“Faith is the gaze of a soul  upon a saving God.” A.W. Tozer  

A few thoughts from Ajith Fernando: In Christianity love is an end and not just a means to an end. That is, we don’t love only because we want to achieve something through that loving. Loving itself is an achievement. When we teach or train someone our aim is primarily not to help someone pass an exam well or do brilliantly in sports. True, those are legitimate aims, but they are not primary aims. If we work like that, we won’t be able to help Jesus in the forms that he comes to us as described in the parable of the sheep and the goats. There he comes as a…

Do you remember my previous post on “big life questions for the Barthel family” like why are we here; where are we going; what is God calling us to do; is it time to move or should we stay where we are, etc. etc.? Well, I received a number of personal notes in response, but one of them had some thoughts and ideas that I thought you might find particularly interesting/helpful, so I’ve copied them here. I’d love to hear your thoughts too. 🙂 Hope you enjoy! Yours, Tara B. From TS: “Wow. . .considering big changes (maybe)? I started to respond in the comments, but it was getting ridiculously…

If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you’ve undoubtedly read many an entry inspired by one of my favorite authors and theologians: Ajith Fernando of Youth for Christ Sri Lanka. (If you do not know this man or prayerfully support his ministry, I urge you to do so! He truly is a hero of the faith.) Recently, his supporters received a wonderful letter that he wrote reflecting on his 30th anniversary with Youth for Christ. I would copy the entire letter here except that I think it would be a tad unwieldy because of the length. So here are a few excerpts from the fourteen points he…

I recently read a short column in a magazine that reflected on a certain well-known Christian who writes and says quite ‘barbed’ criticisms of people. Thinking back on how I used to be very mean-spirited and critical myself, I was particularly struck by the closing quote in this article. Apparently, Pastor John Robinson (pastor to the Pilgrims) was ‘saddened when he heard that Miles Standish had attacked and killed some Indians.’ Quoting Robinson’s letter to Gov. Bradford: ‘You say they deserved it. I grant it, but … it is a thing more glorious in men’s eyes, than pleasing in God’s or convenient for Christians, to be a terror to poor…

Earlier this week, my pastor and I met with some friends who are struggling with bitterness — and even hatred — toward one another. These precious friends love the Lord, but they are locked in conflict and a devastating cycle of being offended, holding grudges, judging one another, having a charitable view of THEMSELVES while consistently having a JUDGMENTAL attitude toward the other person, etc. etc. I love them and I am praying for them — but boy! It was still incredibly hard to be with them and see their sin, unbelief, and gracelessness. Not so much because it was hard to be around THEM … it just reminded me…

So I’ll end my blogging on Aunt Jane’s Hero with a few quotes that strike right to my heart: – (Describing a young woman who hurts the protagonist by leading him on and then rebuffing his love) … “Annie was by no means the heartless girl he was at that moment disposed to believe her to be. She was inexperienced, and thoughtless, and impulsive, and had seen very little of the world; that was all.” (Oh! Thank God for the mercy of those who were similarly kind to ME when I was so very young and thoughtless and hurt so many people.) – ” … what a gladsome, happy little…

When I spoke at a Church Leadership Forum last month, I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Henry Blackaby teach a number of times. In one plenary, he said this: “We are a prayerless people.” Ah! The truth in his words cut me to the quick. Then I read in Aunt Jane’s Hero this question: “Are you living a life of prayer amid all the distractions of the times?” And so … I am praying more. Remembering Brother Lawrence picking up a grain of wheat or washing dishes for God’s glory. Thinking about God’s greatness! Thanking Him. Asking for His help and guidance and conviction.   What a merciful grace!…

Last month, a dear friend confronted (and encouraged!) me to become the woman I already am. That is, to remember who I am in Christ and then grow up even more into Him Who is my Head. I heard her words as I read Aunt Jane’s Hero and considered how she described the protagonist: – He had been drinking at broken fountains, but felt sure that the world had some full ones which sooner or later would quench his thirst. – … in spite of himself had his hours of reflection, when there came to him uncomfortable intimations that he was not living the true life for which he was…

I couldn’t believe it, but only DAYS after I posted my, “Do you have any good book recommendations? It’s been years since I’ve LOST myself in a book …” blog, I completely lost myself in a book! It’s true! I was flying cross-country again and I started reading Aunt Jane’s Hero by Elizabeth Prentiss and I simply couldn’t put it down. It was wonderful! Let me tempt you with just a few opening lines (I’m sure I’ll be writing more about it!) and encourage you to read this lovely tome: “They were living to themselves: self, with its hopes, and promises, and dreams, still had hold of them; but the…