Barbara's Banter

Short and sweet thought for the week…

Brother Lawrence, author of The Practice of the Presence of God, wrote “A little lifting up of the heart suffices; a little remembrance of God, an interior act of adoration, even though made on the march and with sword in hand, are prayers which, short though they may be, are nevertheless very pleasing to God, and far from making a soldier lose his courage on the most dangerous occasions, bolster it.”

Of course, he is admonishing soldiers, but are we not, as the song says, Christian soldiers daily marching into war? That’s why we are told to put on the whole armor of God every day (Ephesians 6:10-20). During our daily battles, we may not always be where we can kneel in prayer. That’s when short, sincere, split-second prayers can keep us connected with God.

Brother Lawerence goes on to say, “Let him then think of God as much as possible so that he will gradually become accustomed to this little but holy exercise; no one will notice it and nothing is easier than to repeat often during the day these little acts of interior adoration.”

This admonition reminds us to stay in constant communication with God. Split-second prayers are an excellent form of rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and always giving thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:16). It keeps us in a spiritual mindset and receptive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.   

If we are quick to listen and slow to speak, we can ask God for guidance before we respond to others (James 1:19). When a person comes to mind, we can lift them up to God. An unexpected call from a dear friend is an opportunity to ask God to bless them. If a co-worker has a problem, we can ask God to help. After all, we are urged to make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving for all people (1 Timothy 2:1).

We can also continuously be praising God for who He is and what He does. Short, little talks with God throughout the day help us grow accustom to His presence in our lives. It helps us thrive and survive so we can face each new day with spiritual perspective, peace, and confidence—ready for whatever comes our way.  

“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing, in
everything give thanks…” ~1 Thessalonians 5:16

Short and sweet thought for the week…

When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, they didn’t know who he was or what to think. So Jesus told them, “Be of good cheer. It is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).

A couple of thoughts come to mind when I read this passage. First, I’m so pleased Jesus used old proper English in His wording, even though He wasn’t speaking in English. I know that today it is permissible to say, “It is I” or “It’s me,” but as an old-school former teacher, I’m always happy to hear people say, “It is I.” So thank you, Jesus! This alone makes me cheerful.

The other thought is that I wonder why Jesus said, “Be of good cheer!” I don’t think He was just telling them to “put on a happy face” or “look on the bright side.” This wouldn’t calm the nerves of someone who is apprehensive about what is going on.

Even though some think that Christians should always be smiling and happy no matter what is happening in their lives, it is a misconception. After all, Christians experience the same hardships as others. They lose loved ones, get divorces, face health challenges, feel abandoned, and have their hearts broken just like everyone else. I think the last thing they want to hear when they are fearful for the future or in despair is, “Be of good cheer!” 

Some translations describe the intent of “be of good cheer” as to “take heart.” Actually, the Greek word here is tharseite which means to be of good courage. Jesus uses this phrase to encourage those who are fearful. 

In John 16:33, Jesus says, “These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.”

In other words, we have nothing to worry about because Jesus is with us and has everything under control. We can put our hope and trust in Him. So be of good cheer, Jesus will take care of us now and in the future, even at times when we feel confused about what’s happening.

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them saying, ‘Be of
good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.'” ~Matthew 14:27

Short and sweet thought for the week…

Good news/bad news jokes abound. For example…

Good news: Your favorite TV show got renewed.

Bad news: It’s only on a streaming service you can’t afford.

Good news: You got a reply on your email today.

Bad news: It was from a Nigerian prince.

Good news at your yearly physical: Your cholesterol has stayed the same:

Bad news: Research findings on cholesterol have changed.

These jokes could go on and on and on. If someone were to say to you, “I have good news and bad news, which do you want to hear first?” What do you answer? Do you want to hear the good news first or the bad news?

Years ago, a study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin revealed that most people want to hear the bad news first because they think they’ll feel better if they end with something positive.

However, those who had to deliver the news preferred to start with the good news before the bad news. The researchers call it “priming emotion-protection,” which actually means that maybe the bad news won’t seem as bad if something good comes first.

Personally, whether I’m giving news or receiving it, I’d rather have more of a sandwich approach. Give me some good news, then hit me with the bad news, and end with some more good news.

That’s why I like to start my day with a devotional or a little Bible reading before I hear any current news reports. It doesn’t take much murder, injustice, disease, politics, fires, floods, war, hate crimes, conspiracy theories, or mayhem to dampen my spirits—and that’s the real news, not the fake news. With all the media options available, it is easy to access bad news 24/7. No wonder so many people are depressed.

So after hearing some bad news, I like to fill my mind with some really good news—Jesus!  

When Christ was born the angel said, “I bring you good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

Did you know that the word “gospel” in the Bible means “good news?” So here’s the gospel, or what I call some really good news: Jesus came to earth. Jesus dwelt among people. Jesus loved us while we were sinners. Jesus died for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus lives in us. Jesus will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

Good news: God is allowing us to live another day.

Bad news: The world is going to hell in a handbasket. 

Good news: Christ brings hope to a hopeless world.  

