Barbara's Banter

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

Jesus tells us that He came so we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). What is this more abundant life Jesus spoke of? Is it having robust health? Is it materialism and wealth? Is it success, power, and prestige? After all, aren’t these the things most people yearn for and naturally associate with an abundant life? Well, that might be our interpretation, but our view and God’s view could be vastly different (Isaiah 55:9).

Many think the more abundant life refers to great prosperity. They measure faith by how much God blesses us materially. But do new cars, million dollar homes, plasma TVs, diamonds, rubies, private air planes, or bags of money really draw us closer to God? Contrary to popular opinion, God is not some big sugar daddy in the sky eager to give us everything we ask for.

Most know the primary focus of the Christian life should not be on getting things. It would be difficult to find scriptures that focus on Christians “getting” instead of “giving.” The Bible leans more towards contentment than wanting more, more, more (1 Timothy 6:8-9; Philippians 4:1-3; Hebrews 13:5). In fact, Jesus said that a man’s life does not consist of the abundance of the things he might possess (Luke 12:15).  

I’m not saying an abundant life precludes wealth, health, or worldly success, but it does not depend on it either. Paul knew this better than anyone. He knew how to be abased or exalted, have a full tummy or an empty one, and abound or suffer—and through it all, be content and give thanks (Philippians 4:11-13; Ephesians 5:20). He knew what the abundant life was all about. 

The life referred to in John 10:10 is eternal life, everlasting life, and life without fear of death. The phrase “more abundantly” is the Greek word “perissos” meaning “beyond, more, and above measure.” It refers back to the word “life.” Not only did Jesus come to give us eternal life, but even more than that, He lives His life within us right now. His very presence in us adds something immeasurable to our existence. He is what makes our life abundant and worth living.

Man views abundance in terms of physical possessions. God has a different perspective. His abundant life is filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control, compassion, humility, character, wisdom, enthusiasm, dignity, optimism, confidence, honesty, and a relationship with Him. In other words, the more abundant life is full of all the things money can’t buy. The more we open our hearts to God, the more abundant our lives will be.

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

Being a Christian does not exempt us from trials and troubles. We may try to avoid the raging rivers in life, but sooner or later they catch up with us. We don’t all go through the same troubled waters. Some may face poverty, ill health, or discrimination while others deal with abuse, handicaps, or loss. But let’s face it, all God’s children got stuff to deal with.

Our lives will always be filled with mountains to climb and rivers to cross. At times we may feel like we can’t cross. Our faith is weak. Perhaps sorrow and grief seem greater than we can bear. The challenges we face have depleted our strength. And if we are indeed relying on our own strength, chances are we might not make it. However, God has promised to “pass through the waters” with us.

When the people of Ancient Israel were going through distressing times, God had words of comfort and hope to offer them through the prophet Isaiah. “…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you…” (Isaiah 43:1-2).

The Israelites had been dispersed and scattered by the Assyrians. Judah was being taken captive by Babylon. Yet even though these overwhelming events were happening, God told them He would be with them. When they had to “pass through” difficult times, God would be with them. This was His promise to them—and to us—and God keeps all His promises (1 Kings 8:56).

How can we be sure that God will “pass through” with us? Because God says, “Fear not! I have redeemed you! I have called you by name and you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1). We are God’s. He has purchased our eternal salvation. We are precious to God. And while it’s true we must “pass through” the water, God is always with us.

Sometimes God parts the water and we go through on dry land like he did for Moses. However, sometimes we have to actually step in the water first. When Joshua was faced with crossing the overflowing Jordan River into Jericho, God told the Israelites to break camp, form a line, and actually step into the river before it would be opened (Joshua 3:7-17). They had to walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). They were told to “set foot into the Jordan”—not to wait for it to open (Joshua 3:13).

Many times we are hesitant to go forward because we want all barriers removed before we proceed. However, God does not usually provide help before help is needed. He doesn’t remove obstacles out of our way before we need them moved. God does everything step by step. That’s why we need to walk with Him. If we are walking with God, we will never have to “pass through the waters” alone.

