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

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Out of the Darkness

There was a time when every one of us lived in darkness. The apostle Paul said he once lived apart from law (Romans 7:9) which meant that he was innocent and sinless (Romans 5:13). The only time that Paul could have been innocent and sinless was when he was a child. All of us were innocent and sinless when we were children, but at some point, we grew mature enough to be responsible for our actions. At that point, sin became alive and we died (Romans 7:9). Before becoming a Christian, a person is dead in his or her transgressions (Colossians 2:13).

In Psalm 107:10 the psalmist gives a perfect description of the life of every person before he or she becomes a Christian. We all lived in darkness and the shadow of death. We were prisoners in misery and chains. Sometimes it feels like we still are. Life can sometimes be just that miserable. And, it was our own fault. In Psalm 107:11 we read that this condition is: Because they had rebelled against the words of God and spurned the counsel of the Most High. Sometimes even Christians rebel against the words of God and spurn the counsel of the Most High. When that happens, we find ourselves right back in misery and chains.

Psalm 107:12 says there are consequences to our actions. The consequences of the actions of rebellion are suffering. As long as the rebellion continues, there is no way out. We may be able to find temporary solutions that make us feel better, but without submission to replace the rebellion, there is no real, lasting solution. We stumble and there is no one to help. The only effective solution is to cry out to the Lord. The New Testament is full of passages that tell us the details involved in crying out to the Lord. And when we do that, according to His conditions, He will save us from our distress (Psalm 107:13).

In bringing us out of our distress, God brings us out of darkness and the shadow of death and He breaks our bands apart (Psalm 107:14). Let us give thanks, indeed! I know that the comparison to be made here is really about our conversion, but this passage ought to give us strength and encouragement when we realize that our Father continues to do these things. What things? He still shatters the gates of bronze and cuts bars of iron asunder (Psalm 107:16). He is still that strong! There is nothing in creation that has, since the psalmist wrote this psalm, become strong enough to withstand my God! It is still true that if God is for us, no one can stand against us successfully (Romans 8:31). Nothing can separate us from the love of God; nothing, that is, except our own stubbornness. The psalmist said it: there is no remedy to our situation, to our sufferings and affliction, without God. Do not even try to solve it without God’s help. Submit yourself to Him, obey His will and just watch the chains fall away. He loves you and so do I.

Donnie Bates

I Love the Lord

I know this seems like it should go without saying, but maybe that is one of our problems: we do not say it enough. Let me get one “preacherly” duty out of the way right here and remind everyone that Jesus defines love for Him as keeping His commandments (John 14:15).

There are countless reasons why we could (and should) say we love the Lord. First and foremost of which would be the fact that He loved us enough to send His only begotten Son to die on the cross for you and me (John 3:16). That is a pretty good reason to love Him. How about Jesus’ own promise to be with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20)? Or, what about the promise to not let us endure more temptation than we are able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13)?

All of these are wonderful reasons to love the Lord! I want to call your attention to Psalm 116. This is a psalm of pure thanksgiving, from an individual who seems to have just been delivered from some peril. There is much in Scripture to encourage us in times of peril. Here is an example that we should follow in thanking the Lord for all that encouragement.

In verse 1 the psalmist says he loves the Lord “…because He hears my voice and my supplications.” It is a simple reason to love the Lord, but a powerful one, as well. He hears our prayers. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live (Psalm 116:2). What beautiful simplicity!

Verses 3, 4 give us a glimpse of what the psalmist faced and also a plan of attack when we face danger or distress: The cords of death encompassed me and the terrors of Sheol came upon me; I found distress and sorrow. Then I called upon the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I beseech You, save my life!” The next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, try calling on the Lord this way. You know why, don’t you? Because Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate. The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me (Psalm 116:5, 6). The Lord preserves the simple. I don’t know about you, but that statement gives me particular comfort.

I want you to read the rest of this psalm and make it your own prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God for all that He has done for you. Maybe the cords of death have not ever encompassed you or the terrors of Sheol come upon you, but you have been scared, haven’t you? You have been worried. I know that because we all have been. And yet here we are! God has delivered us. All of us know people who have not survived some of the terrors of this world. However, before we accuse God of not delivering them, let us not be so hasty! Those who are living a faithful life at the time of their death have been delivered further than the rest of us. They are now safe in the bosom of Abraham (paradise). So, there is still reason to thank God.

The last thing the psalmist says in this psalm is “Hallelujah!” It means “Praise the Lord!” How appropriate! I love the Lord because He hears my prayers and delivers me from evil. Hallelujah!! Do you love the Lord? He loves you, and so do I.

