My Dad, Barnabas

Denver Haught, age 81, died November 29, 2016 from Parkinson’s disease.  He was known to Christians around West Virginia, having preached in many congregations in Tyler County, including Burt and Sistersville, as well as Sandyville, Romney and West Ripley. 

For a large portion of my life, he was just my dad - someone I loved, trusted, and admired but also shared with members of the churches where he worked.  It wasn’t until many years later that I realized the relationships he had with so many Christians, and the affect he had on their lives.  The apostles named Joses Barnabas, meaning Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36), and I know that my father was a Barnabas to many Christians. 

Looking back, I see Dad as being a Barnabas in the church.  He was always encouraging people!  As he visited friends and family, Dad encouraged them to become Christians, return to the church or to just be faithful in their service and attendance.  I remember hearing about how he went to high school and family reunions, and spoke to many of his classmates about the church.  He faithfully attended gospel meetings, sings, lectureships and the like, and Dad encouraged preachers with his handshake and kind word.   His attendance alone, especially in later years as his health deteriorated, was an encouragement.  Dad never liked to miss out on an opportunity to be with other Christians!  He encouraged many to make preaching the Word their profession and was filled with joy when that happened.  He made you feel good with his smile, his hug and his words.  Of course, encouragement isn’t all feel-good stuff!  Strong words were said when needed, but always seasoned with much love. 

If anyone was sick or in the hospital, Dad would visit.  If someone missed a service, Dad would call.  He performed many funerals and also many weddings.  While cleaning his office, I found a large bag full of funeral calling cards – so many with his name as the officiant.  He was loved and respected by many.

Dad was a Barnabas in his family.  He & mom (Dorotha) celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary June 3, 2016.  Mom was the most important person in his life.  He depended upon her for so much!  Many knew that he suffered from macular degeneration, and was unable to drive.  Mom was always there to take him where he wanted and needed to go.  There are 4 children, all who are serving God faithfully where we live, Debra & Chris Tallman in Parkersburg, David & Debra in Middlebourne, Doug & Linda and Deirdra & Timothy in Virginia.  We were taught that the Lord comes first!

While he has been gone a year now, there isn’t a day that I don’t think of him and miss his voice, his advice and his smile.  The Bible mentions Barnabas in just a few places, but 2000 years later, we have books written about him and sermons preached of him.  I know for me, and my family, we will never forget dad and how he lived his life and I pray others don’t forget the encouragement received from my Dad, Barnabas.  

Be Light

Just a thought ... 

• If I do not look different than the world, how do they know I am different?
• If I do not behave differently than the world, how do they know I am different?  
• If a city set on a hill cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14) my Christian light must show.
• My Christian light must show in how I present myself on a daily basis.
• My Christian light must show on special occasions.
• My Christian light must show in how I speak.
• My Christian light must show in what I write (emails, social media, etc.)  

Matthew 5:13-15  “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.  “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

How is your light shining this week? 

Guest Blogger! "Standing in the Breach" West Virginia School of Preaching Graduation Ceremony

Last Friday night, the majority of our family attended the West Virginia School of Preaching graduation ceremony.  Our parents, Denver & Dorotha Haught, were honored for their many years of service in the church.  My brother Doug Haught, of Albana, GA, spoke these words and I thought I would share them on my blog.  He also had some personal comments on our father which I have left off.  

What an honor to have this heritage in the Lord, and also for us to be in attendance of this event.  

Standing in the Breach

Ezekiel 22.  The text falls into three sections dealing with the impurity of Jerusalem and the people of Judah. 

The first section (vv. 1-16) is an indictment of the city with her sins of bloodshed, idolatry, adultery, and oppression. It includes a judgment from God that exile and dispersion were inevitable. 

The second section (vv. 17-22) speaks of the refiner's furnace (or God's judgment) being used to purify the city.  As a fire burns the dross from the ore, so God's punishment would consume the wicked. 

The third section (vv. 23-31) reveals the evil doing of the whole population of Judah, including leaders, priests, princes, and prophets.  No righteous souls were found to spare the city.  The doom of Jerusalem was sealed. 

The repetition of words like "blood" and "bloodshed" is noticeable in this chapter.  Her judgment was obviously related to her being "the bloody city."  

What I want to focus on is that last section, and particularly verse 30.  "And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none."

Having looked at four classes of people in verse 29, God declared that he had examined everyone and yet found "no one" living righteously.  The ills of the society were being left unattended because no one was willing to build up the wall that had been broken down; none would stand in the breach and represent the people with righteousness. 

Judah had no champions to represent her to the Lord or try to dissuade the people from their wickedness. 

We need men and women today who will stand in the breach and dissuade the people from their wickedness.

1.  We must stand in the breach and declare right is right and wrong is wrong. 

Isaiah 5:20 "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!"  The evil of man will never end, but we must not become like the evil that is around us.  Romans 12: 21 "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." 