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

When people say, “trust me,” I visualize red flags popping up out of their heads with words like beware, avoid, and caution written across them. I, like so many others, have become jaded by society. Honesty may be the best policy but it seems almost nonexistent today. We have been continually misled by politicians, leaders, media, banks, news commentators, corporations, doctors, reporters, lawyers, and so on. Was there really ever any truth in advertising? Just how long can one store have a “going out of business” sale?

People try to reassure of us of certain things, but more than likely the check is not in the mail, that used car is not in good running condition, the repairman can’t make it just like new, the dog really does bite, your secret will be told, and a Novocain shot hurts more than just a little. No wonder we have trust issues!

Truth be told, we can’t even trust ourselves. We are influenced by emotions and feelings which can be manipulated and misleading. Perhaps that’s why God tells us not to lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). 

In this world of mistrust, we sometimes forget there is One we can always count on. In good times or bad, God can always be trusted to take care of us and look out for our best interests. We are His children and He loves us (1 John 3:1). Circumstances change but God remains constant (Hebrews 13:8). God is good, and blessed are those who trust Him (Jeremiah 17:7). Christians forget that trust is a choice (Psalm 31:14).  

Most of our choices or decisions are habitual responses, many times governed by our feelings and emotions. Trusting God must be a conscious, moment-by-moment choice. God is with us every step of every day whether we feel it or not. Daily disruptions are opportunities to trust God. Sometimes just whispering “I choose to trust you, Lord” can give us perspective. This trust relinquishes control to God.

When we trust God our happiness does not depend on our circumstances (Habakkuk 3:17-19). Trusting God helps us stop complaining, resenting, and comparing ourselves to others. Often we waste precious time wishing things were different rather than looking for God where we are. God can lift us above our circumstances.

When it comes to God, we don’t need to have trust issues or get discouraged. Corrie ten Boom once said, “When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.” Trusting God is how we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

We all know the story of Joshua and Caleb. When the Israelites reached the edge of the land God

promised them, Moses was instructed to send twelve men to spy out the land and report on what they saw. All twelve men saw the same thing. The land was indeed lovely and bountiful, but the cities were fortified and the inhabitants huge and powerful.

Ten spies gave discouraging reports and said it was too difficult to take the land. However, Joshua and Caleb knew it could be done. Why? Because they kept God in the picture! Odds can be against us and obstacles insurmountable, but with God, all things are possible.

Did you know that Caleb’s name actually means faithful, devoted, and wholehearted? Following God wholeheartedly does have its benefits. The disbelieving Israelites would not be able to enter the Promised Land but Caleb and Joshua would. God said that Caleb “had a different spirit in him and has followed Me wholeheartedly” (Numbers 14:24 NIV).

Only Joshua and Caleb would enter because they “wholeheartedly followed the Lord” (Numbers 32:11-12 NIV; Deuteronomy 1:36 NIV). Not only would Caleb enter the Promised Land, but at age 85 he was able to drive out the Anakins and receive a rich inheritance because he “wholeheartedly followed the Lord” (Joshua 14:8-14 NIV).

I wonder what it means to wholeheartedly follow God. What did Caleb and Joshua have that others didn’t? Personally, I think it was unwavering faith in a mighty God. This is not the same as blind faith which is faith for no apparent reason. Caleb and Joshua had seen the miracles God had performed and internalized them. They didn’t have to rely on their abilities because they were confident God would do what He promised. So if God said, “Take the land,” then they should take the land. Their God was bigger than any obstacle in their pathway.

It reminds me of David. David was a flawed individual and made lots of mistakes. Yet he’s called a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). What did David have that others didn’t? Unabashed faith in a mighty God!

When just a shepherd boy, he defeated Goliath. He remembered how God had delivered him from a lion and a bear to protect the sheep under his care (1 Samuel 17:37). So when soldiers cowered away from Goliath he said, “Who is this Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26). David warned Goliath that he had no idea who he was messing with. To defy the living God is a dangerous thing. David didn’t need a sword or spear to defeat Goliath because this battle belonged to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:45-47).    

WOW! That’s how I want to think of God. Great! Mighty! Powerful! Bigger than any problem I face. Fully capable of handling any situation! I want a spirit in me that believes and follows God wholeheartedly.

