Are you a Barnabas?

It's simple really. A few words of encouragement can lift up a friend and change the future while words of disapproval, cynicism and disbelief can easily send a person and their dreams plummeting into the pit we all know so well.

Barnabas first appears in scripture in Acts 9:27 when the disciple known as the Son of Encouragement introduces us and his fellow believers to Saul, a murderous Jewish leader who'd met Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. While the other disciples refused to speak with Saul out of fear, Barnabas gave a troubled new Christian a second chance. Without Barnabas, would the world know two thirds of the Bible? Would we have Paul, the greatest evangelist who ever walked this earth?

Probably not.

Barnabas' words of encouragement to Paul and the new members of the church paved the way for Christianity as we know it. Simple words of encouragement were all it took to spread the love of Jesus Christ to a sad and discouraged world.

When the time arises, and God asks you to step up to the plate and spread His words of love and encouragement, are you a Barnabas?

I know it's hard. In our society today, we tend to lean more to "down to earth," to "reality" and to "keeping your head out of the clouds." But, why? The word encouragement is written 59 times in the New International Version of our Bible. In every case, it was to spread God's word and keep the church and its members going through persecution and hardship. God mentions constantly for us to encourage one another. He knew we all needed it. That time is now.

Be a Barnabas is a place for love and encouragement in day-to-day life. Originally, this site was geared toward single parents and their children, which is still a key force for BaB and will be a focus for our content. But, don't we all need encouragement? Parents. Children. Teens. Tweens. Pastors. Leaders. Politicians. Writers. We all need encouragement, especially encouragement with God. So, stay with me, visit me often and sign up for my blog alerts for weekly words of God's encouragement straight from the pages of the greatest book ever written.

Be encouraged. Be strong and strive for your dreams in God's service. And remember: It doesn't matter where you've been. It matters where you're going.

In His Service,

Chelle

Back to Life

It's been a long time. I haven't been on this site in a while. The in-person lunches ended a year ago. I think it was harder on me than I thought to not do the lunches anymore. It was a beautiful season, and I have many brothers and sisters in Christ now that I would never have had the blessing to know. I am so grateful for that time, and for the new time this ministry is in now. God has a new plan for Be a Barnabas TM, and I can't wait to see where He takes me AND us! Welcome along for the encouraging ride of your life!!!!

I came back to the site tonight and had no idea that I had posted 51 times to this blog! Amazing. And, most definitely God! I scrolled back through the years, and found this post I wanted to share.

I am an encourager. I want to be God's kindness and love to the world. I want to be the woman God created me to be. I invite you along with me on this journey.

Enjoy...

Originally posted on Wednesday, October 1, 2008.

Gimme a G!

Gimme an O! Gimme a D! What's that spell?

Okay, I will admit, I get really excited about being God's Cheerleader as I wave my pom-poms high in the air wishing I could do basket tosses without seriously injuring myself. But, seriously, can you really be overly enthusiastic for God?

I think not!

That is why today at Be a Barnabas, we will focus on the good, the bad and the ugly of being an encourager for God. Being a cheerleader isn't always back flips and cheers. Sometimes, you are trudging through mud getting your cute little skirt and matching tennis shoes all yucky. That's right, I said yucky.

Sometimes in life we say things we don't mean. We either phrase it incorrectly, use the wrong word alltogether, or let our words bypass our filter and send the sludge out for all to hear.

I recently had a friend make a comment about a turning point in my writing career. This short yet innocent remark did its best to send me plummeting in a tailspin diving under my covers to hide my head in writing shame. Did she mean it as such? No.

But one thing's for sure, it made me wonder how many times an innocent remark escaped my lips instead of staying on my tongue where it should have died in the first place.

OUCH! Makes me want to hide behind my pom-poms. I know I've done it, and I'm sorry for it and humbly repent.

Our words are power. They create life…or bring death. I choose life. And, through this, I am eternally grateful to my friend for helping me realize it so I may guard my tongue as Christ commanded. Remember when James said that both fresh water and salt water cannot flow from the same spring? (See below)

The wise Solomon once said, "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." (Proverbs 15:4 NIV)

This week, I will consider all my words before they escape into the air with crushing potential. Once it's out there, it's out there never to be taken back, and now with e-mail, it can be forwarded. Scary thought isn't it? ;o)

Until next week, keep praising, keep encouraging, and keep those pom-poms flying high.