2. We need to fill the breach between "Thus says the Lord" and "Thus says man."   

Pride leads us to do a lot of things that we want to do.  In 2 Chronicles 26:1-15 Uzziah becomes a great king.  He did what was right in the sight of the Lord with all of his heart. And so God blessed him.  He made war against the Philistines and broke down the wall of Gath.  He even settled the people in the land of the Philistines.  He built towers and cut out many cisterns, he had large herds and had fertile lands full of  produce.   The army had 2,600 men of valor and 307, 500 under his command.  He built towers on the corners of Jerusalem that could shoot arrows and throw great stones.  However,  when he grew strong and his pride overwhelmed his desire to please God, he decided that he was going to make a sacrifice to God. The "thus says the Lord" no longer mattered to him, and he rushed into the temple to burn incense. 

81 priests rush in to stop Uzziah.  They were willing to stand in the breach and defy their king.  And because Uzziah would not relent God made him a leper.  And the king was separated with the lepers, and he died and was buried with the lepers.  We need to fill the breach between "thus says the Lord" and "thus says man."

3. We need to fill the breach between fear and courage.

Matthew 10:28-31 "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.  Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.  But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."  Do not be fearful.  I John "Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 

Do not be fearful.  We need to fill the breach between fear and courage.

4.  Stand in the breach as Jesus has stood in the breach for you. 

Job asks the question, "How can a man be righteous before God?"  Job 9:2

And Paul answers that question in Romans 5:1-5.  He says it's Jesus.  And that God's love has been poured into us.  So how can I not stand in the breach? 

My father has been standing in the breach for over 52 years.  But he has not stood alone, my mother has been by his side through this journey.  Which of us could live such a life without someone to stand with us? 

I still hear my father's voice when I preach.  His mannerisms have been passed down, his way of saying things.  I hope his care and concern have passed on.  While my father can no longer stand as he stood, others are there to take his place. I stand today in the breach.  I am a champion of the Lord.  There is no better life than this.  

When there was a need, dad stood in the breech.

When there was no one else to do what needed done, dad stood in the breech.

When no one else would say what needed said, dad stood in the breech.

The need is still there.  The evil one is still prowling.  Will you also stand in the breech?

Will you do what needs to be done?

Will you say what needs to be said?  

The Joy of Being a Christian - part 7

This is the last post in a series on Christian joy.

I can have extraordinary joy as a Christian because Christians pray instead of worry.

It’s hard to have joy and worry in the same life.  It’s hard not to worry with all the trials we have in this life. 

Ph. 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 

Can any of us get out our telephones and call the president of the United States?  Do you realize that we can pray to the God of heaven, the creator of the universe, the Father, we can pray through Jesus our mediator.  We don’t have to wait until nights or weekends when the rates are cheaper.  We have a direct line for our worries and concerns at any time, or anywhere.

When we say don’t worry about anything, it means we must be willing to turn everything over to God!  We have this ability through our adoption as His children.  I heard an interview with Olympic figure skater Scott Hamilton.  He was talking about being in the hospital undergoing surgery for a brain tumor.  He said that one night a nurse came in and spoke with him about prayer and asked – what do you pray about.  Scott said that he thanked God for His goodness and blessings.  The nurse suggested to Scott that as our Father, God wants it all.  We want our children to come to us with problems and concerns, hurts and desires.  As our Father, God wants to hear those things from us.  We are His children.

A person who literally does not have a care in the world doesn’t mean that they aren’t taking care of responsibilities or are negligent, but is someone who is able to turn over all trials, burdens and temptations over to God –I Peter 5:7 “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you”– that will be a joyful individual.

How wonderful that I have an avenue of communication with God, what joy that brings.

We can draw so much strength and encouragement for joy from the book of Philippians.  

Rejoice!  God has given us so many reasons for joy!

The Joy of Being a Christian - part 6

The next several posts will be focusing on joy from the book of Philippians. 

I can have extraordinary joy as a Christian because the Lord is near to help me with my problems. 

Philippians 4:5 – “The Lord is at hand.” 

Philippians 4:9 “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. 

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

Philippians 4:19 “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

What did Jesus say at the end of the great commission?  Matthew 28:20 “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  Jesus is with us everywhere!

We sing Anywhere with Jesus, I can safely go, anywhere He leads me in this world below – if we cling to Jesus and never let Him go, we can make it through any circumstance.  

Hebrews 13:5&6 “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  So we may boldly say:  The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?” 

Jesus knows our hurts and heartaches.  Psalm 56 was written when the Philistines had captured David in Gath.  Ps 56:8 “You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book?”  Have you ever thought about God collecting your tears in a bottle?  Even those we’ve cried when no one knows of.  Rejoice!  The Lord is at hand!  He is nearby. 

Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning, Ps. 30:5

If your joy is in the material possessions and all the goods of the world can that be taken from you?  Yes, in a second!  If your joy is in Christ, THAT is secure.  No one can steal our joy … because if the world can steal our joy, it was the world’s to take.  We don’t sing Blessed Assurance with our fingers crossed!  We can have confidence not because of our own goodness, but because of God’s promises. 

When we are scared, and surrounded by darkness and troubles.  Our Father is there to hold us in the hollow of His hand. 

Christians can rejoice because Jesus is nearby.

The Joy of Being a Christian - part 5

The next several posts will be focusing on joy from the book of Philippians. 

Christians can have extraordinary joy by knowing that our name is written in the book of life. 

Philippians 4:3-4 “I urge you, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.  Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice!”   

Rev. 3:5 “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.”  What joy that will be to hear Jesus say our name in front of God!

In Luke 10:17 We have the 70 disciples who had gone out and come back, reporting to Jesus “Then the 70 returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.  And Jesus said to them (vs. 20) Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Sin robs us of joy, but salvation gives us joy.  Acts 8 – The eunuch, as he came up out of the waters of baptism,  went on his way rejoicing! 

Psalm 51:12 “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” 

This song says it best:

No tears in heaven, no sorrows given.
All will be glory in that land;
There'll be no sadness, all will be gladness,
When we shall join that happy band.

Glory is waiting, waiting up yonder,
Where we shall spend an endless day;
There with our Savior, we'll be forever,
Where no more sorrow can dismay.

Some morning yonder, we'll cease to ponder
O'er things this life has brought to view;
All will be clearer, loved ones be dearer
In heav'n where all will be made new.

No tears in heaven fair
No tears, no tears up there,
Sorrow and pain will all have flown;
No tears in heaven fair
No tears, no tears up there;
No tears in heaven will be known.

How thankful we should be that we have the reason for rejoicing if our name is written in the book of life.

The Joy of Being a Christian - part 4

The next several posts will be focusing on joy from the book of Philippians. 

Christians can have extraordinary joy by not dwelling on the past, but by looking forward to the future. 

Many times, Christians will focus on their past allowing those sins committed to hide the joy from their lives.  If you are a person who is prone to dwell on those mistakes of the past, if you can’t let that go even though God has forgiven you, you are going to miserable.  Faithful Christians have that assurance that God has forgiven us!  God offers us a brand new start, a clean beginning as a Christian.  The world doesn’t give us such an opportunity, the world consistently wants to remind us of all our mistakes and short comings, but a child of God has forgiveness and a God who will forget. 

Ph. 3:13  “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; (Paul knew he had not reached perfection) but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ.” 

When we think of Paul, and his ability of having joy, looking back at his past would definitely be something that would keep joy from him.  What did Paul have to forget about?  A lot, actually.   What about Stephen?  Do you think Paul could remember standing there, with the clothes of others at his feet, while watching and consenting Stephen be stoned to death?  Do you think Paul ever had memories of the Christian families he had committed to prison just because they believed on some man called Jesus?  Acts 8:3 says “as for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.”  Can you imagine the memories of the past Paul had?   However he chose to look forward instead of behind.  Paul says – I’m not perfect, but this one thing I do – forgetting and pressing forward.

We must remember that if we are willing to repent, then God is willing to forget.  Jesus said in Luke 9:62 “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”  We can’t look back, with guilt, with regret, or with longing eyes, at our lives of sin. 

Your past is not your past if you are still allowing it to impact your present.

How wonderful that we can have joy by not dwelling on our past.

The Joy of Being a Christian - part 3

The next several posts will be focusing on joy from the book of Philippians. 

Christians can have extraordinary joy because we aren’t overly concerned with self. 

Philippians 2:3 “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” 

Selfish people are not joyful, it takes developing a servant heart to be joyful. 

The world says that joy is found in self-indulgence.  This idea assumes that sin doesn’t really exist.  If it feels good, do it!  Whatever feels right must be right, anything goes, just be happy!  This excuse is used to justify anything and everything. 

Paul mentions 4 personal examples of having a servant attitude in Philippians chapter 2. 

If we continue reading there in Philippians 2:5 we see “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”  Jesus was a servant – “who, being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.”

As Christians, we are working by learning from God’s word how to bring our lives and our minds as close to and equal to the life and mind of Christ.  That is the goal for us in Bible study, sermons, etc.  We want to act like Jesus acted and do the things He did.  At every opportunity, Jesus sought to serve other people, despite the fact that He is the creator!  Jesus didn’t die on the cross because He was looking out for #1, but because he was looking out for the billions of people that weren’t even alive yet! In John 13 we read the account of washing the apostle’s feet.  Jesus was teaching the lesson of service and self-sacrifice.  The more Christ-like your actions become the more joy will show. 

Paul himself is an example in service.  2:2 – “fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”  Paul wanted the Philippian brethren to share that mind of service with him and with Christ.  Paul was concerned about the Philippians.  He said – if you want to make me joyful, be like minded, be of one accord, be of one love. 

