Hello Barnabas Ladies! I am getting later and later with these emails,
sorry about that! My Tuesdays have become pretty busy, and I am still
getting used to juggling everything I'm supposed to be doing. :P
Last
week's lesson in the ladies class book had an interesting question, one
that made me think about things a little differently than I had in the
past. The question asked you to describe the might and power you see
displayed on the cross. We all know that Christ's death on the cross was
a great triumph over sin and Satan, but I hadn't considered how it
showed his might and power. Then it dawned on me. We know that Jesus was
nailed to the cross, for that was the way the Romans did things. But the nails weren't what held him there. The soldiers kept watch over him
until he died, but their presence wasn't why he stayed. The only power
or authority sufficient to keep Jesus on the cross was his own will. He
could have been like Superman, and when they tried to put in the nails,
they bent. But he permitted them to penetrate his skin. He could have
simply vanished off the cross right in front of the soldiers, as he had disappeared through the crowds
before. But he stayed and endured the shame they heaped on him. There
was no earthly means of binding him or causing him to do something he
didn't want to do--he who spoke the universe into existence
could come or go as he pleased. He allowed himself to be nailed to the
cross, and to remain there until he died because it was his will to do
so.
Feel that chill? Me too. :)
In Christ alone--
Elena
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Barnabas Letters, part 13
Good afternoon, Barnabas Ladies! Hope your week is going well. And if
you're like me, you're eagerly anticipating the cooling trend that's supposed to start tomorrow! :D
So I'm sure you've all heard me say a zillion times that the girls and I started school this past Monday (the beginning of my 11th year homeschooling, yowza!!). Between the commitments that I'm making to the local homeschool group, plus the work I'm doing for ladies class, housework, and actually educating my own kids, I've been feeling a little frazzled already. Generally I like to have the Barnabas Letters in the queue ready to send by the Monday prior to it actually going out, but I just haven't felt inspired until now (it's Tuesday afternoon as I type). I just felt like there's too much going on, and I've got to do this thing and call that person and type up this document, etc etc and I just didn't have the mental energy to think of something to say to you. (So much for being a Barnabas, eh?)
Then I sat down to work on ladies class. I'm a week ahead of the class (if I start early, I'm less likely to get behind!!) so today I did lesson 3, day 2. And what do you suppose it's about? Taking the time to have a quiet spirit before the Lord. (Picture me with my eyes looking like this O_O when I saw the subject of the lesson) Someone is keeping His eyes on me, I'll tell you that much. :)
I'm a strange contradiction, because while I consider laziness to be one of my major faults, I am also terrible at relaxing. I hate baths, because I feel like I am just wasting time sitting there (well, that and I'm not too fond of water in general). I feel aimless if I just sit and watch tv, I feel like I need to be doing something while I watch. I've already gotten up twice while typing this message, because if I'm not actively pressing buttons with my fingers, then I'm wasting time sitting. I'm a habitual email/Facebook checker, not because I'm obsessed with what's going on but because I feel like if I just sit, and be still, that there's something else I ought to be doing. But that's not very conducive to learning to have a quiet spirit before the Lord, is it?
Job's friends sat with him, in silence, for seven days and nights. Revelation mentions that at the opening of the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for half an hour. And Psalm 46 reminds us to be still, and know that he is God. It's clear that silence is an important concept for a Christian to embrace. But how can we sit quietly and be still when everything around us is hollering? (I got up once again, since the washing machine was letting me know it was finished.) I think there are two keys. One, be aware of stolen moments. Did the kids go outside, or lay down to nap, or are engrossed in a tv show or computer game? Is dinner simmering for the next 10 minutes? Take a moment to sit, be still, and pray. The other key is to create the moments you need. Get up 10 minutes before you really NEED to. Stay up 10 minutes after everyone has gone back to bed. Maybe you can enforce an afternoon quiet period, even for the non-nappers. Give yourself the time on a regular basis to sit, be quiet before the Lord, and thank him for the opportunity.
I'm off to just sit for a little bit. :)
In Christ alone--
Elena
So I'm sure you've all heard me say a zillion times that the girls and I started school this past Monday (the beginning of my 11th year homeschooling, yowza!!). Between the commitments that I'm making to the local homeschool group, plus the work I'm doing for ladies class, housework, and actually educating my own kids, I've been feeling a little frazzled already. Generally I like to have the Barnabas Letters in the queue ready to send by the Monday prior to it actually going out, but I just haven't felt inspired until now (it's Tuesday afternoon as I type). I just felt like there's too much going on, and I've got to do this thing and call that person and type up this document, etc etc and I just didn't have the mental energy to think of something to say to you. (So much for being a Barnabas, eh?)
Then I sat down to work on ladies class. I'm a week ahead of the class (if I start early, I'm less likely to get behind!!) so today I did lesson 3, day 2. And what do you suppose it's about? Taking the time to have a quiet spirit before the Lord. (Picture me with my eyes looking like this O_O when I saw the subject of the lesson) Someone is keeping His eyes on me, I'll tell you that much. :)
I'm a strange contradiction, because while I consider laziness to be one of my major faults, I am also terrible at relaxing. I hate baths, because I feel like I am just wasting time sitting there (well, that and I'm not too fond of water in general). I feel aimless if I just sit and watch tv, I feel like I need to be doing something while I watch. I've already gotten up twice while typing this message, because if I'm not actively pressing buttons with my fingers, then I'm wasting time sitting. I'm a habitual email/Facebook checker, not because I'm obsessed with what's going on but because I feel like if I just sit, and be still, that there's something else I ought to be doing. But that's not very conducive to learning to have a quiet spirit before the Lord, is it?
