Author Archives: lrbartel

People with authentic “Spiritual authority” are rare… but valuable!

These kinds of people are rare… People with genuine Spiritual authority!  They are kind, gentle, calm, quiet, even soft-spoken – they never raise their voice (they don’t have to)!  But when they do speak their words pack a wallop!  When they do act, they act with resolve and authority!  Things happen!  God seems to honor their words and actions in unusual and incredible ways!  Behind them is HIM!  I’ve had the privilege of knowing a few like that – not many, but a few – Could almost count ‘em on one hand.  Not all of ‘em preachers either!

Apostle Paul was that kind of man – that kind of leader!

Here are his words… “I Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ… For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience…” (2 Corinthians 10:1-6)

Then Paul reiterated this core principle about “Spiritual authority” (and he did it twice is this epistle)… “The authority which the Lord gave  us for building you up and not for destroying you.” (10:8 cp. 13:10)

Gotta tell you, I long to exhibit that kind of authority as a Christian leader, don’t you?  I’ve asked the Lord to work it in my life and in my inner self… You DO KNOW, don’t you, it’s and “inside-out”  quality?  Godly leaders with authentic spiritual authority… Know anyone like that?  God can work it in your life, and mine, I believe!

“All that Thrills My Soul is Jesus!”

Anyone who knows me, knows I love and appreciate contemporary worship music. I thrill that the present generation has articulated their love and worship for the Lord in such heartfelt and profound ways… But I gotta tell you, we’ll be impoverished if we don’t preserve and use the great legacy of worship music of generations past. This morning I was reminded of one such “heritage song” that we dare not lose! I posted the lyrics for you and a beautiful instrumental rendition by the Burchfield brothers for your reflection and worship… Anyone…ANYONE who is a devoted follower of Jesus will identify with this song! You will want to take the time to enjoy this and WORSHIP!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO7YceMhLxE

“Who can cheer the heart like Jesus
By His presence all divine
True and tender, pure and precious
O, how blest to call Him mine

Chorus
“All that thrills my soul is Jesus
He is more than life to me
And the fairest of ten thousand
In my blessed Lord I see

“Love of Christ so freely given
Grace of God beyond degree
Mercy higher than the heavens
Deeper than the deepest sea

“What a wonderful redemption
Never can a mortal know
Ho my sin, though red like crimson
Can be whiter than the snow

“Every need His hand supplying
Every good in Him I see
On His strength divine relying
He is all in all to me

“By the crystal flowing river
With the ransomed I will sing
And forever and forever
Praise and glorify the King”
Thoro Harris – 1874-1955