In vs. 19 we read of Timothy.  “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state for I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.  For all seek their own, not the thing which are of Christ Jesus.  But you know his proven character.”  Paul wanted Timothy to go and report back to him about how Philippians were doing.  Timothy was a servant – his job was to minister to the needs of his brethren. 

Finally in vs. 25-29 Paul mentions yet another servant – Epaphroditus, his brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier who ministered to my need.  Epaphroditus wanted to go to Philippi because he was concerned for the brethren, he wanted to show that he wasn’t sick any longer and that they could be joyful.

Christians find joy in not being self-centered, but being servants.

The Joy of Being a Christian - part 2

The next several posts will be focusing on joy from the book of Philippians.  

Christians can have extraordinary joy because of our fellow Christians. 

Philippians 1:3-6 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

I can have joy because of Christian fellowship.  The togetherness that should be a part of the Lord’s body brings great joy.  Sometimes we have a misunderstanding when we hear the word fellowship.  Fellowship does not just mean that once-a-month potluck after morning worship.  Normally, we are so busy setting up, eating and cleaning up that there isn’t much time for real fellowship! Fellowship means a joint participation, an association.  We all know people everywhere we go.  My family makes fun of me because I am on first name bases with Kevin & Jeff in the produce department, or Henry at the post office, who held my hand on 9-11.  I am acquainted with these people.  In our years in our community, I have associates in many places – the school systems, doctors’ offices, through my business but I am not related to them by blood like I am related to my fellow Christians.  I am related to Christians by blood, that blood of Jesus Christ.  You see, Christians are a family and Christians have fellowship because of that blood. 

Paul had joy just thinking about the Philippian brethren.  Christians should want to be together – it should not be a burden to be in each other’s company.  However, many assume that punching the time clock of church attendance satisfies all requirements and those who take that mindset, lose out on the joy that comes from Christian fellowship.

Fellowship can be found by doing a variety of activities together.  Working together brings joy – having a project, like this ladies day, causes us to spend more time with each other and helps us to draw closer towards each other.  It is a joy to see a project begin and grow and see positive results.  Fellowship should be happening in our homes also.  Brother Tom Holland said about fellowship “I want to get to know the people better that I will be spending eternity with!”  Shouldn’t that be the case?

Another area of seeing joy is the spiritual growth and fruitfulness in each other.  Perhaps it’s in your children or someone you taught in Bible class or in a private study.  Perhaps it’s in your spouse.  Seeing the change and growth in others causes great joy.   

We can also have that joy of Christian fellowship through prayers.  Prayer lists are not just to have your name up in front of a congregation for recognition.  We are to bear one another’s burdens, and the only way we know those burdens are to share them with each other.  Paul would pray for his fellow Christians with joy and he knew that the Philippian Christians were praying for his deliverance from prison!  This brought him great comfort and joy.  How wonderful to know that our fellow Christians are bringing our names and concerns in front of God on our behalf! 

Joy can be found in our fellow Christians.

The Joy of Being a Christian - part 1

There are so many things in our lives that bring us joy. 

·      There is the joy of being a child and all the wonders that life holds
There is the joy of young love
There is the joy of a bride beginning a new chapter of life full of optimism and hope
There is the joy of a positive pregnancy test
There is the joy of holding a newborn baby, counting their toes and smelling their head
There is joy in watching our children grow and mature
There is the joy of seeing our children obey the gospel

·    We can have joy throughout every part of our lives!

·         The greatest joy we can ever know, is that joy of being a Christian!

Many of our hymns talk about joy, and there are numerous mentions of joy in the Bible.  Joy should be a major part in the Christian life.  Is it a part of yours?  If I were to ask you – do you want your life filled with joy?  I’m confident that you would say yes, and that is precisely what Jesus wanted for each of us. 

As we look into the pages of the Bible, we can see that joy is something that we should have.  Jesus said in John 15:11 – “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”  Jesus wants us to have joy!  I John 1:4 “and these things we write to you that your joy may be full.”  Having an abounding joy is desired for us.  Not just a thimble full, but overflowing! 

We also see this same joy in the apostle Paul as he writes “Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again I will say, rejoice!”  Philippians 4:4 – that while in prison, and enduring persecutions, he had the ability to rejoice.  We need to recognize that this Christian life is one that is meant to be lived with joy.  We have the greatest life in the world!

We may have heard the song “We are the only Bible, the careless world will read” and I believe that is true.  If we are to be showing the world Christ, and the life of a Christian, we need to be showing others joy.  Why if someone was miserable in sin would they ever leave it for a life of misery in Christ?  Not that I want all of us to be fake about the joy – life is not all rainbows, butterflies and unicorns – we need to understand the reasons we have for rejoicing, grow in the Lord and show others that joy. 

When we rejoice even through the sorrow, your coworkers notice it, your family notices it, your neighbors notice it and people are going to want that for themselves.