Job's friends sat with him, in silence, for seven days and nights. Revelation mentions that at the opening of the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for half an hour. And Psalm 46 reminds us to be still, and know that he is God. It's clear that silence is an important concept for a Christian to embrace. But how can we sit quietly and be still when everything around us is hollering? (I got up once again, since the washing machine was letting me know it was finished.) I think there are two keys. One, be aware of stolen moments. Did the kids go outside, or lay down to nap, or are engrossed in a tv show or computer game? Is dinner simmering for the next 10 minutes? Take a moment to sit, be still, and pray. The other key is to create the moments you need. Get up 10 minutes before you really NEED to. Stay up 10 minutes after everyone has gone back to bed. Maybe you can enforce an afternoon quiet period, even for the non-nappers. Give yourself the time on a regular basis to sit, be quiet before the Lord, and thank him for the opportunity.
I'm off to just sit for a little bit. :)
In Christ alone--
Elena
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Barnabas Letters, part 12
Hello Barnabas Ladies! Sorry I missed emailing you yesterday--I thought I had it all together but I guess not! :D
I have ordered the books for ladies class, and they are due to arrive tomorrow. I will bring them Sunday, or if you know I won't see you then, we can arrange to get them to you some other time before or after. Each week in class we will be discussing one lesson, and each lesson is divided into four days worth of work (each day takes about 15 minutes, give or take). So if you are planning to attend the first class on August 16 it would be best for you to have the book no later than Sunday. I have ordered a few extras, so if you didn't ask for one already, but are interested, please let me know!
Due to the subject of our class, a lot of the upcoming Barnabas Letters will probably have something to do with prayer, and today's note is no exception. :D Mrs. Martin makes reference to Ephesians 3:17-19.
"so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Her comment regarding this passage goes as follows:
"That is a stunning picture. Filled to the measure of the fullness of God. Can you even imagine? Filled to overflowing, bursting forth, gushing up, and spilling over the brim with the presence of God Himself. More than enough to fill every empty space, every hollow ache, every cavern of loneliness and pain. More than enough to wash away any dirty thought, filthy action, muddied motive, and grimy intention."
I had never considered how pouring ourselves out before God in prayer makes room for him to fill us up… and not just fill, but being filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. There is no circumstance in which prayer is not both appropriate and effective. My prayer for you all is that whether you are joining us in class or not, that you will come to a deeper understanding of how God can fill you with his fullness.
In Christ alone--
Elena
I have ordered the books for ladies class, and they are due to arrive tomorrow. I will bring them Sunday, or if you know I won't see you then, we can arrange to get them to you some other time before or after. Each week in class we will be discussing one lesson, and each lesson is divided into four days worth of work (each day takes about 15 minutes, give or take). So if you are planning to attend the first class on August 16 it would be best for you to have the book no later than Sunday. I have ordered a few extras, so if you didn't ask for one already, but are interested, please let me know!
Due to the subject of our class, a lot of the upcoming Barnabas Letters will probably have something to do with prayer, and today's note is no exception. :D Mrs. Martin makes reference to Ephesians 3:17-19.
"so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Her comment regarding this passage goes as follows:
"That is a stunning picture. Filled to the measure of the fullness of God. Can you even imagine? Filled to overflowing, bursting forth, gushing up, and spilling over the brim with the presence of God Himself. More than enough to fill every empty space, every hollow ache, every cavern of loneliness and pain. More than enough to wash away any dirty thought, filthy action, muddied motive, and grimy intention."
I had never considered how pouring ourselves out before God in prayer makes room for him to fill us up… and not just fill, but being filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. There is no circumstance in which prayer is not both appropriate and effective. My prayer for you all is that whether you are joining us in class or not, that you will come to a deeper understanding of how God can fill you with his fullness.
In Christ alone--
Elena
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Barnabas Letters, part 11
Greetings Barnabas Ladies, from rainy South Lake Tahoe! We are having a nice time so far but it rained off and on all day Monday and we were forced to run for the hills (uh, the nearest motel) due to a leaky tent. Better now than at the end of the week! :)
First off, I found a book that I'd like to use when we start up ladies' class again. It's called Our Father in Heaven...Teach Us to Pray by Casandra Martin. I will be ordering a book for everyone who wants to participate, so please let me know if you're interested. I think it will also be a valuable study for you even if you aren't able to meet with us, or if you're not sure how often you'll be able to come, so don't hesitate to tell me! By the way, I am considering a return to a weekly study. I think we will just have too much trouble getting through the book if we only meet every other week. If there's a different time besides Thursday evenings that works better for everyone, let me know, and if we can get a consensus then I'm open to moving the date and/or time of the study. I am still planning to start up in mid-August.
So today I went to a class taught by Cindy Colley, and the topic was Hope. She made reference to a passage that I'd like to bring to your attention.
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,
"FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED."
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39 NASB)
Satan loves to throw roadblocks in front of us. Sometimes they are easily able to be dealt with, like rain on a camping trip. But sometimes they are the sort that will devastate a family, and make you despair for your future. God is still near, even when it seems like you'll never be close to him again. NOTHING can separate you from the love of God, and the spiritual blessings that come through him, except you yourself. So don't be afraid, and keep moving forward. The battle is already won, through Jesus. And this was no marginal victory. No, we overwhelmingly conquer, through Him who loved us. There is always hope.
See you all soon!!
In Christ alone,
Elena
First off, I found a book that I'd like to use when we start up ladies' class again. It's called Our Father in Heaven...Teach Us to Pray by Casandra Martin. I will be ordering a book for everyone who wants to participate, so please let me know if you're interested. I think it will also be a valuable study for you even if you aren't able to meet with us, or if you're not sure how often you'll be able to come, so don't hesitate to tell me! By the way, I am considering a return to a weekly study. I think we will just have too much trouble getting through the book if we only meet every other week. If there's a different time besides Thursday evenings that works better for everyone, let me know, and if we can get a consensus then I'm open to moving the date and/or time of the study. I am still planning to start up in mid-August.
