Doug and Lisa Barber Text Box:  May 2020

 

Keep our focus on God, Eyes set toward Eternity, to be Kingdom minded through the mind of Christ.

 

 

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”. (Psalm 23, KJV)

As I watched a train traveling the same direction with me, I noticed all the many different rail cars that were being pulled behind the engine. The Holy Spirit began to speak and showed me two different images: The first and foremost was how many of those cars would eventually be going to different places, but for the moment they were all on the same path, headed in the same direction. The second thing He showed me was that I too was heading in the same directional path, as the train, although my destination was different.   

As the Holy Spirit was leading this conversation I could understand what He was saying. As with any train, the cars are either led or they are pushed. The comparison translates directly to many situations we find ourselves in.  When we are led by the Holy Spirit, our path before us is made smooth. (Heb. 12:13; Luke 3:5) When we are pushed by circumstances, the path is unsure and bumpy.   

During the time of this pandemic uncertainty, many have been pressed and motivated by a spirit of fear because, among other things, the mainstream rhetoric is everywhere!  Whether it is television, radio, magazine or other media sources, most of those promote fear over our Firm Foundation – The Word and God’s Holy Promises to us.

For those who choose to activate their faith and stand on The Truth, they will stay on the smooth path with God’s presence.Isa.45:2-3 “I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars. “I will give you the treasures of darkness, And hidden wealth of secret places, So that you may know that it is I, The Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.  

2 Tim. 1:17 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind,” and Psalm 91:7“A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you.”   

 

No matter what path you are on in this life, there are only three possibilities to choose from:  You will either be pushed (goaded or driven) by the enemy, led by the Holy Spirit’s gentle pulling on your heart, or you will stand stagnant and do nothing but die a spiritual death.  Of these paths, there is only one that leads to hope. Place your hope in Jesus and He will lead the way down life’s entire path for your good and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope. Jer.29:11 For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

 

Lisa and I want to thank each one of you for your prayers and support!  During this time there has been an increase of those in need and it has been a challenge at best due to the social distancing and separation.  Your prayers and financial support are always needed and appreciated. Our prayer is that there will be a beginning of a new normal and for it come very soon. We ask and pray that this will happen for the whole world so people will begin to return to work for both their families and God’s Kingdom.


Love and Blessings,

Pastors Doug & Lisa Barber

Text Box:
6203 76TH St.
Lubbock, Texas 79424
Doug 806-790-4757
Lisa 806-790-4756
doug@lpeministries.org
lisaann@lpeministries.org
 
 

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Blessings,

Doug & Lisa

 

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