"What Is That In Your Hand?" (by Stephen Simpson)

Each year, FBC holds a Mission Conference. Our Mission Committee works hard to plan and organize this conference. One of their tasks is to choose a theme for the conference. This year's theme is "What is that in Your Hand?" It is taken from Exodus 4:2.

The Lord said to him (Moses), "What is that in your hand?" He said, "A staff." (ESV)

On the surface, this theme may appear unclear. I must admit that when I first heard the conference theme, I was confused. In the weeks since then, I have been thinking often of that simple question, "What is that in your hand?"

Hopefully, you are familiar with this passage in Exodus. In chapter 3, God speaks to Moses through the burning bush. God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.

"Come, I will send you to Pharoah that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." (Ex. 3:10)

After this, Moses showers God with pessimism. Chapter 4 opens with one of these pessimistic statements,

"They (the Israelites) will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, 'the Lord did not appear to you.'"

At this point, God asks a simple question, "What is that in your hand?" It was a simple question with a simple answer. Moses replied, "a staff." This staff was an ordinary object. It was no golden scepter from Egypt. It was not the staff of Abraham or Isaac. It was the simple staff of a simple shepherd. It was what Moses had and so it was what God used.

Think about this. Moses carried his staff with him all the time. Most likely, you would have never seen Moses without his staff. Could it be that you and I also have a 'staff' that we carry with us wherever we go? Could it be that God wants to use the 'staff' in your hand just like He used the staff that was in Moses' hand?

Now, few of us are shepherds. I do not know anybody who carries a literal wooden staff. But, I think we need to expand our thinking and consider the other things that we do carry around with us that might be considered a 'staff.' Consider the following:

• Money - Many walk around with gobs of money in their bank account. Could it be that money is the 'staff' that God wants you to use? God told Moses to throw his staff on the ground. How might God want you to 'throw your money on the ground?' Perhaps your Money is "what is in your hand."
     
• Time - Do you have extra time in your schedule? How can you spend that extra time? Could you volunteer at the local pregnancy center? Maybe you could help cook meals for the FX kids. Perhaps you can provide transportation to others or simply go spend time visiting with a shut-in. Perhaps your Time is "what is in your hand."
      
• Knowledge - Are you an expert at anything? Do you have special skills that for you are very ordinary but for others might be very extraordinary? Maybe you are a doctor or an accountant. Maybe you are a lawyer or a chef. How can God use this specialized knowledge that you possess? Perhaps this Knowledge is "what is in your hand."
      
• Attitude - A positive attitude is rare and precious treasure. Do you have a positive attitude? Do you ooze optimism? Is your 'glass' always half full? Consider the ways you can share this attitude. Optimism is contagious. Spread it around. Perhaps your attitude is "what is in your hand."
      
  
• Words - Words are powerful. Are you talented with words? Words can be used in cards, phone calls, visits, emails, and more. Words can do so many wonderful things. Not everyone can use words effectively. But, maybe you can. Perhaps your words are "what is in your hand."
     

So, what is that in your hand? Find out. There is something there. Your hands are not empty. Use whatever 'staff' is in your hand to display the power and glory of God to the world.

Related Posts:

• 7 Reflections on the 2011 Mission Conference (by Stephen Simpson)
• Declare His Glory Among the Nations - 2011 Mission Conference (by Matthew DelValle)
• 2010 Mission Conference Recap - Chris Hindal
• 2010 Mission Conference Recap - Leon Fisher
• 2010 Mission Conference Recap - Gil & Denise Thomas
• Are You an Over-Spending Under-Sacrificing Christian? (by Jon Reiner)

The Beatitudes - Blessed are the Merciful (by Stephen Simpson)

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)

There was very little mercy in Jesus’ day. Justice, retribution and revenge were the prevailing attitudes. ‘An eye for an eye…” was the common mindset. Mercy was for the weak. Given this cultural setting, these words of Jesus undoubtedly caused a revolution in the minds of those who heard them. They were expecting to hear, “Blessed are the powerful!” Instead, they heard “blessed are the merciful.”

