A long time ago I wrote a post about a man named Joseph, focusing on the name the apostles gave him—Barnabas, son of exhortation/encouragement/consolation, however your version puts it.  The challenge for that day was to imagine what nickname they would have given you.  While it was certainly a worthwhile challenge, that narrow a focus did not do the man justice. 
            There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:34-37).
            Barnabas, for so he was called from this point on, was a generous man.  We do not know the size of the field he sold, but go online and find the price of even a 1 or 2 acre property and you will find it in the four figures easily and probably five.  Five acres might well go for 6 figures, depending upon its location.  Whatever he got, it was commensurate to the cost of living and the daily wage of people living in that day, the only real way to judge.  Would I be willing to give that amount for people I had not known for long?
            Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them…who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report…came to the…church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord…for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith…Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch…And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians… [Then] prophets came down from Jerusalem.. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world...So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul (Acts 11:19-30).
            When the news came to Jerusalem about the conversion of some Gentiles, Peter had to explain himself (Acts 11:1-3ff).  Though many seemed satisfied (v 18), by Acts 15, several years later, things were still unsettled with many.  But not Barnabas.  He cut to the chase, so to speak.  When the Antioch church began preaching to and accepting Gentiles, he hurried to help.  When he "saw God's grace", he was "glad."  To him it seems, the gospel was about saving souls, any souls. 
            Read on and see a description any of us would love to wear.  He was full of faith, a good man, filled with the Spirit, v 24.  He looked for the needs and good of others, found Saul to come help at Antioch, which undoubtedly did both the church and Saul much good.
            And when the famine arose, the brothers in Antioch counted both him and Saul trustworthy enough to carry the collected monies to those in need.
            We next find Barnabas in Acts 13.  Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off (Acts 13:1-3).
            Now we can see Barnabas as a team player.  He and four others, including Saul, had evidently been working together in Antioch for a good while.  We see not an inkling of discord among them, no one claiming to be better or more important than the rest, unlike a certain group of twelve who followed Jesus around.
            But now, when the Holy Spirit hands Barnabas and Saul a special job, they go.  No complaining, no excuses, a la Moses—they just go.  And please be aware:  Barnabas is still the mentor here.  They are called "Barnabas and Saul" until 13:43 when suddenly it changes to "Paul and Barnabas," and it stays that way for the rest of the journey.
            But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.  And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.  And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus (Acts 15:1-3. 12. 36-39).
            And we see yet more about Barnabas here.  Not surprisingly, given his above history, Barnabas is willing to become involved in a controversy.  Can we first make something clear?  These men did not go to Jerusalem to make a decision.  God had already made the decision, and stated it as far back as Gen 12:3 and for hundreds of years afterward.  They gathered to show God's decisions by giving direct statement of scripture (15:13-19), approved example (15:12), and necessary conclusion (15:7-11).  Barnabas's participation in this showed his understanding and approval of their proper interpretation of scripture and willingness to stand for what God wanted regardless who disagreed.
            And then we see in Barnabas a patient mentor (vv 36-39).  Not everyone can see the talent in a raw personality, but Barnabas could.  He did it with Saul in Acts 9 and he did it with Mark and, I am certain, with many other young Christians as he continually earned that nickname we began with.  Generous, encouraging, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, trustworthy, responsible, a teacher, a team player, and patient mentor—a GOOD man.
            Don't let his example go unnoticed.
 
And when [Saul] had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus (Acts 9:26-27).
 
