "Incarnate"! With the enabling of the Spirit of God I gave an explanation that my friend seemed satisfied with. St. Augustine penned the following words that give us deep meaning to the "wonder of the incarnation":

The Wonder of the Incarnation

He so loved us that, for our sake,
He was made man in time,
although through Him all times were made.
He was made man, who made man.
He was created of a mother whom He created.
He was carried by hands that He formed.
He cried in the manger in wordless infancy,
He the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute.

-Augustine, Sermon 188, 2

Can you grasp that profound truth? Oh the wonder... May we never forget these truths that are foundational to our Christian faith!

"And the Word was made 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 (KJV)

Royal Subjects

2006-12-31T08:33:00.000-05:00

This morning as I drove home from work I was rejoicing in the salvation that God has granted at such great cost to Himself. As I reveled in the Savior's love these words came to me:

Crowned in glory,
Wondrous story,
Now enthroned
Beyond the sky;
We His subjects
Royally ransomed,
Daily catch
His watchful eye!

"For the eyes of the Lord range to and fro throughout the whole earth to shew Himself strong in the behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him." - 2 Chronicles 16:9

Rejoice that the King of Glory takes time each day to watch over you, care for you, protect you and refresh you as one of His ransomed children. None of us escapes His loving, watchful eye.

Have a good and godly day!

Someday We'll Understand

2006-12-30T11:09:00.000-05:00

This morning I discovered the following poem in the Pilgrim Scribblings archives. It's short but powerful. Be encouraged, dear friends, knowing that God knows every heartache and every trial that we presently face. We are NOT alone!

I Shall Know Why

I shall know why when time is over,
And I have ceased to wonder why;
Christ will explain each separate anguish
In the fair schoolroom of the sky.

- Emily Dickinson 1830-1886

Dad's Testimony

2006-12-29T23:55:00.000-05:00

One of my treasures is a photocopy of my father's testimony. He trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior several months before I was born. What a heritage I have!

I thought you might enjoy dad's statement of faith! Hopefully you can read it. You may have to squint. Dad has been "home" since May 21st, 1994.

Mom is still here but looks forward to that great reunion day.

Mom & Dad

Note: Click on Dad's testimony
and you'll be able to read it on another
screen. - David

God's Sufficiency

2006-12-29T10:32:00.000-05:00

This morning I was reminded again of God's sufficiency for our every need as I read David Jeremiah's e-devotional from Turning Point Ministries.

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a

David Jeremiah in his Turning Point devotional for today writes:

"Paul was made weak by some affliction, and it no doubt concerned him because of its likely impact on his future ministry. How could he serve if he was sidelined by a serious problem? But God said, "Trust me, Paul. I know the future and your future. I will give you grace to do all you need to do." And He did. Paul became thankful for His weakness because it highlighted God's strength. Just as God knew Paul's future, so He knows yours. If you are worried about your future, perhaps this coming year, especially if you see limitations on your horizon, trust God. The same grace He gave Paul, He will give to you.

Your future is not bigger than God, nor are your limitations larger than His grace. Your faith in Him means your future is with Him."

And from St. Augustine:

"Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love, and the future to God's providence."

And from David or Barnabas, if you please:

"Rest in God's providential care today and trust Him to carry you through. Your limitations pale in comparison to His all-sufficient grace. Be encouraged today, dear friends."

Note: We are experiencing problems with BLOGGER as far as linking to sites is concerned. To check out Turning Point's online devotionals please go to: http://www.turningpointonline.org

Salute the Happy Morn

2006-12-28T07:53:00.000-05:00

Good morning, dear friends! I awoke this morning after a fitful sleep with the words to an old Christmas carol on my mind. I can't recall singing this one for several years so I was pleased that God, by His Spirit, brought it to mind. The words are archaic yet majestic and it was good to read them after doing a Google search to find them. The story behind the carol is worth repeating.

John Byrom had several children, but his favorite was his daughter Dolly. In December 1745 after an outing with Dolly, he promised to write her something for Christmas; it was to be written especially for her and no one else. The delighted Dolly reminded her father of his promise each day as Christmas grew nearer. On Christmas morning when she ran down to breakfast she found several presents awaiting her. Among them was an envelope addressed to her in her father's handwriting. It was the first thing she opened, and to her great delight, it proved to be this Christmas carol.

