News items from Joe's Blog
Teaching Through An Interpreter
I wanted to give you a chance to hear something you normally wouldn't hear unless you were on the mission field.
Recently I had the privilege of speaking at Pastor Cary Diaz' church in Addison, IL. We had an awesome time. I got to share my testimony and as I did an amazing peace came over the congregation. We could really sense God's presence.
Anyway, if you like to listen, hear it is: (Give it a few seconds to load.)
Blessings on you my friends,Joe34294
Next Friday Night Meeting March 12th
We've put up a website just for the announcement of these meetings.Click here to see it.Or take a peek at this picture of the site.Blessings,I hope you can join us.love yaJoe34181
Fresh Word
Son, I delight in seeing you display my glory. It makes me laugh. It makes me dance.Son, the power I have to reveal through you is greater than you've imagined. My strength that is available through you has gone mostly untapped. Step into Me, Son. Lean into Me. Lean into My Spirit and expect Me to meet you there. I will and you will not be disappointed.
Be blessed my friendsHave a great dayJoe34164
Addicted to Popcorn? You may need to go to war!
When I was little I loved it when my mom would cook up a batch of popcorn with salt and melted butter, we’d sit and talk and watch TV and enjoy each other’s company. When I was a little older I tasted my Aunt Peggy’s caramel corn and was amazed, it was better than Cracker Jack. But it wasn’t till I was married that somehow we stumbled upon using parmesan cheese along with the salt and melted butter that really created the ultimate treat.
If you think this article is about popcorn it’s really not. You see if you take the word popcorn and remove the 2nd, 3rd and 4th letters (opc) you reveal a real problem for men. If I type that word here, many keyword blockers will keep you from seeing this. So, I’m just going to assume you know what I’m talking about.
God made man to be a visually stimulated and driven being for a reason. He wanted him to be a go-getter; a doer; one who would see something he wanted and go after it with all his heart. I believe this is why Paul says in Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” He’s trying to get hold of your desires, to harness them so the mighty power He put in you can be used for His purposes.
God made women beautiful and visually stimulating for many reasons, one of them is: the propagation of the human race is mighty high on His agenda; that’s why it was the very first commandment ever given to mankind in scripture: Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it…”
But there are many men in this world who have already taken part in that process yet the drive behind their eyes has not abated. Proverbs 27:20 “Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man.”
Ecclesiastes 1:8 “All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing.” Well, Solomon, that is true, but there’s got to be more hope for the regenerate, for those of us who have been born again. Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Galatians 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
A friend of mine, fresh out of prison, was really battling with the desires of his flesh. He came to me for advice and prayer. I told him, “If your body won’t line up with the word don’t feed it.” He took my words to heart and went on a fast, not that long of one, but he returned with an amazing report. “What you told me really worked. When I fasted that overwhelming desire left.” Things had come under control.
Once when I was struggling in this area, I went to the Lord for forgiveness and counsel. His reply was interesting, “Go to war, son!” It reminded of me of David in 2Samuel 11:1 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army... But David remained in Jerusalem. 2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful…
David was in a posture of leisure, he was not fulfilling his responsibilities, he was pushing them off on others, letting them carry the burden so he could be at ease. His divine purpose had been pushed on someone else’s shoulders.
God said to me, “Go to war, son!” When we are busy with our life’s purpose; when our shoulders are harnessed with the yoke of God; when we are at war sin will have a hard time even presenting itself as an option. Uriah couldn’t be moved off of this posture of war. 2Samuel 11:8 Then David said to Uriah, "Go down to your house and wash your feet." So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king was sent after him. 9 But Uriah slept at the entrance to the palace with all his master's servants and did not go down to his house. 10 When David was told, "Uriah did not go home," he asked him, "Haven't you just come from a distance? Why didn't you go home?" 11 Uriah said to David, "The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my master Joab and my lord's men are camped in the open fields. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and lie with my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!"
The destruction David reaped in his life from this was terrible.
So, my friend, I hope these two bits of advice bring power to your Spirit to resist the wicked temptations that seem to abound in our culture. The next time you are tempted to enjoy some popcorn, remember the Devil is not presenting this temptation to you because he likes you, he’s doing it because he wants to kill you. It’s time to either fast or go to war.
