SLMF Meeting: My Personal Opinion (by Jonita Barram)

I like to smile at strangers in stores. I’ve gotten some interesting responses. Sometimes I get a friendly smile back. Sometimes I get a “Wow! I can’t believe somebody smiled at me” smile. But most of the time, I get no smiles.

I went to a store after the Sunshine Ladies Missionary Fellowship (SLMF) met at our church on Mar. 13. I noticed a contrast. All day I had been smiling at strangers, but all day I’d gotten smiles in return—friendly, “Hi, sister. Isn’t God good?” smiles. I felt so refreshed from the fellowship and challenged by the messages, both spoken and sung. I’m glad my boss let me attend as a reporter. (Read my official report at www.BaptistBulletin.org.) I’m also grateful for Lee Dusing, who took photos all morning and then lent me her camera to use after she had to leave.

Ruth Rhoden and Lorraine Hooser greet ladies and help them sign in.

The morning began with a continental breakfast provided by the church. I didn’t see Beth Brown, but I know she worked behind the scenes to organize everything. Then Evelyn Dinsmore, Dorothy Albritton, Dot Malcolm, and Mary Pence served and cleaned up both breakfast and lunch. The breakfast was a great time for reconnecting with ladies from other churches and meeting ones I didn’t already know.

Evelyn Dinsmore, Dorothy Albritton, Dot Malcolm, and Mary Pence serve and clean up so others can enjoy a great meeting.

From there we went into the chapel, where the SLMF president, Maribeth Smith, welcomed everyone. Then Bea Ide spoke on behalf of the Faith ladies. “We love you all, and we’re glad you’re here,” she said.

Bea Ide, liaison between the SLMF and Faith, welcomes the ladies.

I won’t give a detailed account of the day, but I would like to touch on some highlights and our ladies’ involvement.

Sheila Vegter, accompanied by Rebecca Tarquino, sang “I’m Surrounded by His Love” during the morning session and “Don’t Quit” during the afternoon session. Both songs were written by Doug and Donna Lowry. When Sheila introduced the first song, she mentioned that she is related by marriage to Doug Lowery: he is the brother of Jerry Vegter’s wife Diane. (Jerry is Bill’s brother, Vi’s son, and so forth and so on.) Doug is an evangelist; he and Donna travel the country as a ministry team.

Sheila Vegter sings "I'm Surrounded by His Love

Rebecca Tarquino accompanies Sheila

I noticed several of “our ladies” looking over the book table, brought by Connie Overholt from Heritage Baptist Church. Maribeth thanked Connie and the others from Heritage for bringing the books. Then she plugged her brother Larry’s book, Elephant Trunk Steaks and Other Adventure Stories about growing up as MKs in Africa.

Carla Gaswint and Ellen Balsley visit the book table, managed by Connie Overholt (Heritage Baptist, Lakeland, far right)

Margaret Tolosa, the SLMF secretary/treasurer, told us about this year’s project. EBI (Editorial Bautista Independiente) has put together a 26-book library for pastors in Spanish-speaking countries outside the U.S. A pastor can pay $20 for his library, but it cost $150 more to publish the books. So EBI is asking for others to donate the funds. (EBI covers the postage.) Ladies groups in the various churches have been saving money since the October 2011 meeting. When the offering was collected on the 13th, the project money amounted to over $730! That’s almost half of the SLMF’s goal to raise $1,500 to purchase 10 libraries.

Margaret Tolosa introduces the 2012 missions project:  purchasing 26-book libraries for 10 pastors in Spanish-speaking countries outside the U.S.

When we ladies divided into pairs or threes to pray, I had the privilege of praying with Margaret and with our missionary speaker for the day, Nancy Ball. Nancy was a missionary in Ghana for 45 years. She gave her testimony in the morning and showed slides in the afternoon. She was part of a literacy work, teaching nationals to read. (For more details, see my report at www.BaptistBulletin.org.)

Nancy Ball points to a stack of Bibles: two New Testaments and one complete Bible in the Waalii language of Ghana.

Stephen Simpson ran the sound so we could hear Nancy speak, Sheila sing, Maribeth lead the music, others make announcements, and Maribeth and her cohorts put on two hilarious skits about translating for American speakers. (For more details on the skits, see my report at www.BaptistBulletin.org.) It was good to laugh so much!

Stephen waits for the afternoon session to begin so he can run the sound system.

Maribeth Smith and Dessie Johnson demonstrate the language barrier when Americans use figures of speech and interpreters translate literally.