Christian joy is not a happiness that depends on our circumstances and our moods; joy doesn’t have to do with our emotions or station in life.  This joy is something that is constant; it doesn’t come and go.  One can have the same joy in terrible circumstance that they would have when all is well, the same attitude of being on the mountain top when they are in the valley.

Jesus didn’t say these words in John 15 lightly. He was facing a dark time when He instructed us to have His joy.  Consider that just a short while after this conversation with his disciples, is when Jesus was arrested and crucified, yet He instructed us to have this joy that would remain. 

Yes, there are bad things in our lives – the loss of a job, cancer, death, children leaving the church, so many bad things – and we are to rejoice?  Yes, we are to rejoice in spite of these circumstances.

Psalms 89:15-18 "Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!  They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance.  In Your name they rejoice all day long, and in Your righteousness they are exalted.  For You are the glory of their strength, and in Your favor our horn is exalted.  For our shield belongs to the LORD, and our king to the Holy One of Israel." 

Christians have many reasons for rejoicing!  When I think of joy, my mind immediately goes to the book of Philippians where joy is mentioned so many times.  The next few posts, I will be looking into the book of Philippians and examining 6 things that can bring a Christian joy.

Do You Have Joy?

I am preparing for a ladies day talk on "The Joy of Being a Christian".  As I am doing my research, I am finding so many reasons why we should have joy, but in my day to day life, I am seeing few people who do have that joy!

How can I show that joy?  Let me offer just a few suggestions.  First of all, smile.  Smile at everyone you see - the neighbors, the grocery store clerks, your coworkers, but especially your fellow Christians.  Smile as you are walking into the church building, smile when you are singing, smile as you shake hands with your preacher and elders.  Better yet, give them a hug and a smile.  Second, guard your speech.  Don't dwell on the negatives of life, and there are many.  Most of us have heard "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all" however, the majority of us don't follow through with that statement.  Finally, focus on others.  There is much joy in focusing on the lives of others instead of dwelling on self.  Selfish people are never content and are inable to show joy.  

This is by no means a comprehensive list of ways to show joy.  In fact, it is difficult to show joy unless you have joy in your life and the only way to have true joy in your life is by being in Christ.  

How do you show the joy that is in you?  

Thankful November

Many people take the month of November to comment daily on different areas of their lives in which they are thankful.  This is not something that I choose to do, but strive to live my life in such a way outlined in Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  That said, I do appreciate many Facebook posts about what people are thankful for, and also that they acknowledge others publically.  

Sometimes events happen in our lives that bring to mind areas in which we should be thankful.  Whether it be someone's illness that makes us thankful for our health, someone's misfortune that makes us thankful for the good things in our life or something of the sort.  An event happened recently that causes me to remember to be thankful for the role that God has given me, as a Christian woman, wife, and mother.  I am so very thankful for the way God set up families, and for the way God organized His church.  I am thankful that eventhough I am to be submissive to my husband (Ephesians 5:22) that I am in no way less of a person than him.  I am thankful for a husband who loves me but who also know his responsibility for our family.  I am extremely thankful for God-fearing elders who keep a watch for my soul.  Hebrews 13:17 "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as t hose who must give account.  Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you."  

Does the fact that God has placed both my husband and the church eldership "over me" make me any less of a person?  Any less valuable?  God has created these roles for my benefit, and I am so very thankful for that.  Our lives run much more smoothly when we are thankful for our roles, and when we follow according to their plan.  

Take a minute and listen to this song for a reminder to respect the roles God has given us, and to serve Him and above all, be thankful every day, not just in November.  

Ms. Mildred Cookies

About 2 weeks ago, a wonderful Christian woman lost her battle against pancreatic cancer. However, she won her crown of righteousness for fighting that good fight on this earth (2 Timothy 4:7).

Mildred Everson was a lot of things to a lot of different people.  For our family, Mildred was a wonderful Bible class teacher, great cook, fellow Andy Griffith enthusiast and dear friend.  She was a Titus 2 older woman, Mildred could admonish and exhort quite well and was an example in all areas as she taught by example to "love their husbands, love their children, be discreet, chaste,  homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."  (Titus 2:3-5)

Sunday, as I was teaching Bible class, I noticed that 2 or 3 items I was using were directly influenced by Mildred.  The children love to sing "What I'm Going to Be, When I Grow Up" and we stress how we can be a Christian firefighter, and a Christian mother, or a Christian soldier, and how we become a Christian.  Psalm 23 can be easily taught to even 4 year olds by using her simple stick figure drawings on flash cards.  I know that my own children learned a lot sitting in her classroom over the years and I grew as a Bible class teacher as well from observing her. 

 Food and hospitality are probably 2 things that will never be forgotten about Mildred.  She was well known for her dinners that she would prepare for visiting preachers.  Meals were simple, but oh so good.  I remember asking her one time how she made her potato salad.  She was embarassed to share the simple, easy way she made the sauce but now as I mix those 2 "secret" ingredients together until I get just the right shade of yellow I'm thankful she wasn't unwilling to share.