In His Service~

~Chelle
God's Cheerleader

James 3:9-12 (NIV)

9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

To God be the glory...

It's Super Bowl Sunday at VLC Waco!

Howdy, folks!

This Sunday from 5pm-9pm is our annual Be a Barnabas Super Bowl Party!

Bring your favorite snack to share and join us in the coffeebar at VLC for food, fun and football fellowship!

See you Sunday!

~BaB

When in need, dial 91:1

Hey, everybody!

God has placed on my heart to share something with you. On the night before our wedding, I was viciously attacked by the enemy. It was quite obvious that he did not want me to get married and have the life God wanted for me. I was so sick. My poor friends who stayed in the hotel with me may never be the same. LOL

But, my friend Jackie came to my side with her Bible and said, "When you need God, you dial 911." And, proceeded to read Psalm 91 over me, starting with verse 1.

I hadn't really thought about Psalm 91 since then. It's been over a year and a half now, and God brought this verse back to my attention.

But, why? Was I under attack? Was something going to happen that I didn't know about? Who knows. But, God does. And, I was obedient, and read it day after day after day.

Then I realized, He wants me to trust Him. It all comes down to trusting Him. To hiding under His wing and allowing HIM to work in my life. That he will cover me. That I am safe under His shadow. That if He is my covering me, the fiery arrows of the enemy cannot penetrate Him and get to me. He is my strong fortress and shield. He is impenetrable. He is GOOD! He protects us. We have nothing to fear as we nestle under His wing.

When I need encouragement, I read the words below and change the he's to you's, or I even change the pronouns entirely and say aloud, "Because I love you, Lord, You will rescue me. You will protect me, for I acknowledge your name. I will call upon You, and You will answer me. You will be with me in trouble. You will deliver me and honor me. With long life you will satisfy me and show me your salvation." Amen! These are God's promises. His words are true. Our God cannot and will not lie. EVER! And, as we pray the Psalms over our lives, God will give us hope in His arms. He is our hope and our salvation.

¹⁴ "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

¹⁵ He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

I feel as though someone is in fear tonight. In fear of the future.

Our beautiful, precious, loving Father has everything worked out. I urge you to read Psalm 91 and read it out loud boldly declaring God's promises over your life. And, do not be afraid to declare His word over your life again and again and again. Let it sink in. Steep yourself in His promises. They will take hold and be written on your heart. Do not be afraid, for God is with you. He walks you beside still waters. His Word is TRUTH. Our God is POWERFUL. He is pure power. He spoke the world into creation. He is the beginning and the end. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. The promises He wrote in His book so many years ago are STILL His promises! He is not too old, or out of style. His Word was not for that time only. He is the God of the Bible. And, His miracles and promises are to be seen today. Speak His Word boldly over your situation. Ask the Holy Spirit to pray through you. Be real with God, and He will be real with you. Enter into His presence. He is full of joy, release and rest. Become one with our Savior. He wants to become one with you so badly. Let Him in.

Trust Him. Trust Him with everything. With your job, your finances, your laundry, that turkey who will fry for the first time on Thursday. ;o) Trust Him.

I realized on Sunday how ungrateful I am for all the blessings God has given me. Without Him, I am and have nothing. I am thankful for so many things, most importantly, that He chased after me. And, that I've learned--finally--to stay tucked neatly and passionately under His wing.

To be used by Him,

~Chelle and BaB

October's Lunch - What a blessing!

Wow! Sometimes I wake up so tired and drained that I wonder how I'll make it through the day let alone how I'll serve God and His children. But, however I feel doesn't matter.

Our God is a mighty, wonderful, gracious God who places us in His hands and gets the job done!

I was beat down and in a daze. But, I gave it all to God, and He made yesterday's Be a Barnabas one of my favorite lunches yet. God was there in all His glory! We ate in abundance -- God stretched the food to feed 42 of His children! We sang songs in praises of our King, and Tracee led a lesson on the Five Love Languages so we may all know how to better love one another. It was a glorious day!

And, to top it all off, one of our members, Fidencia, was BAPTIZED! Congratulations, Fidencia! The angels in heaven as well as all your friends on earth celebrated and rejoiced yesterday! We love you!

Thank you, Ricky, for the brisket and rolls! And, thank you to Tracee, Jen, Michael, and Judy for providing the rest of the food.