–Joe Barlow (copyright 2010)
33785
Well I Asked For It
I hope you are all doing well. I am.
I made an interesting decision before the end of the year. It wasn't really a New Year's resolution like we're used to; but I believe it was a true resolution, true resolve.
It says in Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
I heard a preacher talking about this and he said the Hebrew word for wellspring there had something to do with the boundaries of your life.
I've spent a lot of time thinking and meditating on that.
People are limited by what they believe in their hearts. Their belief systems flow from their heart and those same belief systems free or bind them; empower them or confound them.
So, I was sitting at this restaurant waiting for an old friend to show up for dinner. I was in a corner booth, lights were low, I had asked the waitress for a scrap piece of paper, she gave me some tore up half-menu. It was one of those uncomfortable settings where the wait staff keeps coming back wondering why your dinner partner is late. I had real peace on me though; a contemplative moment. I was thinking about the boundaries of my heart, wondering what they were, but seeing the boundaries or limitations in my life. You know, you can't see the wind, but you can see it's effect. Just so, you can't see the boundaries of your heart, but you can see their effects.
Well in looking around at the limitations of my life I didn't like what I saw. I saw a lot of hopes and expectations dashed or delayed. I saw failure to follow through and run allllllll tttthhheee waaaayyyy to the finish line. Satisfying myself with the thought of I know I could have if I really wanted to. But this mediocrity is getting to me. I'm getting real tired of it. I'm ready to see my heart's desires fulfilled not just dreamed or fantasized.
But I really don't feel like its selfish this time. This time the results of my ineffectiveness are getting to me. God has called me to more. More means more people touched, more people blessed, more people changed.
I want to answer His call. I don't want the limitations of my heart to stand in the way of His dreams.
So, sitting in that corner booth waiting for my friend I made a decision. My top priority in 2010 is to move the boundaries of my heart. Move these limitations out of the way. This heart must be changed.
But, my friend, heart change is not always easy. Heart change is a deep process, in order for it to happen you have to invite the Lord to go deep in you and correct you and change you.
This may affect you emotionally, because when God starts working you can feel it.
I love the Lord and I know He's at work in me. I trust Him and I know that He is giving me the desires of my heart.
I'm looking forward to the end result. God is faithful.
Love you allI hope this helped.Joe33699
My Faithful Friend
I was speaking with a missionary friend of mine yesterday about what to speak on when I go on the mission field this year. He said, "I really recommend you give your testimony about journaling and hearing God's voice. That is very powerful. Since I heard you share that I've shared that testimony in many places."
A few years ago I went to help a friend who was planting a church in San Antonio. While we were standing in the airport I was sharing with him about what I was planning to teach at his church. Somehow I mentioned something that the Lord had spoken to me and he said, "You should teach that!" "What?" I asked. He said, "You should teach the people down here about hearing God's voice. That would really help." I did end up speaking on that and my friend said it was one of the best messages he'd heard. It was very practical.
But to me these things are normal. Talking to God and hearing Him speak to me in my heart is the way Christianity is supposed to work.
John 10:3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.Joh 10:4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.Joh 10:5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."
When I was 13 yrs old my brother shared with me how to journal by listening to God's voice. It has made an awesome difference in my life.
God has been my faithful friend.
I'm sharing this testimony tonight at our Friday Night Meeting over at Christ Community Church in Wheaton, 602 Geneva at 7pm.
If you can make it come on out. If not, check back here and read through some older posts to learn more.
God bless youJoe33588
A New Blogger On The Block!!!
I want to invite you to check out my wife's new blog.This is her first venture into this.She's been Face Booking for a while.It's going to be neat to see what she has to say on here.I can guarantee you I'll be reading it regularly.Check it out
BlessingsJoe33315
Videos from my Liberia Trip
This is Timothy Fahyiah, he received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. He is so excited.