As I remember Mildred, I also recall what she would say whenever you thanked her for something she had done.  She'd simply say "pass it on."  Passing on good works is an important part of living a life centered around Christ.  Whenever we prepare a meal for someone, or open up our homes to them we are showing our Christian light and passing it on is what it's all about, right?

Now, back to the title of this blog post - "Ms. Mildred Cookies".  What are those, you ask?  They are a light, sort of fluffy chocolate chip cookie that Mildred was known for making.  Her grandchildren loved them, as did my own children.  My 17 year old asked me to make him some today, so I did.  I also thought it would be nice for me to pass on her recipe for them so you could make some too.

Ms. Mildred Cookies
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
3 eggs
2 sticks butter
3 cups flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup warm water
4 tsp vanilla
2 cups chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugars.  Add eggs - beat well - at least 5 minutes.  Add vanilla.  Mix dry ingredients together.  Add 1/2 of dry ingredients - mix.  Add water and mix.  Add rest of dry ingredients - mix well.  Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop on parchment paper lined cookie sheet (or well greased).  Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.  Remove immediately to cooling racks.  Store in air-tight container once cooled, and layer with wax paper or parchment.  

Just Like Brown Sugar

Sometimes when I'm baking, and I'm measuring brown sugar I think of Luke 6:38 - "Give, and it will be given to you:  good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

You see, when you measure brown sugar, you need to pack it down, which means you squish as much of it as you possibly can into your measuring cup.  When it is packed down, a lot more sugar is actually used than if you just scooped it and leveled it off as you would white sugar.  This is because of the moisture content of the molasses in the brown sugar.  (But you aren't reading this for a home-ec lesson, are you?) 

Whatever we are giving; praise, encouragement, gifts of love and time, we are going to receive back proportionally to what we give.  Jesus says here that it will be given to us using a good measure.  My grandfather used to work in "weights and measures".  That means he would check scales at markets or counters to make sure their scales were accurate.  1 pound should equal 1 pound.  What we are given is going to be pressed down, shaken together and running over.  Every little bit that can possible get into the unit of measure is going to be in there.  So much that it will be spilling out all over.  Another thing to notice from this scripture is that whatever unit of measure we use in giving, that same unit is going to be used for us.  

Take a few moments and think about what unit of measure you are using.  Is it an eye dropper, that you just drop a tiny amount of praise and encouragement onto your husband?  Is it a teaspoon of time that you give your children after a busy day at work and school?  Is it a measuring cup of love and time you give your parents?  When I think of what kind of measure I want to be used towards me, I'm thinking a huge bushel basket or bigger!  However for that to happen, it's up to me.  Guess I'm just going to have to keep measuring that brown sugar and packing it in tight.



P.S.  Think about 1 or 2 people you can give a little extra to today, and do it!  Give a word gift (verbal or written), a gift of time or an inexpensive "gift" gift (card, flower, something handmade?)  You'll be amazed at how good it makes you feel, and also the blessings you will receive back.  

Hurting People Hurt People

I haven't been a very good blogger yet again!  I think about it, have lots of ideas I'd like to write about, but between being a wife, mother, business owner, homeschooler, etc. it just gets put down on the list.  Today though, I logged onto my blog hoping to write about some good things hopefully to lift your day and encourage you and found a really ugly, hurtful comment left by "anonymous".  Ouch.

You know, in each of us is a bit of insecurity, and hurtful comments like the one I received just go right to the heart of my insecurities, and my things that I have been trying to improve.  It made me sad, but not for myself  but for anonymous.  I'm sad that anonymous couldn't leave her name.  I'm sad that anonymous  couldn't contact me directly and share her feelings about me so that we could work through them.  I'm sad that anonymous doesn't really know me, doesn't know my past, the things I've struggled with and the things I'm working daily to improve.  I'm sad that anonymous doesn't see the heart of this blog, and how if we could all ascribe to the Biblical teachings of the golden rule found in Matthew 7:12 we would be a happier people.  I'm sad that anonymous doesn't understand that to grow closer to God means we must grow closer to our Christian brothers and sisters.  I'm just reminded that hurting people at least try to hurt people.

So, dear anonymous, if you're reading this post, let's talk.  For everyone else, keep working daily at living the golden rule, putting God first in your life and being a light in the world.

Just One

A friend of mine shared this poem with me, and I thought I'd share it with you.

Just One
Unknown

One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.

One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey.
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true,

One life can make a difference,
You see, it's up to you!

I am inspired by this poem.  It serves as a reminder to me of the difference one person can make.  Jesus calls Christians to be salt and light.  Jesus instructs us to treat others as we wish to be treated.  We can be that "just one" and make such a difference in the lives of others.

Sometimes we allow our shyness, busyness, or other things stand in the way of reaching out.  When you are tempted to stop, remember the difference that "just one" can make.  You will be making the world a better place, one small thing at a time.

