“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Prophet Isaiah, chapter 40.

Much can be said about the importance of one’s point of focus when it comes to life’s disappointments and hardships. The fact is, life is filled with moments and circumstances which have the power to swap our energy and extinguish all hope. From minor letdowns to significant crises, our hearts are constantly challenged by the weight of discouragement and fear.

Perhaps never has the power of discouragement been more prominent in our world than in the last 19 months. We have felt isolated from friends and family. We have lost loved ones due to this dreadful virus that has assailed the world. We have witnessed our society burn with riots and political unrest and now watch in disbelief the massive resurgence of terrorism rule in the Middle East. It is enough to make even the strongest feel uncertain about the future.

I was thinking about the power of discouragement this week when a big disappointment led me to tears. And I don’t mean a teardrop or two. I let the floodgates open, which is so very unusual to me.

The following day, as I sat down to read my Bible and pray, I came across an illustration about eagles by Scottish author John Ross Macduff that resonated with me. Anyone who knows me is aware of my love for eagles and how this majestic bird’s nature has inspired me through the years.

The illustration focused on the eagle’s habitat:

“You cannot detain the eagle in the forest. You may gather around him a chorus of the choicest birds; you may give him a perch on the goodliest pine; you may charge winged messengers to bring him choicest dainties; but he will spurn them all. Spreading his lofty wings, and with his eye on the Alpine cliff, he will soar away to his own ancestral halls amid the munition of rocks and the wild music of tempest and waterfall.”

As I meditated on the intrinsic meaning of the illustration, the beginning words of Psalm 90 echoed in my soul:

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or you gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.”

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or you gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. Psalm 90:1-2 @AJC #MondayDevotional…
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The only psalm written by Moses, Psalm 90 is believed to be the oldest in the Psalter. From the content, we may conclude that it was written at the end of nearly 40 years of wandering in the wilderness as a prayer of remembrance for the people entering the promised land. In its verses, the leader describes God as the only eternal constancy in life and reminds the Jews of God’s faithfulness through the hardest of circumstances.

Moses was qualified to write these words from a place of vast experience with discouragement. He witnessed an entire generation perish in the wilderness. He undoubtedly experienced fear and doubt while enduring incredible hardship and leading a most rebellious, discouraging crowd. And yet, as we read this Psalm which has become a bollard of hope for millennia, we hear a man convinced that God’s constancy, faithfulness and power are the only anchors that can truly settle his wavering heart.

Indeed, just as the eagle that does not settle in the damp forest, however comfortable it may be, so should our hearts seek to climb out of the miry pit of fear and discouragement and make God’s relentless love and grace our dwelling place.

As the eagle does not settle in the damp forest, so should our hearts seek to climb out of the miry pit of fear and discouragement and make God’s relentless love and grace our dwelling place. @AJC #MondayEncouragement
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But we cannot do it if we fix our eyes on the news. Nor can we live in peace if we refuse to get up from the seeming hopelessness of our situation.

Disappointment, pain and fear are inevitable and there will be moments when the tears will flow, and sadness or fear will threaten to settle in our hearts. But our prolonged response can determine whether these joy killers will rule our lives.

Indeed, refuting lingering discouragement is as much a deliberate step as the eagle’s flight. Just as the eagle refuses to stay in the forest, we must choose to refuse to become consumed by the weight of our circumstances. Instead, as Moses did, we must remind our hearts of God’s faithfulness in the past and assert our trust of His presence in our future.

May we learn from Moses and the eagle and deliberately choose to soar to the Rock of Ages – the only place where the peace that surpasses all understanding reigns and our hearts find unwavering rest.

We must choose to refuse to become consumed by the weight of our circumstances. Instead, let us remind our hearts of God’s faithfulness in the past and assert our trust of His presence in our future.
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This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, August 28, 2021. Click HERE to read it on the AJC’s website.

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LINKUP is open! This week, I share another eagle story on my latest @AJC column, highlighting the importance of where we anchor our hearts when dealing with hardships. Joins us & share your blog!
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The post Refuse to Give in to Discouragement and Fear {Recharge Wednesday – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Barnabas was a Hellenic Jew from Cyprus, which is an island country located south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon and north of Israel. Barnabas knew the culture and customs of both Jewish and Roman societies. Therefore, his work and influence during the first missionary efforts to take the gospel to the Roman empire were invaluable.

When one of the greatest first-century persecutors of Christians, Saul of Tarsus became the apostle Paul, after his life-changing encounter with the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus, he faced high suspicion, opposition and fear from the leaders of the early church. After all, Saul headed many fierce rallies against Christianity. But in the ninth chapter of the book of Acts, we read that when fearful disciples refused to accept Paul, it was Barnabas who stood in his defense. Thanks to Barnabas’ testimony, Paul was then able to “stay with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.”

Later on, Paul and Barnabas joined efforts to bring the gospel to gentiles in Antioch, where they worked together for a year. They continued journeying through Cyprus, Pamphylia, and Pisidia – major cities of Asia Minor. They also traveled together to the Jerusalem council in 50 A.D.

Paul was not one of the original 12 apostles of Jesus; however, he was, unquestionably, among the most prolific contributors to the New Testament. His influence in the early Christian church and beyond is undeniable.

But even a man of unshakeable faith and solemn knowledge of God, such as Paul, needs an encourager and advocate. Someone who could go before him and open doors. And he indeed found that trait in Barnabas.

Even a man of unshakeable faith and solemn knowledge of God, such as Paul, needs an encourager and advocate. #encouragement #MondayDevotional @AJC
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Because Barnabas was born and raised a Greek, he knew the vast differences between Jewish and Hellenic cultures. No doubt, he was vital to help Paul understand the places, challenges and enemies he would find along the way.

