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Posted
on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 by
Allison J
Nose in the Bible, Knees on the Ground, Eyes on Jesus
If you mention the
name “Ananias and Sapphira,” many are bound to know who you’re talking about.
They’re the couple who lied about the monetary gain from selling their land and
God killed them abruptly. But how about Barnabas? Does that name
ring
any bells,
or would anybody know his story? The story of Ananias and Sapphira begins in
Acts 5, but the last verse of the previous chapter tells us that “Joseph, a
Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of
Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the
apostles' feet” (Act 4:36-37).
Have you ever
heard Barnabas’ story? Have you ever heard somebody remarking on how
worthy Barnabas’ action was or how it should be applauded? He was the guy that
did the right thing—and I’m not attempting to take away the value and
lesson of the account of Ananias and Sapphira, I just want to complete it! So
often, in our own lives, we get preoccupied with seeing the negative that we
miss out on finding and focusing on those “Barnabas-times.” It happens with
sin. We get so preoccupied with the fact that we have fallen (and yes, we need
to acknowledge our wrongdoing) that we forget to remember that God has said that
the righteous gets back up again! James doesn’t just tell the believer to
“resist the devil,”
he also tells them to “draw near to God.” When the enemy is knocking on our
door: let’s tell Jesus to answer it instead! Or how about when we’re feeling
weighed down? Isaiah writes that “even the youths grow tired and weary, and
young men stumble and fall; BUT those who hope in the LORD will
renew their strength” (Isaiah 40”30-31a).
When we fail
to contend in the faith we “grow weary in well doing.” Let’s get the
whole picture! Keep your nose in the Bible, knees in the ground, and eyes on
Jesus! “Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD. Many are asking, “Who
can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD….Those
who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those
who seek you” (Psalm 4:5-6; 9:10).
E-mail:
allijerez@gmail.com.
Or leave a comment on the
Message Board.
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Friday,
June 19,
2009 - Jonathan
BIG CHANGES
Ok so the past several weeks have been an
absolute whirlwind!
So much to do, so little time. By the time this
article is posted, I may or may not be married (no I don’t say that because I’m
not sure whether I’m going to go through with it! Just that I’m not sure what
day this article will be posted!) The past week has been unreal. My family and
closet friends have come out to Seattle to celebrate with me. And I finally get
to marry the woman of my dreams! Yes that’s right I’m making it official, allow
me to introduce you (my IPF family) to my new bride (or
bride-to-be, again depending on when this gets posted) Angela Susan Daniel
(maybe Flores by the time you read this).
Ok if you know me at all on a personal level,
heck if you have read even one of my articles, you are probably thinking,
“WHAT!? THIS GUY’S GETTING MARRIED!?”
Don’t worry, I can’t believe it either. It is
pretty surreal, although I keep waiting for that one morning where I wake up in
cold sweats wondering what am I getting myself into! MARRIED!? ME?! Don’t get me
wrong, I have never been surer about anything in my life, but COME ON!!!!! I
still have a hard time thinking of myself as a grown man, let alone a husband!
I’m the guy that just a little over a year ago was rooming with two buddies on a
college campus. I’m the guy that just about a year ago began his career. I’m
that guy that washes and dries his clothes and then instead of folding them up
and putting them away in a dresser, he leaves them in the dryer and picks out
what he needs as he goes along! I’m that guy that will do a load in the
dishwasher only after EVERY cup or plate has been used and it’s either wash the
dishes or eat on a napkin and drink out of the carton! Oh and changing bed
sheets, FORGETABOUTIT!!!!!
But alas, my time has come. My bachelor days are
behind me. As far as I’m concerned come June 20, 2009, my life as I have known
it is over! And my real life begins!
I
am blessed that I get a an amazing woman and an amazing new
family. I really believe God put Angela in my life at the exact perfect moment.
Over the past three years we have both come so far. I am excited at where God
will lead us in the years to come.
So raise your glasses with me in a toast: “Here’s
to my beautiful new bride and all the future holds for us!”
Peace I'm Out!
E-mail:
bigdome85@yahoo.com.
Or leave a comment on the
Message Board.
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