Pastor Elwood and his wife and two children returned to Liberia from America three years ago. He had gone back to Africa for a funeral when the Lord got ahold of his heart. They now live in a home with no running water and no electricity. Can you imagine leaving America to live in that situation? This man has a heart of gold and is being highly effective in the Kingdom of God. In just three years he has started this church, with over 100 members, a gradeschool, and a medical clinic, fully staffed. He needs continued funds to keep all these going, so if you want to help send some money in! It's amazing what this man and his wife Yata have accomplished in three years.
Pastor Steven Lewis was a delight to be with. He manages the youth at his father's church. What a sweet spirit. He and his father are believing God for the funds to build a building for their gradeschool($25,000). If they are able to do this, many more children will come to their school because, if they have a building then the government will provide lunches. They're also needing money for a video player, tv and generator to run a bible school($1,200).
If you are interested in contributing to any of these projects you can do it through our church and get a tax write-off. God bless,Joe32800
A New Class We're Doing - Check It Out!
PROMO: How to Study the Bible from Family Life on Vimeo.
Hey Friends,Call the church for more info. 630-802-8010.Attendance is free we'll take up an offering at each class to offset expenses.If you like the background music, see our website www.familylife.cc
BlessingsJoe32774
An Email To My Kids
Hey Kids,I know we've never taught on this much, we've focused more on what Christ has done in you, but after prayer and study this morning I want to give this verse to you as a challenge:
2Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
God has done a work in us, but we also have a responsibility to do a work in us. So, my children, whom I love so dearly, don't let the things of this world entangle you. That is their motive. Do what you need to do to clean your life.I love youDad32708
Getting Ready For The Big Day
You have to leave normal life behind and venture out into something almost completely unknown. I've been on several trips before. My first one was when I had just graduated from 8th grade. I went with a group to some town in West Virginia to paint a church. We slept in the foyer of one church and worked in the hot sun. I still remember the good time I had with those team members.
For years I went to a church where the missions effort was very strong. We poured out as much love as we could on our missionaries. So my heart was always stirred by meeting missionaries and hearing their wonderful stories.
Later I went to Costa Rica with Pastor Winston and Keith Hershey. That was a treat. It was on that trip that I met my friend Don Korach. He's given his life to serving the Lord down in San Jose. I've been on several trips with him and each one is a delight.
The trip to Hyderabad, India with Pastor Winston was really awesome. So many different things I experienced. Staying in a 4-star hotel, made of white marble! Riding through the streets of Hyderabad. Ministering in an orphanage that was basically one room. Falling in love with a group of orphans and wondering when I could ever go back. Experiencing Spirit-filled Telegu worship-some of the best I've ever heard. The rhythms were so amazing you couldn't keep from dancing.
My favorite thing is ministering to people; seeing the light go on in their eyes, seeing physical healings, getting a word of knowledge from the Lord then finding out that it was really accurate, hearing from God a message to preach then seeing it land in the hearts of the people.
I remember one message the Lord gave me while I was in India. We were scheduled to visit the orphanage mentioned above. I woke that day and the Lord started speaking, He took me to Ps. 127 that talks about how blessed it is to have children they are like arrows that a father sends forth. The Lord said, but these children have no father. So, He said, "I myself will be their father. I will get up off my throne and send them forth like an arrow. I will launch them as a good father would." I was so blessed to deliver that message to those orphans. You could see that it affected them.
So now I'm getting ready to go minister in a church in Luxembourg, then to another church in Monrovia, Liberia. I know that this is a divine appointment. I know there is a specific task God wants me to do. However, many times you don't know what that task is until you've already done it. I like following God, doing things His way and fulfilling His heart's desire. I'll let you know how it goes.
Love yaJoe32406
Liberia
If You Like To Worship
Hey Friends,This Friday night I'm doing a night of worship. I'm really looking forward to this and want to invite you all to come.There is an amazing team of musicians who are going to join me.But mainly if you like to worship the Lord then please consider coming. We want to offer Him a sacrifice of praise that will please Him. Remember we sing for an audience of One!Love y'allHope to see you soon.Joe32123
I'm Going to Liberia!!! Will You Help?
I hope you are doing well. Nancy & I and the kids are doing great. The church is doing very well. I’m writing to share with you an opportunity that I have to spread the Gospel.