Our next lunch will be November 15th! I hope to see you there. God is so good!

May your week be blessed and filled with Christ's love!

To be used by Him,

Chelle and BaB

October 18 - Be a Barnabas and Brisket

Hello!

This month's lunch will be on October 18! Come ready for brisket, homemade rolls and all the best fixin's! We will have worship and the Word following lunch.

I've missed seeing everyone and look forward to Sunday!

If you have friends who'd like to join us, pass on the info! We'd love to meet them!

See you Sunday! God bless!

~Chelle and BaB

July Lunch to Coincide with Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

Hello!

This Sunday, Be a Barnabas will participate in the Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser to help defer cost for students traveling to Orlando for the National Fine Arts Competition. The lunch will be held in the gym immediately following the 10 a.m. worship service.

We have been guaranteed free tickets, but if you would like to donate, the cost is $5 per person. Please e-mail me if you would like tickets to the event. Our small group will meet after we finish eating.

I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday!

To be used by Him,

Chelle and Be a Barnabas

Our God is a Matthew 6 God - Part 3

My stomach growls as I go on hour three. "God, please be with me in this fast. Show me what you have for me and what direction I must take." I grab my water bottle in hopes that its contents will quench my thirst and quiet my protesting stomach.

And, I'm only on hour three.

Fasting is not my favorite thing to do. I think I worry about it too much. I worry my blood sugar will drop, and I'll get dizzy. I worry that I'll be nauseous and miserable. I worry that my stomach will growl so loudly that God and everyone will hear.

Why do I bother to worry? Who knows. It's what I do.

For some reason, I feel that God didn't intend for it to be this way. Why are we predisposed to worry? To worry about everything. From what we are going to wear tomorrow to how the bills are going to be paid, no matter how big or how small, we worry. But, in Matthew 6, God so loved us that he laid it all out. An outline of how to be, of how to pray, of how to give all of cares and worries to our loving Father. He truly loves us. Oh, how He loves us!

This week, let's focus some more on fasting, and how God intended it to be.

Matthew 6: 16-18 says...

¹⁶"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. ¹⁷But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.


From my study of Matthew 6, I've learned one thing about God. He created us to worship Him and truly wants it all about Him. His glory. His kingdom. He created us to worship Him and proclaim His glory to the nations. He did not put us here to crave approval from our friends or co-workers. He put us here for His glory -- that is where the reward is. He repeatedly says throughout Matthew 6 that our reward is in heaven, not on earth. He reveals to us through this chapter how to act, what to do, and what our reward will be for obedience to Him. God made it so easy. Drink in His words this week. Drink them in and invest in your future in the Kingdom of Heaven.

To be used by Him,

Chelle and Be a Barnabas

Movie Night this Friday at VLC Waco

Hello!

Friday Nights Lights will host a weekly Family Movie Night at VLC Waco each Friday through the summer. Meet at the gym behind the church at 7 p.m.

This week's feature will be Love Comes Softly starring Catherine Heigl and directed by Michael Landon, Jr. The movie is based on the popular Christian-fiction series by Janette Oke. I've seen this movie and love it! I can't wait to see it again surrounded by all my friends.

See you on Friday!

Chelle :o)

Our God is a Matthew 6 God - Part 2

Prayer. For some of us, it flows off the tongue shaking the foundations of heaven. But for others, we get stuck, or maybe even think too much about it. In this week's scripture, Jesus tells us exactly how to do it. How easy is that? My comments are in blue.

Let's break it down:

Matthew 6:5-15

5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

~Once again, Jesus addresses the "heart issue" behind our actions that we spoke about last week. Are you praying to touch the heart of God, or are you praying to be heard, to feel important, or to show others how smart you are?

6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

~Matthew 6:8 is one of my favorite verses. He knows my needs even before I know them. And, I need a lot. LOL Or at least I think I do. He knows my every need. He knows I need food. He knows I need shelter, and he knows what clothes I like to where. Dad is so good! And, he always knows what's in style.

The next section is the best part! It's all about prayer and Jesus lays it all out. No parables. No tests. Jesus even says "this is how you do it"! How easy is that!

9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
God is GREAT! Always praise Him first regardless of the situation.


10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
God may your will be done on earth in my life just as your will is always done in heaven.

11Give us this day our daily bread.
God, you know what I need even before I need it. Please provide for me what you feel I need.

