THE WIDOWS TWO MITES

 After going through today's devotional with my wife in which we talked about mercy, the thought of this blog entry from September 2016 came to me, this is about a man that we reached through Rayed Radio in the Ivory Coast, again I thought that only by the grace of God could this humble servant be relevant in the salvation of a family so far away, just like with young Pastor Chandra in Nepal I being able to message those followers in the fact that we are not born Christians, but the only way to salvation is to accept Jesus as our Savior and to have 7 new believers, 7 God's complete number again only through God's mercy have I been able to serve and will continue to do so while He keeps me in this earth.

Luke 21:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV) "And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites.So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”"

This morning as I opened up my email I received not only a very big blessing,but a lesson in humility, and a message letting me know that the Lord is not only using the ministry and the station, to bring the message to those in need and in places that we would not even think of otherwise.

On Tuesday I received a prayer request for a man and his family through the station, when I replied with the prayer the fellow sent me a photo of himself and family, they live in Ivory Coast along with a message stating that he could not even offer a donation and felt ashamed, I responded to him that a donation was not necessary, but to continue faithfully praying himself for his family.  That I would continue praying for them and would pass along his name to Little Willie G so that he could include him in his prayer on today's program.

This morning I got a great lesson in humility number one, and a blessing that will live with me for ever, as I opened my emails I noticed a donation had been made via PayPal last night, the donation amount looked a little strange and I honestly thought there was a mistake on PayPal's end however when looking closer I noticed the donation was in the amount of $1.87 yes One Dollar and eighty seven cents.  I did not recognize the email associated with the donation,  however  at around 8:30 this morning I get the following email "Pastor, this is Thomas, thanks again for your prayers, I was able to put together a donation for your ministry, you should receive it some time today they told me.  I pray it can help someone in need like we are"  I immediately double checked the email associated with the donation, and it was the same man who had written in asking for prayer.

The only thing that came to my mind was "the widow's two mites,"  I thank the Lord for these teaching moments that we receive, and think to how we complain about our lives and how are we going to meet tomorrow's needs, yet here is this man living under conditions that none of us probably have ever experienced yet he found it within his heart to think of someone in need.

Pastor David J Barberis 

3 TYPES OF DATING VIOLENCE

Dating Violence can be complex, and there 3 types of abuse that will occur in a dating relationship, and escalate if not addressed, they are: verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual.

Emotional & Verbal Abuse:

Emotional abuse is the result of the aggressor wanting to be in control of the other person’s behavior and or feelings. The abuser tries to limit his or her partner’s ability to act independently, undermining their confidence. Verbal abuse includes all lack of respect towards a partner, usually begins with swearing at a partner, insulting then belittling them, and finally threatening them with words.

Physical Abuse:

In most cases, males use physical force to show they are in control (I only hurt you because of how much I love you), while females use it to protect themselves, to retaliate, or fear of being assaulted. Physical abuse includes hair-pulling, biting, shoving, slapping, choking, strangling, punching, kicking, burning, advancing all the way to using or threatening to use a weapon, and holding a partner hostage.

Sexual Abuse:

Sexual abuse includes unwanted sexual touching, force, or pressure (you will do it if you love me) to get a partner to consent, rape or attempted rape, and attempting or having sex with a person who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

 

In light of the horrific and tragic death of Gabby Petito days ago, I am reminded of the critical need to educate youth and young adults about healthy and unhealthy relationships.  How can we turn a blind-eye when we know the consequences? 

 

 

I am a college Social Work Professor who has found it incredibly surprising that the majority of my students have not received information about dating violence and unhealthy relationships. Even kids of amazingly informative and loving parents are being threatened, hurt, or worse by their boyfriend/girlfriend. I’ve had three opportunities to talk with teens or college-aged students, and each time, I was approached with a story of presently being in an unhealthy/violent relationship. 

Our youth and young adults need education, our support, and connection to all of the services they need.  Prevention and intervention are critical. We cannot assume youth have the tools to avoid unhealthy relationships or know the resources for those in the midst of one. Further, many may know or have known a friend or relative trapped in an unsafe relationship, and need help. Let us be fountains of love, grace, support, and wisdom.

In my teen years, I felt that I had no resources or persons to share my troubles with regarding being in an abusive relationship. I suffered in silence with mountains of anxiety and depression. Dating violence was not discussed at home, by friends, or at school. Most likely, I was not the only one from my high school suffering in silence. As I look back on those years, I believe that shame and low self-esteem prevented me from reaching out. Our communities need to know the “red flags,” and how to help.

Let there be no more tragedies such as that of Gabby Petito. 

