They MOVED the Equinox???? LOL!

It always used to be on the 21st. Oh Well. Enjoy the last gasp of summer, then. hahaha

Gregg Karukas~Girl In The Red Dress

It seems like winter here already. :(

Holy cow. It's Friday......

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The Blessing of Encouragers

September 22, 2018

But Barnabas took [Saul] and brought him to the apostles. Acts 9:27

The 2010 movie The King’s Speech tells the story of England’s King George VI, who unexpectedly became monarch when his brother abandoned the throne. With the country on the brink of World War II, government officials wanted a well-spoken leader because of the increasingly influential role of radio. King George VI, however, struggled with a stuttering problem.

I was especially drawn to the film’s portrayal of George’s wife, Elizabeth. Throughout his struggle to overcome his speech difficulty, she was his constant source of encouragement. Her steadfast devotion provided the support he needed to overcome his challenge and rule well during the war.

The Bible highlights the stories of encouragers who gave powerful assistance during challenging circumstances. Moses had Aaron and Hur’s support during Israel’s battles (Exodus 17:8–16). Elizabeth encouraged her pregnant relative Mary (Luke 1:42–45).

After his conversion, Paul needed the support of Barnabas, whose name literally means “son of encouragement.” When the disciples were fearful of Paul, Barnabas, at the risk of his own reputation, vouched for him (Acts 9:27). His endorsement was essential to Paul being welcomed by the Christian community. Barnabas later served as Paul’s traveling and preaching companion (Acts 14). Despite the dangers, they worked together to proclaim the gospel.

Believers in Jesus are still called to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). May we be eager to offer encouragement to help support others, especially as they face difficult circumstances.

The encouragement of a friend can make all the difference.

INSIGHT

Barnabas was an encourager. In the Scriptures, he is singled out as a believer who encouraged others by his generosity (Acts 4:36–37). He encouraged Paul, as we see in today’s text, and he also played a critical role in encouraging John Mark, a young man who was deemed an unreliable failure by Paul because he had abandoned the first missionary journey (13:13). Barnabas wanted to take John Mark on the second missionary trip, but Paul refused, causing a severe break in their partnership (15:36–39). Barnabas took a risk and gave John Mark a second chance, restoring him to effective ministry (2 Timothy 4:11). Without Barnabas, there might not have been the great theologian Paul, who wrote thirteen books of the New Testament, or John Mark, who wrote the gospel of Mark.

Who has been a “Barnabas” to you by encouraging you, believing in you, and restoring you to wholeness and usefulness? Will you be a Barnabas to someone who needs a fresh start?

Haiku Humor
Hawk swoops low, seeking
Stealthily surveys his prey
Little rabbit farts

Bev Smith

Happy Caturday and Bunnyday!

~Happy Caturday ~ Dogurday To Amy's Place~

Naps Are A Good Thing
*HUGS*Weekend Blessings To All

Dude! What's that smell!!

LOL! Love it. :)

Happy Stackable
Caturday
and
Dogurday!

LOL! Adorable. :)

Happy Cat/Dogurday!

A Gorgeous day all around!

(((HUGS)))

ML/LTOS

It was PERFECT here. High only 78 and sunny. First day of fall was actually fall-ish!

Two girlfriends and I drove about 60 miles to the middle of the state to the town of (you should pardon the expression) Clinton, MA, to go to a very unusual museum:

https://www.yelp.com/biz/museum-of-russian-icons-clinton

It was a beautiful 70 degrees, and people were out sitting on the village green in front to the museum.

The museum was excellent. I wrote a review and gave it stars.

Sounds like the perfect fall Saturday! Hope it stays this way for a good long time before the snow flies! Great review you gave!

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Listening to Your Brother

September 23, 2018

Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:20

“You need to listen to me, I’m your brother!” The plea came from a concerned older brother in my neighborhood and was directed to a younger sibling who was moving farther away from him than the older child was comfortable with. Clearly the older child was better able to judge what was best in the situation.

How many of us have resisted the wise counsel of a brother or sister? If you’ve had to face the consequences of resisting the good advice of someone more mature, you’re not alone.

One of the greatest resources we can have as believers in Jesus is a family—those who are spiritually related because of a common faith in Him. This family includes mature men and women who love God and each other. Like the little brother in my neighborhood, we sometimes need a word of caution or correction to get us back on track. This is particularly true when we offend someone or someone offends us. Doing what’s right can be difficult. Yet Jesus’s words in Matthew 18:15–20 show us what to do when offenses happen within our spiritual family.

Thankfully, our gracious heavenly Father places in our lives people who are prepared to help us honor Him and others. And when we listen, things go better in the family (v. 15).

Father, we praise You for placing us in Your spiritual family. Help us to learn and grow through the wise words and godly behavior of mature believers.

Wisdom grows when we listen to the words of mature believers.

INSIGHT

The underlying theme of today’s text emphasizes that the church is not just a social organization. Instead it is a spiritual family. The very idea of calling someone “brother” in addressing possible offenses shows how real the idea of the family is. A teachable spirit evidenced by listening to those who are more mature is the starting point for growth in community. The book of Proverbs admonishes us: “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise” (Proverbs 19:20). Listening to more experienced believers and having a teachable attitude can do wonders in maintaining harmony within the body of Christ.

Is there someone you need to listen to so that you can grow spiritually?

~Happy Autumn To Amy's Place~

John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I
give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

~Wishing You A Blessed Lord's Day~

If that’s Neuschwanstein castle in the background, I’ve been there and have seen that church! Beautiful!

Have a blessed Sunday!

Ray Walker~Master The Tempest Is Raging
Congregational Singing

Cynthia Clawson & Others~Church In The Wildwood

The Trevecca Madragalians~It Is Well With My Soul

Statler Brothers~How Great Thou Art

St. Olaf Choir~When Peace Like A River

Providence~There's A Goldmine In The Sky

Vocal Majority~Deep River

Have a blessed Sunday
God bless our troops!

It is in Bavaria...so could be!
;o)