People who enjoy an event always tell those who weren’t there, “You missed a great time.” But really, ladies, if you weren’t there, you missed a great time. Think about attending the next meeting, October 9, at Bethany Baptist Church, Avon Park.

2012 Mission Conference (by Jonita Barram)

The 2012 Missions Conference began Friday night. Chaplain John Murdoch opened the conference by preaching from Exodus 3 and 4. He pointed out how the shepherd’s rod Moses had in his hand (4:2) became “the rod of God” (4:20). He challenged everyone to use for God whatever He has placed in their hands. Read more about the Murdochs.

Saturday
The next day we ate breakfast with the missionaries. The delicious meal was prepared and served by men of the church and Beth Brown. Following the meal, Pastor Brock divided us into three groups, who rotated between the auditorium, the chapel, and the fellowship hall to meet with our missionaries.

Jim Blizzard and our own Jim Phillips and Sean Fielder talked about the partnership between Child Evangelism Fellowship and Faith’s FX program. All the local elementary schools that Jim Blizzard contacted about having after-school Good News Clubs turned him down. So FX busses kids from Westwood Middle School to the church as part of its ministry. Read more about Jim Blizzard.

Sunday
During the Sunday School hour, Chris and Diane Marine reported on the transition from their previous mission to Faith Baptist Mission. Read more about this transition. They also reported on their current ministry. Listen to their report.

(Chris & Diane Marine)

Sunday morning, Dr. Jim Jeffery, president of Baptist Bible College and Seminary, preached “Training Up Timothys.” He defined missions as “the extension of Christ’s redemptive mandate in this world.” He said,

“The work of the church today is to extend that message to the entire world ... If you call yourself a follower of Jesus Christ and you are not in some way involved in fulfilling that mandate [Acts 1:8], then you’re totally missing what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.” Listen to “Training Up Timothys.”

(Dr. Jim Jeffery)

Sunday evening, Pastor Brock questioned the missionaries. We learned what Scripture verse or passage has most impacted each missionary’s life (the book of Romans won), what each one enjoys most about ministry (people), and the biggest discouragement faced daily in ministry (various answers). Curt Jones and John Murdoch told how God led them from the pastorate into their current ministries, and several shared stories of how they personally have seen the gospel change a life. Listen to the Q&A time.

The Kids Conference
Lisa Brock, Kelly Hill, Jennifer Taylor, Jim Taylor, Buzz Rutenbar, and Helen VanHorn led the kids conference. Kids had to follow clues that uncovered passages of Scripture and application. Buzz appeared as Detective Herlock Sholmes, and Jim as Tick Dracy. Buzz says,

“The message was that, little as the kids are, God has put something in their hands. As they grow, they should look for what that is.”

(Buzz Rutenbar aka 'Herlock Sholmes')

 Helen taught an object lesson Friday night, using 25 different styles of gloves as the objects. She pointed out that a glove has no value until someone puts it on. She encouraged the children to put themselves into the things that interest them, and use them for God.

The next day the kids enjoyed singing and skits put on by young adults, as well as their own round robin. Three classrooms were spectacularly decorated to match the missionaries’ countries. Lisa Brock taught the children about Chaplain Murdoch’s ministry, Kelly Hill talked about CEF, and Jennifer Taylor taught about China.

Pastor Brock, says the conference reached the goal of encouraging people—even kids—to use their gifts to minister the gospel in local areas and around the world.

Other Posts from the 2012 Mission Conference:

• 2012 Mission Conference Recap & Reflections (by Stephen Simpson)
• 2012 Mission Conference Report (by Jonita Barram)
• 2012 Mission Conference - Chaplain John Murdoch
• 2012 Mission Conference - Jim Blizzard & CEF

2012 Mission Conference - Jim Blizzard and CEF (by Jonita Barram)

(Jim Blizzard)

A native Floridian, Jim Blizzard is a husband and the father of two sons and a baby daughter. He grew up in a family with many generations of vocational Christian workers. He shared his session with Jim Phillips and Sean Fielder.

Jim Phillips is chairman of the local CEF committee and serves as treasurer. He told how he often cannot pay the local CEF staff on time. In spite of that, Jim Blizzard enthusiastically pursues sharing the gospel with the 167,000 children of Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties.

Sean Fielder told about the partnership between CEF and FX. Since CEF cannot hold clubs in local schools, Faith Baptist’s FX and CEF have worked with Westwood Middle School to pick up children after school and bus them to the church for a club time.

