It's like the wind. I can't see it, but I feel it.
Jamie Sullivan-A Walk to Remember
My First Love - A Poem
My first kiss was at your feet,
and as I pray, and our eyes meet,
I can't help, but be
overcome by you.
My First Love
I held your hand for the first time:
a shy girl, afraid to even try.
But you drew me in
and held on tight.
My First Love.
The angels joined, our first time dancing,
and I could hear their rejoicing.
Now, deep in my heart,
I am waiting
On My First Love.
I see our wedding in my mind.
You waiting as I walk down the isle,
and I just fall
in love again with
My First Love.
Christian radio is full of songs that rightly express love for God, but sometimes, they seem awfully romantic. Last week, in my blog, I talked about God as a Father. Well, as true as it is to say that God is our Father, that is only 1/3 of the Trinity. And that definitely doesn't even come close to describing the depth of even that personality.
Most of my life, being raised in church, I have seen God as a Father. As a teenager, I started to finally see God as a friend as His Spirit quietly consoled me. But, recently, through books based on Biblical Truth, and my own quiet time with God and His Word, I have learned something radical about the heart of my Savior.
He is in love with me.
He is head-over-heels, googly-eyes, to-the-moon-and-back, hold-your-hand, in love with me!
Why? I really don't know. No one else has ever been in love with me. But sometimes, I am so aware of this truly romantic love that it makes me blush.
When I first realized this, I thought that I must be mistaken. I thought, Rachael! How dare you think of God this way! But I've come to realize it is very right and good. In fact, it is Biblical for me to see Jesus as my lover.
He constantly romances me. He is wooing me. And he's begging me to love him back. In fact, our earthly ideas of love and romance seem almost silly in light of this love. They pale in the radiance of the Lover of us. He set up marriage as an example of his own true love story.
John and Staci Eldredge wrote a book that helped me realize this. In Captivating, I found this description of our Author of Romance:
Every song you love, every memory you cherish, every moment that has moved you to holy tears has been given to you from the One who has been pursuing you from your first breath in order to win your heart. God's version of flowers and chocolates and candlelight dinners comes in the form of sunsets and falling stars, moonlight on lakes and cricket symphonies; warm wind, swaying trees, lush gardens, and fierce devotion.
We (the church) are the bride of Christ! He finds us absolutely breathtaking. And while I have been romanced with gifts of my favorite flowers and romantic dinners, and even some very thoughtful items, no one has given me gifts like God. And once I opened my eyes and heart to these gifts, I wanted only to bask in His love.The truth is, right now, I can't help but love my Jesus. I feel like I'm in a new relationship, and when I remember that this Lover of mine knows all my fault, I turn red, and my palms sweat.
But then, He draws me close and as I stiffen in His embrace, He whispers, "I love you. I always have. I always will. I made you perfect, and that's how I see you. You are more than beautiful. You are beauty."
And I melt. I melt in God's love for me.
Here's some verses and song lyrics that spoke to me about this.
Revelations 2:4, 19-20, 22; 22:17; 1 Corinthians 7:34; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:3-4; Song of Songs 1:2-4; Esther 2:17; Genesis 29:18; Ephesians 5: 25-27, 31-32; James 4:4, 8
You've been a mistress my wife,/chasing lovers that won't satisfy./Won't you let me make you my bride.//You're my beloved./Beloved, I'm yours./ And death shall not part us./ It's you I died for.... Come drink of my lips and you'll taste pure life.
Beloved- Tenth Avenue North
You're better than drugs./ Your love is like wine.
Better Than Drugs - Skillet
For You, I sing; I dance./ I rejoice in this divine romance./ Lift my heart and my hands to show my love./To show my love.
Divine Romance - Phil Wickem
I'm getting into you/because you got to me / in a way words can't describe./ I'm getting into you/ because I've got to be./ You're essential to survive./ I'm gonna love you with my life.
Getting Into You - Relient K
I love you more than the sun/and the stars that I taught how to shine./ You are mine,/and you shine for me, too./ I love you./ Yesterday and today and tomorrow./ I'll say it again and again./ I love you more.
More- Matthew West
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
SHUT UP!