We must be careful to not misunderstand this beatitude. Many preach this passage as an If-Then statement. In other words, “IF you show mercy to others, THEN others will be merciful to you.” However, experience has taught us that this is not always true. But, we do know that God’s Word is true. So, this must not be the way to interpret this verse. I believe that the correct way to interpret this passage is that those who show mercy towards others will receive mercy from God. Ironically, we become more merciful when we recognize the mercy that God has already shown to us. Then, as we show mercy to others, God graciously shows more mercy to us. We should be constantly engaged in this cycle of mercy.

What does mercy look like in today’s culture? Mercy deals with the consequences or symptoms of sin. Mercy cares for the sick and helps the poor. Sickness is ultimately a result of sin entering our world. Because of sin, difficulty and hard times entered our world. Mercy helps in difficult times. Mercy is when we help those who can’t help themselves.

Forgiveness flows from mercy. Mercy says “I have been wronged, but I forgive you.” We demonstrate mercy through kindness and compassion – through sympathy and empathy. A kind word, a warm meal, a hug, a gift card, an encouraging card – all these are demonstrations of mercy.

Consider also the difference between human mercy and divine mercy. We show human mercy and receive divine mercy in return. What a difference!

Think for a minute on these two questions.

1. How have you shown mercy to someone else today?  this week?  this month? 
2. Do you recognize and treasure the divine mercy that has been shown to you?
      

Other Posts in 'The Beatitudes' series:

1. The Secret to True Happiness
2. Who Was Jesus Speaking to?
3. How Poor is Your Spirit?
4. What Makes You Mourn?
5. How Meek Are You?
6. Are You Satisfied?

A Letter to My Son (by Stephen Simpson)

(Josiah Benton Simpson - born December 16, 2011)

Dear Son,

It is hard to believe that you are finally here.  When I look at you, I see myself.  It is a strange feeling.  It feels like I have the opportunity to start my life all over again.

Someday, you may be able to understand how amazing it is that you are here.  Your mother was pregnant 4 times.  Each time, she was fiercely sick.  Our doctor has said that she almost died two different times.  After her third pregnancy, our doctor strongly encouraged us to not have any more children.  That was a difficult message to hear.  As time passed, we healed and prayed.  We sensed that God might want us to travel through one final pregnancy.  God chose to bless us with you, Josiah.  It is important for you to realize that God brought you into this world.  Your birth truly was a miracle.

Son, it is my prayer that you will grow up to be a godly man.  In order for this to happen, you must submit to authority.  This is no easy task.  Tragically, as you grow up, you will meet many men who have never been taught this lesson.  All of us are under authority.  A godly man submits to authority with a humble attitude.  You will be under someone's authority all of your life.  There will be the authority of your parents, teachers, boss, local church, government, and most all, God.  Son, I promise that I will help you learn to submit to authority.  I will endeavor to exemplify godly submission to authority in my own life.

Secondly, godly men work hard.  God expects us to work hard and to provide for our families.  As you will see, too many men are lazy.  Many of them intentionally avoid working and allow others to provide for them and their families.  Josiah - Don't be lazy.  Work hard.  Be a good steward of the body and mind that God has given you.  Again, I promise to exemplify hard work before you.  It will be easier for you to learn how to work hard if you see this quality in me. 

Finally, a godly man handles money wisely.  Son, money is powerful. It can do great things.  It can also be very deadly and destructive.  Any money we have is given to us from God.  He expects us to steward it well.  Josiah, I promise to teach you about money.  I will teach you how to spend it, how to save it, and how to give it away.  I will teach you this with my words as well as with my actions.

Being a godly man involves much more that these three principles.  But, the godliest men I know do all three of these things extremely well.