THREE SHORT MONTHS

Exodus 20:4-5 (NKJV)

You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)

if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Romans 8:4 (NKJV)

that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Our God is a very jealous God

Yes, our God is a very jealous God, while He gives us the ability to decide, He also warned us of consequences that we would face his wrath. Knowing that God was, is and will always be should be enough to forewarn us that we will pay for our sins, and as we pray for his will on heaven as in earth there is then the assurance that we will pay for our sins also on this earth.

Today with this pandemic that we are facing, we are to be reminded that just like the Great Flood, and the plagues of Egypt, today God has acted and has taken away those things that our society worships.

Our society worships athletes, musicians, actors, money; ok lets shut down stadiums, theaters, music halls, and the economy, and since going to church seems to have become a social gathering rather than a place of worship, we might as well shut down churches as well.

In three short months just like the plagues He has allowed for them all to be shut down, thus, taking away all that we worship in place of Him.

Way back in the Old Testament in 2 Chronicles 7:14 written by Ezra in the 5th century BC roughly 2, 520 years to when this current pandemic hit us, just as for Israel’s forgiveness of sin and healing of the land would be theirs, today as per Romans 8:4 forgiveness of our sins and healing of the land will be ours not because of the flesh but according to and because of the Spirit.

More than a vaccine to get over this season what we need during this time of forced isolation from the distractions of this world is to pray in order to have a personal revival while focusing on the ONLY thing that really matter, JESUS, our salvation, and to love one another.

David Barberis

The Beacon Lighthouse

God’s Answers To Our Thoughts

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly, but don’t lose heart. God is constantly and consistently at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. For all the negative things we may say to ourselves, God has a positive answer.

We say, "It's impossible.”

God says, “All things are possible.” (Luke 18:27)

We say, "I'm too tired."

God says, “I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

We say, "Nobody really loves me."

God says, “I love you.” (John 3:16)

We say, "I can't go on."

God says, “My grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

We say, "I don’t know which way to turn."

God says, “I will direct your steps.” (Proverbs 3:6)

We say, “I can't do it."

God says, “Through Him we can do all things.” (Philippians 4:13)

We say, "I'm not able."

God says, “I am able.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

We say, "It's not worth it."

God says, “It will be worth it.” (Romans 8:28)

We say, "I can't forgive myself."

God says, “I forgive you.” (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

We say, "I can't manage."

God says, “I will supply all your needs.” (Philippians 4:19)

We say, "I'm afraid."

God says, “I have not given you a spirit of fear.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

We say, "I'm always worried and frustrated."

God says, “Cast all your cares on ME.” (1 Peter 5:7)

We say, "I don't have enough faith."

God says, “I've given everyone a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3)

We say, "I'm not smart enough."

God says, “I give you wisdom.” (1 Corinthians 1:30)

We say, “I feel all alone.”

God says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

David Barberis
U Be The Change

METHAMPHETAMINES

Recently during my morning walks I was walking behind a young man who kept turning back to his left as well his right even going to the point of pulling his backpack and holding it in a menacing offensive manner as he continued looking back towards me. I realized the young man was suffering the effects of methamphetamine use one of paranoia, mind you I was not following him at all. To my surprise he walked towards a close building and was watching me all the time, I just put him in my prayers at that very moment.

Now this morning there was a car in front of me when I pulled out my phone to read a message I had just received when the driver of the car came to a stop and in a very threatening manner accused me of following him and taking his information, he even told me what he would do as he would kick my posterior. Earlier in my life I would have probably reacted in a very defensive manner and taken things into my hands, but I leaned on my Lord and my experience and just moved on, now I was concerned so I called a friend and asked that she remain on the phone in case this person came back and to call 911 if she heard anything.

After praying on the matter I did see the individual when he came back to his place and I did approach him first to assure him that I have no reason to follow him nor to report him to the authorities if he is not doing something wrong and as a matter of fact that I was there to help him not hurt him and that I had a message for him, well it lead to my being allowed to pray for him and offer my services to him. Thanks be to God for using me and allowing me to react in this manner and win another soul.

Because of that experience I would like to offer the following on the topic of Methamphetamine use in our society;

Methamphetamine is a very strong stimulant. With some methods of administration, there is a fast “rush” of euphoria followed by a long period of less intense euphoria. When meth is ingested, there is no rush but the high may last for as long as ten hours.

The user has more energy than normal and will not be able to sleep until the drug wears off. If he has plenty of the drug, he may continually re-dose until he has been up for days. If he runs out of the drug, he will crash and sleep around the clock. He will not have an appetite, meaning that he will probably lose a lot of weight. Heavy meth users become gaunt and look pale and unhealthy. He or she will probably appear unusually active but may also act nervous and anxious.