This was a big line in one of the best movies I saw in Jr High. The Princess Diaries. This movie follows the story of Amelia Rinaldi, or Princess Mia, who was raised as the daughter of a struggling artist. On her 16th birthday she learns she is a princess. Her response? "SHUT UP!" Which we were quickly reminded means "OH MY!", "GEE WHIZ!", "GOLLY WHOLLY!", etc.
The movie shows how Mia struggles with her new identity, and almost gives up her position, but eventually she realizes that she was born to rule, just like her father.
Well, guess what my dear sisters (and I suppose my brothers, though I no of no male bloggers who read this), as Christians, we are not very different from Mia. Galatians 3:29 says: "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." We were born (and born again) to be princesses, royalty, just like our Heavenly Father. This is the new identity we must come to terms with.
This week, our blog journey is not only going to focus on what I am studying in Galatians, but also a chapter that is one of my personal favorites: Romans 8. This may seem like a strange passage to pick for this topic. It's definitely not the common, but it's the one that spoke so strongly to me. And there is a beautiful picture of our domain.
OK, the chapter starts by explaining that we are no longer controlled by sin. We are no longer under the laws of this world (just like Mia's grandmother had diplomatic immunity). We now belong to Christ (who, by the way, is a Prince). Just like Jesus told St. Nick (Nicodemus that is), we must be "born again" (John 3:1-21). We are re-born as princesses into the royal family.
In case you doubt you are truly able to be called royalty, look at Romans 8:15-16.
"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. and by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with out spirit that we are God's children."
That word, Abba, is best translated into English as "Daddy", or "Dad".
Galatians 4:6-7 says, "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hears, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So that you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir."
I have a great dad. Often, I don't appreciate him enough, but when I am in trouble, He's the first person I call. Why? Because he's my Daddy, and he's there to comfort me and help me. Yes, sometimes he's there to direct me to a better route or remind me of what the Bible says. To convict, and when I was younger, to discipline me. But even when I am upset with him, I know that he would DO ANYTHING FOR ME.
That's how we should see God. He's our Daddy. If you doubt this spend time in prayer and let your spirit confirm what you know to be true by the Bible. This is important. God is a Judge, but as Christians, we need to remember that we are no longer condemned. God sees us as his beloved children.
Now let's look at the next idea. We are heirs. Galatians says so; we just read that. And Romans 8 says that too. Look at verse 17: "Now if we are children, then we are heirs -- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ ... that we may also share in his glory."
Did you get that? We are co-heirs with Christ. SHUT UP! It's OK, you can say it. We share in His glory! You are a princess! And your kingdom, God's kingdom, our kingdom, is everything!
This was God's plan from day one (read Genesis 1 and 2). But after that fall, "creation was subjected to frustration" (verse 20).
Look at that again. This earth, all the beautiful beaches and mountains and flowers, and the universe, the moon, planets, sun, stars, it's all for us. God created it for his glory, but also for our pleasure. And right now all of creation is waiting for us to be redeemed, and they are waiting for Christ to return us to our rightful place so they too can be "liberated from ... bondage to decay" (verse 21).
SHUT UP!
So that's out identity, and our inheritance. Why would we deny it? Why would Mia even consider giving up her crown? Because there is more. We have a responsibility... and a struggle.
Verse 17 speaks of a struggle that comes before the glory. It is very real. For a long time, I identified more with a struggling soldier than with a beautiful princess. Verse 22 says our spirits "groan within". Waiting for the day when we can live in our full glory, the way God has planned.
But we are on God's side. The all-powerful King, Lord of all is not only our Father, He's our Daddy. and it's because of that we can say, "What then shall we say? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all -- how will he not also, along with him graciously give us all things?" (Verses 31-32)
Like Mia, we ca accept the tiara we were born (again) to wear. Because we too have a royal Father, who has promised us a great inheritance.
The movie shows how Mia struggles with her new identity, and almost gives up her position, but eventually she realizes that she was born to rule, just like her father.