Dene Ward

This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him (Eph 3:11-12).
            This is another verse that caught my attention when we did our study of faith, especially when I looked up the Greek word for boldness--parresia.  The word actually refers to our speech and means things like outspoken, blunt, or frank.  The immediate context, "access" means when we pray to God we needn't fear how we say things.  Be frank with God, talk to Him about things that really bother you, things that you might feel uncomfortable bringing up to a High and Holy God.  You can.  It's okay.  We can do that now that we have a High Priest who understands.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb 4:15-16).
            But back up another couple of verses in Ephesians and notice another meaning this might have.  And to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places (Eph 3:9-10).  When we make known the mystery, the same mystery Paul revealed v 8, it sometimes takes a good deal of boldness.  God expects his people to speak the truth "with all boldness" (Acts 28:31), frankly, and even bluntly and in an outspoken manner.  We are not to cower behind mealy-mouthed sentiments that leave people wondering what in the world we are talking about.  In fact, coupled with verse 12, Paul says we can do this because of the faith we have in Christ.  No plain speech equals no faith, or at best, a weak one.
            If you think political correctness has not invaded the church, just try putting this into action.  Someone will immediately direct you to the nearest Dale Carnegie course.  But in fact, smooth speech is soundly condemned in the New Testament.  For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent (Rom 16:18).
              While there is certainly a place for carefully choosing our words, when a sinner leaves the room without knowing he has been rebuked, what good has it done him?  What love for his immortal soul has been shown?  In fact, his heart has been beguiled by "smooth and fair speech".  And the speaker has lacked boldness and faith.
           
Having therefore such a hope, we use great plainness of speech (2Cor 3:12).

Dene Ward

The time Silas came to visit, shortly before his third birthday, Chloe scared him to death.  What did she do?  Nothing.  Our sweet-faced red heeler simply existed and Silas wasn’t too keen on being in the same yard with her, not even a five acre yard.
            Then he discovered that Chloe was even more afraid of him.  She would cautiously creep out from under the porch when we all went outside, but always made sure I was between her and that frightening little human.  What had Silas done to her?  Nothing.  He couldn’t get close enough to do anything to her. 
            When he finally understood, he thoroughly enjoyed his time outdoors.  He picked flowers for his mommy.  He loaded the bird feeder.  He looked for big hunks of bark that had fallen off the sycamore, broke them into three pieces—one for granddad, one for grandma, and one for himself—and led a countdown: 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1—whee!—at which point we all threw our hunks of paper-thin bark into the air, over and over and over until there wasn’t a piece of bark bigger than a quarter to be found anywhere.
            Then he walked around to the side of the house and found the two old bathtubs Keith soaks his smoker wood in.  “Oh!” he cried.  “A pool!”
            First, he simply stood there splashing the water.  Then he eyed an old coffee can and some plastic flower pots, and began dipping into the tub and pouring the water back in and, in the process, all over himself. 
            Then he eyed Chloe, the dog that no longer scared him.  You could almost see the wheels turning.  He dipped again into the tub and sat the can on its edge.  “Chlo-eeeee,” he called in a singsong voice.  “I have something fooooooor yooooooooou.”  He picked up the can and headed straight for the dog, sloshing water with every step.
            I knew exactly what he was going to do, and so did Chloe.  She took off running.
            Funny how one simple piece of knowledge was so empowering.  When Silas learned that Chloe was so afraid of him, he was no longer afraid of her.  But it isn’t just the knowing; it’s the believing.
            How many times do we fail because we simply don’t believe what we’ve been promised?
            With every temptation there is a way of escape, 1 Cor 10:13.  We are equipped with armor that will enable us to stand against the Devil, Eph 6:11-20.  We are guarded by the power of God unto a salvation that is ready and waiting, 1 Pet 1:5.  Our faith stands in the power of God, 1 Cor 2:5.  We are supported in our afflictions by the power of God, 2 Cor 6:7.  His power works in us, and we are strengthened by it, the same power that raised Christ from the dead, Eph 3:16,20.
            Do you think Satan isn’t afraid of you?  The devils believe also, and tremble, James says, 2:19.  Since it is Christ’s power that rests on you and not your own, 2 Cor 12:9, what makes you think you aren’t a fearsome entity as well?  The only thing that would hinder it is disbelief in the promises of God.
            Our weapons are mighty, 2 Cor 10:4,5, far more so than a bucket of water in the hands of a toddler, and we should be ready and willing to use them.  Yes, we should face the devil with care, just as we would a rattlesnake, but his fate is already sealed.  All we have to do is believe it.
 