Josiah - I love you.  I promise to tell you this with my words and with my actions.  I promise to love your mother and to stay faithful to her because I know the consequences of failing to do this. I look forward to talking to you and to listening to you.  I look forward to the time that God gives us together on this earth.

Love,

Daddy

Some Books I’ve read in 2011, and Some Books I Intend to Read in 2012 (by Peter Brock)

    
5 Books I Read in 2011

• Unbroken (by Laura Hillenbrand) – A story that demonstrates the depths of man’s sin and the greatness of God’s grace. The book is a biography of the life of Louis Zamperini, Olympic distance runner and WW2 POW. A must read.  (Read an extended review on our blog.)
    
• The Valley of Vision - A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions (by Arthur Bennett) This is a resource that I go to several times throughout the year. The audio version is nice as well. The prayers of the Puritans challenge me like nothing else when it comes to my spiritual life. Their desire for holiness and sensitivity to sin causes me to look inward in honest evaluation each time I read or listen. Highly recommended.
    
• John MacArthur-Servant of the Word and Flock (by Iain H. Murray) - This is a good book for those who want to know of MacArthur’s background as well as ministry successes and challenges. Recommended for those seeking to serve in the pastorate.
     
• The Practice of Godliness (by Jerry Bridges) – An older book that I actually reread. Great for refocusing priorities and self-examination.
    
• At the Throne of Grace – A Book of Prayers (by John MacArthur) - Nice collection of prayers by MacArthur that are built around various themes.

    
6 Books I Intend to Read in 2012

• Killing Lincoln  (by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard) The heart-stopping events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
    
• God Is Red: The Secret Story of How Christianity Survived and Flourished in Communist China - Liao Yiwu (Author); Wenguang Huang (Translator)
    
• The Works of Stephen Charnock (5 Vols.) - Charnock was a Puritan theologian and preacher who was also chaplain to Henry Cromwell.
    
• Sweetness – The Enigmatic Life of Walter Payton (by Jeff Pearlman) - As a young boy growing up in PA, Payton was easily my favorite player. The only posters in my room were of Walter Payton. I’m looking forward to this one.
    
• What Is the Mission of the Church? Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission (by Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert)
     
• The Meaning of Marriage (by Timothy Keller with Kathy Keller) – The Complexities of Commitment and the Wisdom of God

   
Related Posts:

• 13 Books I Read in 2011 (by Stephen Simpson)

FBC 2011 Annual Report

FBC held its annual business meeting on Sunday night, January 22nd, 2012. The 2012 proposed budget was approved and 5 new deacons were elected. Additionally, the 2011 Annual Report was distributed. We have prepared the 2011 Annual Report as a pdf file for electronic viewing.

Click Here to view the 2011 Annual Report

Listen to Pastor Osborne's Vision for FBC

On Sunday night, January 8th, Pastor Osborne presented a vision for the future of Faith Baptist Church. He began by challenging us to focus on three incredibly important thoughts.

1. Do we really believe God is in control of the universe?
2. Do we really believe God truly loves us?
3. Do we really believe God will take care of us?

Listen to Pastor Osborne’s Vision for the Future of FBC.

Read more posts by Pastor Osborne:

• The Ox and His Dirty Stall
• A Specific Vision for Faith

13 Books I Read in 2011 (by Stephen Simpson)

One of my goals for 2011 was to finish at least one book per month.  As I reviewed my goals list for 2011, I got really excited when I realized that I read a total of 13 books.  Some were better than others.  But I thought you might be interested in what I read in 2011.  I’ve included some of my thoughts along with each book.
   

• Decision Points (by George W. Bush) President Bush reviews the major decisions/events of his presidency.
     
• Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters (by Meg Meeker) A very good book.  It helped me better understand the importance of my role as a father to two daughters.  Should be required reading for every man who has a daughter.  Read more about this book.
     
• Shepherding a Child’s Heart (by Tedd Tripp) The classic book on parenting.  Should be required reading for every parent.
      
• Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ (by John MacArthur) Good book.  A little repetitive at times.  Read a review of this book.
      
• Open:  An Autobiography (by Andre Agassi)  Growing up, I was a big Andre Agassi fan.  He and Pete Sampras had one of the best tennis rivalries ever.  In this book, he tells his story.  It was very interesting to read.  But, it felt very one-sided.  I would imagine this one-sided perspective is common to autobiographies.  Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book.
     
• Dr. Gray at Moody Bible Institute (compiled/edited by William M. Runyan) A biographical look at Dr. James Gray and his time at Moody Bible Institute.  Short but interesting.
     
• Amazing Grace:  William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery (by Eric Metaxas) Excellent book.  Highly recommended.  I’m also looking forward to reading Metaxas’s biography of Bonheoffer.  Read a post on our blog inspired by this book.
     
• Guerrilla Marketing for Nonprofits (by Jay Conrad Levinson, et al.) Highly practical book.  I will revisit this book often.
     
• An Unexpected Journey (by W. Robert Godfrey) I did not enjoy this book as much as I thought I would.  I was hoping it would be more biographical than it ended up being.
     
• Servanthood as Worship: ThePrivilege of Life in a Local Church (by Nate Palmer) Short book.  Pretty good.  Read more about this book.
     
• Rawhide Down:  The Near Assassination of Ronald Reagan (by Del Quentin Wilber) A minute by minute account of the events surrounding the attempted assassination of President Reagan.  This book was hard to put down.  Highly recommended.
     
• Linchpin:  Are You Indispensable? (by Seth Godin) A good book on being an indispensable worker.  In my opinion, the format of Godin’s books makes them difficult to read.
     
• Steve Jobs (by Walter Isaacson) A fascinating book.  I enjoyed it immensely.  It is so sad that in spite of all of the unbelievable talents that Jobs possessed, he was an awful and ungodly person.  His life, in spite of all of his accomplishments, was truly tragic. 

What books did you read in 2011?

How our family gained Financial Peace (by JR Foster)

Proverbs 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Almost a year ago, JR Foster shared this testimony on our blog of how FPU helped him and his family.  In light of our upcoming FPU class, I thought I would re-post JR's testimony.  Our next class begins Thursday, Feb. 2nd.  Visit our Website for more info.
  
Before taking the Financial Peace University course, we were servants to many lenders. We were living paycheck to paycheck and going further in debt. We had heard of Dave Ramsey and Financial Peace but thought there was nothing we could take away from the course. After much prayer and consideration, I decided to enroll and my wife agreed to follow whatever guidelines I was taught. At the time we had no idea how God would change our lives. In August 2009, I enrolled into Financial Peace University.

God was definitely in control of this decision because by October, I was unemployed. Despite the loss of my job for 7 months, I had the tools necessary to see my family through and actually pay off debt during this time. Financial Peace has certainly changed my views regarding money and debt. I am thankful that God let me to take this course.

The principles from Financial Peace have helped to set my family on a course of financial peace for now and for the future. I certainly recommend this course; it will change the way you control your money and debt.

What Are Your Goals for 2012? (by Stephen Simpson)

Welcome to January - a time for resolutions and new beginnings.  It is a time to reflect on the past year.  It is a time for evaluation. 

I am not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions.  In my opinion, they are usually too open ended and too un-specific.  For example, “I’m going to lose weight in 2012.”  How much weight?  When are you going to lose it?  To accomplish this resolution, you simply have to lose half-an-ounce at some point.  You do not have to keep the weight off, you just simply have to lose it.  

Instead of resolutions, I am a huge fan of setting specific goals.  A few years ago, I started writing down a list of goals each January.  Then, I supdate my goals list at least once per month.  If I have completed one of my goals, then I cross if off the list.  Doing this has tremendously helped me track my progress. 