Well, guess what my dear sisters (and I suppose my brothers, though I no of no male bloggers who read this), as Christians, we are not very different from Mia. Galatians 3:29 says: "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." We were born (and born again) to be princesses, royalty, just like our Heavenly Father. This is the new identity we must come to terms with.
This week, our blog journey is not only going to focus on what I am studying in Galatians, but also a chapter that is one of my personal favorites: Romans 8. This may seem like a strange passage to pick for this topic. It's definitely not the common, but it's the one that spoke so strongly to me. And there is a beautiful picture of our domain.
OK, the chapter starts by explaining that we are no longer controlled by sin. We are no longer under the laws of this world (just like Mia's grandmother had diplomatic immunity). We now belong to Christ (who, by the way, is a Prince). Just like Jesus told St. Nick (Nicodemus that is), we must be "born again" (John 3:1-21). We are re-born as princesses into the royal family.
In case you doubt you are truly able to be called royalty, look at Romans 8:15-16.
"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. and by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with out spirit that we are God's children."
That word, Abba, is best translated into English as "Daddy", or "Dad".
Galatians 4:6-7 says, "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hears, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So that you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir."
I have a great dad. Often, I don't appreciate him enough, but when I am in trouble, He's the first person I call. Why? Because he's my Daddy, and he's there to comfort me and help me. Yes, sometimes he's there to direct me to a better route or remind me of what the Bible says. To convict, and when I was younger, to discipline me. But even when I am upset with him, I know that he would DO ANYTHING FOR ME.
That's how we should see God. He's our Daddy. If you doubt this spend time in prayer and let your spirit confirm what you know to be true by the Bible. This is important. God is a Judge, but as Christians, we need to remember that we are no longer condemned. God sees us as his beloved children.
Now let's look at the next idea. We are heirs. Galatians says so; we just read that. And Romans 8 says that too. Look at verse 17: "Now if we are children, then we are heirs -- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ ... that we may also share in his glory."
Did you get that? We are co-heirs with Christ. SHUT UP! It's OK, you can say it. We share in His glory! You are a princess! And your kingdom, God's kingdom, our kingdom, is everything!
This was God's plan from day one (read Genesis 1 and 2). But after that fall, "creation was subjected to frustration" (verse 20).
Look at that again. This earth, all the beautiful beaches and mountains and flowers, and the universe, the moon, planets, sun, stars, it's all for us. God created it for his glory, but also for our pleasure. And right now all of creation is waiting for us to be redeemed, and they are waiting for Christ to return us to our rightful place so they too can be "liberated from ... bondage to decay" (verse 21).
SHUT UP!
So that's out identity, and our inheritance. Why would we deny it? Why would Mia even consider giving up her crown? Because there is more. We have a responsibility... and a struggle.
Verse 17 speaks of a struggle that comes before the glory. It is very real. For a long time, I identified more with a struggling soldier than with a beautiful princess. Verse 22 says our spirits "groan within". Waiting for the day when we can live in our full glory, the way God has planned.
But we are on God's side. The all-powerful King, Lord of all is not only our Father, He's our Daddy. and it's because of that we can say, "What then shall we say? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all -- how will he not also, along with him graciously give us all things?" (Verses 31-32)
Like Mia, we ca accept the tiara we were born (again) to wear. Because we too have a royal Father, who has promised us a great inheritance.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
contentment
Ok, so my Bible study compatriots and my close friends know that this was my word from the Women's Retreat. And it has been driving my nuts. And teaching me a lot.
On Sunday, Todd spoke of us "getting in the wheelbarrow." And I have to say, I was convicted. I know I still have a few thing to load on top of that wheelbarrow so that God can push them across that tight-rope.
Looking back I can see how God has used my life to prepare me for this word. Then, used this word to prepare me for life.
Last April, God gave me a verse, Romans 15:13. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." This may sound like a fluffy, hang-it-on-the-wall, encouraging verse, but it's not. This is more like a God-is-trying-to-tell-you-something-so-pay-attention-to-this-whisper-or-it-will-be-followed-by-a-yell verse of conviction. It's all about choosing to rejoice in God. You see, God has already given us the all joy and peace. We just have to trust in him. Ouch... maybe that means that I need to trust God. You think? Of course I need to trust God.