So today I went to a class taught by Cindy Colley, and the topic was Hope. She made reference to a passage that I'd like to bring to your attention.
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,
"FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED."
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39 NASB)
Satan loves to throw roadblocks in front of us. Sometimes they are easily able to be dealt with, like rain on a camping trip. But sometimes they are the sort that will devastate a family, and make you despair for your future. God is still near, even when it seems like you'll never be close to him again. NOTHING can separate you from the love of God, and the spiritual blessings that come through him, except you yourself. So don't be afraid, and keep moving forward. The battle is already won, through Jesus. And this was no marginal victory. No, we overwhelmingly conquer, through Him who loved us. There is always hope.
See you all soon!!
In Christ alone,
Elena
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Barnabas Letters, part 10
"How much thought do you give to being holy?" That is a sentence from
lesson 7 of the material that we have been using in ladies' Bible class,
and I think it's a striking one. How much time do you spend in trying
to be holy: speaking holy, acting holy, thinking holy?
1 Peter 1:15-16 says:
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
When we got to that question in class, I think we all felt a little guilty--at least I know I did! I know I spend more time thinking about how to do the right thing, which is a component of being holy, but it isn't all there is to it. There's also a bit of worldly negative connotation with the idea of being holy, as evidenced by the phrase "acting holier than thou."
So what does it mean to be holy? The Hebrew word for holy is defined as being set apart. And we know that by being Christians, we are already set apart to be God's chosen people. But this is not the kind of thing that we can mark off on a check list and say we've completed it, we need to be holy in all we do. We need to be continually setting ourselves apart from the world.
The best way to continually be holy is to regularly be a consumer of God's word. If you don't already have a plan for daily Bible reading, there are tons of resources out there that don't cost a penny. YouVersion has a great list of daily reading plans here, and you can read on your computer or using an app for your smartphone. If you'd like a printable plan (so retro! haha) to put in your Bible try here or here.
Sing it with me!
"Take time to be holy, Speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, And feed on His word.
Make friends of God’s children; Help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessings to seek."
In Christ alone--
Elena
1 Peter 1:15-16 says:
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
When we got to that question in class, I think we all felt a little guilty--at least I know I did! I know I spend more time thinking about how to do the right thing, which is a component of being holy, but it isn't all there is to it. There's also a bit of worldly negative connotation with the idea of being holy, as evidenced by the phrase "acting holier than thou."
So what does it mean to be holy? The Hebrew word for holy is defined as being set apart. And we know that by being Christians, we are already set apart to be God's chosen people. But this is not the kind of thing that we can mark off on a check list and say we've completed it, we need to be holy in all we do. We need to be continually setting ourselves apart from the world.
The best way to continually be holy is to regularly be a consumer of God's word. If you don't already have a plan for daily Bible reading, there are tons of resources out there that don't cost a penny. YouVersion has a great list of daily reading plans here, and you can read on your computer or using an app for your smartphone. If you'd like a printable plan (so retro! haha) to put in your Bible try here or here.
Sing it with me!
"Take time to be holy, Speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, And feed on His word.
Make friends of God’s children; Help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessings to seek."
In Christ alone--
Elena
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Barnabas Letters, part 9
Good afternoon, ladies! How many of you recognize the phrase "Space--the
final frontier"? If you're nerdy like me, you can probably quote the
rest of the opening from the television show "Star Trek." If you aren't
familiar with it, the show's basic plot was to show the crew of the
starship Enterprise as they explored the universe and interacted with
various alien life forms. It was a star trek--a journey through space, exploring the last territory known to man.
Dictionary.com defines frontier as "the land or territory that forms the furthest extent of a country's settled or inhabited regions." Knowing the plot of the show, and of course, the actual space exploration done by man, the phrase "space--the final frontier" seems to make pretty good sense. What can be beyond space?
But of course the Christian knows about a frontier that lies beyond space, one that isn't bound by our understanding of distance and time.
Matthew 25:31-46
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
There is a frontier of eternal judgment that awaits all of us. Some will go to eternal punishment, and some to eternal life. This frontier has already been explored by all who have gone before us, but there is only one who has returned and can describe it to us.
Luke 16:19-26
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
Don't forget that the same man who told us about this eternal frontier also told us how to get there…
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Judgment--the final frontier. It doesn't have quite the same ring to it as the original version, but it's a little more accurate. :)
In Christ alone--
Elena
Dictionary.com defines frontier as "the land or territory that forms the furthest extent of a country's settled or inhabited regions." Knowing the plot of the show, and of course, the actual space exploration done by man, the phrase "space--the final frontier" seems to make pretty good sense. What can be beyond space?
But of course the Christian knows about a frontier that lies beyond space, one that isn't bound by our understanding of distance and time.
Matthew 25:31-46
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
There is a frontier of eternal judgment that awaits all of us. Some will go to eternal punishment, and some to eternal life. This frontier has already been explored by all who have gone before us, but there is only one who has returned and can describe it to us.
Luke 16:19-26
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
Don't forget that the same man who told us about this eternal frontier also told us how to get there…
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Judgment--the final frontier. It doesn't have quite the same ring to it as the original version, but it's a little more accurate. :)
In Christ alone--
Elena
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Barnabas Letters, part 8
Hello Barnabas ladies! Hope everyone is having a lovely week!
"Redeemed--how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am."