Donnie Bates

Yet Will I Exult in the Lord

It has been the stated purpose of Barnabas Notes from the very beginning to offer encouragement to those who need it. There have been some issues in which I have tried to offer a bit of relief from some of the anxiety that afflicts us by replacing a tear with a smile. Today, I want to share some thoughts with you from a passage that strikes me as very difficult to smile about in a lighthearted way. This passage is very serious in nature and while it may bring a smile of relief to know that God is on the job and watching over us, it deals with a deeper emotion than laughing at the silly concerns we sometimes have.

In his book of prophecy, Habakkuk is confused and frustrated. He looks around at the society in which he lives and all he sees is injustice. He cries out to Jehovah, “Why?” Actually, he said, “How long, O Lord, will I call for help, and You will not hear?” (1:2). Those are some pretty strong words. God answered him by telling the prophet that He was sending the Chaldeans (Babylonians) to punish Judah. This confused Habakkuk even more. Why would God send a people more evil than the Jews themselves to punish them? The Lord explained to the prophet that this was His judgment and the Chaldeans themselves would be punished, too. This is the story of Habakkuk in an extremely small (and probably oversimplified) nutshell. Habakkuk has been told that judgment is coming on his people and it will not be pleasant. Hard times are coming! I want you to consider the closing of this great prophecy.

Nothing that Habakkuk has heard so far has made this any easier to endure. He has heard an explanation for the coming judgment, but judgment is still coming! The prophet, however, is determined to do one thing: wait for the Lord. This is where I want us to find our encouragement. You know Habakkuk was troubled just by reading his statements in 3:16: I heard and my inward parts trembled, at the sound my lips quivered. Decay enters my bones, and in my place I tremble. Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress, for the people to arise who will invade us. He is scared to death! And yet he knows that this is God’s judgment; it is righteous judgment and he has nothing to complain about. What faith! No matter how bad things got (read verse 17) Habakkuk was going to trust in God (verses 18, 19).

Let me close by asking you this question: when was the last time you said to yourself, “No matter how bad things get, still will I exult in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet and makes me walk on my high places”? Yeah, I know, it’s been a while for me, too. I can only marvel at the faith of Habakkuk and try to have that kind of faith myself. I hope his example will have the same effect on you and that all of us will try very hard to look at the afflictions and worries that come into our lives with the same faith in Jehovah God that this great prophet had. God loves you and so do I.

Donnie Bates

Walking in the Flesh

In 2 Corinthians 10:3, the apostle Paul says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh…” Walking in the flesh is living in this life, and so we all walk in the flesh. As we all know, life includes difficult things, as well as positive and good things. It may help us to see some of the things that the apostle Paul suffered in this life and take note of just how he handled them; with what attitude he handled his problems.

There were those in the church in Corinth who criticized Paul. They did not think he was on a par with the other apostles. They were not very impressed with his speech. They thought he could write a powerful letter, but when face to face with them, he was afraid to speak so forcefully (2 Corinthians 10:1). In 2 Corinthians 11:22-29, Paul shows just how well he compares to his critics, and tells us some of the things he has suffered: Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? -- I speak as if insane -- I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?

Well, if it’s alright with everyone else, I’ll just put my petty little concerns back in their bag. I have not suffered like this. Have you? I do not know anyone who has gone through all of this and certainly not for the sake of Christ. And yet this is the same Paul who said, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). How is that for encouragement?

Do you think it is possible to have that attitude when the one you love the most in this world gets sick and dies? Can you still say that the sufferings of this world are not worthy to be compared to the glory that it is to be revealed to us when your boss calls you into his office and tells you that he is sorry, what with Christmas just three weeks away, but he is going to have to let you go? Yes, you can!

No matter how bad things get here, there is coming a day when everything will be better; that is, for the faithful Christian. Take just a moment and consider some of the great heroes of faith that we find in Hebrews 11. Many men and women of God are mentioned by name and they are heroes indeed. However, there is a statement made in this chapter in reference to those who are not named that I want you to notice. These were the faithful who were tortured, mocked, scourged, put in chains and in prison; they were stoned, sawn in two, tempted and put to death. They were afflicted in the most horrible ways we can imagine. And the Holy Spirit says the world was not worthy of them (Hebrews 11:35-38)! They were viewed by the world as worthless. God looked on them with a breaking, sympathetic heart. And there is absolutely nothing whatsoever keeping you from being in that number, unless it is your lack of faith. If you will have faith in God (obeying all His commands) and submit your entire life to Him, nothing you will suffer in this life will overcome you.