I just finished working through my goals list for 2011.  There were many things on that list that I accomplished.  There were also many things that were left undone.  It was encouraging to track the progress that was made.  Here are some examples:

• "Fix the tail light on the minivan."  Done!
• "Fix the kitchen light."  Not done L yet…
• "Grow church facebook page to over 300 likes."  Done! Currently at 356!
• "Grow Window mailing list to 300."  Not done L  currently at 289 (but we did make progress by adding 35)

My point is this – writing down your goals will help you accomplish them.  Reviewing them each month will go another step in encouraging you to meet your goals.  As you write your goals, be as specific as possible.  Consider these examples:

• "Save more money" (very unspecific)
• "Save $5,000 by the end of the year" (very specific; If you update your goals list each month with the current balance in your savings account, you will be able to easily track your progress.)
• "Read more" (bad goal – too undefined)
• "Read 1 non-fiction book per month" (As you finish a book, add its title to your goals list.  At the end of the year, you will be able to easily count how many non-fiction books you have read.)

So, before the month of January ends, I encourage you to set aside some to think through all that you would like to accomplish during 2012.  Imagine yourself sitting down on January 1, 2013.  What would you like to be completed before then?  Write it down and then get to work.  

What are your goals for 2012?

The Big Mistake (by Norm Hammond)

Norm Hammond is a member of Faith Baptist Church. Today he writes about a big mistake he made years ago.

In your marriage did you ever make a big mistake, a blunder, and error, or a faux pas? I did. In October of 1950, I was recalled to active duty in the Naval Reserve because of the war in Korea. Doris and I had been married 13 months when I received my orders to report to the staff of Comtrans Div 21 in Little Creek, Virginia. During my tour of active duty with Comtrans Div 21, my command was ordered to the Mediterranean for a tour of duty lasting four months.

Our first port of call was Gibraltar for change of command. During our first few days in Gibraltar, British and Spanish vendors came aboard ship to see their merchandise. One of the vendors was selling hand painted portraits made from snapshots. I had a very nice snapshot size picture of Doris in my billfold. From the photo to portrait examples he showed, I could see that a portrait of her would be a very nice souvenir. I gave the photo to the vendor and contracted to have the portrait painted for twenty dollars, a tidy sum in 1951. Since the snapshot was in black and white he needed to write down the colors to use; brown hair, brown blouse, white collar with white checks, brown eyes and eye brows. No payment was necessary now, satisfaction guaranteed upon completion of the 13x17 inch oil on canvas painting. In four months when we were back at Gibraltar, the vendor would return with the finished picture and collect the twenty dollar quoted price.
   

Four months later, we were in Gibraltar for change of command to another group of ships. The vendor came abroad and tracked me down to deliver the oil portrait. He un-wrapped the portrait so gingerly; you would have thought it might have been the Mona Lisa. When I saw the finished work, I could see that it was well done; however, there was something I could not explain about the portrait. It did not look right. His persuasive manner prevailed and I have him the money for the portrait. I tucked the portrait in a tube and put it in my luggage and began my journey back home.

We arrived in Little Creek, Virginia in mid October after 15 days at sea. Our second child was due in late November, so I have requested leave after he was born. Our first son was born on November 28th and I returned home to see the new addition. When I unpacked my things I found the tube with the new portrait inside. I proudly gave it to Doris as a memento of my return from sea duty. She opened the tube and unrolled the portrait and examined it with great expectation. There was a long silence, I thought, "Oh no, she sees the same thing I did when I decided to take the portrait, she's not pleased with it". Finally Doris said, "My eyes are blue, not brown!" I was speechless. I felt like an animal that had walked into a trap and the door slammed shut. How do I get out of this? Well, sometimes you don't. I had made a big mistake, a blunder, and error, a faux pas.

I'm glad Doris does not hold a grudge. She could have said, "That's all right honey, I forgive you," but she didn't. In fact she didn't say anything at all except, "my eyes are blue." I volunteered to have the brown eyes painted blue by an artist and she said, "Ok" without much enthusiasm. The eyes were painted blue by Doris and the portrait went back into the tube for safekeeping.