Jim Blizzard told us a little about CEF in general—how its purpose is to evangelize, disciple, and establish children. Through CEF’s various clubs and outreaches, 11 million children a year hear the gospel of Christ. Schools in the Winter Haven area have declined Jim’s requests to hold Good News Clubs in their facilities, but a public school in nearby Alturas has requested a Good News Club. Jim challenged Faith members to prayerfully consider accepting this opportunity for outreach.

Jim’s heart for children and dedication to his mission are obvious. In the Q&A Sunday night, he told about leading his two young sons to salvation in Jesus Christ. They had heard the gospel repeatedly through Jim’s use of the Wordless Book. This is a tool that anyone can have “in [their] hands” and use for God’s glory—here in Polk County or around the world.

Other Posts from the 2012 Mission Conference:

• 2012 Mission Conference Recap & Reflections (by Stephen Simpson)
• 2012 Mission Conference Report (by Jonita Barram)
• 2012 Mission Conference - Chaplain John Murdoch
• 2012 Mission Conference - Jim Blizzard & CEF

2012 Mission Conference - Chaplain John Murdoch (by Jonita Barram)

(Chaplain John Murdoch)

The 2012 Annual Missions Conference began Friday night, Feb. 24, with Chaplain John Murdoch speaking. He also presented his ministry at the Saturday-morning round robin and took part in the Sunday-night question-and-answer time. So, over three days, we learned that he was a youth pastor when he joined the Civil Air Patrol (the volunteer U.S. Air Force Auxiliary). Over the years, he earned the rank of full colonel in the CAP. That’s why he is called “Col. Murdoch” and wears a colonel’s uniform.

But his ministry today goes beyond being a CAP chaplain. He is the director of the Regular Baptist Chaplaincy, a ministry of the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches. In his role as director, he

“ministers to the needs of Regular Baptist chaplaincy families and communicates to churches the challenges of outreach through military, institutional, and community service chaplaincy.”

Chaplain Murdoch’s sense of humor and stories make him easy to listen to. On Friday night he shared a three-point outline from Exodus 4, the text for the conference theme, “What Is That in Your Hand?” He talked about (God’s) Plan, (Moses’) Problems, and the Proclaimer. He showed us how God used what Moses had in his hand—his shepherd’s rod (vv. 2–16)—and how it became “the rod of God” to accomplish God’s plan. Chaplain Murdoch reminded us that God can use whatever we have in our hands, even something as humble as a shepherd’s rod.

During the round robin, Chaplain Murdoch explained how in the U.S. military, he is a civilian representative of a faith group (the GARBC) and is endowed by the Department of Defense with the authority of a general. But because he is really a civilian, the responsibility for his finances lies with his faith group, not with the U.S. military or government. Part of his job is to help chaplains “minister cooperatively without compromise.” In a sense, he is their pastor. His role with churches is liaison between them and the chaplains on behalf of soldiers. But John’s ministry is not limited to the military chaplaincy. He also oversees and ministers to institutional and community-service chaplains.

In addition to sharing God’s Word and his ministry, Col. Murdoch brought his wife, Hope, and he sang for us. Sunday night he sang the much-requested “God Bless the USA.” Chaplain Murdoch has a website, where you can read about his ministry.

Other Posts from the 2012 Mission Conference:

• 2012 Mission Conference Recap & Reflections (by Stephen Simpson)
• 2012 Mission Conference Report (by Jonita Barram)
• 2012 Mission Conference - Chaplain John Murdoch
• 2012 Mission Conference - Jim Blizzard & CEF

The Beatitudes: Do you Have Mixed Motives? (by Stephen Simpson)

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (v. 8)

Blessed is the man whose motives are pure. They are clean, focused, and undefiled.  Consider the ESV Study Bible notes on another passage of scripture (Ps. 24:4)  “The pure heart is the one cleansed of all unworthy motives toward other people.”

Mixed motives rob one’s heart of purity. A pure heart is a focused heart. It is a heart with a singular focus on God. It is not focused on pleasing God and on pleasing self.  It is focused solely on pleasing God.

Consider the work of the Holy Spirit in choosing the exact position of this Beatitude. Oh, how many people there are that show mercy out of an impure heart. They consider the poor for selfish reasons. They show mercy so that it will improve their reputation or their status in the church. Often, we view politicians like this, accusing them of doing anything noble for mere ‘political reasons.’ But, maybe we need to spend more time examining our own attitudes and motivations. Why should we show mercy? For the tax deduction? For the warm fuzzy feeling that you get? Let us examine our own heart and motives.