Sound familiar to anyone? It's one of those songs that gets stuck in my head. :D Redeem is an interesting word. I searched at Biblegateway.com and redeem in its various forms is in the NIV version of the Bible 107 times, plus another 24 times for redemption. It's also a Bible word that gets a lot of day-to-day use.
I can't be the only one who has saved up the little stamps from the grocery store and redeemed them for a free saucepan or other cookware. We also receive gift certificates and redeem them for whatever goodies we want to buy. Maybe we spend time clipping coupons and redeem them for discounts on our purchases. It's pretty clear that redeem is a word that relates to buying things. In fact, I found this definition for redeem:
To purchase back; to regain possession of by payment of a stipulated price; to repurchase.
To pay the penalty of; to make amends for; to serve as an equivalent or offset for; to atone for; to compensate; as, to redeem an error.
(http://eastonsbibledictionary.com/r/redeem.htm)
That definition makes a lot of sense with my little examples. I use my collected stamps to purchase a saucepan from the grocery store, because they have determined that a specific number of stamps is equivalent to one saucepan, even though my stamps have no real value, they're just little scraps of paper.
But what about Biblical examples of the word redeem?
Galatians 3:12-14
The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3:12-14&version=NIV
Galatians 4:4-6
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+4:4-6&version=NIV
Both of these passages mention the old law, and how we've been redeemed from that law. The old law was full of regulations that Jews were held to. As shown throughout the Old Testament, they were never able to keep that law, so Jesus came to redeem them from it. Remember my saucepans? In the little booklet where you collect your stamps, there's always a retail price listed for the saucepan. It's usually something outlandish, like $50. You might even say that no one could pay $50 for such a small saucepan. We can trade our stamps for it, but we can't really purchase it outright.
So what does redemption get us?
Ephesians 1:7-8a
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.
Colossians 1:13-14
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
We can't pay $50 for that saucepan, and we can never be perfectly obedient to the Old Testament law. But God has determined that Jesus is an equivalent price for the forgiveness of my sins--and not just mine, but everyone's. If that doesn't make you shake in your boots, I'm not sure what will!
So what do you think will happen if I just walk into the grocery store and demand my saucepan from the manager? Of course, he's going to tell me that I can either go ahead and pay the $50, or I can spend the time collecting my little stamps. God's salvation is available to all, but there is something we must do to obtain it.
Acts 2:37-39
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%202:37-39&version=NIV
"Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed, his child, and forever, I am!"
In Christ alone--
Elena
"Redeemed--how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am."
Sound familiar to anyone? It's one of those songs that gets stuck in my head. :D Redeem is an interesting word. I searched at Biblegateway.com and redeem in its various forms is in the NIV version of the Bible 107 times, plus another 24 times for redemption. It's also a Bible word that gets a lot of day-to-day use.
I can't be the only one who has saved up the little stamps from the grocery store and redeemed them for a free saucepan or other cookware. We also receive gift certificates and redeem them for whatever goodies we want to buy. Maybe we spend time clipping coupons and redeem them for discounts on our purchases. It's pretty clear that redeem is a word that relates to buying things. In fact, I found this definition for redeem:
To purchase back; to regain possession of by payment of a stipulated price; to repurchase.
To pay the penalty of; to make amends for; to serve as an equivalent or offset for; to atone for; to compensate; as, to redeem an error.
(http://eastonsbibledictionary.com/r/redeem.htm)
That definition makes a lot of sense with my little examples. I use my collected stamps to purchase a saucepan from the grocery store, because they have determined that a specific number of stamps is equivalent to one saucepan, even though my stamps have no real value, they're just little scraps of paper.
But what about Biblical examples of the word redeem?
Galatians 3:12-14
The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3:12-14&version=NIV
Galatians 4:4-6
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+4:4-6&version=NIV
Both of these passages mention the old law, and how we've been redeemed from that law. The old law was full of regulations that Jews were held to. As shown throughout the Old Testament, they were never able to keep that law, so Jesus came to redeem them from it. Remember my saucepans? In the little booklet where you collect your stamps, there's always a retail price listed for the saucepan. It's usually something outlandish, like $50. You might even say that no one could pay $50 for such a small saucepan. We can trade our stamps for it, but we can't really purchase it outright.
So what does redemption get us?
Ephesians 1:7-8a
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.
Colossians 1:13-14
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
We can't pay $50 for that saucepan, and we can never be perfectly obedient to the Old Testament law. But God has determined that Jesus is an equivalent price for the forgiveness of my sins--and not just mine, but everyone's. If that doesn't make you shake in your boots, I'm not sure what will!
So what do you think will happen if I just walk into the grocery store and demand my saucepan from the manager? Of course, he's going to tell me that I can either go ahead and pay the $50, or I can spend the time collecting my little stamps. God's salvation is available to all, but there is something we must do to obtain it.
Acts 2:37-39
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%202:37-39&version=NIV
"Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed, his child, and forever, I am!"
In Christ alone--
Elena
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Barnabas Letters, part 7
Hello, Barnabas Ladies! Hope everyone had a pleasant Memorial Day weekend. Here in the US this past weekend is traditionally thought of as the beginning of summer, so I'm going to talk a little about a topic that's of interest year-round, but of special interest during the summer. It isn't one us women are fond of discussing, and when it popped into my head today I tried to ignore it or think of something else, but it just wasn't going away.
So the subject of the day is modesty. I'll start out by saying that I am absolutely not addressing modesty from the perspective of "I've got it all down pat and you all need to sit and listen to my wisdom." I'm going to give you some things to think about, so that you can make decisions on modesty for yourself, using God's wisdom. (BTW this'll be a long one! Strap on your seat belts! haha)
If you've ever endeavored to study modesty before, you might be a little irritated, like I am, in the fact that the Bible doesn't specifically lay out a pattern for what is and is not modest. There are no specifics about length, fit, sheerness, style, etc. This is good in some ways, and bad in others. It's good (and another sign of God's wisdom, IMO) in that without the specifics, it can apply to all cultures during all times. It's bad in that it means we have to really think about how we dress and conduct ourselves, instead of just wearing a prescribed uniform.
