Welcome

Welcome to Barnabas Notes. The title of this site comes from the Biblical character of that name who was a companion of the apostle Paul on his first missionary journey and whose name was actually Joseph. He was called "Barnabas," which means "son of encouragement," because of his ability to bless the lives of others. We hope that this blog will be such a blessing in your life!

A peaceful spring on the Macedonian side of Lake Ochrid in the Balkan Mountains

Monday, August 27, 2007

Grace and Mercy

I don't know about you, but I am very glad that God is gracious and merciful. The psalmist said, "The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in lovingkindness" (Psalm 145:8). Actually, although I do not know your specific situation, the grace and mercy of God is something you need, too. All of us do.

I am so glad that: The Lord is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works (Psalm 145:9), aren't you? I need Him to be good to me today, because I have not been as good and faithful to Him as I should have been. It means so much to be able to open His book and read that He sustains me and raises me up when I am down (Psalm 145:14). Sometimes I am bowed down by the circumstances of this life and sometimes I am bowed down by my own sin. Today, it is the latter.

All of us find ourselves in this situation from time to time. Either we have done something we know is wrong, or we have found ourselves in a situation that causes us great stress even when we do what is right. In either case, I want you to know today that God sees you and His graciousness and lovingkindness (mercy) is available to you. You can have that great weight lifted from your shoulders. When Jesus said, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden..." he was not just giving preachers a great memory verse with which to end a sermon. He was offering to take your load, which is too heavy for you to carry, and give you one that is "easy" and "light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

Please do not try to get through the rest of the day, or the rest of the week, or the rest of your life carrying a load you simply cannot carry. Try the yoke and load of Jesus "and you shall find rest for your soul." God makes this offer because He loves you and I wanted to tell you about it because I love you, too.

Donnie Bates

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Guard My Soul

I know people today who are lonely. Perhaps you do, too...or, maybe you are lonely and/or feel afflicted by life. I know a few people who seem to be squarely in the center of the target of affliction. Every time they turn around some new affliction has them in its sights. And when you are suffering, it is very easy to feel all alone.

King David wrote several psalms that deal with this kind of affliction. One of my favorites is Psalm 25. At the very end of the psalm is where we find the words of comfort dealing with loneliness and affliction. Hear what he asks of God in verses 16-21: 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. 18 Look upon my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. 19 Look upon my enemies, for they are many, and they hate me with violent hatred. 20 Guard my soul and deliver me; do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You. 21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You.

David understood that when life comes at you in full fury, the best thing to do is turn to the Lord. Ask Him to turn to you; tell Him how you suffer; ask for His help and His forgiveness. Sometimes it seems that our enemies are truly many and that they hate us with a violent hatred, and that may actually be true and not just how it seems. In that case, call on Jehovah to guard your soul and deliver you.

When David said, “...do not let me be ashamed...” he really means in the eyes of God. He was calling on the Lord to help him remain faithful in the midst of his afflictions. I know that we are tempted to run in the face of our enemies, especially in the face of our real enemy—Satan. However, we must stand firm (faithful) if we want to have any hope of overcoming.

Let me encourage you to take refuge in God and let integrity and uprightness preserve you as you wait on Him. That is what He wants of you because He loves you and so do I.

Donnie Bates