I told you this contentment stuff is kicking my butt.
Paul makes it sound easy when he says, "I have learned to be content." (Phil 4:10) But watch closely to what happened to Paul as he traveled along the path leading to contentment "whatever the circumstances", "the secret to being content in any and every situation". (v 12) He first had to "know what it is to be in need".
Many of us think we know what it is to be in need, but it didn't lead to the secret of being content. Why? Look at the next phrase: "and I know what it is to have plenty."
I don't know about you, but I have always had enough to survive. Physically, emotionally, intellectually, and, after receiving Christ, spiritually. I had enough. I may have wanted more, but I was not "in need" or even "in want". I did not ache.
I then learned what it was to have plenty. (I think for some people it is harder to be content with plenty. They always want more. Others feel guilty about what they have and forget to be thankful.) My family had been poor, but we got to a more stable living situation and had more money to spend on what my parents called "extras".
I was at my spiritual mountain top. I felt God's presence almost physically and heard his voice almost audibly. I was learning a lot at school, and enjoying it. I had finally made a great friend and was growing closer to many others.
I HAD PLENTY!
But I had not learned contentment.
So, God told my parents to move to Arizona.
Here, without my "plenty", I learned what it is to be "in want". I felt desperate for what I lacked.
I WAS IN WANT, and (at least I thought) IN NEED.
But I still hadn't learned contentment.
So God gave me some plenty. Let, me tell you I was showering in blessings. Slowly I began to value some thing in my life. Some people. Some situations.
None of these things were bad. Even enjoying these blessing was not bad. I was praising God for what he had given me. Indeed, I had learned to be content. But not "in any and every situation." I had only learned to be content with plenty.
So what do you think God did?
He very lovingly, pointed out to me verses and passages of scripture about this whole issue of praise, joy, trust, and, yes, even CONTENTMENT. Then he gave me this word to study.
Then,when I still had not learned, he pulled my rug of plenty right out from under me.
As I grasped for the little pieces of rug fuzz, God slowly swept them away, too.
And so, on my concrete floor of nothingness, I did what any self-reliant, spoiled, spiritual 2-year-old would do. I cried and screamed and kicked my feet. I through a big ol' fit.
And when I was through, and ready to repent, my Daddy God reached out and comforted me.
So, now, I am learning the secret to being content. The one that Paul shared in verse 13. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
And here's another secret I've learned, "I can do nothing without him."
Because God is in control. And if that scares you, you're not alone. It scares me, too. But I am learning to rejoice in the wheelbarrow.
On Sunday, Todd spoke of us "getting in the wheelbarrow." And I have to say, I was convicted. I know I still have a few thing to load on top of that wheelbarrow so that God can push them across that tight-rope.
Looking back I can see how God has used my life to prepare me for this word. Then, used this word to prepare me for life.
Last April, God gave me a verse, Romans 15:13. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." This may sound like a fluffy, hang-it-on-the-wall, encouraging verse, but it's not. This is more like a God-is-trying-to-tell-you-something-so-pay-attention-to-this-whisper-or-it-will-be-followed-by-a-yell verse of conviction. It's all about choosing to rejoice in God. You see, God has already given us the all joy and peace. We just have to trust in him. Ouch... maybe that means that I need to trust God. You think? Of course I need to trust God.
I told you this contentment stuff is kicking my butt.
Paul makes it sound easy when he says, "I have learned to be content." (Phil 4:10) But watch closely to what happened to Paul as he traveled along the path leading to contentment "whatever the circumstances", "the secret to being content in any and every situation". (v 12) He first had to "know what it is to be in need".
Many of us think we know what it is to be in need, but it didn't lead to the secret of being content. Why? Look at the next phrase: "and I know what it is to have plenty."
I don't know about you, but I have always had enough to survive. Physically, emotionally, intellectually, and, after receiving Christ, spiritually. I had enough. I may have wanted more, but I was not "in need" or even "in want". I did not ache.
I then learned what it was to have plenty. (I think for some people it is harder to be content with plenty. They always want more. Others feel guilty about what they have and forget to be thankful.) My family had been poor, but we got to a more stable living situation and had more money to spend on what my parents called "extras".