The portrait stayed in the tube amongst our stuff through two more children and five moves, the last one being our move to Florida after I retired. That adds up to 43 years the portrait stayed in drawers, closets, and chests. After our move to Florida in our present home, Doris decided to take the portrait and have it framed. After all those years, the portrait with blue eyes was framed and ready to hang. After considering several places to hang the portrait, she decided to hang it on our bedroom wall. The particular place where this hangs is directly in my sight as soon as I wake up and the last thing I see when I go to sleep. I think it was to remind me twice a day of that big mistake I made 43 years ago. I'd rather believe that after 43 years Doris is saying "I forgive you for your big mistake."

Other Posts by Norm Hammond:

• A Rolex or a Diamond Ring?

November Recap

• Steve Jobs and FBC (by Stephen Simpson) ~ Stephen shared some important lessons that we, Faith Baptist Church, can learn from the life and death of Steve Jobs.

• Thanksgiving, "I'm thankful for..." In this series our blog authors wrote about one thing they are thankful for.
• Thankful for the Birds (by Lee Dusing)
• I'm Thankful for Pastor Jerry (by Stephen Simpson)
• Thankful for This Time and Place (by Jonita Barram)
• Thankfulness at Thanksgiving (by Lou Gentry)
• I'm Thankful For... (by Matthew DelValle)
• Proud People Don't Say Thanks (by Peter Brock)

• The Beatitudes - Are You Satisfied? (by Stephen Simpson) ~ The question for you is simple: Are you satisfied? Where do you seek satisfaction?

• A Vision for the Future of FBC (by Pastor Osborne) ~ In this series learn about the Vision for Faith and what we seek God's direction for in the years to come.
• The Ox and His Dirty Stall
• A Specific Vision for Faith

• Sharing God's Love on Free Shopping Day (by Jonita Barram) ~ Learn more about each aspect of Free Shopping Day, which will take place this year on Saturday, December 10.

  
Previous Monthly Recaps:

• October
• September
• August
• July

Proud People Don't Say Thanks

Thanksgiving: When we hear the word our minds go immediately to a usually lengthy list of those things and people that fill our hearts with gratitude and thanks. Family, home, church, and specific people in our lives all fight to be placed at the top of the list. God demonstrates His goodness to us on this earth by the tangible people and things we can observe and touch. And for those we are deeply thankful.

Yet, thankfulness goes much deeper. It begins in our hearts at the very character of God and demonstration of that character in the gift of His Son. John Piper in his sermon, "Proud People Don't say Thanks.", hits it right on the mark.

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Proud people can't be grateful. So here are three very humbling truths for the sake of your thankfulness.

1. Nature teaches us that an infinitely marvelous, eternally powerful being created us and all we have. Therefore we are his creatures. He owns us. Our life, our breath, and everything we have is a gift. Our duty is simply to be thankful to him from our heart and to cherish his glory.
     
2. All of us have fallen short of this duty. We have not consistently prized the diamond of God's glory with an affection anywhere near its value. Instead, we've exchanged it again and again for the cracked marbles that in our great "wisdom" we have determined are more valuable.
     
3. God, in his great mercy, sent his Son to suffer the judgment of people who are broken and contrite in spirit and who trust in him.

Proud people don't say thanks, but people who believe these three truths do. We are utterly dependent; we are depraved sinners; and we are redeemed and forgiven through contrite faith.

If this penetrates our hearts today, we will be emptied of pride and filled with thankfulness to God.

Amen!

Other Thanksgiving 2011 Posts:

• I'm Thankful for Pastor Jerry (by Stephen Simpson)
• Thankful for the Lord's Birds (by Lee Dusing)
• Thankful for This Time and Place (by Jonita Barram)
• Thankfulness at Thanksgiving (by Lou Gentry) 
• I'm Thankful For... (by Matthew DelValle)