Notice that those who are pure in heart will see God. All of us will see God some day. For some, seeing God will not be a pleasant experience. When they stand before Almighty God and see Him face to face, they will be ashamed and guilty. However, those with a pure heart are blessed because they will see God. They will see Him and treasure Him.  He will reward them for the purity of their hearts. A pure heart is heart with a singular focus that is bent towards pleasing God.

Consider the words of the Psalmist:

“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:3-4)

How can we have a pure heart? 

"How can a young man keep his way pure?  By guarding it according to your word."  (Psalm 119:9)

Be a person with a pure heart. Have a focused and singular motivation that is bent towards honoring and pleasing God.

Other Posts in this 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?
7. Blessed Are the Merciful
8. Do You Have Mixed Motives?
9. Be a Peacemaker - Preach the Gospel
10. Happy are Those Who Suffer

2012 Mission Conference Recap & Reflections (by Stephen Simpson)

(Diane & Chris Marine)

We recently concluded our annual Mission Conference.   Here are some quotes and highlights from the weekend.

• Chaplain John Murdoch, GARBC Chaplaincy Ministries
• "If God calls your kids to serve him, don't get in the way!"
• "When Satan brings up your past - bring up his future." - Chaplain John Murdoch
• "God hasn't asked us to be successful.  He has asked us to be faithful."
     
• Jim Blizzard, Local Director, Child Evangelism Fellowship
• There are 144,000 children under the age of 18 in Polk County.
• 81% of these children have no church affiliation
• The crime rate in Winter Haven is WAY above both the national and state averages
• 85% of those who come to Christ do so between ages 4-14. 
• "A child of 5 if properly instructed, can as readily believe and be regenerated as anyone." - Charles Spurgeon
     
• Conference Audio
• "Training Up Timothys" - by Dr. Jim Jeffery, President, Baptist Bible College & Seminary
• Missionary Report - by Chris Marine, West Africa Field Administer for FBM
• Missionary Q & A - Here are some of the questions our missionaries answered during the Q & A session.
• What Scripture has most impacted your life?
• What do you enjoy most about your ministry?
• What is the biggest discouragement that you face daily in the ministry?
• How did God move you from pastoring a church to your current ministries?
• Share a brief story where you have seen the Gospel change a life.

Other Posts from the 2012 Mission Conference:

• 2012 Mission Conference Recap & Reflections (by Stephen Simpson)
• 2012 Mission Conference Report (by Jonita Barram)
• 2012 Mission Conference - Chaplain John Murdoch
• 2012 Mission Conference - Jim Blizzard & CEF

February Recap

• The Beatitudes - Blessed are the Merciful (by Stephen Simpson) ~ "Consider the difference between human mercy and divine mercy. We show human mercy and receive divine mercy in return. What a difference!"
• "What Is That In Your Hand?" (by Stephen Simpson) ~ Think about it, What has God given you to use for him?
• What is April Faith Day? (by Stephen Simpson) ~ Have you heard of April Faith Day? If not, this article explains what it is. It also shares some of the gifts that have been given in the past.
• What Would You Do If You Were Debt Free? (by Stephen Simpson) ~ Have you ever thought about this? Take a look at this article for some suggestions of what you could do.
• My Spiritual Journey - part 1 (by Norm Hammond) ~ Norm writes of coming to Christ as a 42 year old married family man.
• My Spiritual Journey - part 2 (by Norm Hammond) ~ Norm continues to share how he came to Christ

My Spiritual Journey - Part 2 (by Norm Hammond)

(from wikipedia)

Today, Norm Hammond concludes his two-part post, My Spiritual Journey.  If you have not already done so, start by reading part 1.

 
Immanuel Baptist Church
Immanuel became more than a fiber in the rope. I heard a salvation message every Sunday. I still didn't believe the gospel message he preached. I had learned from others that if I was good and performed good deeds, it would make me acceptable to God. I could do it myself. When I compared myself with others I perceived that I would be acceptable.

The people at Immanuel seemed happy in spite of their circumstances. They all carried Bibles to church and used them for personal study. This was different from most churches I had attended. Up to the time we were attending Immanuel I didn't know that the Bible was the Word of God. I had to admit that it's contents had changed lives from hearing their testimonies. Tom Younger, who was the preacher, emphasized it was not what he said, it was what the Bible said. For instance he pointed out II Corinthians 10:12:

"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

The people of Immanuel invited us into their homes after church services. Another fiber. I began to go to Sunday School as well as church. Oz Morley was the Sunday School teacher. He taught the Bible. I perceived that Oz and his wife Jinny were very moral and religious.