I was at my spiritual mountain top. I felt God's presence almost physically and heard his voice almost audibly. I was learning a lot at school, and enjoying it. I had finally made a great friend and was growing closer to many others.
I HAD PLENTY!
But I had not learned contentment.
So, God told my parents to move to Arizona.
Here, without my "plenty", I learned what it is to be "in want". I felt desperate for what I lacked.
I WAS IN WANT, and (at least I thought) IN NEED.
But I still hadn't learned contentment.
So God gave me some plenty. Let, me tell you I was showering in blessings. Slowly I began to value some thing in my life. Some people. Some situations.
None of these things were bad. Even enjoying these blessing was not bad. I was praising God for what he had given me. Indeed, I had learned to be content. But not "in any and every situation." I had only learned to be content with plenty.
So what do you think God did?
He very lovingly, pointed out to me verses and passages of scripture about this whole issue of praise, joy, trust, and, yes, even CONTENTMENT. Then he gave me this word to study.
Then,when I still had not learned, he pulled my rug of plenty right out from under me.
As I grasped for the little pieces of rug fuzz, God slowly swept them away, too.
And so, on my concrete floor of nothingness, I did what any self-reliant, spoiled, spiritual 2-year-old would do. I cried and screamed and kicked my feet. I through a big ol' fit.
And when I was through, and ready to repent, my Daddy God reached out and comforted me.
So, now, I am learning the secret to being content. The one that Paul shared in verse 13. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
And here's another secret I've learned, "I can do nothing without him."
Because God is in control. And if that scares you, you're not alone. It scares me, too. But I am learning to rejoice in the wheelbarrow.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Oh, Barney.
I would like to preface this with a warning. This blog is pretty long.
So most Americans over the age of 5 have probably heard of the Flinstones. And even those deprived few who haven't seen the show probably would understand a off the wall reference to Fred and his pal Barney. And then, of course, even those who did not grow up on cartoons probably know that famous Sheriff Andy Griffith and his Deputy. What's his name again? Oh, yes. Barney. And no one could forget the giant purple dino who has been best buds to many a preschooler. His name also, you guessed it, Barney.
Now, you may think that this is just coincidental, and you may be right. But how many Barneys do you know? Personally? If your number is greater than 3, you are in the minority on this one. Sorry, but Barney is not exactly a common name. However, there is one more Barney I would like to share with you. One who I think these three media friends may have been named after.
Who is this Barney? Well, I don't think he ever was actually called "Barney", but that is the modern nickname for Barnabas. And the Barnabas I am speaking of was sidekick to none other than the apostle Paul.
Paul's Barney could teach us a thing or two. Just like Fife and Rubble, he is compassionate and encouraging to the man usually in the spotlight. He is a lesser known hero, but today, I will give him the spotlight as I share with you what God has taught me from studying this Barney.
One Sunday, Pastor K. reminded us that we all need a Barnabas (an encourager) in our lives. (The timing couldn't have been more perfect, as I have recently stumbled upon my own just recently.) However, he didn't stop there. He also reminded us that we need to be a Barnabas to those around us. That challenged me. So I began to think. How do I get to be that to someone else?
From Todd: 'Barnabas' literally means "son of encouragement".... hmmm... no excuses not to be that.
From "Extracting the Precious From Galatians", by Donna Partow-- "Barnabas started as Paul's mentor (Acts 9:27) became his ministry partner in Antioch (Acts 11:25-26) and fellow missionary (Acts 12:25)"
So of course, I started reading all those verses in Acts, and this is what I found. He wasn't just a softy with a big heart. He was brave. He stood up to the apostles on Paul's behalf. (Check out Acts 9) When's the last time I stood up for a brother or sister? And he stood up to the most powerful church leaders!
Then, those same leaders chose him to accompany Paul in Antioch. I suspect not only because he was Paul's buddy, but more importantly because they trusted his maturity and discernment. Well in Acts 11, if you keep reading, you find out something awesome about good ol' Barney. He was the tool God used to grow the church in Antioch. His encouragement is specifically noted at the time when believers were first called "Christians", a nickname a little more popular than "Jesus Freaks" but with similar connotation on both sides.