12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Lord, please forgive me of my sins. I'm sorry. I will forgive others as you have forgiven me.

13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Lord, please keep me safe today as I resist the temptations of the enemy. Amen.

The Lord's Prayer. This is the first thing I ever memorized because it was so very important for my mom that I know it. I was three years old.

Now, let's look at the final two verses in this section:

14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Forgiveness: It's more than sayin' sorry. (Sorry, I had to throw in a movie line. :oP) I've noticed something recently about Jesus: When it's important, He repeats it.

In fact, forgiveness is so important, that it will be the subject of a future blog.

I hope Part 2 is beneficial in your faith walk. Please post any questions or observations below, especially if you are feeling the Holy Spirits leading.

Love y'all!

To be used by Him,

Chelle and BaB

Our God is a Matthew 6 God - Part 1

Today is the first day of a new series here at Be a Barnabas. God placed on my heart several months ago the scriptures and lessons found in Matthew 6. To me, this chapter is the foundation of our faith. In Jesus' own words I learned to be humble, how to pray and why I should give all of my worries to God.

Over the next few weeks, we will break down this chapter. Please share your thoughts and the lessons you learned by posting a comment below. I pray this time is an inspiration to you as we renew our faith in Christ Jesus. I also encourage you to read these words for yourself in your own Bible. To me, it is so much more powerful to hold God's Word in my hands. It gives it new life as I read and flip through the pages. I've provided the scriptures to our first lesson below for you as well, and I pray that God blesses you richly as you draw closer to Him and His Word.

Matthew 6:1-4

Giving to the needy.

1"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

When I first read this, I was puzzled. What about those faith-based organizations that continually solicit funds, have commercials everywhere and "announce with trumpets" the good things that they are doing for the poor and needy of the world?

Is this all wrong?

It depends. God has used these people. God is using these people. But, one question stands out to me as I reflect on Matthew 6:1-4:

What is my focus?

That is what Jesus is telling us here. He is not telling us not to put the word out. He is not telling us not to show others what the needs are in our community. He is not telling us to serve the needy and keep their needs quiet.

But, He is telling us not to be boastful, not to be prideful, and to love and serve with humility. He is telling us to keep our hearts in the right place. To love and serve His children for His glory, not our own.

Proverbs 11:2 (NIV) states: When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.

Pride is an ugly thing, and it is so easy to slip into it that often we don't realize we are in it until we are steeped in a sticky mess. Where do you seek your reward? From above? Or, from man?

I pray I always seek my reward from the Father. I pray that it doesn't matter to me who sees me work, worship or my good deeds. I pray that my heart and focus are set above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:3).

If you find yourself suffering from pride today, it's okay. Just ask God for forgiveness and step forward in a new day of service. We all fall short. I've experienced pride, but the key is to know it, and to ask for forgiveness and get back in step with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus is so good and forgiving. I am nothing without Him (John 15:5). No matter how far you've stepped out of line, God is there waiting with the road map and the neon signs to get you back on track.

I pray God's blessings over you and your family this week. May He prosper you in all things for His service.

To be used by Him,

Chelle and BaB

---

Dinner and a Movie Night at VLC Waco!

Hey!

Tonight is dinner and a movie night at VLC Waco! Friday Night Lights will host a potluck dinner and a showing of Flywheel, the first movie from the team who produced and directed Facing the Giants and Fireproof.

Bring a dish of your choice (if you can) and be at the gym behind the main building by 7 p.m. Invite all the friends and family you want!

See you tonight!

Chelle and BaB :o)

He Loves Us. Oh, how He loves us!

My dear friend and fellow writer, Jackie Castle, posted a powerful lesson to her blog today along with a song that makes me feel I'm nestled in the heart of God. I encourage you to check it out. So powerful and worshipful! Be sure to mute the music in the sidebar before you listen to the You Tube video.

http://www.instillplaces.blogspot.com/

He loves us...Oh, how He love us,

Chelle :o)

National Day of Prayer TOMORROW May 7th

On May 7th, our nation will come together in prayer. That is MY prayer anyway. Please spread the word to pray for our families, our president, our leaders, and our nation. And, please pray for all those serving for our country both here and abroad. May God bless them richly for the freedoms they fight for.

In prayer,

Chelle and Be a Barnabas

A blessed evening filled with worship

Hello!

Tonight was the first of what I pray is many City Wide Worship Nights that was held at VLC Waco. Three churches came together to worship and praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What a blessing!