CHRISTIANS AWAKE, SALUTE THE HAPPY MORN

Christians, awake, salute the happy morn

Whereon the Savior of the world was born.

Rise to adore the mystery of love

Which hosts of angels chanted from above,

With them the joyful tidings first begun

Of God incarnate and the virgin’s Son.

Then to the watchful shepherds it was told,

Who heard th’angelic herald’s voice, “Behold,

I bring good tidings of a Savior’s birth

To you and all the nations of the earth;

This day hath God fulfilled His promised Word;

This day is born a Savior, Christ the Lord.”

He spoke; and straightaway the celestial choir

In hymns of joy, unknown before, conspire;

The praises of redeeming love they sang,

And Heav’n’s whole orb with alleluias rang.

God’s highest glory was their anthem still,

Peace on the earth and unto men good will.

To Bethl’hem straight th’enlightened shepherds ran

To see the wonder God had wrought for man

And found, with Joseph and the blessèd maid,

Her Son, the Savior, in a manger laid;

Then to their flocks, still praising God, return,

And their glad hearts with holy rapture burn.

Like Mary let us ponder in our mind

God’s wondrous love in saving lost mankind!

Trace we the Babe, who hath retrieved our loss,

From His poor manger to His bitter cross,

Tread in His steps, assisted by His grace,

Till man’s first heav’nly state again takes place.

Then may we hope, th’angelic hosts among,

To sing, redeemed, a glad triumphal song.

He that was born upon this joyful day

Around us all His glory shall display.

Saved by His love, incessantly we sing

Eternal praise to Heav’n’s almighty King.

I add a resounding AMEN as I close this post!

Have a great day, my friends! Be encouraged as you "think on these things."

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, [a] Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Babbling Brook

2006-12-27T22:11:00.001-05:00

On Christmas day I took a walk in the woods behind our home, down to the creek that runs across the corner of our lot. I hadn't been down there for a couple of months. Usually by this time the snow has made the path impassible but we have no snow and I was able to get down to the creek.

When I got there I saw that I had left our Adirondack chair down there last fall so I sat down and thought deeply for awhile. The sound of the "babbling brook" was music to my ears.

Normally I would be disappointed if we didn't get a White Christmas but not this year. Christmas came and went so quickly! And remember...the days are already getting longer! Hallelujah!

Regardless of the weather, we have a God who care for His own and I have much to thank Him for as we approach the end of another year. It's been a difficult year but the Lord has been faithful and good. He walked with this pilgrim each step of the way even when I wondered what was going to happen next.

I'm reminded afresh of the verse which my Grandma Fisher taught me many years ago:

"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knoweth them that trust in Him." - Nahum 1:7

No Commentary Required

2006-12-27T08:28:00.000-05:00

Greetings, dear friends! It's two days after Christmas and I still have something to assemble for the boys. Don't you love it when you read "No Assembly Required!"

Well here's a few verses from Paul's letter to Titus with "No Commentary Required!" (All I did was make a few words BOLD) Be encouraged today by all the truths stated in this passage of inspired scripture:

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."

- Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)

Thought Provoking

2006-12-26T10:23:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, I trust your Christmas was a meaningful one.

This morning I read the following quote and found it very thought provoking:

“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." – C. S. Lewis

God, through Jesus Christ, has offered us an abundant life and yet those of us who have tasted and seen that the Lord is good tend to be satisfied with the misty flats when we could rise higher where eagles fly. Revel in all that we are and have in Christ today. He came to give us more than existence. He came to give us life to the fullest extent.

Be encouraged today and let's rise up and live up to the potential that is ours in Christ.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." - Ephesians 1:3 (NIV)

Emmanuel Has Come!

2006-12-25T15:22:00.000-05:00

Today we celebrate the birthday of the King! Aren't you glad He came? He's coming back again! What a day that will be!

"But until then, with joy I'll go on singing, Until then, with joy I'll carry on; Until the day my eyes behold that city, Until the day, God calls me home."

Have a blessed Christmas dear friends! Be encouraged today! We have eternal life, hope for the future and peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, the King!

Much love in Christ, David

Encouraged? YES!!!

2006-12-23T22:55:00.000-05:00

Today I received the 2nd best gift of the Christmas season (the 1st is Jesus, of course). My niece Holly, who many of you have been praying for, came home from Lyndhurst Rehab Hospital in Toronto for the Christmas season.