Of course we know that Adam and Eve were created unclothed, and lived in that state for some time. They were like little kids, in that they weren't embarrassed about being naked because they didn't KNOW they were naked. But in Genesis 3, after they both ate the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they became aware of their nakedness, and sewed clothes from fig leaves for themselves, which God upgraded to clothing from skins. So from this we are at least aware that modesty covers up nakedness. You can't be both naked and modest. (Related anecdote: It's summer of 2000. I'm pregnant with my youngest, my older daughter is 2.5. We are driving past a lake and decide at the last minute to stop and get our feet wet. We are all in shorts but don't have any swimwear with us. Oldest is disappointed, especially as we drive up to a parking place and see all the people ready to swim. A woman in a bikini walks in front of us, and Oldest says with great sorrow, "I wish I could be naked like that lady." Ha!!)
Then in the New Testament is where it really gets difficult. Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:9 that women are to dress modestly, with decency and propriety. (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy+2:8-10&version=NIV) He also mentions in 1 Corinthians 12 that we have unpresentable parts that we treat with special modesty, and some parts that don't need this treatment. (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+12:22-24&version=NIV) I think this indicates that we don't need to be completely covered (a la the burqa from some Islamic countries) to be modest.
So modesty lies on a point somewhere between nakedness and being covered completely from head to toe. Aren't you glad I cleared that up for you? ;) As I mentioned earlier, we don't have a special type or way of dressing that we are told to follow, as women. We really need to pay attention to our clothing AND behavior on a case by case basis. I tend to believe that modesty is also situational--what would be appropriate for swimming with women might not be appropriate for mixed swimming. What would be appropriate for me to wear to work in the yard might not be appropriate for me to wear to a wedding. What would be appropriate on my 11 year old girl might not be appropriate on my 14 year old young woman. And so on and so forth.
There are several questions to think about when you're trying to dress modestly. Here are a few I think are important to consider.
*Can I sit, stand, raise my arms, or bend over and still remain covered? If not, am I committed to not moving in the way that exposes me? Is that practical for the occasion? Does my clothing fit properly such that I'm not inadvertently exposed? Try sitting, standing, and moving around in front of a long mirror or trusted friend.
*Is what I'm wearing suitable to my body type? Big bosomed ladies can have difficulty in button-front blouses, long torsoed ladies can have difficulty in shirts that aren't extra long. A skirt that's just above the knees on a shorter lady may be shorter than you'd like on a taller one!
*What about my undergarments? No Hello Kitty panties with white pants! (ha) Again, this one is subjective. If there's a chance that your bra strap may show with your sleeveless top, is of a color that will blend in, and not something that will draw attention to its exposure? Of course all the men know that we wear undergarments, but if they can see that you are wearing a leopard print bra or hot pink thong they are going to have a hard time remaining pure, not to mention they may not be able to look you in the eyes again!
Warm weather is here to stay for the next few months, so it's a good time to prayerfully re-evaluate what you wear. If you're married, ask your husband's opinion of what you're wearing. I guarantee they will notice things you don't (Note: when he says, "Wow, you look HOT!" it means you either need to change or stay in). ;) Have some guidelines in mind for yourself when you go to shop, so you know what kinds of clothes will work for you and what won't. And ladies--let's have each others' backs on this issue! I don't mean that I'm going to be the clothes police. But we can all use a second opinion sometimes.
In Christ alone--
Elena
So the subject of the day is modesty. I'll start out by saying that I am absolutely not addressing modesty from the perspective of "I've got it all down pat and you all need to sit and listen to my wisdom." I'm going to give you some things to think about, so that you can make decisions on modesty for yourself, using God's wisdom. (BTW this'll be a long one! Strap on your seat belts! haha)
If you've ever endeavored to study modesty before, you might be a little irritated, like I am, in the fact that the Bible doesn't specifically lay out a pattern for what is and is not modest. There are no specifics about length, fit, sheerness, style, etc. This is good in some ways, and bad in others. It's good (and another sign of God's wisdom, IMO) in that without the specifics, it can apply to all cultures during all times. It's bad in that it means we have to really think about how we dress and conduct ourselves, instead of just wearing a prescribed uniform.
Of course we know that Adam and Eve were created unclothed, and lived in that state for some time. They were like little kids, in that they weren't embarrassed about being naked because they didn't KNOW they were naked. But in Genesis 3, after they both ate the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they became aware of their nakedness, and sewed clothes from fig leaves for themselves, which God upgraded to clothing from skins. So from this we are at least aware that modesty covers up nakedness. You can't be both naked and modest. (Related anecdote: It's summer of 2000. I'm pregnant with my youngest, my older daughter is 2.5. We are driving past a lake and decide at the last minute to stop and get our feet wet. We are all in shorts but don't have any swimwear with us. Oldest is disappointed, especially as we drive up to a parking place and see all the people ready to swim. A woman in a bikini walks in front of us, and Oldest says with great sorrow, "I wish I could be naked like that lady." Ha!!)
Then in the New Testament is where it really gets difficult. Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:9 that women are to dress modestly, with decency and propriety. (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy+2:8-10&version=NIV) He also mentions in 1 Corinthians 12 that we have unpresentable parts that we treat with special modesty, and some parts that don't need this treatment. (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+12:22-24&version=NIV) I think this indicates that we don't need to be completely covered (a la the burqa from some Islamic countries) to be modest.
