It DOES Matter / Julie Frost

Julie Frost

Pastor's Wife

Solid Rock Baptist Church

Bellefontaine, OH

It DOES Matter

Corinthians 6:17

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

Webster's 1828 dictionary defines separate in the following way "...2. To set apart from a number for a particular service."

I know...not the spiritually uplifting devo that we like sitting down to during a quiet moment of our stressful, taxing day. However, please bear with me as I share what the Lord has been teaching me over the last year or so regarding this matter of separation. I am burdened for the state of Christianity. I am burdened for our churches. I am burdened for our marriages. I am burdened for the condition of our families. Most of all, I am burdened for the decisions, we as Christian ladies, are making in our daily walk with Christ. That I make. Decisions that really do matter... in light of eternity.  It is my prayer that you can see my heart in this devotion and pray with me that each of us, as Christian ladies, will understand that EACH decision we make really DOES matter.

 Webster's 1828 defines hypocrisy as "feigning to be what one is not." God has been teaching me these last few years just how important my testimony as a Christian is, in glorifying him and pointing others to him. How vital it is that people do not look at my life and think that I am a hypocrite because I proclaim to be a Christian (follower of Christ) yet I have failed to separate from the world in the areas of relationships, entertainment, clothing, and church etc... As Christians we have been called apart from this world (I Cor. 6:17) for a particular service: To honour and glorify God with our lives  as stated in I Cor. 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." In so doing, we will point others to Christ.  Too many of us are saying we are Christians (followers of Christ) but to the world our life represents hypocrisy because our life does not match the label of Christian. The lost see no difference in us as Christians so they reject Christ.  I do not know about you...but that weighs heavy on my heart!  While we understand that each person is responsible to make their own decision for Christ, it breaks my heart to think that my lack of separation and holiness could contribute or cause someone to turn away from Christ.

Too often we make changes in separation issues (standards). We do not want to call them compromises but that really is what they are.  Compromise by definition is to "adjust and settle a difference by mutual agreement." The thing is...the mutual agreement to lower or get rid of a standard is not with God (Malachi 3:6 tells us God does not change).  The mutual agreement we are making is with the world. When I decide that I want to do something to fulfill a lust of the flesh (watch something, wear something, listen to something, go somewhere, say or do something contrary to holiness), I compromise (change) my place of standing with God on that issue...and I move toward or with the world. God did not change positions on that issue - I did.  God has been showing me that unless I am separated unto holiness (I Peter 1:15-16) ... a lost and dying world will not see a difference in me, therefore they will not be pointed to Christ and be saved. It really DOES matter.

If we were to ask a lost person if a Christian should do this...or that...they are pretty quick to be able to answer. At least they used to be. The line that separates us as Christian from unsaved people has grown so blurry these last number of years. But ask someone like my dad (who is unsaved) and he can readily tell me what a Christian should and should not be doing and what they should look like. Dad will tell you that Christians should not go to the movie theater or dances, wear immodest clothing, get tattoos, cuss or gossip etc... The unsaved are watching and we will never win the lost to Christ by being like them. This reminds me of a time that although we did not ask, a couple in our church once told us they dress casually to church because they want people to feel welcome when they come to church in their casual wear.  Sorry, not sorry, but no! Shake their hand, talk to them, invite them out to eat to show them they are welcome.  But we must not compromise on holiness and separation to appease our flesh. We have gotten into the terrible habit of not calling sin...sin, so that we can appease our fleshly lusts. Or we claim grace.  Over the last few years, I have been saddened to see fellow Christians ("followers of Christ") change in their standards.  From wearing skirts (Deut 22:5)...to wearing shorty shorts.  From listening to psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Eph 5:19)...to listening to CCM. From not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together (Heb 10:25)...to attending church when it is convenient or as long as it fits their schedule.  And when asked what caused the change...they say grace. God refutes that line of thinking in Romans 16:1-2 "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.  How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" I never want to use "grace" as a reason to  sin. That is not Christian liberty. That is hypocrisy being called something different so that I can fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Instead...I want God to continually sanctify me through the washing of the Word. This is why the closer I walk with God...the more Bible I digest...the more sanctified (set apart) I will become.  In so doing my love for Christ will grow and I will grow in my desire to honour him with my life.  May my motive in all this be that I love God with all my heart and want to please him.