…we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:9-12

Dene Ward

Today's post is by guest writer Lucas Ward.

Saul had proven himself to be, if not cowardly, then unsure, indecisive, and selfish.  While he did have success defeating many enemies of Israel (1 Sam. 14:47-48) he didn't destroy the Philistine garrison in Gibeah as expected (10:5).  Jonathan did that, which kicked off the war of chapters 13-14.  Saul then didn't have the courage to wait for Samuel.  It was Jonathan's courage and faith, shown in the first verses of chapter 14, that jump-started the victory.  Saul's stupid and selfish command kept Israel from a complete victory, which Jonathan immediately recognized.  Saul is shown to be a selfish man with a carnal viewpoint, and his lack of faith led nearly to cowardice, while Jonathan's strong faith brought deep courage. 
         Is it any wonder that after watching his father dither for at least 25 years Jonathan had a strong reaction upon meeting David?  "And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul." (1 Sam. 18:1)  David had just attacked a man well over nine feet tall, an experienced warrior from whom all else ran.  David had no battle experience and was unarmored.  David's confidence did not come from anything of this world.  It was his faith in God that led him to charging at a giant.  Jonathan saw this and seemed to think, "Finally, someone with whom I can share my faith." 
         Estimates of David's age when he killed Goliath range from 15-20 years old.  He was called a youth by Saul and wasn't expected to fight, most likely making him under 20 as that was the minimum age of those able to go to war according to the Law (Num. 1:3).  Meanwhile, Jonathan was old enough to fight in one of Saul's earliest wars and it had been 25 to 30 years since Saul had been anointed king.  (Saul reined 40 years.  David was 30 when he became king.  So, Saul had been king 10 years when David was born.)  Jonathan was likely 45-50 years old when he met David.  So this friendship was more like a mentor-mentee relationship than bosom buddies or Best Friends Forever! (BFFs).  A hint of this can be seen in how David approached Jonathan for advice when Saul first began to pursue David. (1 Sam. 20:1-3) 
         To all worldly viewpoints this friendship was counter-intuitive.  Jonathan was mentoring the man who was to take his place as Israel's king!  While Jonathan remained loyal to his father, he put his father's wishes behind him and squashed whatever ambitions he felt himself in his love for this youth who acted upon his faith. 
         This is something we should imitate in our friendships and loyalties.  Earthly blood should not define our closest relationships.  Similar earthly interests should not be the basis for our closest friendships.  Our closest relationships and deepest friendships should be with those who share our faith.  Our buddies are those who work with us in the Lord's Kingdom.  Our BFFs are those who join us in attacking Satan, and we should be quick to mentor the younger, a la Jonathan (1 Sam. 23:15-18). 
 
2 Cor. 6:14  "Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers . . ."
1 Pet. 1:22  ". . . love one another from the heart fervently"