What's Your Excuse?

We've all offered an excuse for something before, and I've heard my fair share of them as well.  Just recently, I was planning a visit to a neighboring town for my business.  I had planned to visit all my clients in that town on one day, delivering product and just visiting.  What started out as an entire day planned to visit about 20, ended up being an enjoyable visit with 2.  Excuses were varied and interesting.  One said "I excercise on Saturdays" and I wondered if she spent all 24 hours of each Saturday exercising?  Another said, "I'm taking down my Christmas decorations".  Now, this was already February when we spoke and I couldn't imagine what difference 30 minutes could make in a task that was already several weeks old!

As I thought about these strange excuses, I couldn't help but remember a song I had heard a gospel quartet sing.    "Excuses, excuses, you'll hear them everyday, and the devil he'll supply them, if the church you stay away, when people come to know the Lord, the devil always loses, so to keep them folks away from church, he offers them excuses."  How many times do we offer up an excuse for something we just do not want to do?  Whether it be missing a gospel meeting, not teaching a Bible class or just not attending worship, what is our excuse really saying?

Matthew 5:37 says "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes', and your 'No' be 'No'.  For whatever is more than these is from the evil one."  I believe we offer excuses because we don't want to hurt someone's feelings, or maybe we don't want to share the real reason we are saying no.  However look at the second part of that verse - where is our excuse from?  Satan was giving excuses to us from the beginning (Genesis 3:10, 12, 13).  

Next time you're tempted to offer an excuse, think about what it is you really want to say and why and also, where that excuse is really from.  

Reaping What You Sew Part 1

Priscilla was a seamstress in the Bible.  Her story is found in Acts 18 and throughout the New Testament.  There isn’t a lot told of Priscilla, but we can see from the brief mentions of her throughout the epistles, that she was a Godly woman, who was a worker in the kingdom.  Priscilla was a tent-maker and worked alongside her husband Aquila.  She is never mentioned in the scriptures by herself, but always with her husband. 

Priscilla practiced hospitality.  Perhaps because of sharing the common occupation of tent making, or perhaps because of sharing the common faith, Paul stayed with them.  In Acts 18:11; we see that Paul lived there about 18 months.  That is hospitality!  The couple and Paul formed a working relationship and their love and service to God kept them together as they traveled.   Priscilla and Aquila also showed hospitality by having a church meet in their home, Romans 16:5.  This seemed to be a common practice for them, as they are mentioned doing this several times in the New Testament.

Priscilla and Aquila were also missionaries, spreading the gospel with Paul and on their own.  In Acts 18:24 we can read that they had influence over Apollos and helped him to understand the scriptures more plainly.  It’s interesting here to me that in many verses, Priscilla is mentioned first, but when it comes to teaching someone else; Aquila’s name comes first.  Priscilla was a submissive wife.  Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives for Paul’s life (Romans 16:4) and this benefited not only Paul, but also the churches in that area.

I view Priscilla as a strong woman, willing to work and serve the Lord wherever she lived and in difficult circumstances.  We see in her faithfulness, kindness and longsuffering. 

Another Biblical seamstress was Dorcas.  Dorcas, was also called Tabitha and her story is found in Acts 9:36-42. Although there is not a great deal told about her, the little that is said is enough to show that she was a godly woman who was loved and respected in the Christian community of Joppa.

We know that she followed Christ because the Bible describes her as a disciple and we know too, that she was well known for doing good and for helping the poor. In the Acts account, she became sick and died. Her friends were devastated. They had lost someone they loved and who was an important part of the family of believers. But they had faith that God would do something. So much so, that they sent men to travel twelve miles to the town of Lydda, to find the apostle Peter and to ask him to come.

When Peter did come, they took him directly to the upstairs room where they had placed Dorcas’ body. All the widows were there mourning. They stood around Peter, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made.  Sending them out of the room, Peter got down on his knees and prayed. Then he said “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes and sat up. God had restored her life. Peter took her by the hand, helped her to her feet, and presented her to her friends.

Dorcas’ works of stitching clothes and helping the poor may sound simple in comparison to the more visible works of Priscilla, but they were enough to gain the love of her community and enough that God saw fit to restore her life.  She was described as being “full of good works and charitable deeds.”  She did not need a women’s liberation movement to make her feel like somebody, she knew what she was and who she was.  Dorcas was a servant and because of that attitude of the heart, she was truly loved.  Dorcas was a good woman who was so loved by the family of believers that they prayed for a miracle and God granted it.

Dorcas was a woman with a giving heart and we can see in her love, kindness and goodness.

These two Biblical women were stitching two totally different items – Dorcas sewing clothing, made probably of linen and cotton and Priscilla sewing tents, made of thick, twisted goat hair.  Their works were different as well – Dorcas probably served God in a quiet way, making garments for the widows and those in need while Priscilla was a teacher seen with her husband teaching others, providing a meeting place for the local church.  However, they were both serving God and were a great benefit to the church. 

