Guest Editorial by Gayla M. Baughman
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. (Revelation 21:4-5a KJV).
The ride to work was getting depressing. The fields and meadows were brown, charred ugly stretches of colorless dirt. I was ready for spring and the planting to bring the green flourish of life back to the countryside. For now I guess I would just have to endure this ugly stretch.
Suddenly in the midst of my complaining, I saw it. It was standing majestically on the side of the road. It appeared to be waiting for me to pass. A lone, beautiful white crane stood stately on the shoulder of the road with his head held high as if listening to music. What a refreshing sight! I thought, as I passed in the midst of all this ugliness, there stands one of God’s beautiful creations. And a welcome sight it was to me. It lifted my spirits and gave me something positive to think about the rest of the journey.
Life gets ugly. Situations come into our lives that remind us of brown, charred colorless dirt. But just when we think we can’t take it anymore, God sends a little glimpse of heaven into our life. He reminds us that life is life and we must endure its hardships while we are here on earth. But oh, what a promise of tomorrow! Suddenly we see through His eyes, the beauty of life in Him. He makes all things new! My moment of truth had come. The country side became beautiful with a white crane to crown my thoughts and bring me back to real reality! He makes ALL things new. And today is going to be a wonderful day because I’ve had a glimpse of Heaven.
“Thank you Lord for another day to drink in your glory. With your help I will see the silver lining around each dark cloud that hovers overhead. Take me back to your word and your promises when I get bogged down with a complaining attitude. Put a white crane at the side of my dreary road to remind me that this is a glorious journey.”
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Leadership through Discipleship #16
Barnabas, The Power of Encouragement
“And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet” (Acts 4:36-37).
A Levite from Cyprus named Joses, sold property and donated the proceeds to the apostles in the beginning of the church in Acts. He was well known by the apostles and his reputation for encouragement grew to the extent that they begin to call him Barnabas (meaning son of encouragement). He became a leader among the believers in Christ and is mentioned frequently as an active minister in the spreading of the Gospel.
Barnabas is mentioned as a traveling companion with Paul in the book of Acts and on several occasions in Paul’s letters. It is no wonder that a close affinity developed between them for it was Barnabas who first accepted Paul in Jerusalem, believing that he was indeed converted to Christianity and called of God. Because of Paul’s reputation as Saul of Taurus most Christians were fearful of him. Previously, it had been his ambition to destroy as many Christians as possible. He viewed them as heretics to the faith and enemies of the Lord God. It took a dynamic vision on the road to Damascus and being blinded for three days for Saul to indeed believe that Jesus was the Lord God of the Scripture. (See Acts 9.)
After Paul’s conversion in Damascus, where he was filled with the Holy Spirit and baptized, he immediately began to preach Jesus publicly. Still some disciples were fearful that it was just a trick to take them captive and deliver them to the chief priests for persecution and death. The Jews, on the other hand, were seeking to kill Paul to silence this bold new advocate for Christianity. When the plot was learned, some disciples helped Paul escape over the wall of the city at night and he returned to Jerusalem.
In Jerusalem, Paul tried to join up with the disciples but again they did not believe that he had truly become one of them. This is when Barnabas stepped in, heard his testimony, and learned of his bold preaching in the name of Jesus while in Damascus. Barnabas shared Paul’s testimony with the other disciples so that they might come to accept him and trust in the ministry to which God was leading him.
Barnabas believed in Paul. He stood with him and encouraged him during the time when he had to prove his loyalty and sincerity to other believers. Perhaps if there had not been a Barnabas to come alongside Paul with encouragement, believing in him, Paul may not have ever been accepted by the believing community. Without Paul we would not have had the incredible revival among the Gentiles recorded in the Book of Acts. Without Paul we would have a very small New Testament; he contributed thirteen epistles to the canon! Without Paul we would have a very limited view of God’s grace to change lives and give hope. One never knows the potential of one convert. All they need is a little encouragement!
“And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet” (Acts 4:36-37).
A Levite from Cyprus named Joses, sold property and donated the proceeds to the apostles in the beginning of the church in Acts. He was well known by the apostles and his reputation for encouragement grew to the extent that they begin to call him Barnabas (meaning son of encouragement). He became a leader among the believers in Christ and is mentioned frequently as an active minister in the spreading of the Gospel.
Barnabas is mentioned as a traveling companion with Paul in the book of Acts and on several occasions in Paul’s letters. It is no wonder that a close affinity developed between them for it was Barnabas who first accepted Paul in Jerusalem, believing that he was indeed converted to Christianity and called of God. Because of Paul’s reputation as Saul of Taurus most Christians were fearful of him. Previously, it had been his ambition to destroy as many Christians as possible. He viewed them as heretics to the faith and enemies of the Lord God. It took a dynamic vision on the road to Damascus and being blinded for three days for Saul to indeed believe that Jesus was the Lord God of the Scripture. (See Acts 9.)