So modesty lies on a point somewhere between nakedness and being covered completely from head to toe. Aren't you glad I cleared that up for you? ;) As I mentioned earlier, we don't have a special type or way of dressing that we are told to follow, as women. We really need to pay attention to our clothing AND behavior on a case by case basis. I tend to believe that modesty is also situational--what would be appropriate for swimming with women might not be appropriate for mixed swimming. What would be appropriate for me to wear to work in the yard might not be appropriate for me to wear to a wedding. What would be appropriate on my 11 year old girl might not be appropriate on my 14 year old young woman. And so on and so forth.
There are several questions to think about when you're trying to dress modestly. Here are a few I think are important to consider.
*Can I sit, stand, raise my arms, or bend over and still remain covered? If not, am I committed to not moving in the way that exposes me? Is that practical for the occasion? Does my clothing fit properly such that I'm not inadvertently exposed? Try sitting, standing, and moving around in front of a long mirror or trusted friend.
*Is what I'm wearing suitable to my body type? Big bosomed ladies can have difficulty in button-front blouses, long torsoed ladies can have difficulty in shirts that aren't extra long. A skirt that's just above the knees on a shorter lady may be shorter than you'd like on a taller one!
*What about my undergarments? No Hello Kitty panties with white pants! (ha) Again, this one is subjective. If there's a chance that your bra strap may show with your sleeveless top, is of a color that will blend in, and not something that will draw attention to its exposure? Of course all the men know that we wear undergarments, but if they can see that you are wearing a leopard print bra or hot pink thong they are going to have a hard time remaining pure, not to mention they may not be able to look you in the eyes again!
Warm weather is here to stay for the next few months, so it's a good time to prayerfully re-evaluate what you wear. If you're married, ask your husband's opinion of what you're wearing. I guarantee they will notice things you don't (Note: when he says, "Wow, you look HOT!" it means you either need to change or stay in). ;) Have some guidelines in mind for yourself when you go to shop, so you know what kinds of clothes will work for you and what won't. And ladies--let's have each others' backs on this issue! I don't mean that I'm going to be the clothes police. But we can all use a second opinion sometimes.
In Christ alone--
Elena
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Barnabas Letters, part 6
Hello Barnabas ladies! I hope everyone had many moments of humming Christian music over the past couple of weeks. :)
This week's email comes to you courtesy of the children's movie Meet The Robinsons. It's kind of a running gag in my family that I hate kid's movies and have weird reactions to some classics (for example, I think Mary Poppins is the saddest movie I have ever seen--Nanny McPhee is a close second). Anyway, when I actually see one, and like it, it's kind of a big deal. :) Meet The Robinsons happens to be one of my favorites, and it's because of this scene.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNXr5Alytg4
Lewis (the blonde kid) is trying to make a peanut butter & jelly gun and he fails spectacularly. He is very apologetic, but the rest of the family is very encouraging (and appears to have fireworks on hand for just such an occasion!). Their theme is Keep Moving Forward--even when you make mistakes, learn what you can from your mistake and try again.
Isn't that kind of the theme of the Christian life, too? Being immersed doesn't mean we'll never sin again and live a life of perfect righteousness from that moment forward. We're going to fail, and sometimes we'll fail big time. We'll continually be struggling with our flesh, just like Paul in Romans 7:15-20.
"15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."
So what do we do when we make our mistakes, and figuratively coat everyone around us in our peanut butter and jelly slime? Does it mean it's time to chuck the Bible in the trash because Christianity clearly isn't for you? No, it means it's time to Keep Moving Forward.
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." 2 Corinthians 7:10
There is still hope for us all, as long as it is called today. Brush yourself off, look at your mistakes and see how you can do better next time, and keep moving forward.
In Christ alone--
Elena
This week's email comes to you courtesy of the children's movie Meet The Robinsons. It's kind of a running gag in my family that I hate kid's movies and have weird reactions to some classics (for example, I think Mary Poppins is the saddest movie I have ever seen--Nanny McPhee is a close second). Anyway, when I actually see one, and like it, it's kind of a big deal. :) Meet The Robinsons happens to be one of my favorites, and it's because of this scene.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNXr5Alytg4
Lewis (the blonde kid) is trying to make a peanut butter & jelly gun and he fails spectacularly. He is very apologetic, but the rest of the family is very encouraging (and appears to have fireworks on hand for just such an occasion!). Their theme is Keep Moving Forward--even when you make mistakes, learn what you can from your mistake and try again.
Isn't that kind of the theme of the Christian life, too? Being immersed doesn't mean we'll never sin again and live a life of perfect righteousness from that moment forward. We're going to fail, and sometimes we'll fail big time. We'll continually be struggling with our flesh, just like Paul in Romans 7:15-20.
"15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."
So what do we do when we make our mistakes, and figuratively coat everyone around us in our peanut butter and jelly slime? Does it mean it's time to chuck the Bible in the trash because Christianity clearly isn't for you? No, it means it's time to Keep Moving Forward.
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." 2 Corinthians 7:10
There is still hope for us all, as long as it is called today. Brush yourself off, look at your mistakes and see how you can do better next time, and keep moving forward.
In Christ alone--
Elena
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Barnabas Letters, part 5
Good morning, Barnabas Ladies! Hope my toe email last time didn't gross you all out too much. I promise not to talk about my feet this time around. :D
This week's email is about music. We have always been a singing family. When I was converted to the Lord's Church I didn't have any problem with the acapella singing, because I had always loved singing and music in general. In our house there's almost always some kind of music going, from streaming Pandora radio to traditional radio to the girls practicing piano.