The user’s body temperature will go up and he may appear hot and sweaty without the environment being hot or his having been physically active. Pupils will be dilated and blood pressure will go up. He or she may become sexually excited.

Meth abuse results in the following adverse effects:

• Deterioration of appearance 
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat 
• Erratic, changeable moods 
• Aggressive behavior 
• Paranoia that can become severe 
• Confusion 
• Insomnia 
• Damage to teeth 
• Rough skin with sores 

Meth is highly addictive. Some people have stated that just one or two uses was all it took for them to become addicted.

David Barberis
U Be The Change

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Today I bring the topic of the Christmas Tree since last year I received some comments on a posting on Facebook about my home getting ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ criticizing me for having a pagan symbol in my home and imploring me to read Jeremiah 10:3-4.

With all due respect the first thing I have to say is that when we quote a biblical verse, we should cite it in the context in which it was written and complete.  That text I will quote below:

Jeremiah 10:1-5 (NKJV)

Idols and the True God

“Hear the word which the Lord speaks to you, O house of Israel.  Thus, says the Lord: “Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, For the Gentiles are dismayed at them. For the customs of the peoples are [a]futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. They decorate it with silver and gold; They fasten it with nails and hammers So that it will not topple. They are upright, like a palm tree, and they cannot speak; They must be carried, because they cannot go by themselves. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, nor can they do any good.”

In this context, Jeremiah is referring to a form of Idolatry practiced at the time in the Judean community which wanted to predict their future (as many would like to know today) and to discern "the signs of in the heavens" worshiping those Idols and creating their likeness with the wood but cut from the forest.  Very clearly the Prophet refers here to the images chiseled and adorned in wood or clay.

I have seen a pastor criticize having a Christmas Tree in the house and the habit of exchanging gifts as pagan customs, and during the study, before that same service his wife initiated a collection for the pastor’s Christmas gift (hypocritical is it not) then the pastor is preaching his great criticism about the Christmas Tree in the houses without mentioning the three Christmas Trees behind him in the pulpit, the pulpit!

In my humble opinion we should practice what Paul teaches us in Romans 14:1 to 15:13 as today as in the early church, Christians often disagree with each other and create problems for each other. In Romans 14:1 — 15:13, Paul addresses this issue. First, it deals with differences of opinion regarding rules on food and days (14:1-12). Then he asks Christians not to stumble among themselves (14:13-23). He then tells them to focus on pleasing the other person instead of themselves (15:1-6). And finally, he makes it clear that the Gospel is for Jews and Gentiles alike (15:7-13).

For this Paul is more concerned about the way we deal with differences than the fact that we have differences. Christ does not oblige us to agree on every subject, what He does do is call on us to love each other. In chapters 14-15, Paul provides guidance on the actions that love Christians should take, even when they disagree.

Paul does not mention Jews or Gentiles until the end of this section. Having done it before would have further polarized the Jewish and Gentile Christians he was writing to, and his goal was and still is to bring us all together instead of driving us apart even more.

In this 21st century, the issues that divide Christians are different from those of the first century, but divided we are and every day more. The guide Paul gave Roman Christians would serve us very well today if we pay attention. Paul calls us to welcome those with whom we have differences (v. 1) — not to stop each other in contempt or to judge each other (VV. 4, 10). He calls us to recognize our essential connection as brothers and sisters in Christ (VV. 10 FF.) — to recognize that each of us is responsible to God (V 12) — and to trust in God because He does his perfect work.

Given the Great Gap Existing In the church today, particularly on topics such as the celebrating of Christmas, it is very difficult to do what Paul calls us to do. It is very difficult not to believe that our position is correct and the other is wrong, terribly wrong. It is very difficult not to judge other Christians and to hold them in contempt. It is very difficult to welcome Christians who don't think, praise or act different than us as Christian brothers and sisters, and accept the possibility that God will welcome them as well. It's very hard to love them. It's very difficult not to demonize those on the other side.

For my part, I celebrate with my tree the blessings that the Lord gives me, as the opportunity after so many blows to be alive and enjoy the people who He has placed in my life, I give grace for that special person He sent me to complete my life, my children, family and friends, and those around me, I prefer to go out and smell the sheep and be able to bring those derailed to salvation.  That is what to me that Christmas Tree symbolizes, the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in this human flesh as a man, a man who gave us the greatest of gifts, dying on that cross to pay for our sins and give us eternal salvation , that is the greatest gift we can have in this and every Christmas, as for the rest of us let’s pray for those who do not know Him.

David Barberis

U Be The Change

Waxahachie, TX

I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.