The friendly people at Immanuel were in stark contrast to my boss, Ron Smenner and President of Hoosier Solvents and Chemicals corp., Robert C. Nicholls. They were both living immoral life styles and bragged about being "two fisted drinkers".
 
What Made the church people different?
Another fiber of the rope. After attending church and Sunday School for about a year, hearing the Word of God preached and taught, I began to see a huge difference between the church people and most of my business contacts. What made the church people different? It had to be the church and the Bible they read and studied.
 
I began to realize what I needed to do to become a Christian. I needed to understand that I was a sinner. That I was born that way and I needed by faith to accept Jesus Christ as my personal savior. By this Faith I could claim Christ's righteousness and I would be acceptable to God.
 
Pride Kicks In

It was much easier to believe all this than it was to publicly acknowledge my sin and be baptized in obedience. Now my ego and considerable pride kicked in. I wasn't a small child fresh out of Vacation Bible School or even a junior age child who had attended a Christian camp. I was 42 years old and had had some success in the business world.
 
One night I decided to read the Bible for myself. I read the entire book of John. I began to see God as a loving living person instead of a punishing tyrant for wrong deeds.
 
I heard in a sermon that it is God who calls people to him. I didn't know that! I took my Bible and searched for every place where the word "call" was used. It was true. In fact the word "call" was used so many times I got tired looking them up. If it is God who calls, then I don't do anything but answer.
 
I was still smoking cigarettes at this time. I wanted to quit, then I would answer the call to be saved. I really didn't understand my adversary. Neither did I understand how difficult it would be to quit. A Christian friend shared with me how God had taken care of his desire to smoke after he was saved. I couldn't believe that. But that is another story.
 
Saved at a Revival Meeting
Immanuel had scheduled a revival meeting for a week in late October. Lehman Strauss, a distinguished preacher, teacher and author, was the speaker. Our family attended most of the special meetings that week and on Thursday night the message compared salvation to a sailboat. God was the anchor. Even though life could be rough and uncertain in the sailboat on the surface, with God as the anchor of your life he would produce peace instead of fear. Lehman Strauss did a lot better job in his preaching that my recollection of what he said.
 
After the meeting as we left the church I asked Tom Younger at the door if he would stay at the church, I would take the family home and return. When I returned Lehman Strauss and Tom Younger presented the gospel message of salvation. At the end of the presentation I was asked to accept Christ as my personal savior and became a born again Christian. I was 42 years old in October of 1966.
 
The title of my story is "My Spiritual Journey". Journey's have a beginning and an end. I had a new beginning when I was born again. My new life in Christ had just begun. So you see it wasn't a journey at all. It is a new beginning with no end. Eternal life! The rope is finished.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: All things are passed away, behold all thing are become new." -  II Corinthians 5:17

My life verse is Hebrews 11:6. "But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Is he a rewarder? You bet he is. Ephesians 3:20, "Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."



Other Posts by Norm Hammond:

• The Big Mistake
• A Rolex or a Diamond Ring?

My Spiritual Journey - part 1 (by Norm Hammond)

(image from wikipedia)

Here is another story from Norm Hammond.  In this two-part post, Norm writes of coming to Christ as a 42 year old married family man.

The Many Fibers of a Rope
A rope is made of many strands of material for strength. It all begins with the smallest fiber fashioned into a thread, then string which is twisted and woven until it becomes a strong and useful tool. A rope.

The analogy of the beginning of my spiritual journey with the smallest fiber of the rope begins with my early childhood. Our church experience at that time consisted of going to churches on special occasions only where my grandparents had a social presence. These special occasions were Easter, Christmas and Homecoming Sundays. This was the first fiber of the rope.

Even when I joined the Boy Scouts, it was sponsored by a Methodist church in Terre Haute, there was no continuing relationship with any church, I drifted through grade school and high school spiritually. In college, science classes taught me evolution as a scientific proof of origins in spite of all the missing links.
  

Another fiber of the rope was added when I met and married Doris. She had had a much more consistent and positive experience with church than I. She had been saved in Vacation Bible School as a young girl. We attended Babour Ave. Evangelical United Brethren Church in Terre Haute. The people were friendly and we attended some social gatherings.