Next time, we'll see what we can apply to our own lives through these Biblical women's examples.   

Lessons from Mrs. Potiphar

Scriptures to consider: Genesis 39:1-23

Mrs. Potiphar is known as a bad girl of the Bible. She was tempted to sin with a good-looking man. She was not only tempted by that good-looking man, but she lusted after him and attempted to seduce him. Matthew 5:28 - "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

 

Mrs. Potiphar had already sinned at that point and she was trying to get Joseph to sin right along with her! When that didn't work, she lied about it to try and cover her tracks.

 “Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.”

Most of us have learned that when we tell one lie, it most often leads to another and another and another. Mrs. Potiphar should have put the brakes on a lot earlier in the story. Like so many of the women of the Bible, we never hear from her again, but I wonder how her husband looked at her from that point on. We see that his anger was aroused, but at who? Joseph, or his wife? Was Mrs. Potiphar known previously for messing around with the hired help? Did her husband question her integrity? Did he believe her accusations, or was he angry that he had lost the best employee of his career? We don’t know these answers.

 

I think we need to be reminded sometimes that the sin is not in being tempted. The sin is in succumbing to the temptation.

 James 1:12 – 15 “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”

Life holds many temptations for each of us. Something that tempts me may not tempt you. Something that tempted me when I was a new Christian may not be a problem anymore.

 I Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

 Let’s make a list of some things that might be temptations to any of us.

·        Sometimes for myself, I let my own personal relationship with God suffer while meeting the needs of my family or even the church – this can be a temptation for any of us.

·        Like Mrs. Potiphar, sometimes a good-looking guy can tempt us.

·        Lying

·        Gossip

·        Cheating on income taxes

·        “Stealing” from the office

·        Using foul language or unnecessary “euphemisms”

·        Jealousy

·        Hating our brother

·        Holding grudges

·        Alcohol

·        Smoking

·        Complaining

·        Not complying with copyright laws on music and computer software

·        Speeding

·        Being lazy

·        Forsaking services

·        Desiring riches or a name

 

The list can go on and on. Satan throws many things in our way and just hopes that one of them will ensnare us. Not just trip us, he likes that too, but he wants to ensnare us. Can you visually see the difference in those two words? Trip and ensnare?

What’s a woman to do? How can we avoid these things?

How about trying the 15 minute rule?

1. IDENTIFIVE the problem. Isolate the issue. In the first 5 minutes, assess what it is you want! Why do you want that? What will be the consequences? Is it worth it?

The Bible tells us to be on guard for temptations - So we should identify what tempts us, which we’ve just done, and be watchful. We may each want to spend some time prayerfully considering this at home too.

Ephesians 5:15-16 – “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Christ understands the temptations of this life. He lived on this earth and dealt with everything possible. He is our example. 

So, take 5 minutes. Step aside from the temptation. Once you see what it is and consider why you are even considering it, perhaps you’ll stop.

2. Pay ATTENTION! Concentrate on a solution for yourself. Distract yourself if necessary. What could you do for 10 minutes to stop yourself from indulging? 

List things …journal, drink a glass of water, pray, take a walk, read your Bible, phone a friend, brush your teeth, clean your bathroom, do some housework, exercise, surround ourselves with support.

Mrs. Potiphar sent her servants away – big mistake for her - leave the office door open when meeting with a male coworker, take the kids with us when we chat with the handyman, carry along a photo of husband when we travel without him, keep a photo of our family on our desk or at workspace, be appropriately dressed at all times! Spend time with other Christians; consider your companions and surroundings.  Seek our husbands out before, not after.

If our minds are full of steamy romance novels or sexy movie or soap opera stars - #1, we should consider what we are filling our minds with and #2, channel our desires towards our husband.  Genesis 3:16 – “To the woman He said: … Your desire shall be for your husband.”  Perhaps Mrs. Potiphar wouldn’t have been so forward with tempting Joseph if she and her husband had met each other’s needs. 

3.  REEVALUATE!
In 15 minutes, reassess the behavior. Is it worth the consequences?

When we stumble, confess don’t cover-up.  Don’t fall into playing the “blame game” – his fault, her fault, God’s fault. Take responsibility for our thoughts and actions. Seek forgiveness from God and whoever we’ve hurt in the process of our sins. 

Psalm 120:2 – “Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue.”

Proverbs 6:16-19 – “These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.”

Do you think some of these techniques will be able to help stop you from indulging in that sin? Will you be able to distract yourself so you will not partake the next time? Congratulations! You’ve just practiced self-control! Self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit and something that we should all strive to have. When we are tempted, we get a chance to exercise that self-control, and like most things, the more they’re exercised the stronger they become. The more self-control we practice, the better at it we become.
 

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

 

2 Peter 1:5-7 “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness, love.
 

James 1:12 – “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

James 4:7 – “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”