Lucas Ward

When I was teaching piano and voice, my students often participated in an evaluation day at the university with judges rating their performances—superior, excellent, very good, good, and fair.  When I was a child I participated in the same event and the words given as ratings were exactly what they said they were.  Even a “very good” was very good. 
            By the time my students participated we were well into the philosophy of promoting self-esteem by never telling a child he was wrong about anything.  The vast majority of the 1000 entrants received a superior, which simply meant he didn’t play or sing more than a few wrong notes.  It had nothing to do with his musicianship or his artistry.  If a judge handed out more excellents than superiors, he was taken aside and enlightened.  As a result only a small handful of “very goods” ever hit the rating sheet, and news of a “good” spread like the plague, with exactly the same reception.  Everyone knew that a “very good” wasn’t, and a “good” was just plain awful.  Judges were actually forbidden to even look at the “fair” rating, much less circle it.
            That may be why “good” means little to us these days.  It is probably why we just read right over it when Luke calls Joseph of Arimathea and Barnabas “good” men.  Luke did not use that term lightly; those were the only two times I found that particular Greek word used of a man. 
            So can we ever hope to become so good that term can be used of us, the same term that Jesus used of God?  Only if, like God, that goodness becomes an intrinsic part of us, a goodness that exists no matter what happens on the outside, no matter what anyone else says or does. 
            Jesus seemed to expect it.  You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. Matthew 12:34-35.  There is the word, agathos.  A good person can only do good things if his heart is good, so if I am not doing them, something in my heart needs to be changed.
            “But that’s just not who I am,” won’t cut it with the Lord.  He expects us to change who we are.  He expects us to turn that evil heart into a good one, one that is good the way God is good, simply by its nature.  But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Luke 6:35.  There it is again, that same word, or a compound of it in this case, a “do-gooder.”  If you want to be a child of God, that’s what you have to be.
            Jesus makes it even plainer a little later.  Becoming “good” is not an option. It is not something we can do on the outside, while harboring a heart of evil or malice towards others.  It is not something we can do by rote without compassion.  It is the thing that will determine our destiny.  Well done, good and faithful servant.  Enter into the joy of your lord, Matt 25:21. 
            “Good” is a very special word in the Bible.  It isn’t passed out profligately so we can keep our self-esteem intact.  It isn’t bandied about simply because of good deeds or loud hallelujahs.  It is a quality so deep that if one ceases to exist in this life, so does that much goodness in the world.  “Only one is Good,” Jesus said, in the absolute sense.  That doesn’t mean he doesn’t expect us to become good as much as is humanly, with a little help from God, possible.
 
And let us not grow weary of well doing, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10
 
Dene Ward
 

I imagine many of us grew up using that phrase in the first prayer we ever uttered at the table.  Maybe that is why we are so prone to say, “God is good,” and indeed He is.  We will shout it to the world.  When?  When we get exactly what we want.  When what we pray for comes to pass.  When life is easy and carefree and comfortable.  And that means we have absolutely no understanding of the goodness of God.  We are, in fact, showing ourselves to be those same immature little children uttering a memorized grace. 
            Jesus said in Mark 10:18.  Why do you call me good?  There is none good except God alone.  That Greek word is agathos.  I am not a Greek scholar and at this age, never will be, but I can tell when one Greek word is used and when another is simply by looking at the letters.  Here is the difference in this one.  God is good whether I get what I want or not.  God is good whether life is easy or not.  God is good even in the midst of storms and trials and disease and pain.  The goodness of God never changes because it is intrinsic to His nature.  That’s what that word means.  Nothing on the outside of Him affects that goodness.  It always is because it is part of who He is.  God is good because He is God.
            We too often mean a different Greek word when we shout, “God is good.”  Kalos means something is good only when it is beautiful, valuable, or useful to the person judging it so.  It is an extrinsic quality, affected by circumstances on the outside of it.  Thus, by  using this Greek word, we mean that a person would cease to be “good” if he became disabled or too ill to work, or if she were no longer beautiful due to age.  If the only time I utter the phrase, “God is good,” is when my prayers are answered in a positive way, then that is exactly what I am saying about God.  If I were a first century Greek, I would be calling him kalos instead of agathos.  He is only good when He is useful to me, just like children who “love” their parents when a wish is fulfilled, but say, “You’re so mean,” when they get a “No.” 
            So how do we feel about God?  Do we understand that He is good simply because He is, or do we feel the right to judge His goodness based on our own desires?  The real test of my understanding of the nature of God comes when, in the wake of disaster, I can say along with Job, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord” (1:21).
 
Moses said, "Please show me your glory." And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'The LORD.' And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy…The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation." And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped. Ex 33:18,19; 34:6-8.
 
