Uppers and Downers

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)

Barnabas Is Back

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!

Blessed Beyond Measure

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!

Encouraging Athletes For 32 Years

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)

Salute the Happy Morn

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)

Encouraged? YES!!!

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!

The Little Things

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!

Encouraging Epistle Update

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!

When Opportunity Knocks

Yesterday our neighbors drove in our driveway while I was getting our Christmas lights untangled out in the front yard. They caught me at a bad time! I was pretty frustrated! That quickly changed as they gave us a voucher for a free turkey and $50.00 in gift certificates from a nearby grocery store. It's amazing how those acts of kindness can transform our attitude.

Opportunities arise daily for us to minister to others through various, random acts of kindness. We can share Christ's love with those around us by sharing the gifts He has given us.

What can I do today to brighten someone's day? What about you?

The Amplified Bible's rendering of Paul's letter to the Galatians poses a challenge for us as believers. Paul wrote, "So then, as occasion and opportunity open to us, let us do good (morally) to all people (not only being usesful or profitalbe to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual advantage). Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith (those who belong to God's family with you, the believers)." - Galatians 6:10

He Takes Note...

One of the scripture verses which keeps me going was written by the author of Hebrews. He reminds us that what we do for God and His kingdom doesn't go unnoticed. Be encouraged today! He is taking note...

"For God is not unrighteous to forget or overlook your labor and the love which you have shown for His name's sake in ministering to the needs of the saints (His own consecrated people), as you still do." - Hebrews 6:10 (The Amplified Bible)

Moving In

A friend sent along this excellent piece of writing. It has profound meaning! Enjoy and rejoice that the God of Heaven would choose to take up residence in our hearts and lives.

Let the stable still astonish:
Straw-dirt floor, dull eyes,
Dusty flanks of donkeys, oxen;
Crumbling, crooked walls;
No bed to carry that pain,
And then, the child,
Rag-wrapped, laid to cry
In a trough.
Who would have chosen this?
Who would have said: "Yes,
Let the God of all the heavens and earth
Be born here, in this place"?
Who but the same God
Who stands in the darker, fouler rooms
of our hearts and says, "Yes,
let the God of Heaven and Earth
be born here-- in this place."

- Leslie Leyland Fields

We marvel that God incarnate would choose a lowly manger to make His entrance to "our world. The greater "astonishment" should be that He would choose to inhabit frail, broken, marred creatures like us. Yet He did, He does and He will. Amazing grace!

Be encouraged today, dear friends! God did not pass us by when looking for a residence for His Son! In spite of the dirty surroundings, He has "moved in" and we will never be the same again!

- David W. Fisher

Disquieted?

My friend have you ever been "disquieted within you"? I'm convinced that you have! We all have! We don't use the "King James Version" terminology though. As I write this post I'm sensing a measure of "disquiet" in my own spirit. Why, you ask? I'm not sure!

Two days ago at our Chaplain's Roundtable, one of the other speakers quoted from the 42nd Psalm. When he came to the word "disquieted" he asked the audience to "fill in the blank"...to give him the next word. I spoke up with our "word for today", disquieted. Perhaps I've been in that state enough over these 61 years that I've come to understand what the psalmist was trying to convey.

Regardless, let's not stop there. Let's take heart in the psalmist's response. His solution. "Hope thou in God."

Trust Him today! He is our Hope! A Living Hope! An anchor for the soul! Praise Him today!

Trust Him today!
Praise Him today!
Then your "disquiet"
Will soon fade away!

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." - Psalm 42:11 (KJV)

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." - Psalm 43:5 (KJV)

Be encouraged today, dear friend!

Mounting Up

Thank you, dear friends, for your prayers the last few days. The Chaplain's Roundtable conference in Lansing, MI went very well. There seemed to be a favorable response to my presentation entitled The Necessity of Encouragement in Sports Ministry.

Of course we all know that ENCOURAGEMENT is absolutely essential in every walk of life. Where would we be without it? I trust that the Barnabas Blog has been a blessing to each of you. I'm sorry that I missed posting for a couple of days. I assure you that I will make up for it.

So, my friends, wait on the Lord and you will renew your strength. I'm so grateful to the encouragement that Isaiah penned under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Mount up on eagle's wings!

GOD Himself...Our Encouragement

Friends, it's been a busy but profitable weekend. I've been preparing for a chaplain's conference in Lansing, MI where I will be presenting a workshop on ENCOURAGEMENT. Please pray for me as I leave Monday morning. The conference runs throughout the day on Tuesday. Thank you!

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who loved us and gave us everlasting consolation and encouragement and well-founded hope through (His) grace (unmerited favor), comfort and encourage your hearts and strengthen them (make them steadfast and keep them unswerving) in every good work and word.”
– 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17 (The Amplified Bible)

Be encouraged, my friends!

Getting A Response

Good morning friends!

Just wondering...

When you write someone do you look forward to their response? When you leave a message do you anticipate a reply? When you post a well-thought-out entry on your blog are you encouraged by positive comments? How do you feel when there's no response?

This morning I was thinking of the letter that God wrote, using many of His servants as scribes. What about the sacred, holy, inspired, inerrant message He has preserved and graciously given to us? The eternal God has blogged His truth to light our way and guide us home.

When did we last respond with gratefulness that the Father has given us His Word? When did I last speak to Him specifically about what the Bible means to me?

We can utter the words but the best way to respond to this great gift, this priceless present, this eternal expression of His heart is to "hide it in our hearts", "to search the scriptures daily to see whether these things be so", to cherish His Word by living by its precepts.