Music is also a great way to memorize something, or to teach a concept. My girls are old (*sob*) but they still remember singing "Be Careful Little Eyes" in Bible class. :) And I'm sure you can all relate to those little "earworms"--songs that get stuck in your head and you find yourself humming them over and over.
I want to challenge you to spend this week only listening to songs with a Christian message. I'm absolutely not opposed to secular music in general, please don't misunderstand. But I think you might find it interesting how uplifted you can be in general if you spend some time only listening to Christian music. It is my opinion that outside the worship service, Christian songs with instrumental accompaniment are okay, but that's not what I want to focus on right now, so please go with your comfort level on this challenge.
To get you jumpstarted on this, I will have some CDs with me on Wednesday evening that I would love to share with you all. :) The songs are sung by the McCoy Family Singers, a fantastic acapella group that I have heard several times at the Tahoe Family Encampment. Please listen to it in your car, or stick it in your computer while you work, I think you will be really encouraged by it.
In closing, I'd like to share a song with you that I find very beautiful. The link below is to the YouTube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky5rAgjLEAI
The song is called In Christ Alone, and this version is done by Adam Young of Owl City (the song was originally sung by the Newsboys). Please be aware that there is piano accompaniment to the song, if you'd prefer to just read the lyrics, you will still be edified. :)
"In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all-in-all
Here in the love of Christ I stand
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand"
So now you know why I always sign my emails this way. Have a richly blessed week. :)
In Christ alone--
Elena
P.S. For scripture memorization, I highly recommend the CDs by Sing The Word (http://www.singtheword.com/). And if you would like to listen to more of the McCoy Family Singers, you can go to http://www.scripturessay.com/index.php?page=songs .
This week's email is about music. We have always been a singing family. When I was converted to the Lord's Church I didn't have any problem with the acapella singing, because I had always loved singing and music in general. In our house there's almost always some kind of music going, from streaming Pandora radio to traditional radio to the girls practicing piano.
Music is also a great way to memorize something, or to teach a concept. My girls are old (*sob*) but they still remember singing "Be Careful Little Eyes" in Bible class. :) And I'm sure you can all relate to those little "earworms"--songs that get stuck in your head and you find yourself humming them over and over.
I want to challenge you to spend this week only listening to songs with a Christian message. I'm absolutely not opposed to secular music in general, please don't misunderstand. But I think you might find it interesting how uplifted you can be in general if you spend some time only listening to Christian music. It is my opinion that outside the worship service, Christian songs with instrumental accompaniment are okay, but that's not what I want to focus on right now, so please go with your comfort level on this challenge.
To get you jumpstarted on this, I will have some CDs with me on Wednesday evening that I would love to share with you all. :) The songs are sung by the McCoy Family Singers, a fantastic acapella group that I have heard several times at the Tahoe Family Encampment. Please listen to it in your car, or stick it in your computer while you work, I think you will be really encouraged by it.
In closing, I'd like to share a song with you that I find very beautiful. The link below is to the YouTube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky5rAgjLEAI
The song is called In Christ Alone, and this version is done by Adam Young of Owl City (the song was originally sung by the Newsboys). Please be aware that there is piano accompaniment to the song, if you'd prefer to just read the lyrics, you will still be edified. :)
"In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all-in-all
Here in the love of Christ I stand
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand"
So now you know why I always sign my emails this way. Have a richly blessed week. :)
In Christ alone--
Elena
P.S. For scripture memorization, I highly recommend the CDs by Sing The Word (http://www.singtheword.com/). And if you would like to listen to more of the McCoy Family Singers, you can go to http://www.scripturessay.com/index.php?page=songs .
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Barnabas Letters, part 4
Greetings, Barnabas Ladies! You are all looking so lovely today! :D
This morning I was standing in my very grubby bathroom, taking off my very grubby toenail polish, and I was thinking about what I was going to say to you all in my email today. My thoughts and actions crossed each other, and I thought about what it would be like for one of my Christian sisters to give me a pedicure. Whether or not you've had a professional pedicure, I'm sure you're familiar with the basic procedure: the nail tech removes any old polish, you soak your feet in warm, scented water, then your toenails are clipped, all the crusty skin is removed, your feet and calves are massaged, and fresh nail polish is applied.
Now, I am relatively attentive to the condition of my feet, but it dawned on me that I would be terribly embarrassed for one of you to perform this service for me. Sometimes my feet are a little smelly, I have a scar on my big toe from where I had warts removed (twice!), and there is sock fuzz under my toenails.
Then I felt a little ashamed, because I remembered John 13:1-17 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13%3A1-17&version=NIV). In this passage, Jesus washes the disciples' feet. Peter is a little irritated (and I think, embarrassed), and doesn't want to allow Jesus, his Teacher and Lord, to wash his dirty feet. But Jesus tells him that if he doesn't wash him, Peter will have no part of him. He goes on to tell them all that he has given them an example, that they should do this for each other, and that no servant is greater than his master.
Based on the fact that foot washing is not mentioned as an act of the early church, I don't believe that Jesus intended that we must wash each others' feet as worship. But he did intend that we serve each other, and that the servant should not be ashamed of the "lowly" duty he performs, nor should the one being served be ashamed that he needs something done for him.
How many times have we resisted coming forward during the invitation because we are too embarrassed for others to know about all our calluses? What are we saying when we are too ashamed to admit to our fellow Christians that we have dirt under our toenails? Do we REALLY think we are the only one in the church with smelly toes?
When God made you a member of his body, through your obedience to his gospel, he provided you with siblings who will share your struggles, who will help you "scrape off the barnacles" (as our preacher would say!), and who will spend time in prayer, both with and for you. Please don't allow your shame to prevent others from spending a little time washing your feet.