Dene Ward

In our last study we noted things that will take more faith (trust in God) to handle, things that should cause us, along with the disciples, to say, "Lord, increase our faith."  Receiving instruction, especially instruction we do not like, repeatedly forgiving the same person for the same sin, enduring persecution and affliction, and dealing with scoffers and division among the disciples all take a stronger faith than ordinary, everyday life.  But, every one of those things will also build us up and make us stronger when we handle them successfully.  Isn't that interesting?
            What else might help us to increase our faith?  God did not leave us floundering around without help, and we do not have to go far in the scriptures to find the answer.  Just look at many of those same passages we looked at in Part 1.
            We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing (2Thess 1:3).  If anything can make our faith grow, it is the tender love and care of our brothers and sisters.  Knowing that no matter what may happen, someone cares, you can increase one's strength to make it through the darkest days.  When a congregation is not close, those things will not happen, and you will see a decline that eventually leads to the death of the group if nothing changes.
            But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (Jude 20-21).  Prayer should be our foremost weapon.  No matter how strong we are, no matter how convinced of our faith and commitment, if it is not accompanied by prayer, how can it stand against Satan and his weapons?  It is through our reliance upon God that we achieve the victory, and that reliance is best shown through our prayer life.  Only the self-reliant avoid prayer, and self is useless in a spiritual battle.
            And why is this so important?  What good will increasing faith lead to?  Go back through all the passages we have looked at in this and the last post one more time, and you will find them.    Increasing faith will lead to:  a) Acts 16:5—increasing numbers in the church; b) 2 Cor 10:15—a larger ministry; c) 2 Thes 1:3,4—increased love and endurance in trials; d) Jude 20—eternal life.
            Kind of amazing how much you can pull out of the same passages, isn't it?  That's what happens when you do more than just read over them quickly.  Pay attention to what is in them, tear them apart, find categories and chart them.  If you want to know how I study, and several have asked, those are the basics right there.  And in the study, find the things you can use in a practical way to improve your walk as a Christian.  It really works.
 
To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ (2Thess 1:11-12).
 
Dene Ward

Three year old Silas has learned to pray, and often sits at the table, eagerly clasping his little hands together, looking back and forth at his parents, hoping they will ask him to say the blessing. 
            “Do you want to say the prayer?” his daddy asks, as if it weren’t obvious, and he gets a big nod and off we go. 
It’s never about the meal.  To him it’s about talking to God and saying thank you for something, for anything, for whatever happens to be on his mind.
            “Hey God!”  Read that the way an excited child would greet his grandparents, not the way a New Yorker would yell, “Hey Mac!”
            “Thank you for sisters,” although he has none, but one of his little friends does, so he wants to mention it.
            “Thank you for blue, and red, and yellow,” the colors of the containers he puts his blocks in.  He doesn’t complain about having to pick up his toys.  He thanks God for something to put them in, and that’s the one that really made me think.
            I wonder how many of our complaints could be expressed as thanks with just a little thought.  Dealing with rush hour traffic?  Thank God you have a car to drive through it in.  Complaining about the stack of ironing?  Thank God you have that many clothes to wear.  Griping a little about picking up your husband’s shoes?  Thank God he is alive and well enough to leave them in the middle of the floor.
            I thought about this again yesterday when I was blowing off the carport.  We didn’t have one for years, and sometimes I think that all getting a carport did for me was give me something else to keep clean.  But last week when one of our usual summer gully washers came through, I could unload the groceries and stay dry. 
            Then I came in and heaved a sigh at the extra dirty floor.  That happened because we saved enough money to buy a new vanity for the bathroom and the plumber tracked in sand going in and out. 
            Stop and think today about the things you complain about.  How many are caused by blessings you could have thanked God for instead?  How many extra chores do you have because God has provided you a home and a family?  I never had to wash diapers until I had babies.  Do you think for one minute I would have given them back? 
            If ever anyone had something to grumble about, it was Daniel when the other two presidents and the 120 satraps tricked the king into making the law against praying to anyone other than him.  How did he react instead?  And when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem) and he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Daniel 6:10.  Surely if Daniel could say thank you at a time like that, we can in this relatively easy time in history.
            God is patient with us as we daily grumble our way through a life He has blessed in thousands of ways.  You have to go to work?  These days especially, be grateful for a job.  Gas prices too high?  You’re still buying it, aren’t you? 
            Maybe we should be a little more like a three year old.  “Hey God!  (I’m so excited to talk to you!)  Thank you for all you have done for me, for the things you have given me that I don’t deserve and forget to be grateful for.  For all those extra chores, because they mean you have blessed me beyond measure.  For all my pet peeves, because it means I am able to be up and around and go to those places where they happen.  For the fact that I have to work so hard to lose weight, because it means I have plenty to eat.  For people who get on my nerves, because it means I have friends and family and neighbors and brothers and sisters in Christ—I am not alone.”
            Today look at everything you gripe about and find the blessing.  You will be amazed--and probably a little ashamed.  And maybe those gripes will go away, for at least a little awhile.
 