After Paul’s conversion in Damascus, where he was filled with the Holy Spirit and baptized, he immediately began to preach Jesus publicly. Still some disciples were fearful that it was just a trick to take them captive and deliver them to the chief priests for persecution and death. The Jews, on the other hand, were seeking to kill Paul to silence this bold new advocate for Christianity. When the plot was learned, some disciples helped Paul escape over the wall of the city at night and he returned to Jerusalem.
In Jerusalem, Paul tried to join up with the disciples but again they did not believe that he had truly become one of them. This is when Barnabas stepped in, heard his testimony, and learned of his bold preaching in the name of Jesus while in Damascus. Barnabas shared Paul’s testimony with the other disciples so that they might come to accept him and trust in the ministry to which God was leading him.
Barnabas believed in Paul. He stood with him and encouraged him during the time when he had to prove his loyalty and sincerity to other believers. Perhaps if there had not been a Barnabas to come alongside Paul with encouragement, believing in him, Paul may not have ever been accepted by the believing community. Without Paul we would not have had the incredible revival among the Gentiles recorded in the Book of Acts. Without Paul we would have a very small New Testament; he contributed thirteen epistles to the canon! Without Paul we would have a very limited view of God’s grace to change lives and give hope. One never knows the potential of one convert. All they need is a little encouragement!
Friday, September 7, 2007
Leadership through Discipleship #15
Mark, The Power of Restoration
The Gospel of Mark is given a prominent place in the New Testament canon, second only to Matthew in the four gospels. Here, there is little indication of any weakness of character or faith in this early follower of Christ. But it was not always so.
John Mark was apparently raised in a wealthy Jewish Christian home. While we know nothing of his father, his mother, named Mary, was host to the apostles and believers in Jerusalem. It was to their home, “where many were gathered together praying,” that Peter came when he was miraculously released from prison by an angel (Acts 12:12). Rhoda, the servant-girl of the home, was shocked with disbelief when she saw Peter standing at the gate.
There is at least a suggestion that John Mark’s father was absent in that Barnabas, his cousin, mentored him and asked him to accompany Paul on his first missionary journey. Whether John Mark was homesick or unaccustomed to hard work or for some other unknown reason, he left for home early in the trip. Paul was disappointed in his early departure and later determined that John Mark would not accompany them on another missionary journey. So great was the contention between Barnabas, who felt he should be given another chance, and Paul that they changed their travel plans. John Mark traveled with Barnabas while Paul took Silas as his companion. (See Acts 15:35-40.)
There is no information in Scripture about the reconciliation between John Mark and the Apostle Paul. However, at some point John Mark was given another chance by the apostle and apparently was accepted by him and allowed to travel with him again. He was commended to the church in Colosse by letter, “with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him)” (Colossians 4:10). He was specifically asked for in Paul’s letter to Timothy, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11). He was also mentioned in the letter to Philemon.
Past failure need not be the end of an effort to become a disciple. While faults may be remembered for a long time, our failures are not final. God forgives and is willing to restore. His disciples are commanded to do the same. It may take others a lot longer to forgive and they may never forget, but restoration is possible and a second chance at discipleship is available. Paul demonstrated Christ’s compassion in eventually allowing Mark to be useful to him in ministry. Mark made the commitment and lived to prove you can overcome past mistakes and be accepted again in the ministry.
Peter developed a close relationship with John Mark as evidenced in his epistle, “She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son” (1 Peter 5:13). He spoke of John Mark as a son and welcomed his company in traveling to Rome where he would suffer martyrdom. According to early church tradition, John Mark wrote his gospel through the first-hand account of the apostle Peter. If John Mark had given up after his first failed effort at leadership we would not have the Gospel of Mark today. Thankfully, he was restored to discipleship and accepted in leadership. A leader learned to try again!
The Gospel of Mark is given a prominent place in the New Testament canon, second only to Matthew in the four gospels. Here, there is little indication of any weakness of character or faith in this early follower of Christ. But it was not always so.
John Mark was apparently raised in a wealthy Jewish Christian home. While we know nothing of his father, his mother, named Mary, was host to the apostles and believers in Jerusalem. It was to their home, “where many were gathered together praying,” that Peter came when he was miraculously released from prison by an angel (Acts 12:12). Rhoda, the servant-girl of the home, was shocked with disbelief when she saw Peter standing at the gate.
There is at least a suggestion that John Mark’s father was absent in that Barnabas, his cousin, mentored him and asked him to accompany Paul on his first missionary journey. Whether John Mark was homesick or unaccustomed to hard work or for some other unknown reason, he left for home early in the trip. Paul was disappointed in his early departure and later determined that John Mark would not accompany them on another missionary journey. So great was the contention between Barnabas, who felt he should be given another chance, and Paul that they changed their travel plans. John Mark traveled with Barnabas while Paul took Silas as his companion. (See Acts 15:35-40.)