Our Fisher family Christmas celebration was held at Jim & Karen's home and Holly was taken out their from her parents' home by ambulance. How exciting for her to be home for about 2 weeks! She'll go back to Toronto on January 2nd.

Holly can move her legs and feet now and she can stand briefly but isn't able to take any steps yet.

She told me that being with family today helped to alleviate her pain and that being home was the best Christmas gift she could have.

Thanks so much for your prayers for Holly over the past six months. It's hard to believe that it was the end of June when she was involved in that terrible accident.

I took this picture of Holly today. Please continue to pray! THANK YOU!

Was I encouraged today! You bet I was! This old uncle got teary-eyed several times!

We love you Holly! Thank you Lord for continuing to bring Holly back from her terrible condition after the accident!

I Like Quiet

2006-12-22T08:13:00.000-05:00

Generally speaking I'm a quiet person. I speak softly but I'd rather listen than speak at all, I'd rather say nothing than say something meaningless. I don't like the cacophony of noise that's so much a part of our busy, hectic lives. I like quiet! A walk in the forest or a walk in the city? No question! The forest, the country, the quiet streams!

The scriptures that speak of quietness are food for my soul. I seek quietness. I long for solitude. I like quiet.

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." - Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)

"The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." - Isaiah 32:17 (NIV)

"In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." - Isaiah 30:15 (KJV)

Since righteousness leads to peace, quietness and confidence, my prayer is that "the righteousness of God in Christ" would be my portion today and every day. I know that His righteousness has been imputed to me already. May the realization of that fact and the desire to be "a righteous and godly man" be God's gift to me and you today!

"O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie;
above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by."

And, by the way, did I say that "I like quiet"?

My dear readers and friends, in the midst of the Christmas rush today, may there be a quietness in your spirit that can only come from the Lord Himself. Sense His peace today!

Sweet Hush of God

2006-12-21T23:31:00.001-05:00

My friend, Pauline Stringer, penned the following words. Recently she shared them at our church and my heart was refreshed. After reciting the words, a loud AMEN was heard in the sanctuary...my expression of agreement. O that we would listen for His voice in the stillness (and in the blur of activity as we rush about).

Thanks, Pauline, for sensing God's sweet hush and writing about it.

Sweet Hush of God

In the stillness
Where I find You
There I know You
And I love You;
In the stillness
Of Your presence
Where I find
My hiding place.

Sweet hush of God,
Sweet hush of God,
Breathe on me now
Sweet hush of God.

In the stillness
I will listen
To Your heartbeat
I surrender.
In the stillness
I will trust You
As You enfold me
In Your love.

Dear friends, please take time to recharge your spiritual and emotional batteries over the Christmas holidays! We can get so frantic in the days before Christmas. We get stressed, short-tempered, impatient and hard to live with. Allow the God of Heaven to enfold you in His arms. Hear His voice as He whispers "peace" to your troubled soul. Rest in Him!

Be encouraged today!

Angels from the Archives

2006-12-21T21:34:00.000-05:00

An encouraging word from the Pilgrim Scribblings archives:

Recently I had a frightening experience that shook me to the core! After a busy day in Toronto, I was driving home and nodded off a few times. You know how it is! You briefly doze off but in a second or two you jerk back to reality, realizing that you better pull over or risk an accident.

As I neared my exit off Highway 401, I looked forward to getting out of the car for a few minutes and buying a coffee to wake me up. The problem was...I missed the exit to Highway 115 and kept driving...asleep at the wheel. Suddenly I snapped back from my dozing and, for a moment, didn't recognize the scenery. Realizing that I had missed my exit I knew that the next exit was just a mile or so down the road. When that exit didn't show up I knew that I had passed it too, while sleeping. I had gone over two (2) miles, asleep at the wheel. What a scary thought as I look back on it! My only conclusion is that "the angel of the Lord was encamping round about me".

So...what did I learn from this episode? My family doctor recently requisitioned a "sleep test" to monitor my changing sleep patterns. Carol has told me that I'm not sleeping as soundly as I used to. I have not had those tests yet. I will...now that this has happened. Also, I will not wait "til the next exit" when I begin to doze off. Most of all, I was reminded of the truth stated in one of my favorite psalms, Psalm 91.

The Psalmist writes, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways, they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."

"Thank you, Father, for delivering me and protecting me! Psalm 91 goes on to say that "because he (the believer) loves me, I will:

1) rescue him
2) protect him
3) answer him when he calls on me
4) be with him in trouble
5) deliver him
6) honor him
7) satisfy him with a long life
8) show him my salvation

What a mighty God we serve! Because He loves us passionately and unconditionally, He comes to our rescue and does for us what we could never do ourselves.