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power
of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” ~Romans 1:16

Short and sweet thought for the week…

We know that Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). That’s us! Most of us didn’t even know we were lost until Jesus found us and offered us salvation. Salvation is not as complicated as people think. For example, once a jailer asked Paul, “What must I do to be saved?”

Paul answered simply, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31).

Jesus saves us from our sins (Matthew 1:21). This means all our sins are forgiven—past, present, and future. Sin loses its power in our lives (Romans 6:6). We can’t save ourselves, so Jesus saves us.

Not only are our sins forgiven, but Jesus goes to work changing us into better people. In a way, He saves us from ourselves. Without Christ, we are primarily focused on ourselves. We are mainly interested in self-promotion, self-righteousness, and self-preservation which makes us self-conscious, self-indulgent, self-centered, and self-seeking. If not kept in check, we are our own worst enemies.

With Christ in our lives, we are no longer caught up with our plans, our hopes, our desires, our dreams, and everything that is an extension of us. While there is nothing wrong with planning, hoping, and dreaming, these desires must align with God’s will for our lives, not ours. God has a more inclusive view which does not focus totally us. God loves us but we are not the center of His universal picture, but He should be the center of ours.  

Once we realize that God loves us and knows what is best, not just for us but everyone around us, it is easier to surrender to His will. Having complete trust in Him helps us pray for His will, not ours to be done. This is just another way of asking, “Jesus, please save me from myself.”

“…Your will be done…” ~Matthew 9:10

Short and sweet thought for the week…

We are all joy spreaders. We either bring joy to everyone when we enter a room or everyone is joyful when we leave a room. Most of us would rather people feel joyful when we come, not when we go. However, we can’t give to others what we don’t have.

If we aren’t calm, we can’t help others be calm. If we have no peace, we can’t help others find peace. If we have no joy, we can’t help others be joyful. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Asking God to manifest His fruit in our lives helps us share it with others. We all need more love, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control,…and JOY.  

Many do not understand that happiness and joy are not always synonymous. Happiness is conditional and depends on what happens to us. Joy runs much deeper because it transcends events and feelings.

Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Jesus endured being crucified because of the joy set before Him. He could see beyond what was happening.

True joy comes from knowing God and having a relationship with Him. In God’s presence, we find true joy (Psalm 16:11). This joy is an attitude of the heart that comes from trusting a faithful God.

As joy becomes part of our spiritual identity, others may notice. Unbeknownst to us, we can exude a certain faith and confidence in God regardless of our circumstances. It can manifest itself with tiny expressions of peace and calm, or delightful smiles and laughter. Either way, it’s always welcomed when it enters a room.

“These things have I spoken to you that my joy may
remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” ~John 15:11

Short and sweet thought for the week…

I’ve heard it said that eyes are the window to our soul, but hands tell our story. I think there is some truth there which becomes even more evident as we age. Some read palms to tell our future, but actually our hands hold the key to our past. They show where we’ve been and what we’ve done.  

Smooth, nail-polished hands are lovely, but so are the ones that are wrinkled, calloused, or arthritic. They’ve survived life’s adventures and trials, and lived to tell the tale. Each hand has a unique set of fingerprints. Each hand has a unique story to tell. Some hands tremble a bit; others seem steady and sure. However, all hands can be welcoming, forgiving, and comforting.

Loving hands are the best and have no cosmetic requirements to be considered beautiful. Loving hands will bandage scraped knees, hug the bereaved, place a cool cloth on a feverish brow, sew a doll’s dress from scraps, hold others up when they are weak, bake a pie for the potluck, bring flowers to the ill, slip a dollar bill to the homeless, hold crying babies, care for ailing parents, drive a neighbor to a doctor’s appointment, or fold together in prayer for those too weary to even pray for themselves.

God shows His love for us by writing our names in the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16). The most loving hands of all belong to Jesus. The image of His nail-scarred hands should strengthen our faith. They could not have been pleasant to see, but revealed a story of redemption, grace, and love for us.

“Put your finger here; see my hands…Stop
doubting and believe.” ~John 20:27 (NIV)

Short and sweet thought for the week…

Years ago, there was a popular song titled Feelings. It went something like this…”Feelings, whoa-o-o-o feelings!” I hated that song. Not so much because of the message, but the whiney way it came across. The poor guy was in agony and I felt for him, but not enough to listen to him sing this song.

With that being said, I realize that God created feelings to be an outlet for what happens in our lives. However, God never intended them to be a guide for what is right or wrong. It’s unwise to base decisions totally on how we feel. If we let feelings rule our lives, we are headed for trouble.

For example, the Bible says we can get angry, but we don’t have to sin (Ephesians 4:26). Cain didn’t get that memo. He was angry with God and his brother Abel. As a result, he killed Abel because he didn’t know how to process his feelings of jealousy, resentment, and inadequacy. You see, if we don’t control our feelings, they control us.

Feelings are not facts. Just because we feel something, does not make it true. People want to debate scriptures based on how they feel, but truth is truth regardless of how we feel. God’s Word is truth. We need to choose to follow God instead of our feelings because our emotions are unpredictable, unreliable, fickle, and ever-changing. Jesus does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. That’s why we can rely on Him.