Another fiber in the rope was added when I left teaching and accepted a position as salesman with the Crowell-Collier Publishing Company. The territory would be worked from home in Ft. Wayne, In. We attended a Methodist church near our North Side home (rental). When we purchased a home on the South Side we began to attend Christ Methodist Church one block from our home. We didn't have a good experience there so we stopped attending, except for Carol who was active in the youth group.

God Supplied the Fibers of My Rope
As I look back with the perspective of time, I can only explain my spiritual journey by accepting the fact that God was at work directing my path and the paths of others, and guiding my journey to him through them. He was supplying fibers to the rope.

A larger fiber in the rope happened when Dwight was attending Abbett School just two lots from our house. He met a friend, Lex Oren.

Another fiber, Doris became acquainted with Lex's mother, Barbara. She fixed women's hair in her home and Doris went to her regularly for hair car. Barbara and her husband, Larry, asked us to go camping and other activities with them. Our friendship grew.

Aunt Esther & Uncle Tom
Meantime another fiber was created. Doris's Aunt Esther Buck who lived in the country south of Brazil, came to our house with her husband, Tom. She came to attend a statewide meeting of some kind at Immanuel Baptist Church. She and Uncle Tom stayed at our house a few days for the duration of the meeting. Uncle Tom wasn't too keen on attending the conference, he rode with me while I worked making calls in my territory. He said he really enjoyed riding with me.

Meantime Aunt Esther was attending Immanuel Baptist Church for the statewide meeting. This was a church that I drove by each morning when I went to the office. Architecturally it was different to say the least. I used the think when I passed by, "What a bunch of nuts would build a church building like that!" It looked like a Mexican hat more that it did a church building. Aunt Esther's and Uncle Tom's trip to Ft. Wayne was no accident. It was the only time they ever came to visit. It was timed perfectly for me to add a fiber to the rope which was growing.

Our friendship was also growing with the Orens. Doris and the children, except Carol, began attending Immanuel. Carol continued to attend Christ Methodist. I stayed home and used the time to plan my coming week's work, calls and itinerary. After some time in this mode it became more embarrassing and uncomfortable for me to stay home alone. When the rest of the family was leaving for church, Dwight looked me directly in the eyes and said, "Why don't you go to church with us, Dad?" That did it. I couldn't stay home anymore. I knew I should go for their sake. I didn't realize it was for my sake too.

Continue reading part 2 of Norm's Spiritual Journey

Other Posts by Norm Hammond:

• The Big Mistake
• A Rolex or a Diamond Ring?

What Would You Do If You Were Debt Free? (by Stephen Simpson)

Debt is a cruel master.  It places restrictions on us.  It hinders us.  It beats us down.  It weighs heavily on our minds.  It is a terrible burden that most, if not all, of us bear.

Take a second and imagine that you are completely debt free.  No mortgage.  No car payments.  No student loans.  No credit card debt.  No debt.  What would you do if you were debt free?

Here are ten things you could do if you were debt free.

1. Anonymously mail gas or grocery store gift cards to needy families each month.
2. Take your old mortgage payment and pay someone else's mortgage payment for a month to help them get ahead of their bills.
3. Leave a $100 tip for a waitress who has had a hard day.
4. Start an endowment for your favorite ministry.
5. Tithe 20% or 30% or even more to your local church.
6. Send a missionary a note thanking them for serving the Lord and include a check for $1000.
7. Sell your house anytime you want without worrying about being upside down in your mortgage.
8. Make a car payment and a mortgage payment to your savings account each month.
9. Use your old mortgage payment and completely cover the costs of our annual community Thanksgiving Day dinner.
10. Give your largest ever April Faith Day offering.

Obviously, you may be able to do some of these things while still being in debt.  But, you will enjoy these things much more once the great debt-dragon has been slayed.  

FBC strongly encourages debt free living.  We do this primarily through two ways.

1. Teaching - We host Financial Peace University classes.  This class has helped revolutionize the finances of many families within our church.  We highly recommend it.  We even provide occasional scholarships to help send people through the class.  
2. Example - We, as a church, are debt free.  When we build, we do not borrow money.  Think about how many ministries of FBC would suffer if our church were under the bondage of debt.

So, take a minute and daydream.  What would you do if you were completely debt free?  

Related Post:

• How Our Family Gained Financial Peace (by JR Foster)

"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 this 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?
7. Blessed Are the Merciful
8. Do You Have Mixed Motives?
9. Be a Peacemaker - Preach the Gospel!
10. Happy are Those Who Suffer