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

UPDATE: I've finally had my testing done at the sleep clinic and I DO have sleep apnea. I now get hooked up to my CPAP machine every night. So far it doesn't seem to be helping but hopefully I'll begin to see a change soon. Please pray for me because I've been sleep deprived for way too long. THANKS! - December 21/06

The Little Things

2006-12-20T18:57:00.000-05:00

First of all let me thank you, my readers, for the kind, encouraging comments that you have left on the Barnabas Blog site. I truly enjoy writing these short devotional thoughts and I am blessed as I make these entries.

Recently several incidents have reminded me that the simplest gestures can make a huge difference in someone's day and even in their eternal destiny.

Last week I sat down beside one of the many rookies on the Peterborough Petes hockey club. We were just sitting outside the dressing room a couple of hours before a big game. He was about to tape his stick and asked me if I wanted to do it. I declined, fearing that I might not do it "right". I took his stick though just to feel how light it was and to check the curve on the blade. Another rookie sat down on the other side of me and asked it I wanted to "see" his stick. I took it, looked it over and handed it back. He told me that he would now be able to get his first OHL goal. Am I superstitious? NO, but many of these athletes are.

During this exchange with two, young, American draft picks I was able to encourage them, show interest in their game and share Christ's love. They were encouraged but I was more so, I think.

This morning I ordered my large Tim Hortons coffee (I take mine black by the way) in the drive-thru and the attendant had such a cheery disposition. When I drove ahead to pick up my morning picker-upper I thanked the lady for being so positive and refreshing. She thanked me and seemed genuinely pleased that I took the time to give her some affirmation.

A teller at our bank has been going through a rough time lately and I've been writing cards, leaving notes and praying for her. One of her workmates is a Christian young lady who attends our church and between us we've been trying to carry this woman's burdens. Yesterday she thanked me profusely for walking with her through this dark valley.

ENCOURAGEMENT! We all need it! We can all give it! So, let's do it!

As Paul wrote to the Romans, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." - Romans 12:3-8 (NIV)

Be an encouragement to someone today, dear friend! The little things can mean a lot!

The Hidden Cross

2006-12-19T10:10:00.000-05:00

This morning as I was leaving work at Christian Horizons I turned onto our main street and, for the first time ever (I think), noticed the steeple of St. Peter's Church towering above the trees. The church is many blocks away but the steeple with a cross at the top of the downtown church is very visible from the north end of town.

As I drove down into the city, the steeple became hidden from view. There were too many other "things" in the way in our hectic downtown area. Gradually the cross had become hidden by those "things". You know the point I'm going to make don't you!

The cross of Christ should be the central focus of our lives as believers. The apostle Paul wrote, "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Galatians 6:14

All too often we become busy with less important things and the cross fades from view.

The hymnwriter so aptly wrote:

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain
Free to all, a healing stream
Flows from Calvary’s mountain.

Refrain:

In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the bright and morning star
Sheds its beams around me.

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadows o’er me.

Near the cross I’ll watch and wait
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.

Dear friends, don't let the busyness of life and the obsession with "things" hide the cross from view.

I just thought of a verse of another hymn as I finish this post...

"In the cross of Christ I glory, towering o'er the wrecks of time.
All the light of sacred story, gathers round its head sublime."

In The Fire?

2006-12-19T09:25:00.000-05:00

Friends, each morning I receive an e-mail devotional written, in the past of course, by A. W.
Tozer. I think this morning's thought will be an encouragement to you.

"But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold." - Job 23:10

God has said He will exalt you in due time, but remember, He is referring to His time and not yours!

Some of you are actually in a fiery furnace right now. You are in a special kind of spiritual testing. The pastor may not know it and others may not know it, but you have been praying and asking the Lord: "Why don't you get me out of this?" In God's plan it is not yet "due time."

When you have come through the fire, God will get you out and there will not be any smell of smoke on your garment and you will not have been harmed. The only harm that can come will be from your insistence that God must get you out sooner than He plans. The Lord has promised to exalt you in due time and He has always kept His promises to His people. As children, we can always afford to wait.

A saint of God does not have to be concerned about time when he is in the will of God.