In closing, may I challenge each of us (especially me!) to be constantly evaluating who we are emulating.  May our example be Christ.  I am burdened seeing so many of our Christian ladies promoting female authors who violate God's Word in getting tattoos and preaching to men...among other things. We must be ever aware of the fiery darts of Satan which come in so many forms such as social media, reading material, entertainment etc..  May each of us be diligent in remembering that it really DOES matter. Love you, my friends! - Julie

How Does Your Garden Grow? / Debbie Fredericks

Debbie Fredericks

Assistant / Youth Pastor's Wife

Freedom Baptist Church

Rural Hall, NC

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?

Is there Joy and Peace for all to know?…

Well this nursery rhyme doesn’t quite go like that, but it very well could. In the Garden of Life are we springing forth with Joy and Peace?

Around North Carolina we have been singing another rhyme. Rain, Rain, go away, come again another day! It seems to have rained non-stop for months. Personally I love the rain, but I must admit even I was catching myself asking for the rain to stop. A couple weeks ago the sun began to start shining! Spring had finally sprung and I will say now, thank you, Lord for all that rain!!

Oh, how I love to sit on my back porch and see the azaleas, Bradford pear trees, and finally my rose bush bloom. For the past year my poor little rose bush kept getting eaten by my dogs and it just wouldn’t bloom. This year the rose bush has taken over one whole side of my porch and probably has close to hundred roses. Obviously, the dogs out grew their need to chew. Every time I pull into my drive way after a long day I just smile and get so happy seeing my beautiful roses. I have found myself thanking God now for all the rain to allow such beauty to blossom.

Recently while studying the book of Isaiah, I came across the verses in Isaiah 55:10-12 and was quickly reminded how precious and necessary the rain is to the entire earth to not only bring forth growth and beauty but to literally sustain life. “…that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:” Verse 11 continues on, comparing God’s Word to our lives just as rain to the earth.

We need God’s Word just like rain to bring forth and accomplish the purpose of our lives. Verse 12 tells us our purpose or I could say how we should grow in the Garden of Life. “For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” As necessary as the rain is so just as necessary is God’s Word to allow our lives to bloom to show forth the beauty of our Creator.

Just as I waited and longed to see my rose bush bloom, the world longs and looks for joy and peace. So I ask you today, Mary, Mary, ( or whatever your name may be), how does your Garden Grow? Are you allowing God’s Word to water your garden and bloom with joy and peace that others may see the beauty of God? Does your life bloom joy and peace? If not let God’s Word be the water in the Garden of your Life to grow joy and peace not just to sustain your life but to allow others to see God through you so they too may grow joy and peace. God wants to use us to make His Garden bloom!

I Want It Now / Reese Fowler

Reese Fowler

Pastor's Wife / Bus Captain

Heritage Baptist Church

Canal Winchester, OH

I Want It Now! 

Hanging up the phone, I felt so helpless. My friend’s trembling voice was still echoing in my head, “Ms. Reese, I want him back now! Just tell me what to do.” I knew that the return of a prodigal son wasn’t as easy as waving a magic wand and repeating Abracadabra. It took six long years of praying and fasting before our oldest son returned back to God!

“And he said unto them, this kind come forth by prayer and fasting” Mark 9:29

Pushing the shopping cart down the beauty aisle at the grocery store, I sorted through my Loreal $2 discount coupons. It would be very evident in 2 weeks time that I would be wearing a skunk stripe down the top of my dark brown hair. I figured the cost up in my head and I was spending over $800 each year on coloring my hair. I decided that I would break up with Loreal #4 and go gray. What I didn’t know is that it was going to be a long 2-3 year process to go gray, but I wanted it now!

“But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

Romans 8:25

I could go on and on with stories on how I insisted on having it my way, and it didn’t work out at all… my way! One really good Bible Story, that I’ll never ever understand, is when Sarah wanted a baby so badly that she had her husband go into the tent with Hagar, her handmaid, and have a baby. What was she thinking? She wasn’t, ha! But Sarah wanted it her way. I want it now! Then she ends up throwing Hagar out, but she comes back. (One big soap opera.) She made a mess of things!