There is no information in Scripture about the reconciliation between John Mark and the Apostle Paul. However, at some point John Mark was given another chance by the apostle and apparently was accepted by him and allowed to travel with him again. He was commended to the church in Colosse by letter, “with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him)” (Colossians 4:10). He was specifically asked for in Paul’s letter to Timothy, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11). He was also mentioned in the letter to Philemon.
Past failure need not be the end of an effort to become a disciple. While faults may be remembered for a long time, our failures are not final. God forgives and is willing to restore. His disciples are commanded to do the same. It may take others a lot longer to forgive and they may never forget, but restoration is possible and a second chance at discipleship is available. Paul demonstrated Christ’s compassion in eventually allowing Mark to be useful to him in ministry. Mark made the commitment and lived to prove you can overcome past mistakes and be accepted again in the ministry.
Peter developed a close relationship with John Mark as evidenced in his epistle, “She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son” (1 Peter 5:13). He spoke of John Mark as a son and welcomed his company in traveling to Rome where he would suffer martyrdom. According to early church tradition, John Mark wrote his gospel through the first-hand account of the apostle Peter. If John Mark had given up after his first failed effort at leadership we would not have the Gospel of Mark today. Thankfully, he was restored to discipleship and accepted in leadership. A leader learned to try again!
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Leadership through Discipleship #14
Luke, The Power of Applied Talents
The third Gospel writer hides behind his historical account saying nothing about himself in the telling. His formal training and occupation is revealed in Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Luke is identified as the “beloved physician.” Three times Paul refers to Luke (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11; and Philemon 1:24). It is obvious that he was a traveling companion to the apostle Paul, and an eyewitness historian from his writing in the book of Acts.
Luke states his purpose in writing in the first verses of each of his books. In the Gospel of Luke he addresses his narration to an unknown man named Theophilus, “It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed” (Luke 1:3-4). In the introduction to Acts he continues his narrative, “The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen” (Acts 1:1-3).
Luke was not one of the twelve apostles. Nevertheless, he was a faithful disciple, a traveling missionary, a diligent scholar, and a faithful historian. We know nothing about his conversion or call. We don’t know the circumstances that led him to leave his medical practice to become the roving journalist, the devoted companion to accompany Paul on his missionary trips. He wrote in the first person as he told of sailing journeys from Troas to Philippi and numerous other ports between Italy and Israel.
Somewhere Luke was challenged by the message of Jesus. Somewhere he came to a passionate faith and developed devoted discipleship. He applied his training and scholarship to his new found faith. The physician became a writer. The doctor became the first church historian. Forsaking his comfortable career, Luke documented a first hand account of the early days of the church. He applied his talents to what he saw as the greatest need that he could fill.
In our pursuit of Christ we are often given gifts beyond our training, abilities greater than our education. It is the principle of diversified talents, applying an aptitude for another vocation to the present opportunity. You can become more than you planned to be. You can use the giftedness God has blessed you with to expand your ministry and embrace new opportunities.
The third Gospel writer hides behind his historical account saying nothing about himself in the telling. His formal training and occupation is revealed in Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Luke is identified as the “beloved physician.” Three times Paul refers to Luke (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11; and Philemon 1:24). It is obvious that he was a traveling companion to the apostle Paul, and an eyewitness historian from his writing in the book of Acts.
Luke states his purpose in writing in the first verses of each of his books. In the Gospel of Luke he addresses his narration to an unknown man named Theophilus, “It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed” (Luke 1:3-4). In the introduction to Acts he continues his narrative, “The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen” (Acts 1:1-3).
Luke was not one of the twelve apostles. Nevertheless, he was a faithful disciple, a traveling missionary, a diligent scholar, and a faithful historian. We know nothing about his conversion or call. We don’t know the circumstances that led him to leave his medical practice to become the roving journalist, the devoted companion to accompany Paul on his missionary trips. He wrote in the first person as he told of sailing journeys from Troas to Philippi and numerous other ports between Italy and Israel.
Somewhere Luke was challenged by the message of Jesus. Somewhere he came to a passionate faith and developed devoted discipleship. He applied his training and scholarship to his new found faith. The physician became a writer. The doctor became the first church historian. Forsaking his comfortable career, Luke documented a first hand account of the early days of the church. He applied his talents to what he saw as the greatest need that he could fill.
In our pursuit of Christ we are often given gifts beyond our training, abilities greater than our education. It is the principle of diversified talents, applying an aptitude for another vocation to the present opportunity. You can become more than you planned to be. You can use the giftedness God has blessed you with to expand your ministry and embrace new opportunities.
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