ISSN# 8960038)
Volume 10 • Number 4
EDITORIAL STAFF
Editor-in-chiEf
Elizabeth Hodges
Managing Editor
Phyllis York
WNAC Board
Amy Johnson, Illinois
Pam Hackett, South Carolina
Jonda Patton, Kentucky
Sarah Sargent, Ohio
Tracy Payne, Oklahoma
LeeAnn Wilfong, Missouri
Khristi Shores, Oklahoma
Jessica Edwards, Tennessee
Katie Postlewaite, South Carolina
Contributors
Amy Johnson, Illinois
Sarah Sargent, Ohio
April Tummins, Tennessee
Anna Fox, Tennessee
Tina Tolbert, Tennessee
TREASURE (ISSN# 8960038) is produced quarterly by Women Nationally Active for Christ of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, Inc. 5233 Mount View Road, Antioch, TN 370132306. Copyright privileges reserved. 2021 Member of the Evangelical Press Association.
Inquiries
Mail questions or comments to Treasure, P.O Box 5002, Antioch, TN 370115002; treasure@wnac.org or online at wnac.org and through Facebook: Women Nationally Active for Christ.
by Amy Johnson
As 2021 comes into view in the rearview mirror, our studies on 20/20 Vision are ending. Each month focused on some aspect of eye care and paralleled our focus on the Lord Jesus. Have you been challenged? We realized to be able to see clearly, we must fix our eyes on Jesus. Every person we meet is someone God has sent our way. We also recognized to get a clear vision, we must draw close to God. When we lift our eyes, not only do we gain a broader perspective, but we are reminded we are not alone.
Sometimes our vision becomes cloudy and may require a little “I” surgery to help keep our eyes on Jesus . Correct vision should motivate us to show grace to everyone around us. We’ve been encouraged to focus on Jesus because the secret of peace lies in our focus. We need to look through the eyes of love seeing the needs of others near and far. As we continue the process of having a focused and balanced vision to see the world as God does, our worldview widens.
To wrap up our studies this quarter, we will look at when our vision has changed. Just as physical vision requires therapy, we must develop and practice spiritual disciplines to improve our spiritual vision. Is there such a thing as perfect vision? We must continually be transforming our sight to see as He does.
May we be disciplined to learn and listen as we gain balance and focus. I pray these studies have helped and challenged you to have a clearer vision of who Jesus is and how He wants to use you in His Kingdom Work. As Elizabeth Hodges stated, “We (FWB Women’s Ministry) have a rich heritage, and our future is bright.” May you continue to lean into God and His Word and hold fast to the fact, God Knows!
If you look on our family’s fridge, the first thing you’ll see is a giant dry erase calendar that is color-coded and crammed full of assorted activities. How can a homeschooled, church-planting family of four (five at the end of September) have so much going on? Honestly, it’s strategic on our part because God has given us an excellent opportunity to minister to our community through youth sports.
The average week for us looks something like this: homeschool on Monday-Friday from 9:00 to 2:00; two tackle football practices and a baseball practice most evenings; two tackle football games on Saturday morning and a baseball game on Saturday evening. Church on Sunday morning and a baseball game or practice on Sunday afternoon. Oh, did I forget to mention a weekly small group meeting and a private discipleship group for Amanda and me? The church staff meets weekly on Monday mornings and I have a theology mentoring session on Tuesday mornings and pastoral counseling sessions at various times throughout the week.
If you’re sane (unlike us), the logical question is, “WHY?” The simple answer is, “Drayton, who was baptized a couple of weeks ago; Wesley and Scarlet, who are attending church faithfully for the first time in their young lives. Cheri is finally learning what it is to be in a Christian community; Mike and Dom grew up Catholic and now have many questions. The 22 players on the Lancaster Legends football team who probably only pray once a week, but it’s with Coach Tim in the end zone before a game.” And the whole
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One day this past autumn, all my plans for the day fell apart early in the morning. With the kids loaded in the back seat of the SUV, I let out a heavy sigh of frustration. My plans had gone awry. Breaking the noisy silence, my eight-year-old son asked, “Momma, when’s Thanksgiving?”