Veruca Salt in the Willy Wonka Movie was a spoiled brat that had to have everything her way. She wanted a squirrel, a glass elevator, on and on… You can see where it got her!

Sometimes we think we have to have everything asap. (The return of a prodigal child, gray hair, material things, etc…) Girlfriends, there’s a price that has to be paid for what we want, the price of patience. God is working everything out perfectly in His time.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

Choose Happy! 

He Sees YOU! / Laura Billings

Laurie Billings

He Sees YOU!!

Hey ladies! I pray this will be a blessing to you. 

Have you ever felt like your life feels more like a roller coaster of ups and downs and its hard to post prayer requests or ask for prayer from people when things change so much? Its been just over 4 months since my husband had to resign his position as Pastor. In the last several months God has been incredibly good to our family especially with zero income, its been nothing short of miraculous! . He has met our needs over and over again. Spiritual and physical. My husbands preached at a few churches for possible candidacy with no open doors or more like no peace. I've had some amazing days and several where my faith lacked so greatly. God has encouraged me through it all. Recently another door shut and the enemy immediately whispered some hurtful things to my heart. This little meme I made was an encouragement to me and I wanted to share it with you and some thoughts. 

1. Although we may not understand why some doors are shut or why our situation is the way it is, we can FULLY trust our unknowns to a KNOWN GOOD God!! A shut door doesn't mean we are forsaken, forgotten or even a failure in some way. Ministry hardships are there to grow us, purge us and keep us humble before Him. I'm so thankful for the last 3 months! I truly believe God has a people waiting for us and we were created just for them for such a time as this. Waiting for that open door is much harder when I'm looking inward and around instead of upward and in the Word.

2. Its OK to have those days where we falter, cry and waiver. When our kids do, we come to them, encourage, pray and love extra hard on them. Guess what, our God does the same for us. He doesn't get mad because we are human, weak and fallible. He sees our weaknesses and loves us despite it. What I've learned is He actually shows Himself so much more during those moments with such a tender love. I had a night where I was crying and literally having some chest pains as I thought about our situation. I guess you could call it anxiety. This is something that I had never experienced before. It was scary. More than that I was pretty broken and feeling hopeless. I got up the next morning, headed to the store with our last 50.00 and asked God to help me make it stretch for the next two weeks. I got a ding on my phone and it was money sent to us through a cash app! I couldn't believe it. It was from a person we hadn't spoken to in a while. All it said was "I'm praying for you"! The Lord whispered to my heart in that moment, "see- I'm here my daughter, I love you, I've got you, you're going to be ok, trust me". He didn't punish me for my unbelief. It honestly wasn't about the money and He could have chosen a million other ways to encourage me in that moment, but providing yet another miracle, was His method. Speaking to my heart was His method. Reminding me of scripture was His method. The miracle wasn't in the actual money, although it was miraculous, it was that He again was reminding me I wasn't alone and that He will always make a way, even when we cant understand why doors haven't opened yet.

So whatever is happening where you are, rejoice evermore. Praise Him, cry a little, pray a lot and don't forget that if He can number the stars, name them, knows the number of hairs on our heads, see's when a sparrow fall, HE SEES YOU! He just may have a greater yes for you and the "NO" is a temporary deflection.

You Can Do It, Too! / Bonita Epley

   

Bonita Epley

Evangelist's Wife

Singer / Song Writer

Marion Avenue Baptist Church

Washington, IA

You Can Do It, Too!

She was the life of the party;  her smile would cheer up even the grouchiest individual.  "Bubbly" was a great description of her personality, and when she entered the room, it felt like sunshine pouring into the place.  She had a ready laugh, and found humor in nearly every situation.

     But my friend began to change.  I noticed her laughs become fewer and fewer, her cheerful face grew more and more grim with the passing of time.  Her whole demeanor and countenance became somber.  Her marriage was suffering.  This godly, church-going, Christian lady, with grown children and two beautiful baby granddaughters, began getting tattoos.