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

An epistle is a letter. The epistles of Paul are actual letters he wrote to various areas. In one letter he wrote to the Corinthians, he mentions that followers of Christ are actual living letters that all who see can read.

2 Corinthians 3:1-3: “Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our Epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men, manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the spirit of the living God, not in tables of stone but in fleshy tables of the heart.”

Being compared to letters may not seem significant in a society that rarely writes them, but years ago letter writing was almost an art form. With no phones or e-mail, it was a major genre of communication. People spent a great deal of time and put a lot of thought into each of these compositions. Much of what we have learned from history can be found in letters exchanged between friends and loved ones.

In the early church, it was the custom for some teachers to bring letters of introduction or commendation from a well-known Christian leader or another church to validate their ministry. Some were authentic; some were not. Some questioned Paul’s authority to preach because he had no such letters. However, Paul felt his teaching about Christ and the lives impacted by it would serve as his “letter.”

Paul had no better recommendation than the changed lives of the Corinthian believers themselves. These believers lived in one of the worst cities in the ancient world. So evil was its reputation, the phrase “Corinthianize” meant to corrupt. Yet in the midst of this licentiousness lived Christians who were a living testimony of the power of Christ to transform lives. These Corinthian believers were an open letter for all to read—and so are we.

Just like the Corinthian believers, our spiritual letters are not written on paper with pen and ink, but on our hearts by the Spirit of God. We are living letters and all who enter our lives, whether casually or intimately, can read every word written.

Fortunately, we can let God do the writing because we are His epistles. Signed, sealed, and delivered—we are His!

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

I’m sure you’ve heard the story about an old Cherokee teaching his grandson about life, but it is worth repeating. The old man said, “There is a fight going on inside of me between two wolves. One is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”

He goes on to say, “The other wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. This same fight goes on inside of everyone, even you.”

The young boy thought a moment, then asked, “Which wolf will win?”

The grandfather replied, “The one you feed.”

This same battle goes on inside of all of us. Unfortunately, too many people today have chosen to feed the wrong wolf. The result is uncontrolled hatred and anger which makes for difficult relationships.

Uncontrolled hatred can lead to blind rage. Uncontrolled anger can cause us to take our frustrations out on others. Arguing becomes all about wanting others to believe we are right,  whether we are or not. Debating is all about winning, not about truth. Finding two people with different points of view who can dialogue or have a give-and-take conversation with respect is rare indeed. Our approach depends on which of our inner wolves we are feeding. 

I must admit that I think the world would be a much better place if everyone just agreed with me and did things my way, but they don’t. How does this make me feel? Angry? Bitter? Upset?

God created us to be different. We have different eyes and hair, shapes and sizes, backgrounds and environments, likes and dislikes. It would be reasonable to assume that we have different points of view and opinions. That’s why God deals with us as individuals. However, we must always remember that what God thinks is more important than what we think. So we must constantly feed on His Word to win our inward battle.

Our very being needs to be filled with God’s love. People guided with God’s love speak gently and with kindness. They say, “There but for the grace of God go I,” instead of adopting an “I’m holier than you” attitude.

God’s Spirit is one of cooperation not division. Those filled with God’s Spirit want to be a part of the solution, not just point out the problem. They want to work for the betterment of the whole, not just for what pleases them.

Therefore, we must feed on…

• …compassion and kindness (1 Peter 3:8).
• …humility and patience (Ephesians 4:1-3).
• …peace, encouragement, and edification (Romans 14:19).
• …avoiding strife and respecting others (Philippians 2:1-5).

God’s Word is full of tasty morsels to help win the battle waged inside us for our soul. Our relationship with God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit is the best soul food we can have to face the challenges of each new day.   

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

Ephesians 4:3 says, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” This is easier said than done. However, if everyone would just agree with me and do things my way, we could be unified and peaceful. My friend disagreed. She felt unity could only be achieved if everyone agreed with her and did it her way. What a dilemma—and one the world faces daily because everyone is right in their own eyes.