That is how much God loves you; enough to provide a glory for you that is beyond comparison with the suffering you experience here. Even if you find no peace in this life and you are hounded and afflicted all the way to death itself, there is still a peace which surpasses all comprehension (Philippians 4:7). God bless you this week with that peace! May He watch over you and help you never to forget that He loves you as do I.

Donnie Bates

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Change Your Course

Several years ago I ran across the following article and ran it in our church bulletin. Since the real reason we suffer in this life very often involves our own pride and selfishness (at least mine does) I thought it would be a good idea to share these words of wisdom this week. I would like to give credit to the author, but I don't know who wrote it. If any of you do, let me know. Here is what he wrote:

From World War II comes the story of a naval ship on patrol in the Atlantic. The Captain noticed a strange light shining through the fog. It appeared to be headed straight toward his ship.

"Signal that ship to change course ten degrees to the West," he commanded. The reply came back, "Change your course ten degrees to the East."

Indignant, the Captain responded, "I am the Captain; change your course." The reply: "I am a seaman second class; change your course ten degrees."

This time the Captain's message took on the ring of combat: "This is a U.S. Destroyer; change your course now or suffer the consequences." The response was brief: "This is the lighthouse; change your course."

In a world which attempts to say the reverse, it is humbling to realize I am not the standard, the ultimate, the center around which all others revolve. This is the classic sin par excellence: pride. Its opposite (humility) is a challenge precisely because I see myself as the Captain; all other lights must give way to mine.

The Christian sees it differently. Because I am a servant, other lights take priority over mine. Because I am a disciple, the Teacher's light takes priority over all others.

"But I have my rights!" Wrong. Servants don't have rights! Disciples do not worry about rights. True servants think only of serving. True disciples think only of learning from the Master. Talk of "rights" is whistling in the dark when the lighthouse is dead ahead.

Okay, this is me again (djb). When I ran across this old article, I just had to put it in one of the Barnabas' Notes issues. This is exactly what we do, isn't it? We start thinking that things are a certain way (maybe it's that someone is out to get me, or nothing ever goes my way, or this just isn't fair) when in reality, we're headed straight for a lighthouse. I may even get angry with God for not protecting me when all along He had in mind that I endure a test to make me stronger. We forget that pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling (Proverbs 16:18).

It's hard to imagine myself telling God that He had better get His act together when it comes to my life, but it's hard to imagine that ship's Captain saying the same thing to a lighthouse. He would only do that ignorantly, but he did it just the same. I would only be so disrespectful of God ignorantly, but that's just what I am (disrespectful, whether ignorantly or not) when I resist His will or act like I'm in charge and not He.

So, this week's encouragement is "change your course." You'll find life a lot easier if you work with God and not against Him. It may not always feel easier, but what you think you suffer now for doing the right thing is far less than what you will suffer in the end, if you choose the easy way now. God wants you to be a slave to Him so you can be truly free because He loves you...and so do I. Have a great week.

Donnie Bates

Seasoned With Salt

Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person (Colossians 4:6). I have in the past made reference to the need for us to encourage one another with the right kind of speech. The apostle Paul gives this command in Ephesians 4:29: "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." It is important that we be careful about how we speak to one another and what we say when we do.

This morning, however, I want to make a slightly different point from Colossians 4:6 to help encourage you and get this week off to a great start. My encouragement to you is to encourage you to encourage others. Make a special effort this week to be a blessing in someone else’s life. We read in Romans 15:1-3: Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me."

Everyone should understand that the weak have need to be strengthened and that it is the responsibility of the strong to provide that strength. We should be trying to build up those who need encouraging. This is the example that Jesus left us to follow. Here is the point I want to make. If you will assume this role (the role of encourager or edifier) you will yourself be encouraged and edified in the process. It is a wonderful cycle that God designed for us.

It fits in perfectly with Paul’s assertion that It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). When we focus more on the blessing of giving, in this case, giving encouragement, we make ourselves better able to receive encouragement. Those who are focused on themselves, have a very hard time getting any kind of encouragement, even the genuine and sincere encouragement they receive from those who love them and care for them. No matter how good the encouragement is, it is never enough. Bitterness is often the result of such selfishness. On the other hand, the one who forgets himself and his own needs and focuses on the needs of others very often finds himself (or herself) receiving encouragement from even unexpected quarters. It feels good to make other feel good!