In Christ Alone--
Elena
This morning I was standing in my very grubby bathroom, taking off my very grubby toenail polish, and I was thinking about what I was going to say to you all in my email today. My thoughts and actions crossed each other, and I thought about what it would be like for one of my Christian sisters to give me a pedicure. Whether or not you've had a professional pedicure, I'm sure you're familiar with the basic procedure: the nail tech removes any old polish, you soak your feet in warm, scented water, then your toenails are clipped, all the crusty skin is removed, your feet and calves are massaged, and fresh nail polish is applied.
Now, I am relatively attentive to the condition of my feet, but it dawned on me that I would be terribly embarrassed for one of you to perform this service for me. Sometimes my feet are a little smelly, I have a scar on my big toe from where I had warts removed (twice!), and there is sock fuzz under my toenails.
Then I felt a little ashamed, because I remembered John 13:1-17 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13%3A1-17&version=NIV). In this passage, Jesus washes the disciples' feet. Peter is a little irritated (and I think, embarrassed), and doesn't want to allow Jesus, his Teacher and Lord, to wash his dirty feet. But Jesus tells him that if he doesn't wash him, Peter will have no part of him. He goes on to tell them all that he has given them an example, that they should do this for each other, and that no servant is greater than his master.
Based on the fact that foot washing is not mentioned as an act of the early church, I don't believe that Jesus intended that we must wash each others' feet as worship. But he did intend that we serve each other, and that the servant should not be ashamed of the "lowly" duty he performs, nor should the one being served be ashamed that he needs something done for him.
How many times have we resisted coming forward during the invitation because we are too embarrassed for others to know about all our calluses? What are we saying when we are too ashamed to admit to our fellow Christians that we have dirt under our toenails? Do we REALLY think we are the only one in the church with smelly toes?
When God made you a member of his body, through your obedience to his gospel, he provided you with siblings who will share your struggles, who will help you "scrape off the barnacles" (as our preacher would say!), and who will spend time in prayer, both with and for you. Please don't allow your shame to prevent others from spending a little time washing your feet.
In Christ Alone--
Elena
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Barnabas Letters, part 3
So, Barnabas ladies, how did it go? I hope you enjoyed the good feeling you got from sending out a card or email to a special someone. :)
This week's suggestion is along a similar line--to give three compliments. There are some negatives in the Bible regarding flattery, so we need to recognize the distinction between it and a sincere compliment. I found this article to be interesting.
http://christian.families.com/blog/the-thorny-problem-of-complimenrts
And as the article's author says, we need to practice receiving compliments as much as giving them. We all have something valuable to give the world, let's not sell ourselves short! You are made in God's image, don't forget that!
In Christ alone--
Elena
This week's suggestion is along a similar line--to give three compliments. There are some negatives in the Bible regarding flattery, so we need to recognize the distinction between it and a sincere compliment. I found this article to be interesting.
http://christian.families.com/blog/the-thorny-problem-of-complimenrts
And as the article's author says, we need to practice receiving compliments as much as giving them. We all have something valuable to give the world, let's not sell ourselves short! You are made in God's image, don't forget that!
In Christ alone--
Elena
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Barnabas Letters, part 2
So how did everyone do with praying for your non-Christian friends and acquaintances? I definitely prayed but I am still slacking on the "telling them" part. I guess I need encouragement not to be such a chicken! :P
This week, I'd like to suggest that you send a card or note to a friend. If you're fresh out of stamps, try an e-card or an email. The point is to let people know we are thinking of them, whether it's a compliment or an encouraging word or just a "you were on my mind today." Our mailboxes are full of junk and our email inboxes are full of spam, let's give each other a pleasant surprise! :)
Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. (Proverbs 16:24 NLT)
Some people make cutting remarks,
but the words of the wise bring healing. (Proverbs 12:18 NLT)
And if you need some e-card links:
http://www.123greetings.com/
http://www.egreetings.com/
In Christ Alone--
Elena
This week, I'd like to suggest that you send a card or note to a friend. If you're fresh out of stamps, try an e-card or an email. The point is to let people know we are thinking of them, whether it's a compliment or an encouraging word or just a "you were on my mind today." Our mailboxes are full of junk and our email inboxes are full of spam, let's give each other a pleasant surprise! :)
Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. (Proverbs 16:24 NLT)
Some people make cutting remarks,
but the words of the wise bring healing. (Proverbs 12:18 NLT)
And if you need some e-card links:
http://www.123greetings.com/
http://www.egreetings.com/
In Christ Alone--
Elena
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Barnabas Letters, part 1
Barnabas means "son of encouragement" (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%204:36;&version=ESV;), and the intent of these little messages are to encourage you, give you a little something to think about, maybe a spiritual sort of sweet. :)
This week I want to encourage you to spend some time in prayer for someone who is not a Christian, AND let them know that you have done (or are doing) so.
James 5:16b (NLT)
"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."
Remember that you may be the only Christian in prayer for this person! As you pray, remember that prayer is not our last resort. It's not the thing you do when you don't know how else to help--we have a direct connection to the Almighty God and He should be the first one we turn to when there is a need.
Pray without ceasing,
Elena
This week I want to encourage you to spend some time in prayer for someone who is not a Christian, AND let them know that you have done (or are doing) so.
James 5:16b (NLT)
"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."
Remember that you may be the only Christian in prayer for this person! As you pray, remember that prayer is not our last resort. It's not the thing you do when you don't know how else to help--we have a direct connection to the Almighty God and He should be the first one we turn to when there is a need.
Pray without ceasing,
Elena
Introduction
I have been writing biweekly emails for the ladies that I attend worship with, and I thought it might be nice to get them "out there" on the web. They are, on occasion, slightly edited to remove private details.
I hope all who read are edified.
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