When Paul needed an advocate, Barnabas was there.

When he needed entrance in foreign territory, Barnabas’ heritage undoubtedly opened the door.

And when he needed help in the work God called him to do in a hostile land, Barnabas stood faithfully beside him.

We don’t know much about Barnabas. But it is safe to say that without him and other encouragers Paul found in his journey, many of his writings to the churches in the Roman empire would not exist to bless us today.

I pondered that story while praying this morning, as I thanked God for the people who have been instrumental in encouraging my work in ministry.

Accepting the challenge of writing and speaking in my second language was undoubtedly a test of faith — one sometimes met with inevitable discouragement and opposition. As it happens, any time one starts something that is bigger than their innate ability or receives favor from unlikely places, he or she usually experiences some jealousy and hostility. Naysayers, hypocritical and judgmental people are everywhere, including the church.

As it happens, any time one starts something that is bigger than their innate ability or receives favor from unlikely places, he or she usually experiences some jealousy and hostility. #Encouragement #MondayMotivation @AJC
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But thank God for the Barnabases sent our way!

They are the friends and family members who cheer us on when the road becomes steep and hard to climb.

They are the cheerleaders who rejoice with our accomplishments and celebrate when success knocks at our door.

They are the supporters, door holders, defenders, burden carriers, prayer warriors, and selfless friends.

They are often in the shadows, and the limelight may never shine upon them.

Their faces may not be on billboards, book covers, or television announcements. But their names echo louder in heaven than the name of many “famous” people on earth ever will.

Every Paul needs a Barnabas. And every Barnabas needs Paul’s gratitude for the invaluable gift of selfless, unmovable, unshakable friendship and support. Take a moment to thank your Barnabas today!

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” — King Solomon, Book of Proverbs

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, February 15, 2020. Read it on their website here: AJC

Hello, friends!

We are so excited about the many registrations we’ve had so far for my upcoming Bible Study Twelve Inches – Bridging the gap between what you know about God and how you feel ! Keep them coming!

If you have not checked it out yet, do not miss it! The study is online and will start on March 2. Registration for this free bible study is now open on our website (click here to be directed to the page). We have also opened registrations for many volunteer positions in our ministry. If you want to help women develop a deeper spiritual life through God’s Word, join us!. Check this out: JOIN OUR TEAM. 

Below you will watch a short Promo video about the heart of this book and bible study. I hope you join us!

Blessings,

Patricia

The post Everyone Needs a Barnabas {The Atlanta Journal Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

I remember the excitement of pledging allegiance to the American flag as a citizen for the first time. I would not need a “green card” or an “alien card” to be accepted for employment, to leave the country and — best of all, I would finally be able to have a voice in politics.

For the second time in my life, I received rights and privileges that were not originally mine by birth. The first time, it happened when I became a Christian and was, according to Scriptures, adopted into Abraham’s bloodline by faith.

“But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Apostle Paul of Tarsus in his letter to the Ephesian church)

It is the central part of Christianity and known to every gentile since the first century, when, after Christ’s historical resurrection, His teachings were widely promulgated starting in Jerusalem and throughout the Roman empire. The apostle Paul wrote about it in his letter to the Ephesian church, located in modern-day Turkey, reminding the new believers in Ephesus that, according to the New Covenant, they had the same rights and privileges as the Jews.

For the Jewish reader of the day, the fact that the gentiles were put in the same position as the Jews was a huge heresy. No wonder most of the apostles died terrible deaths! Between Rome and the Pharisees, the gospel of peace that proclaimed unity between the Jews and gentiles and proclaimed Jesus as the One and only Lord, was blasphemy. To many, it still is today.

But Jesus made it very clear: He came to all. By faith, Abraham’s righteousness, which was originally Jewish inheritance, was passed on to all believers at the cross. The only requirement became faith in Jesus Christ — His death and resurrection as atonement for our sins. (Romans 10:9) Regardless of whom they were before Christ, in Him the church became one body, heirs of heaven … and called by God to perform His work on earth. In unity.

Paul reminded the Ephesians that Christ came to break the barriers between Jewish and gentile. As he continued in his epistle: “For He Himself is our peace, Who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall.”

All races. All nations. All people groups. Paul reminded the first-century believers that unity should be the heartbeat of the church, because Christ had died for people of all nations, tribes and tongues.
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It’s a good reminder for the church today.

But we know better. Unfortunately, division among believers was not a first-century issue. It continues until today. And I am not referring only to differing doctrines. No questions such disagreements create separation. But it is when the division within the church is influenced by external elements such as race, political views, nationality or economic status, that the church reaches its weakest and less effective state.

When the division within the church is influenced by external elements such as race, political views, nationality or economic status, the church reaches its weakest and less effective state
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We must not forget that there will be no race, political preference or handicaps in heaven. We will be the unified church of Christ, redeemed by His sacrifice and free from the entire physical realm that challenges our unity here on earth.

In the meantime, while society revels in political discord, may we be challenged to stay unified, lest we lose sight of the reason why Christ came in the first place: because God so loved the world. Not whites. Not blacks. Not Americans or Hispanics. He loves the entire, colorful building. May we be challenged to look upon Jesus as the Unifier, and Scriptures as the guide by which we make our decisions … and take our stand.

And finally, may we be challenged to extend the same compassion, patience and loving-kindnesses that God renews in our lives every morning to those whom we disagree with every day.

May we be challenged to extend the same compassion, patience and loving-kindnesses that God renews in our lives every morning to those whom we disagree with every day.
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This article was originally published on Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal Constitution on Saturday – October 13rd, 2018.

The post Unity: A Challenge to the Christian Church {The Atlanta Journal Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.