Is our zeal to prove we are always right hindering our relationship with others and even God? How important is it to always be right?

For example, let’s say you are driving down the road and another car is coming towards you. Both of you are in the same lane. You have a right to be in that lane and the other car doesn’t. However, the other car has no intention of changing lanes. Neither do you. In fact, you are adamant about your right to be there. So a head-on collision occurs and both drivers die. Yes, you were right. You might say you were “dead right!” But who cares? You’re dead.

Must we always be “right at any price,” leaving a trail of hurt and sorrow in our wake? Are we overly aggressive and quarrelsome? Do we win the argument, but lose the friend? If so, we might be in danger of being “dead right!”

Or are we peacemakers? The Bible doesn’t say, “Blessed are the belligerent”—it says, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Perhaps qualities like humility, gentleness, patience, kindness, and meekness might help us get along better with others, more than a “my way or the highway” attitude.

There may be times when we should stand up, stand up for Jesus but if we are honest with ourselves, most of our conflicts are over trivial matters. The Bible tells us to avoid foolish and ignorant disputes because they generate strife. A servant of the Lord should not quarrel. They should be gentle to all, exhibiting patience and humility (2 Timothy 2:23-26).

What is our goal in dealing with others? Do we want to change them and their point of view? Do we want to promote our thoughts and ideas? Or do we want to pray about it, and open ourselves up to the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Our job is to love people, not try to change them. That’s God’s job. We need to be asking God to change us and our approach, not the other guy.

So with that in mind, I’ve made a major decision. The next time my husband tells a story to others and gets a few peripheral facts wrong, such as what time of day it was or the color of someone’s hair, I’ve decided to smile and say, “You might be right,” instead of constantly correcting him. Sometimes it’s better to have peace than always be right.  

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

When my grandfather was dying several years ago, I went to spend a week with him in the foothills of the Ozarks in southeast Missouri. He was in his late 80s and had lived a long, peaceful life. Everyone called him Uncle Doug and he was well-respected in his farming community. He was a gentle man who became a Christian at a young age. He was a deacon who went to a little Baptist church every Sunday where he taught Sunday school for decades. He helped strangers and neighbors alike, and never said one unkind word about anyone. When I say never, I mean never—not even in the privacy of his own home.

When my grandmother died during a pneumonia epidemic, my grandfather promised her he would never remarry. I’m not saying that was a wise thing to promise, but to illustrate the level of integrity my grandfather had, he never remarried in those 60 years after her death. He had every little widow lady in the county chasing him, but he never remarried because his word was his bond.

People said if Uncle Doug said something was so, it was so. And at his funeral I heard not one but several people say, “Well if Uncle Doug doesn’t make it to heaven, there is no chance for the rest of us.”

They would be surprised to know that when I spent that week with my grandfather, I came into his room and found him crying. Thinking he was ill, I asked what I could get for him. What did he need? Did he need pain medication? No—he was crying because he felt like he was a sinner. He hadn’t done enough for God. He wasn’t good enough to meet his Maker.

Now some might say, “How sweet! He was such a humble man.” Yes, he was humble. He was so humble he didn’t even realize how God had worked through him to touch the lives of others, including mine. I think that’s a wonderful thing. However, I found it quite sad for him to be facing the end of his life feeling God was displeased with him because he wasn’t good enough. I don’t think that’s where our focus should be because in some twisted way it becomes all about us instead of all about God. It is because Jesus lives in us that we can rest in peace. I prayed for God to give my grandfather peace and He did.

Unfortunately, many do not understand that it’s not about our goodness—it’s about God’s greatness. It’s Jesus living in us that gives our life value (Galatians 2:20). We can never be good enough to earn God’s love, so He freely gives it to us (Romans 5:8). If we could be good enough, we wouldn’t need God.

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

People make a huge error thinking that Christianity is a religion. It’s not so much a religion as it is a lifestyle, one that reflects Christ living in us. Religion is what you believe, but Christianity is what you live. It’s something you do. So being a Christian requires more than just belief.

