Who's Right??

Hey ladies!! I was recently reading in the book of Acts and came across a passage that has often caused me to ask, "Who was right? Paul or Barnabas??"

Paul and Barnabas were partners together in spreading the gospel; traveling long distances, spending countless hours teaching and discipling new converts, and experiencing persecution together. Certainly a deep bond was forged between them. At one point in their ministry, they "had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company". OUCH!!

How is this possible? How could someone so supremely in love with Jesus as Paul part company with his partner in ministry on bad terms?? If your curiousity is piqued and you want to know what they argued about, see Acts 15:36-41.

The point here is this: When an argument or disagreement occurs among us, do we typically take sides? Do you find that it's our nature to try to determine who is right and who is wrong in the matter? I sure do!

I've struggled over this particular passage - not having all the facts - I haven't been able to decide who was right and who was wrong! But what if they were both right? What if neither of them were just being selfish, or foolish, or stubborn - and instead, what if the Holy Spirit was directing BOTH OF THEM, but in opposite directions.

Paul and Barnabas had done great things for God together. Perhaps it was time to go their seperate ways, each with a new disciple to mentor, and to reach a greater number of people than they could have reached by staying together! I wouldn't be surprised if, in time, Paul and Barnabas were able to see the hand of God in their dispute, and to acknowledge His plans are always the best.

If we become aware of a dispute in the body of Christ, before we decide who's right and who's wrong, before we jump to conclusions and start passing judgment, before we take sides and try to persuade others to our viewpoint, let's seek God and his purposes. I confess that it's not my first instinct to respond this way, and I'm guessing it's not yours. But by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be transformed.... day by day... minute by minute.

And one thing we can all agree on: God is ALWAYS right!

Are You Like a Sweet Honeycomb.. or a Scorching Fire?

Over the last several months, I've noticed something more and more. My sister and I have discussed it. A few friends and I have discussed it, as well. It's something we've all begun to notice. It's the whole idea of how something can be used for GOOD or for EVIL. And in this age of technology we're in, we've found it to be evident yet again. We have this whole new world of social networking - facebook, twitter, blogging, message boards, etc.

In this new 'social networking world', I've seen countless examples of GOOD and EVIL. This blog, for example, has been an attempt to touch others for GOOD. Along with many of my friends, I attempt to use facebook for GOOD. I praise God that facebook CAN, in fact, be used for good. Just last week, I received an email from a facebook friend, who also happens to be a family member. She informed me about the impact I've had on her through my facebook comments - dating back to over a year ago. I was thrilled to read that she had surrendered her life to Christ, and floored to know that in part, it was because of our connection via facebook. What an AMAZING God. He truly can use ANYTHING and ANYONE.

On the other hand, I've seen and heard enough to know that some people use these tools to 'air their dirty laundry' so-to-speak. Some people take jabs at others because it seems "safe" to do it in front of an audience, without naming names, but knowing their intended target will get the message loud and clear. Anyone else know what I mean? That's using these devices for EVIL, girls. God is NOT pleased.

Proverbs 16:23-24 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. Pleasant words are a HONEYCOMB, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proberbs 16:27-28 A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip seperates close friends.

Before we "tweet" or "update our status" with the latest drama in life, or before we go blogging away for the world to read our personal 'stuff', let's stop and THINK.. and PRAY about what it is we really want to do: GOOD or EVIL? Do we want to be a SWEET HONEYCOMB or a SCORCHING FIRE?

Random

I have a ton of things running through my mind. I couldn't think of a clever way to tie them all together so I just compiled a list instead. Don't put too much emphasis on the order in which they appear. :-)

#1. I am SO excited about the Sarah Bauer FREE concert on 12/14! I hope you are coming and bringing ALL of your girlfriends! What a way to end this awesome semester!!

#2. Have you joined the Ignite for Women group on facebook?

#3. What's been your favorite lesson so far this semester??

#4. Ignite is selling candles!www.candlesthatcare.org/ignite

#5. Linda will be teaching a study just for step moms beginning in January!

#6. We're meeting on the 23rd to pack all the goodies we have collected for the Shepherd Community Center college kids!

#7. I have developed a new liking for raisins.

#8. If you have a heart for inner-city ministry and would like to work with women, I could really use you. Email me at Paulette@ignitewomen.com.

#9. I can't wait to eat my mom's dressing for Thanksgiving.

#10. And last but not least, courtesy of Beth Moore's Believing God study:
God is who He says He is!
God can do what He says He can do!
I am who God says I am!
I can do all things through Christ!
God's Word is alive and active in me!
I'm Believing God!!

Woo Hoo!!