     I wanted to reach out to her, but with our extensive travelling schedule, I felt that I couldn't squeeze it in.  Finally, on one of our rare days at home, I scheduled a time to be with her for an afternoon.  During the course of our conversation, she admitted that she was on antidepressants.

    Does this sound familiar?

   According to a new analysis of federal data (reported by the New York Times in 2018).  "some 15.5 million Americans have been taking the medications for at least five years.  The rate has almost doubled since 2010, and more than tripled since 2000."

     It's an epidemic!

     My daughter is our pastor's wife, and deals with ladies' problems on a regular basis.  We were having a conversation several months ago, and I mentioned in passing that I had recently spoken at a ladies' meeting in another state.  In the course of the lesson, I briefly addressed the issue of Christian women taking antidepressants.  My daughter interrupted and declared, "Mom, hit it every time you can!  It's unreal how many people are on them!"

     The friend I referred to earlier said that the doctor (who prescribed the meds) asked her this question:  "Do you feel like killing yourself?"  My friend's reply was, "No, but I feel like killing everybody else I see!"  Here is that doctor's unbelievable answer:  "That's understandable.  This is the same medication the Columbine killer was taking."

   Can anyone give me some clue as to why Christians seek after these drugs as an answer to their problems?  Actually, let me answer my own question:

    1.  Their doctors recommend it.
    2.  They know others who are taking them.
    3.  They feel discouraged, overwhelmed, trapped, stressed.... and they don't know what else to do.

    I'm sure there are other reasons, but can I give you my humble opinion on these?

    1.  Doctors are not infallible.  some honestly care about their patients, and are just doing what they were trained to do - prescribe drugs.  But just because a person is in a medical coat says this is your answer does not necessarily make it true.

   2.  It's never right to just blindly follow someone else's example.  Research for yourself!

   3.  Everybody gets discouraged at times.
        Everybody feels overwhelmed at times.
        Everybody feels trapped at times.
        Everybody feels stressed at times.
        You see, you aren't the only one.  Welcome to the human race!  (We could all have a serious heart-to-heart talk with Eve and say, "Look what you caused!")  But many times, our feelings are caused by an underlying spiritual issue that needs to be brought to light.

     Please don't turn me off.

     God says in his wonderful, truthful, inspired, problem-solving Word:  ".... in Thy presence is fulness of joy..." (Psalm 16:11)

     Even when you don't have enough money?
     Even when someone mistreats you?
     Even when you feel like no one cares?
     Even when your heart is broken?
     Even when you need to be in two places at one time?
     Even when it feels like everything in life has fallen apart?

     When I was a girl, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I remember hearing my mother say there was a time when she felt she needed to take "nerve pills" to get her through her days.  My dad had started a church (and was working a full-time secular job as well), they had two small children (although I 'm SURE we were both angels!), they were going farther and farther behind financially, and other forms of stress.

     My mom said one day she made up her mind that she didn't need the pills;  Jesus was enough to meet her needs!  What an interesting philosophy!  Jesus said, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my JOY might remain in you, and that your JOY might be full." (John 15:11)

   You may think I am over simplifying the answer to your problem.  I know occasionally there may be a medical problem that can cause depression and anxiety, but far more often, the cause is a spiritual one.

     If you are depressed, can I give you a little self-examination quiz?

     1.  How much time do you spend daily on your phone?  According to eMarketer Trends, Forecasts & Statistics, "U.S. adults will spend an average of 3 hours, 35 minutes per day on mobile devices..."

     Follow-up question:  How much time did you spend in Bible-reading and prayer this morning?     " …. in THY presence is fulness of joy..."  No wonder we have a nation of depressed people!

    2.  How often is the TV on in your home?  Wikipedia states:  "According to a Nielson report, United States adults are watching five hours and four minutes of television per day on average.."

   Follow-up question:  How much time did you spend with the Lord this morning?  Are the characters on your favorite shows influencing you more than the Holy God?  "... in THY presence is fulness of joy..."

    3.  Are you thinking about the following things:
             Things that are TRUE
             Things that are HONEST
             Things that are JUST
             Things that are PURE
             Things that are LOVELY
             Things that are of GOOD REPORT

     Follow-up question:  Do your computer, phone, I-pad, tablet, TV, or close friends help you to think on these things listed in Philippians 4:8?