A. W. Tozer from his book, I Call It Heresy

Encouraging Epistle Update

2006-12-19T08:19:00.000-05:00

Dear fellow pilgrims:

You may be interested in checking out our EPISTLE SPORTS MINISTRIES Christmas Newsletter for 2006. Just click HERE.

It's been a very "interesting" year of ministry. God's grace has sustained us through this period of transition and the prayers of God's people have been appreciated so much.

Please visit us at EPISTLE SPORTS MINISTRIES updates. Pointing athletes to Jesus since 1975!

Only 6 days left 'til we celebrate the Incarnation! God, manifest in the flesh!

"Be encouraged today", says Barnabas!

Deep Despondency

2006-12-18T11:21:00.000-05:00

The following quote, taken from Elizabeth Skoglund's book, Bright Days, Dark Nights, was a blessing to me. If the Prince of Preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, battled depression, we shouldn't think it unjust that God would allow us to go through similar trials. The sorrows we experience are not wasted. A sovereign God will use these dark times in our lives to equip us to minister to others who tread the same path. Be encouraged today! He knows the path that you take!

Spurgeon wrote:

“I often feel very grateful to God that I have undergone fearful depression of spirits. I know the borders of despair, and the horrible brink of that gulf of darkness into which my feet have almost gone; but hundreds of times I have been able to give a helpful grip to brethren and sisters who have come into that same condition, which grip I could never have given if I had not know their deep despondency. So I believe that the darkest and most dreadful experience of a child of God will help him to be a fisher of men if he will but follow Christ. Keep close to your Lord and He will make every step a blessing to you.”

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, from The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit 32 (1886)

Click HERE to check out Elizabeth Skoglund's site!

God Knows...and Answers

2006-12-17T20:40:00.000-05:00

Many years ago during a particularly difficult time, the Lord gave me a poem/song that lifted the burden. I've quoted it countless times since then. God knows our needs before we even ask. The answer may already be on the way. Trust the Provider. He has never failed!

Our Great High Priest above,
In righteousness arrayed;
Presents our every need to God
Before we've even prayed.

Jehovah is His name,
Our needs He will provide;
His Word declares it to be true
And He has never lied.

- David W. Fisher

He knows your need, He knows your heart, He knows your pain, He knows what's best!

Be encouraged, dear friend, you can trust our Creator because He knows all about us!

"He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation." - Psalm 91:15,16 (The Amplified Bible)

Mighty To Save

2006-12-17T17:44:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, here's a thought that I dug up from my Pilgrim Scribblings archives. Be encouraged today as you think on these things:

One of my favorite Old Testament verses is Zephaniah 3:7 where we read the following:

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (NIV)

Although these promises were written to the nation of Judah during the reign of King Josiah, the principles apply to believers today and we can take solace in the fact that our Father feels the same way about us.

Revel in these facts:

He is with us.
He is mighty to save.
He takes great delight in us. (can you imagine that?)
He quiets us with His love.
He rejoices over us with singing. (I struggle to get a handle on that. God actually sings with joy because of me? Wow!)

What a mighty God we serve! O that we might know Him better and rest in His loving embrace!

Half Forgiven or Fully Pardoned?

2006-12-17T15:01:00.000-05:00

Lately I’ve been marveling at the extent of God’s forgiveness. When did you last tell someone that they were partially forgiven? You forgave them for 1/3 of what they did but they will have to indefinitely carry the guilt and shame of the other 2/3? If we don’t treat others this way, how much more forgiving must our Father be!

I’ve been considering a particular phrase that the prophet Isaiah penned so long ago. He urged the wicked sinner to forsake his waywardness and turn to the Lord. The wording used in the King James Version is “abundantly pardon”. That’s God’s response to our confession and repentance! There’s no stinted measure of forgiveness there! It’s full and complete pardon!

Horatio G. Spafford, after losing his daughters at sea, wrote the lyrics to one of the most beloved hymns of all time, It Is Well With My Soul. Revel with me as you read (and sing along perhaps) the third stanza: “My sin – O, the bliss of this glorious tho’t- My sin – not in part, but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!” Half-forgiven? NO! They’ve been cast into the sea of God’s forgetfulness, never to be remembered against us again . . . no more. (Note the double negative).

Be encouraged today, dear friend! Rejoice in the Father’s undeserved and unreserved pardon!

“Let the wicked forsake His way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God; for He will abundantly pardon.” – Isaiah 55:7 (KJV)