Day 17

Barnabas is a Greek name interpreted by Luke in the book of Acts which means "son of consolation" or "son of encouragement." We know that he was born in Cyprus who was a Levite. He comes on the seen in the Book of Acts as someone who sold a tract of land and brought the money to the apostles - one of the early believers. He was respected and admired by the early believers in the church. His encouraging spirit comes out when he introduces Paul, who was recently converted, to the leaders in Jerusalem. Barnabas recognizes the genuineness of Paul's conversion. Some tradition believes Barnabas was part of the 70 disciples sent by Jesus to ministry.

Barnabas has character qualities Christians need to cultivate. In Acts 11:24, Barnabas is described as a "good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith." What a combination to have. He also gave people the benefit of the doubt. He stood by Paul before the leaders of the church in Jerusalem putting his reputation on the line. He gave John Mark another chance even after he disserting them. The nickname "son of encouragement" befits this man of integrity. We need more people in the Church who serves the living God with true sacrifice and devotion. We need more people in the Church who stands and vouches for his fellow believers especially those in need of a second chance. These are the people God will use to increase the Kingdom of God for his glory.

Day 16

I was forwarded this from Charles which I found very interesting:

God desires that we know Him. God is constantly speaking to those in which the Holy Spirit dwells but how do we know if we're hearing God's voice, the devil's voice or our own voice? This table lists the characteristics of those three so we know who's speaking.



The Holy Spirit (Governor) is our guide. He will help us to discern the voice of the Lord. Pray and ask for His help, His gifts, and His leading.Ask yourself some questions:
_Do you hear the Lord speak to you?
_Will you obey what the Lord says to you?
_Have you bound the voice of the enemy and repented of self interests?
_Have you prayed sincerely with a pure heart?
_Have you tested the spirit according to 1 John 4:1-3?
_Have you judged the word according to its content?
_Do you have confirmation

Day 15

Hillside Ministry just got back from our annual retreat 1/12-1/14 at Rancho Ybarra. Although space in our meeting room and beds were limited, we had a great time of fellowship at the retreat. There were about 50 of you who joined us this time. The theme was 'Spiritual Warfare' which is not a typical topic of conversation among Christians. I think the exposure to this topic matures us and adds another dimension to our Christian lives. For a lot of us we experienced and witnessed the work of the Holy Spirit encouraging and edifying the body of Christ through listening in our prayer for others and through God's word. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 5:18-21

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

I believe we experienced the above referenced verse as we sang and spoke to one another, subjecting ourselves to each other. When we pray and stand in the gap for others we are engaging in spiritual warfare. When we intercede on behalf of others we cover them with God's protection. This is a distinctive of Christians. We have got to get each others' backs through prayer. I hope the lessons learned and experienced will assist us in pursuing God with a white hot passion for Jesus which leads us to care for others.

Day 11

2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Martin Luther said he lives for "today" and "that day." There will be a day when everyone will stand before the judgment seat of God and answer for every thought, every word spoken, and every action taken in this life. For Christians, it will not be a judgment for our sin because Jesus absorbed the wrath of God in our place on the Cross. It is the degree of rewards we are concerned with. How have we lived our lives under God's grace? What marks have we left in the lives of people for the Kingdom? God's work of sanctification through the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer is the process that connects us to eternity. What connections are you making intentionally in your walk with God towards eternity. We have one life to live, no practice, so let's make it count for the Lord.

Day 10

Ephesians 6:12
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

There are three main characteristics of our enemy that are pointed out by John Stott in his commentary on Ephesians.

First, they are powerful. They have a worldwide rule. It is reminiscent of the devil's claim to be able to give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. Our enemy exercises considerable power.

Secondly, they are wicked. Our spiritual enemies use their power destructively and not for good. They are working in darkness operating in the heavenly places - that is the invisible realm.

Thirdly, they are cunning. Our enemy transforms himself into an angel of light. He lies and schemes seldom attacking openly. He is subtle. His most effective weapon is when people deny his existence as if the devil is just a metaphor for evil in the Bible.

Only the power of God can defend and deliver us from such a powerful, wicked and cunning enemy. We have nothing to fear but trust in the Lord and the promises of his Word.

Day 9

Ephesians 6:12
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

We have a formidable enemy. This struggle we are in is not against people we know or even strangers. We struggle against Satan and demons. According to R Kent Hughes, this struggle we are in is spiritual, it's personal and lastly futile if fought in and by our own flesh. The implications of Paul's description of these evil enemies as "rulers, powers, world forces, and spiritual forces" are that they are well organized and they have a chain of command. Our enemy is working day and night in our culture and through world systems to thwart the work and plan of God in the lives of believers. Our awareness of this spiritual world must be seriously considered if we desire to follow Jesus.

Day 8

Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

This entry may have been more appropriate on Day 7. Its about rest that the Israelites in the wilderness did not experience even after entering the promised land. Spiritual resting which Jesus calls upon his people to enter involves trusting and depending on the provisions of God. Resting in Jesus does not mean inactivity where we are not responsible for anything. It requires active trusting. Anyone anxious today? Anyone stressed out about life's circumstances? Anyone tired or burdened by anything? This verse is for you. You have the qualifications for coming to Jesus. Resting in Jesus takes away the exhaustion of life and replenishes our soul. Enter into the rest Jesus provides.