At the beginning of this year a friend of mine, Eldon Tracy, a missionary for many years/decades asked me if I would join him on a mission trip to Monrovia, Liberia. His plan is to travel there by way of Belgium. When he first brought it up I thought “Well, I’ll pray about this and see what the Lord says.” But while I was thinking that, I heard the voice of the Lord very clearly say, “Go with him.”
Eldon and I met for prayer here at the office a while ago. That prayer time was a profound experience. The Lord seemed to be making things very clear that it was His will for us to go.
We leave October 15th and I’ll be back two weeks later. Eldon will stay an extra week after I leave.
In Monrovia there is a church called Faith In Christ Church. We will be having a conference on Leadership, Giving & Tithing, Evangelism and Church Growth. 4-500 people will be in attendance along with several pastors. We’ll have meetings every morning and afternoon for four days. While I’m there I’ll be doing most of the teaching. The conference will continue the following week with Eldon teaching.
So I need your prayers and your financial support. The cost of the trip is over $7,500. I want to raise the funds for travel costs for Eldon and myself, then include the costs of the conference as well.
So please pray for us: pray for our safety, our effectiveness, for divine appointments, for miracles, for the message to come forth with clarity and for every need to be provided.
Pray also what the Lord might have you do financially. God might whisper in your ear or put a desire in your heart. Either way follow what He says. If each part of the Body does what He says then there will be no lack, only abundance. How wonderful it would be for me to take a financial gift to those in need over there as well.
On the way to Liberia, I will have a chance to minister in Brussels on Sunday afternoon. I’m really looking forward to that.
Well, my friend, the ball’s in your court.
If you want to give you can go online using Paypal(you don’t have to have a Paypal account) at www.familylife.cc/donate.
If you want to donate by check you can write the check to Family Life and send it to
Joseph Barlow Ministries(c/o Liberia Trip)
640 East St. Charles Road
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Remember we leave in mid-October and the expenses need to be paid soon. So, just follow the Lord.
I’ll write back and tell you how the support is coming unless you write and tell me to exclude you. J
I love you all.
Keep seeking God’s will for your life.
Joe
Pastor Joseph Barlow
Family Life Christian Center
www.familylife.cc
640 E. St. Charles Road
Carol Stream, IL 60188
31828
Enjoy this!
On Thu, Aug 27, 2009 at 1:17 PM, Vern wrote:
About a month ago I had my annual physical. The results were good with the exception of a growth (mass) the size of half of my little finger in the kidney and a small kidney stone that showed up from the ultrasound. Next they sent me for a CT scan to go over everything again and to make sure it wasn't cancer. That was about two weeks ago. Just after the scan on a Sunday during worship at our church The Lord whispered in my ear, "I will heal you!" His voice is unmistakable but it is the first time He whispered to me. Kinda neat! Today I saw the doctor for follow up and you guessed it, there was no evidence of a growth or stone. Now you know the rest of the story! No brag, just fact as Walter Brennen would say. I'm telling you this because I believe we need to tell what God has done for us. "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!"
For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor You will surround him as with a shield.
Here's my response:
Joe Barlow to Vern
WooHoo!Awesome!Now after Peter's mother in law was healed she got up and started serving sandwiches...What's God calling you to do?Thanks for the testimony Vern!You are loved.:)
Marriages Under Attack
I hope this helps you.
Journal August 2009
Saturday August 1st, 2009Good morning Lord. I feel a little stuck. I've been trying to write the sermon for tomorrow and can't seem to go anywhere. Tell me what I'm doing wrong or what I need to do.
Son, your focus is not on me. Your focus has been on your problem. Draw from me not from your problem. I am your source. Focus on me.Son, hear my voice! Listen to me. I am calling you and want to talk to you about many things, take the time to write what I say. You will be filled up.
What would you like to talk about?
Son, your relationship with Nancy is under attack. She needs more than she is getting from you. The devil sees that weakness and attacks her mind with thoughts. She is struggling in your relationship. Give her the help she needs. Cut off the devil from his attack. He's feeding on your weakness to hurt her and your relationship.
So, what do I do?