This week I want you to try really hard to season your speech with salt. Speak to those who need your encouragement in such a way that they are built up and not torn down. To season your speech with salt is to speak in such a way as to preserve rather than destroy; it could be to preserve a relationship or it could even be in reference to preserving someone unto salvation, sharing with them the words of life. Even if your life is filled with intense pain, your ministry to others in this way will give you strength and you will be encouraged more than those to whom you minister. Being a blessing to others is a win-win situation for the faithful Christian. Isn’t it great that God made us this way? He did that because He loves you and so do I. Have a great week.

Donnie Bates

My Redeemer Lives

"As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives…" These words were spoken by a man who suffered more than any of us have suffered, I would say. They are the words of Job 19:25. Job is the man in the Bible that should make us ashamed for ever complaining about anything. Just in this chapter (Job 19) listen to the things he had suffered: "Know then that God has wronged me and has closed His net around me. Behold, I cry, 'Violence!' but I get no answer; I shout for help, but there is no justice. He has walled up my way so that I cannot pass, and He has put darkness on my paths. He has stripped my honor from me and removed the crown from my head. He breaks me down on every side, and I am gone; and He has uprooted my hope like a tree. He has also kindled His anger against me and considered me as His enemy. His troops come together, and build up their way against me and camp around my tent” (Job 19:6-12). Have you ever felt like that; like God had done all of these things to you or that He had caused you to suffer like you have?

Job also says: "He has removed my brothers far from me, and my acquaintances are completely estranged from me. My relatives have failed, and my intimate friends have forgotten me. Those who live in my house and my maids consider me a stranger. I am a foreigner in their sight. I call to my servant, but he does not answer; I have to implore him with my mouth. My breath is offensive to my wife, and I am loathsome to my own brothers. Even young children despise me; I rise up and they speak against me. All my associates abhor me, and those I love have turned against me. My bone clings to my skin and my flesh, and I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth. Pity me, pity me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has struck me. Why do you persecute me as God does, and are not satisfied with my flesh?” (Job 19:13-22). “Pity me, pity me” is a good title for the way we feel sometimes, isn’t it?

Well, not very long after saying all this Job makes the comment that led off this note of encouragement. Yes, Job suffered and suffered terribly. Yes, you and I have suffered and some of us have suffered terribly. Are we still willing to say, along with Job, I know that my Redeemer lives? Job was! Then he said: “Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; Whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes will see and not another. My heart faints within me!” Job 19:26,27. Even after all we’ve suffered; even as bad as suffering on this earth can get, there is still the promise that one day we will see Him Who gave His Son to die for us! My heart faints, too!

I hope the realization that one day you can stand before God and be welcomed into the joy of your Master is reason for you to begin this week with a happy heart and not a heavy one. There are many people in this world who begin every day with a heavy heart. No one has to! Every faithful Christian has reason to rejoice this morning. This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). Things may not go just exactly like you would like for them to today or this week. Still, God is in charge and that is reason to rejoice. Just think, He may have something in mind for you this week that is far greater than you could have imagined. So, have a great week and know that the Creator of the universe loves you and so do I.

Donnie Bates

Fear Not, Stand Still, Be Quiet And Watch!

Sometimes when we are walking down the straight and narrow path, just when it seems things are getting really good in your life, suddenly all the wheels come off at once. You immediately think of James 1:2, 3 and you say, “Lord, I know I’m supposed to be joyful right now, but I just don’t see how this time,” or “I know You said You would provide a way of escape, but I don’t see any way out of this.” It always seems that these things happen at the worst of times. That is because there are no good times for disaster.

A great lesson can be learned by listening to Moses’ words to the children of Israel when they were convinced that the Egyptian army was about to kill them all (Exodus 14:13, 14): But Moses said to the people, "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent." When God says, "Fear not!" He usually has something big in mind. Moses knew ahead of time that Og, king of Bashan, would not destroy the Israelites (Numbers 21:33-35). This is how it would be in every battle (Deuteronomy 20:1-3). However, like so much of God's law, this was conditional (Joshua 7:2-5, 8-12). The same is true today. We already know Who is going to win (Romans 8:31-37), but it is still conditional (2 Corinthians 13:5).

When God says, "Stand still!" we had better do things His way. Impatience will get us into trouble every time. Just look at Abraham and Ishmael (Genesis 16). God's priests were to stand patiently and wait on God to stop a flooding Jordan River (Joshua 3:8). Receiving strength from God depends on waiting patiently on Him (Isaiah 40:31). Patience is necessary to receive the promise (Hebrews 10:36).

It is also important not to sound your own horn! He says, "Be quiet!" God says not to worry about our enemies or the things that threaten us; He is the Victor (Isaiah 7:1-6). Moses, who is said to have been more humble than anyone else (Numbers 12:3) was not interested in glory; only in serving his God (Exodus 32:9-14).