     I personally like technology.  I'm an old-fashioned girl in most ways, but I love the ways my I-phone can assist me.  I use it very frequently during each day!  But I realize that it can be addicting.  One of my favorite apps is the KJV Alexander Scourby Bible app;  I recommend it highly!  You can listen to the Bible often when you are doing things that don't require a lot of concentration, and it will feed your soul!  I guarantee it!  Try it for yourself and see!

    It can be set to loop verses, chapters, or passages;  one morning I was feeling stressed and discouraged (yes, I am human too), and I looped it to play Psalm 23 over and over.  As I meditated on those beautiful verses, I felt my spirits being lifted and my wrong attitude gave way to a thankful heart.

    There is so much that can be said about the subject of depression.  This was the case with my dear friend that was described earlier.  Thank God, she went to a naturalistic doctor who discovered that he depression was caused by a thyroid issue.  After she was freed from the effects of the antidepressants, she was able (with the help of some needed herbs, vitamins, etc) to calm the thyroid and is now back to her joyful, happy self!

     YOU can do it, too!  You can be a joyful person.  There IS hope for you.  Today can be the beginning of a new, happy life, free of "the blues", May the Lord help you to find your answers and live the full, rich life that only He can give.

Day 1 / Shelly Hamilton

Shelly Hamilton

Majesty Music

Greenville, SC

DAY 1

The just shall live by faith. Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38

God is the Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. He is the Great One; the Creator, the Ruler over land and sea. He crafted each star and each planet, setting them with precision into the universe. The waves of the sea crash to the shore at His command. The trees and the flowers grow heavenward to worship Him. The birds sing their sweet songs to praise Him.

We have the gift of life only because God wills it. He formed each of us in our mother’s womb and breathed into us the breath of life. You and I will not rise up yesterday, today, or tomorrow without the permission, power, and preordinance of God.

In this incredible journey called life we encounter many twists and turns. Sometimes a twist in our journey surprises us with inexplicable joy, yet at other times, unimaginable sorrow.

We can’t see ahead on this journey. We make plans, we take precautions, we get wise counsel; but ultimately, God is the One who designs each individual road map. He knows exactly where each journey is going to begin, its length, its bumps and curves, and where it ultimately is going to end.

I have gained much through my journey, as I am sure you have through yours.

My celebrations are not always by my choice and

most certainly are not my trials—but what lessons I have learned as a result of both!

What I ascertain from my life journey always comes back to this simple truth from Scripture: “The just shall live by faith.” This important principle, which God repeats four times in His Word, has become the foundation of my Christian faith.

Advice in Action / Debbie Russ

Debbie Russ

Faith Music Missions

Boeke Road Baptist Church 

Evansville, IN

Advice in Action

When I was asked to speak at my daughter-in-loves baby shower, I asked the Lord what I could  talk about that would help and encourage her as a first time mommy. The following are some things that I was taught, and things that I learned when raising our children:

• -Seek God’s Wisdom daily. James 1:5

• -Don’t forget each other. Continue to cultivate your marriage.

• -Always take the higher road. If one of you feels more strongly in an area, yield to that standard. Don’t try to get the other to come down to your opinion.

• -Serve the Lord together. Let your children see you serving and enjoying it.

• -If you disagree about something, your children should not see or hear you arguing.

• -Your children should see their parents showing affection toward each other. It gives them security that all is well.

• -Don’t be critical of others. Your children will pick this up.

• -Teach them to work. Expect it of them.

• -Always remember that you are the adult. You are the parent. Don’t allow your children to run your home.

• -Always have good, godly music playing in your home.

• -You choose who you are going to get advice from. Many people will give their opinions. You choose who you will listen to.

• -Let them struggle. As babies, toddlers, children, teens. Don’t try to fix everything for them.    Struggling makes them stronger.

• -Trust your husbands judgment.

• -Make a big deal when daddy gets home.

• -Give lots of hugs. Show them affection. They will understand the love of God better when they are shown unconditional love by their parents.

• -Have fun!! Your children will remember the time you spent with them more than the money you spent on them.

Psalm 127:3 - Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.