Just a thought...

"Your decrees are my treasure; they are truly my heart's delight. I am determined to keep Your principles, even forever, to the very end." - Psalm 119:111,112 (NLT)

Be encouraged today, dear friends! His Word will guide us through the darkness to our desired haven.

Reflect His light today...right where you are!

Looking Out For Others

Good morning, friend! Pull up a chair! The coffee is brewing! Christmas music can be faintly heard in the background. It's overcast and foggy outside but "surely the presence of the Lord is in this place."

There, I've set the stage. How are you feeling today? Are you ready to reach out and encourage another struggling pilgrim?

Chuck Swindoll's thought this morning is simple yet profound:

"Thank you, Lord, that I have a few things worth giving. Even if it's a lap to be sat on...or the comfort of a warm embrace." He adds the following scripture passage, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4 (NIV)

So, friend, the Lord will afford opportunities for you and me today (in the midst of our brokenness, pain and anxiety) to minister His healing touch to one of the "others" that Paul spoke of. Pray for opportunities to encourage "others" today! A pat on the back, an infectious smile, a phone call, a note in the mail. Any of these can lift a weary traveler. Be an agent of peace, reconciliation and encouragement today as you journey towards home.

Thanks for stopping by! Leave the door open as you leave! Another visitor should be here any minute now!

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 1:3 (ESV)

He Giveth More Grace

Note: The following account of God's provision of much-needed grace happened 8 or 9 years ago. Keith Price is now "home" in the presence of the Lord where there is "fulness of joy" and "pleasures for everymore" (Psalm 16:11).

I walked out to our mailbox, despondent, weary, broken and ready to quit! Why did "ministry" have to be so draining, so taxing, so uncertain, so hard? My spirit was wounded, my resolve depleted and the joy of serving Jesus had disolved in tears. What would the mailbox hold for me that day?

Bills, bills and more bills, collection notices, junk mail or maybe, just maybe, a generous donation or a note of encouragement? That mailbox has been the bearer of many, many blessings over the years and a few unwelcome surprises. As I opened it I recognized the beautiful penmanship of Keith Price, a mentor, wonderful friend, gentleman and faithful servant of Jesus. He enclosed the following poem by Annie Johnson Flint. Tears filled my eyes as I read this encouraging word. I'd heard and read this poem/song many times before but this day it was just for me, a divine affirmation and endorsement of God's great faithfulness. My steps quickened as I made the trip back to the house. That piece of mail from a dear friend had been a life saver!

Be encouraged today, dear friend! His grace is sufficient and in that hour when you feel you can't take another hit, another disappointment, another heartbreaking, gut-wrenching problem, He stands with arms open wide!

"Cast all your anxiety on Him...because He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

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.

Chorus:

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.

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.

- Annie Johnson Flint

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Thanksgiving

Just a short note to express our prayer that our dear American friends will celebrate a wonderful thanksgiving holiday. We all have much to thank God for!

Be encouraged today, my friends! We serve a mighty God "who giveth us richly all things to enjoy." - 1 Timothy 6:17b

Gratitude Leads To Encouragement

My good friends Stephen and Brooksyne Weber posted the following words of encouragement on their Daily Encouragement Net site. On the eve of the American Thanksgiving they are encouraging us to be grateful. Let me pass along their thoughts:

"Where Are The Other Nine?"

Jesus often asked questions to get his hearers to think, although He obviously knew the answer. In today's text (Luke 17:11-19) He had healed ten lepers but only one returned to say, "Thank you". I've wondered what excuses the other nine might have had in failing to return to give Jesus thanks. I came up with nine possible excuses they might have used. Notice they are all pertinent to today!

Perhaps:

1) One was too busy. (Self-importance)
2) One forgot. (Ingratitude)
3) One was planning to do it later. (Procrastination) 4) One thought somebody else would do it. God does not accept vicarious praise. "Let everything that hath breath…" (Lazy)
5) One wanted to see if the healing would last. (Skeptical)
6) One had a religious prejudice. (Superiority)
7) One thought it really didn't matter. (Thoughtless)
8) One thought "I still have a lot of other problems." Like many he saw the glass half empty. Indeed on this side whatever God may do for us we very likely have or will have other problems. (Negative)
9) One thought "I don't want to bother Him." Scripture is abundant in calls to thank, praise and glorify God. We never bother Him in calls to be obedient! (Inferiority)

(As we prepared this message we considered if it was anything like today an additional excuse could be: One leper thought, "I had to get over to the blue light special at the Jerusalem Mall before the sale was over.")

Three great truths can be derived from this message:

1) Thankfulness matters to God. It brings glory to God.
2) Thankfulness is an act of the will. He chose to return.
3) Thankfulness is an excellent testimony. He goes down in history as the one who returned to give thanks.

Will we be like the one who returned to give "Thanks"?

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Don't Abandon The Ship

Chuck Swindoll's "The Grace of Encouragement" desk calendar sits on the window sill beside my desk here in my office. I refer to it most days that I'm here.

This morning's thought was worth sharing (most of them are):

Swindoll writes:

"There is nothing wrong or unnatural with feeling weary, but there is everything wrong with abandoning ship in the midst of the fight."

"Hear me, O Lord; for Thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies." - Psalm 69:16 (KJV)

So, dear friends, as we begin a new week, let's keep sailing towards home, allowing the Captain of our Salvation to take the wheel and guide us to our desired haven. Abandon ship? No way!

"He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and He brought them to their desired haven." - Psalm 107:29,30 (ESV)

Sail on!