If you had to miss it, I definitely encourage you to make it to the next one. It was a beautiful night of worship. Seeing so many people from our community come together in one place, at one time with no denominational lines, was a true testament of the glory of our God. God is GOOD!!!!

May He bless you richly this week and always.

Chelle :o)

City Wide Worship Night THIS SUNDAY!

Hellooooooooo!

What a blessed week it has been! Please be in prayer for God's anointing over our nation and for those suffering from H1N1. With God's grace and our prayers, this illness can and WILL be eradicated world wide. Praise GOD!

I want to invite all of you to attend the first (that I know of) City Wide Worship Nights! I'm so excited that this is happening, and what a blessing it is that it will take place at VLC Waco!

Four pastors and worship teams from churches in the Waco area will join together on Sunday night, May 3, 2009, at 6 p.m. to share the joy of our Lord Jesus Christ!

I pray all of you can make it, and encourage you all to attend. I've never experienced churches in one city coming together for a night of being in the Word and song -- joining in fellowship to worship our Lord. Sounds truly biblical to me! I can't wait for Sunday! If you can make it let me know. We can all sit together if you want. Let me know if you are interested so I'll know how many seats to save.

God is GOOD!!!!! And His mercy endures FOREVER! Pastor Kevin will also be starting a new series this week entitled "I am Jonah." I know I've been "Jonah-like" at times. Have you?

May God bless you richly this week! See you on Sunday!

Love,

Chelle :o)

March Madness BaB Single Parent Lunch THIS SUNDAY!

Where: The gym at VLC Waco
When: Immediately following the 10 a.m. worship service
What's in store: Free Food, Fun and Fellowship with the Single Parent Families of VLC Waco

Why: Because we love you!!!

I hope to see all of you there! Come hungry!

Love y'all!

Chelle and Be a Barnabas

Next Small Group Meeting on Sunday, March 8th

Good evening!

Our next small group meeting will be next Sunday, March 8th in the coffee bar at VLC Waco. Please note that we will not be meeting this Sunday as the schedule shows.

Time: 5 p.m.

Childcare will be provided during our meeting.

I'm excited to see what God has in store for us in 2009! If you haven't checked out the new video devotionals, I encourage you to do so! I've really enjoyed them, and God shows me something new about His love everyday through them. To check them out now, click here.

I can't wait until next Sunday!!!! God is doing amazing things, and I am so humbled to be a part of it all!

Have a blessed week!

Chelle and Be a Barnabas

Where Never is Heard a Discouraging Word

Happy Monday!

A strange thing happened to me yesterday morning. As I was setting up for our Valentine's Be a Barnabas Lunch, I heard a little voice say:

"No one will show up."

"Why are you even doing this?"

"You might as well just pack it up and go home."

The lovely "voice of discouragement" reared is always ugly and often-effective head.

That is when you know you are in ministry. :o)

I am not safe from these thoughts any more than you are. We all hear them. Even for a self-proclaimed God's Cheerleader, the spirit of discouragement can infiltrate my thoughts and, try as it may, it wants desperately to send me off course and not on the path God has for me. Does this ever happen to you? I bet it does.

Because our Father is fabulously wonderful, He sent a little message through Pastor Kevin yesterday in a special prayer during service for those experiencing discouragement. I knew in that moment that God knows me, and He knows what I'm going through every second. He knows you, too.

So do not despair. When you are on God's path, the enemy will use whatever tactic he can to make you doubt, worry and teeter in the wrong direction. But, by focusing on God, our paths are clear and our burdens are light. He promises that.

Philippians 1: 5-6 tells us "because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

He has begun this good work in you. And, what God starts, He completes. Thank God for that! :o)

May your week be blessed and your service to the Lord be pure.

To be used by Him,

Chelle and Be a Barnabas
God's Cheerleader

February Be a Barnabas Lunch THIS SUNDAY!

Hello, my fellow Barnabi! (Is that Barnabas plural? LOL)

I pray you and your children are having a blessed week. I am e-mailing to remind you of our February Valentine's Day Be a Barnabas Lunch this Sunday immediately following the 10 a.m. worship service. This month's feast is Hot Dog Extravaganza with all the fixin's! Plus, some yummy desserts! I hope to see all of you there!

Take care and God bless!

Chelle and Be a Barnabas :o)