Spend time with her. She's a quality time type of person. She needs to have your time and your attention. I made her that way for you. It's not a weakness. You need this in her. It helps keep you focused. You need this same focus in the ministry I've called you to.
OK quality time
& quantity!
OK then what?
Put your focus on the things that are on her plate. The problems that she is struggling with. Begin to put your muscle behind the effort to bring those issues, problems and projects to resolution or completion. As you do this, you are serving her. This delights me because as you humble yourself to serve her the process of humbling yourself breaks pride. When pride is decreased in your life then I get more room in your life. I won't have to resist you and great things can happen. This delights me.Trust me for the things you need to get done. You'll have my help and assistance just as she will have yours.
Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the church.
Son, my word is true. I really do delight when you obey me.31420
Today's Word
Son, don't get so focused on the answers as the solutions to your problems that you forget to come to me for the answers. I am the answer. Don't leave me out of the loop. Trusting me for every answer brings my presence into every area of your life.
I want that.
I want to be able to work miracles and show you my glory. But if you only rely on your knowledge base for your answers and not on seeking me then the miracle touch you desire can never come.
Seek Me Son!
Seek My face.
Seek my love.
Seek my wisdom.
You will be satisfied, not only in that your problem will be solved in wonderful ways but you will have me.
If you seek me you will find me.
If you seek me, you can have me.
Come, son. Come and seek me. Come to know me. Come, I want to love you. You'll see my hand.
You'll see my glory.31378
Recommendation
I get a weekly email from a friend of mine. Her name is Schlyce Jimenez. She sends out a weekly word from the Lord. Nancy & I have been amazed at the accuracy and timeliness of these words. I recommend getting on her list, these words are very encouraging. You can sign up on her blog.
Here's a recent word, check it out:
THIS WEEK'S WORD...
It's a new season, it's a new day. It's time to put the past away!
Focus on Me and follow My lead. For where you're going there is no map, no paradigm, and no previous trail to follow. Therefore, you must depend completely on Me. You're an original. I desire to blaze a new trail through you so that others will be able to follow in your footsteps. I've called you to be a way maker and to be a unique representation (re-presentation) of My goodness. I have new depths of glory for you to experience and new exploits for you to accomplish. But you cannot move forward glorifying the past. You must forget what lies behind. You must wake up every day with a brand new mindset. Old things have passed away. Behold all things are new. My mercy is new everyday and yesterday's failures must be put away. You cannot step into the unknown while focused on the past. No, it's a new day! Expect Me to speak. Expect Me to guide you. Make a demand on the unction that resides in you. Pray in the Spirit, and expect the interpretation. Expect Me to speak to you in unusual ways. Expect Me to speak to you at all times and you will find that hearing Me is easy. You must get and keep yourself in a position to hear My voice. How can you follow Me if you can't even hear Me? My sheep hear My voice and I am leading You, so press in until you are able to abide in the secret place even in the midst of turmoil around you. Your source of life is found only in Me, therefore You must learn to abide in My presence.
In this new season I will also teach you to rest in My ability and the finished work of the cross. I desire to break off the yoke of striving and working in the flesh and show you how to tap into My grace, favor and blessing. You cannot obtain Your inheritance or fulfill My plan for your life in your own strength, talent or ability. The life I have planned for you was never meant to be difficult, it was meant to be impossible. It's impossible to you to accomplish My will apart from Me. You must learn to yield and abide and tap into My presence. You must learn to slow down and allow Me to open doors that no man can shut and shut doors that no man can open, through My favor. I have a plan for your life and I want to do the exceedingly abundantly above all that you hope and dream, but you must learn to rely on Me and allow Me to bring my purposes to pass for you in My timing and in My design. Otherwise you will end up with "Ishmaels" and unwanted frustration. But be assured, your breakthrough is coming like a storm that builds momentum until the rain cannot be held back. You will see My glory. You will see My plans come to fruition. You will see your desires fulfilled if you will make abiding in Me your highest aim. For without Me you can do nothing, but Christ in you is the hope of glory. Relying on My presence in You is the key. My grace is abundant. So rest in My goodness child and focus on Me. I will finish the good work I began in you and bring it to full completion.
God bless you my friend,Joe31365