When people become followers of Christ (i.e., Christians), their lives are no longer their own (1 Corinthians 3:23). They automatically become witnesses (Acts 1:8). Others look carefully at the Christian lifestyle, so Christians are actually witnessing for Christ whether they want to or not. We Christians have quite a responsibility. What kind of witnesses are we?

Christians are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). Are we full of zest for the life we are called to live?

Christians are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Do we light a candle in this world or do we curse the darkness?

Christians are friends of Christ (John 15:13-15). Do we understand the meaning of friendship in our relationships? Can we keep a confidence?

Christians are not under the law but under grace (Romans 6:14-15). Do we know when to make an issue out of something and when to let it pass?

Christians are partakers of the sufferings of Christ (2 Corinthians 1:2-8). How do we handle trials when they come our way? Christians aren’t promised a life without thorns or thistles.

I’ve heard it said that one reason people do not become Christians is because they know one. By the same token, the main reason they do become Christians is because they know one. Which kind of Christian am I? How do people feel when they are around me? What do people see when they look at me? I’m not talking about perfection but reflection.

When we look in a mirror do we see wrinkles? Baggy eyes? Double chins? Scars? God doesn’t see that and He wants us to see what He sees—a reflection of Himself (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). We want to reflect the fruit of the Holy Spirit, not the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-25). When people look at us, we want them to see a glimmer of Christ in us.  

Professing to be religious is not enough. Saying we love God but not showing it to our neighbors puts us on dangerous ground (I John 4:20). On the other hand, doing something for others is the same as doing it for God (Matthew 25:24-46). Christians walk the walk, not just talk the talk. To reflect Christ in our lives, we need a little less talk and a lot more action.

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

The Bible is God’s Word. I’m not sure we really understand what a blessing it is to have God’s Word readily available to read. We don’t have to wait for Moses to come down from a mountain with a tablet of stone to hear what God has to say. We don’t have to wait for Paul’s next parchment epistle to arrive via messenger. We have access to God, His thoughts, and His example at our fingertips. I wonder if we really appreciate what a privilege that is.  

In biblical times, the average person did not have access to a Bible. Only the religious leaders had a copy of the Bible and probably not in total. That’s why public reading of Scripture was important. Paul refers to this in Timothy 4:13 when he says, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine.” 

In those days, people weren’t just grabbing their Bibles and heading over to Joe’s house for an impromptu Bible study. Many at that time were illiterate. When the Bereans were commended for searching Scriptures daily, they were making an effort to get together with someone who could read and had access to portions of the Bible (Acts 17:11). Reading or studying the Bible was a shared activity with people supporting and encouraging one another.

Once the Bible was canonized, emperors like Constantine sanctioned that Scriptures could be copied by hand by scribes. Canonization is just a fancy way of saying the community of churches or God’s people all got together and, through much prayer and discussion, decided which biblical writings were divinely inspired and authoritative.

Copying these Scriptures was a huge, laborious undertaking. Each word had to be carefully formed in ink with no room for error since there was no “wite-out” or “correct-o-type” available. During the Middle Ages, around 600 to 1400 AD, several thousand monasteries were established across Europe to copy the Bible. Teams of scribes and artists produced magnificent parchments filled with beautiful artwork. Most people in the Middle Ages were illiterate, so these pictures, designs, and illustrations were very popular. These Bibles were huge and expensive—not available to the common man—so they would be put on display at some churches, monasteries, and universities.   

However, after the printing press came along in the 1400s, the floodgates opened and information became available to ordinary, everyday people. The printing press was actually the Internet of its time. Eventually literacy and access to books became widespread. The Bible became accessible to the average person—people like you and me.     

When John introduces us to Jesus in the New Testament, he refers to Him as the Word. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1-4, 14). How appropriate for Jesus to be called the Word, for Jesus is indeed the Living Word of God. Jesus tells us that if we abide in His Word, we are truly His disciples (John 8:31). This has a two-fold meaning because not only are we to abide in God’s Word, we are to abide in Jesus.   

God’s Word is vital to our Christian journey. It reminds us of who Christ is, what He has done for us, what He continues to do for us, who we are in Christ, and how we should live our lives. What a privilege it is to have the Bible, God’s very Word, at our fingertips! 

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)