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you, 1 Thes 5:18.
 
Dene Ward

"The power that we ascribe to these idols that we have set up for ourselves [money, possessions, power, approval] is evident in the way we pour ourselves so devotedly into pursuing their demands and are so wrapped up in fears of their loss. We would willingly go to the end of the earth to do their bidding, and we regularly sacrifice on their altars whatever they demand. They fill our dreams and our nightmares, and they shape our expenditures and our relationships. They are profoundly expensive masters, both in financial terms and in terms of the turmoil that they create in our souls. Yet in the end, like all idols, they are impotent to deliver what they promise or threaten...Tracing back the smoke of our strong desires will lead us to the smoldering fire on the altar we have erected to our idol."

I.M. Duguid, Numbers, 284,88

Every dog we have ever had has loved a good belly rub, but Chloe seems to have taken it to another level.  It isn’t just that she begs for a belly rub, it’s that she thinks God put her here to have her belly scratched, and that scratching her belly may be the only reason He put us here.
            A few people seem to have the same opinion about themselves and the church.  The only reason God instituted a church is to pander to their every need.  It seldom seems to cross their minds that other people have needs as well, and that those needs may be even more critical than theirs.  Chloe wouldn’t care if the house were on fire if she saw us running outside.  She would still scamper up, plop herself on the ground and roll over—isn’t that why we came outside, to scratch her belly?  A Christian who thinks he is the center of the universe is behaving the same way.
            Others think the only reason God put them in the church was for the church to listen to them.  They never ask a question in a Bible class, or offer a comment to stimulate discussion and deep thinking.  Instead they have all the answers and are happy to tell you exactly how things ought to be done, even things that are not specifically spelled out in the scriptures.  They know best.  It amazes me when these are people new to a congregation, who don’t yet know the background and experiences of the people they are trying to advise, often including elders, or who are in their mid-twenties with little life experience behind them.  Kind of reminds me of Chloe who thinks a belly rub is appropriate any time of day, any place, even while you are trying to shoot a rattlesnake that she obviously has not seen.  But she knows best, Boss!
            Then there are the ones who think their feelings, or the feelings of a family member, are all that count.  The church is supposed to pussyfoot around and never offer exhortation or criticism that might “offend” by our definition of the word.  They think they are put here to be stroked and petted and “have their belly rubbed” regardless of what might be happening to their souls.  Reminds me of that passage about people “whose god is their belly”—nothing matters at the moment but how they feel.  I am not about to let Chloe roll over on her back in the middle of a garden row I have just planted that is supposed to help feed us this year, no matter how much it hurts her feelings for me to tell her, “No!”  Some things are more important than her feelings, and if she were my child instead of my dog, I would explain that to her rather than let her do as she pleased and cost us a few hundred dollars worth of groceries. 
            So what do you do about people like that?  You do the same thing the Lord did for you when you were still that immature and selfish.  You tolerate, you teach, you show them a better way with the example of your own service and willingness to accept abuse or take on responsibilities that are not yours but that you do because they need doing and you are there.  You love them in a way they don’t deserve and yes, you rebuke when necessary and hope they won’t act childishly and run off to play somewhere else, where everyone will scratch the belly they offer, and let them be the only ones who matter and the only ones worth listening to.
            The Lord did all that for us, and he expects us to do it for them.  Some day maybe they will learn to be better than a silly little dog who thinks the world is here to scratch her belly.  Didn’t you?
 
And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all. 1Thes 5:14
 
Dene Ward