What a hero to look up to! But even though God blessed Barnabas with a compassionate heart, it wasn't always just "a happy family with a great big hug". However, after studying this man, we can relate to Paul's shock in Galatians 2: 13 when he writes that "even Barnabas was led astray". What? Barney? No, way! Can't you just see the look on Paul's face.
Barnabas made mistakes, too. And he didn't always get along with everyone. Not even Paul. In fact, Paul and Barnabas broke up their great ministry team over a disagreement. (Read about it in 15.) However, there is never an attack on the character of this man of God. Even though he stumbled, as we all do, he is a great example of what Christians should be to each other. Ephesians 4: 2 says that we should be "completely humble and gentle; be patient , bearing with one another in love." And that's what Barnabas did.
So, now I need to find a Paul to encourage. lol.
So most Americans over the age of 5 have probably heard of the Flinstones. And even those deprived few who haven't seen the show probably would understand a off the wall reference to Fred and his pal Barney. And then, of course, even those who did not grow up on cartoons probably know that famous Sheriff Andy Griffith and his Deputy. What's his name again? Oh, yes. Barney. And no one could forget the giant purple dino who has been best buds to many a preschooler. His name also, you guessed it, Barney.
Now, you may think that this is just coincidental, and you may be right. But how many Barneys do you know? Personally? If your number is greater than 3, you are in the minority on this one. Sorry, but Barney is not exactly a common name. However, there is one more Barney I would like to share with you. One who I think these three media friends may have been named after.
Who is this Barney? Well, I don't think he ever was actually called "Barney", but that is the modern nickname for Barnabas. And the Barnabas I am speaking of was sidekick to none other than the apostle Paul.
Paul's Barney could teach us a thing or two. Just like Fife and Rubble, he is compassionate and encouraging to the man usually in the spotlight. He is a lesser known hero, but today, I will give him the spotlight as I share with you what God has taught me from studying this Barney.
One Sunday, Pastor K. reminded us that we all need a Barnabas (an encourager) in our lives. (The timing couldn't have been more perfect, as I have recently stumbled upon my own just recently.) However, he didn't stop there. He also reminded us that we need to be a Barnabas to those around us. That challenged me. So I began to think. How do I get to be that to someone else?
From Todd: 'Barnabas' literally means "son of encouragement".... hmmm... no excuses not to be that.
From "Extracting the Precious From Galatians", by Donna Partow-- "Barnabas started as Paul's mentor (Acts 9:27) became his ministry partner in Antioch (Acts 11:25-26) and fellow missionary (Acts 12:25)"
So of course, I started reading all those verses in Acts, and this is what I found. He wasn't just a softy with a big heart. He was brave. He stood up to the apostles on Paul's behalf. (Check out Acts 9) When's the last time I stood up for a brother or sister? And he stood up to the most powerful church leaders!
Then, those same leaders chose him to accompany Paul in Antioch. I suspect not only because he was Paul's buddy, but more importantly because they trusted his maturity and discernment. Well in Acts 11, if you keep reading, you find out something awesome about good ol' Barney. He was the tool God used to grow the church in Antioch. His encouragement is specifically noted at the time when believers were first called "Christians", a nickname a little more popular than "Jesus Freaks" but with similar connotation on both sides.
What a hero to look up to! But even though God blessed Barnabas with a compassionate heart, it wasn't always just "a happy family with a great big hug". However, after studying this man, we can relate to Paul's shock in Galatians 2: 13 when he writes that "even Barnabas was led astray". What? Barney? No, way! Can't you just see the look on Paul's face.
Barnabas made mistakes, too. And he didn't always get along with everyone. Not even Paul. In fact, Paul and Barnabas broke up their great ministry team over a disagreement. (Read about it in 15.) However, there is never an attack on the character of this man of God. Even though he stumbled, as we all do, he is a great example of what Christians should be to each other. Ephesians 4: 2 says that we should be "completely humble and gentle; be patient , bearing with one another in love." And that's what Barnabas did.
So, now I need to find a Paul to encourage. lol.
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