Now “Watch!” “Behold the power and majesty of God!!” The goodness of God is visible today (Psalm 27:13); we see answered prayers, the awesome evidence of creation, etc. We are invited to see His works (Psalm 66:5). It has all been plainly visible for quite some time (Romans 1:20).

Read 2 Kings 6:8-18. When we enter into life’s battles they can quite often be pretty scary (2 Chronicles 20:1-7). Whenever we do battle in this world we must make sure whose side we are on. If we find ourselves against the Lord, we need to change sides quickly. If we find ourselves on the Lord’s side, notice what will happen (2 Chronicles 20:14-17, 20-24): Then in the midst of the assembly the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite of the sons of Asaph; and he said, "Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the Lord to you, 'Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley in front of the wilderness of Jeruel. You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you." …They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed." When he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who sang to the Lord and those who praised Him in holy attire, as they went out before the army and said, "Give thanks to the Lord, for His lovingkindness is everlasting." When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed. For the sons of Ammon and Moab rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir destroying them completely; and when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. When Judah came to the lookout of the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude, and behold, they were corpses lying on the ground, and no one had escaped.

There will be times when you come out the winner and you have no idea how it happened that way. Give thanks to God Almighty and know that He loves you and so do I.

Donnie Bates

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

The Spirit of Jehovah is Upon Me

Isaiah wrote: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, (Isaiah 61:1, 2). Jesus quoted this passage as evidence that He was the Messiah (Luke 4:18-21). Actually, when He read from that passage in Isaiah, He told His audience, gathered in the synagogue in Nazareth that Isaiah’s prophecy had just been fulfilled, meaning He was the One of Whom Isaiah spoke.

I would like you to consider just what it was that Isaiah said and that Jesus said was happening in His ministry. The afflicted would have good news brought to them. The brokenhearted would be bound (or supported and built back up). Captives and prisoners would have liberty proclaimed to them; they would be freed. Verse two seems to give us a grand overview of God’s relationship with mankind. The “favorable year” may have reference to the year of Jubilee (every fiftieth year) that Jews were given under the Law of Moses that allowed Jewish slaves to be free. So, God holds out freedom and vengeance to mankind and the rest of Scripture gives us the conditions by which those are meted out. And do not forget the comfort. Comfort is a major part of God’s relationship with man.

Jesus invited all who are weary and heavy laden to come to Him and find rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Today, friend Barnabas would like to offer this bit of comfort. Trust Jesus and come to Him. Of course, it is necessary that we come to Him in the way He prescribes, but come to Him we may. And how comforting is it to realize that there, in Him, we may find comfort. Do not try to take on this world by yourself! Learn to rely on Jehovah God. He loves you, and so do I.

Donnie Bates

Monday, March 3, 2008

"Do Not Fear For I Have Redeemed You!"

You know the feeling. A loved one has just undergone exploratory surgery and now the surgeon wants to visit with the family in a private room. The boss has sent down to your work station for and now you sit in the outer office, waiting to be called in. The principal has called your room and asked the teacher to send you to the office and the secretary has just gone in to tell him that you are here. You know the feeling, don’t you?

A few years ago, when I was working for a school district in Colorado as a school bus driver, I got back to the transportation office and there was a message waiting for me. The superintendent wanted to see me. I wondered what I had done. Did I unknowingly offend someone on the road, prompting them to call the school and complain? Had I missed someone’s child on my route? (Two school board members lived on my route and their children were some of my kids). As it turned out, the superintendent had been asked to teach a Sunday School class and he was looking for a verse and he knew I was also a preacher. What a relief, but what harrowing walk to his office!

When you face the things you will face this week, try to remember Isaiah’s words: But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you” (Isaiah 43:1, 2).

There have been other times when I have been summed to the office (literally or figuratively) when the news has not been so good. I wish someone had reminded me of these words then. I wish I had been reminded (or had remembered) these words that God loved me so and would be with me no matter what happened.

I know that when He says that when I pass through fire I will not be scorched, He means that in a spiritual way. I know that because I bear some of the scars (physical and emotional) of “fires” through which I have passed, but those fires have not scorched my spirit. In fact, they have made me stronger, as James said they would (James 1:2-4). So, when you head out the door to face the “fires” you may face today, do not forget these words, excerpted from Isaiah 43:3-5: “For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you...Do not fear, for I am with you...” Yes, do not fear for God is with you and loves you and so do I.

Donnie Bates