Meaningful and uplifting experiences are part of the Christian journey, but so are trials and problems. So we must learn to trust God more than our feelings. We can’t afford to let feelings be a substitute for faith. Walking by faith means we praise, follow, and obey God regardless of how we feel at a particular time. Remember that it’s much better to be at the mercy of God, than at the mercy of our feelings.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” ~2 Corinthians 5:7

Short and sweet thought for the week…

Job could be the poster boy for having a really bad day. Within a day, he has more trials to deal with than most get in a lifetime. His oxen and donkeys are stolen by the Sabeans. His sheep are consumed by fire. The Chaldeans raid his camels and take them away. All his sons and daughters are killed while together at his oldest son’s house when a great wind collapses the structure on them.  

We’ve all had some bad days in our lives, but probably nothing compared to this. We’ve all had those times when grave disappointments seem to multiply. We think things can’t get worse, but they do. How did Job feel when all this happened to him?

Of course, he was devastated. He tore his robe. He shaved his head. Then “he fell to the ground and worshipped” (Job 1;20). His first response and reaction after his initial shock and loss was to worship God. He had no idea why all these things were occurring, but he did know that God has power, wisdom, and authority over everything, and that God is good. In spite of his circumstances, he knew God was with him and worthy of his praise.  

When trials are heavy and we feel like our lives are falling apart, it goes against our human nature to worship. We feel more like accusing God than praising Him. Yet Job said, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).

Praising God during tough times is challenging, because we don’t feel like worshipping. We don’t feel like doing much of anything except feeling sorry for ourselves, which is understandable. However, the Bible instructs us to praise the Lord at all times (Psalm 113:3). During good times and bad, God is still our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. God is greater than all our problems. Worshipping God acknowledges that we believe Him. We trust Him. We proclaim Him as Lord over all, especially our lives.

Even if we don’t feel like worshipping, it is wise to do it anyway. Every act of worship is a decision we make to shift our focus from ourselves and our problems to God’s greatness. Actually, there is no better way to find peace when we are dealing with those really bad days! 

“I will bless the Lord at all times…”~Psalm 34:1

Short and sweet thought for the week…

During Jesus’s travels, He encountered a man who had suffered with many demons for a very long time. This man didn’t live in a house but it the tombs. The demons tormented him day and night. At times, the man was kept under guard in shackles and chains but the demons were so strong they would break him free. When the man saw Jesus, he ran to worship Him. In Jesus’s compassion, He cast the demons out of this man and he was healed.

This man was so appreciative that he begged Jesus to be able to stay with Him, but Jesus sent him away with these instructions: “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you (Luke 8:39).” The man went away and proclaimed throughout the whole city the great things Jesus had done for him. Who better to tell this story than one who had experienced it firsthand?

Who better to tell others what Jesus had done for us than we who have experienced it firsthand?

Perhaps our encounters with Jesus have not been quite as dynamic as this man’s experience, but they are meaningful to us all the same. Yet, so many times we shy away from telling others about Jesus when opportunities arise. I’m not suggesting we hop on soap boxes or pounce on unsuspecting people. However, we are eyewitnesses to what God has done in our lives, so why not tell our personal stories about Jesus to others who ask or those who are receptive?   

“…you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea
and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Short and sweet thought for the week…

One popular Christian song goes, “We bring the sacrifice of praise into the House of the Lord…” I’ve never really thought about offering praises to God as a sacrifice. Usually I’m praising God for His goodness, His blessings, His answered prayers, His Creation, His protection, etc. It’s a sort of joyful worship response coming from a thankful, appreciative heart.

However, in the Old Testament, sometimes acts of worship included an animal sacrifice. Unblemished animals were sacrificed to symbolize atonement of sin and reconciliation with God. Something innocent had to die in place of the sinner. Through this, people were taught that true worship involves surrender and sacrifice.  

In the New Testament, we find Jesus Christ dying for our sins and becoming our ultimate sacrifice. This ultimate sacrifice gives us even more reason to praise God. Still, this does not seem very sacrificial on our part and the Bible indicates there are times when praise should include a sacrifice from us.  

“Therefore let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share for with such sacrifices God is well pleased (Hebrews 13:15-16).”

Making certain sacrifices by doing good to others and sharing is definitely one way we praise God.  However, I think another way we offer the sacrifice of praise is by lifting praises to God even when things did not turn out the way we wanted. Perhaps we were diagnosed with cancer, a loved one died in a car accident, we lost our job due to a company downsize, or a drug addicted child played havoc with our family life. Maybe we don’t feel like praising God during dire circumstances.

However, that’s when we truly bring the “sacrifice of praise” because it takes all we have within us to lay our will on the altar and trust God for His outcome. When we praise God in spite of situations, we offer up to Him our belief, our confidence, our hope, and our faith.

In Psalms, we are told that God does not delight in sacrificial burnt offerings, but rather He delights in a humble spirit that places faith and trust in Him no matter what comes our way (Psalm 51:16-17).

“Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, though
the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield not food; Though the
may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls–Yet I will
rejoice in the Lord. I will joy in the God of my salvation.” ~Habakkuk 3:17-18