The question seemed random at first. But then my heart smiled as I answered, “Every day is thanks-giving day.” Then, to reiterate the message God was sending me, my three-year-old son started singing, “He [God] has done great things, He has done great things! He’s so good to me.” God had other plans for me that day. With a cleared schedule, we took an unplanned drive in the countryside, enjoying the stunning rays of the sun shining on the hills and meadows. It was as if God gave me a new set of eyes. As the children and I sang His praises in the car that day, I saw so much beauty, and as our praise to God increased, we experienced increasing joy. Had my circumstances changed? No. But my focus had. And that made all the difference.
This experience is hardly unique. All of us have schedules that are frequently interrupted and changed. But perhaps you are going through something devastating right now—far more painful than having a schedule interrupted. Maybe it’s a pending divorce, death of a loved one, addiction, loss of health or job, strained relationships, rebellious children, or financial hardship.
Regardless of the issue, our focus has everything to do with our response to circumstances we face. When we commit to praise God during our struggle, our vision and perspective radically change. We are transformed into joyful beneficiaries of God’s goodness and, in turn, overflow with generosity and love toward others.
We can learn a lot from the example of a particular impoverished woman in the Bible who had endured a painful loss and still served God with all she had.
And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had (Luke 21:1-4).
Let us look at the facts: What was she? Where was she? What was she doing? How much did she give? To whom was she giving?
Scripture tells us she was a widow. She had endured the loss of her spouse. She was acquainted with grief. Scripture also states she was very poor, which means she was probably living day to day on the charity of others to provide for her needs. But she gave the last of her money to the work of God.
When she was first married, I am sure she did not envision the grief she would later have to endure. Like us, she probably had high hopes and dreams. Perhaps she thought her husband would take care of her for the rest of her life. I doubt she desired to be widowed and poor. To the eyes of those who are not familiar with God’s kingdom order, it would seem unlikely she could find any joy
at all. How could she possibly be joyful in her grief and poverty?
The answer is both profound and simple: she praised God with all she had. She praised God by her faithfulness in worship and her charity—giving all she had to the ministry of the temple and the worship of the Lord. She emptied herself to be full. She desired to give back to Him out of the blessings she had received. And though the amount she gave was monetarily minuscule, her obedience was enormous. Based on where she was, what she was doing, and how much she gave, this woman was blessed indeed.
Application: What does Malachi 3:10 teach us about those who give to the Lord?
What does Proverbs 11:25 say happens to a generous person?
According to Psalm 87:7, all our blessings come from what source?
There is much to take away from this story. Jesus Christ paid attention to the widow’s sacrifice. And because of her obedience, she ultimately was comforted, satisfied, honored, and blessed. How do we know this is true? Because God makes good on His promises.
Obedience is the path to joy. The widow could have chosen to stay inside her home rather than go to the temple. She could have isolated herself instead of gathering with other worshippers. She could have given way to insecurity and hoarded what she had rather than giving to and relying upon God to provide for her.
We have similar choices in our lives, too. When going through hardship, we can either choose to stay inside, isolated, and insecure or keep going, gathering, and giving.
Rewards follow action. There’s no ideal place to serve God except the place where He has set you down. Worship where you are. Instead of running away or giving way to despair, determine to serve God regardless of where you are, trusting in His direction and
design for your life. We don’t know why we’ve been placed where and when we are. But we know Who has placed us there, and His way is perfect and is for our good.
Write Romans 8:28 here:
Through the Lens of Praise
We can take away from the widow’s example that no matter how difficult the trial, we can still offer God all we are and all we have. Our emotions have much to do with the way we think and feel. You and I were created to be instruments of praise. Worship from your lips ushers you into God’s presence and brings great peace (Psalm 119:165). There is not an end to the things that can draw our attention away from God. But God does not want us focusing on those things because He knows His joy, not our circumstances, is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). That is why our command is to bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). And to think on “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).
To be certain, the joy we have in Christ goes deeper than our grief, its light penetrates our darkest hour, and it abides with and in us when the feelings of happiness fade. Because the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, joy is an ever-present fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is a wellspring from which to draw, and it will never
run dry no matter how bleak the circumstance.
What are all the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23?
When we praise Him, we invite His joy, peace, and strength to fill us. Invite Him into your circumstances in every area of your life. Praising Him is the key to keeping your focus on Him regardless of what you may be facing.
Seeing Trials From God’s Perspective
Even when you are living and working for the Lord, storms will come. But remember, in the darkest of circumstances and the lowest of emotional valleys, God is working behind the scenes to bring about redemption and beauty and to draw you to Himself, accomplishing His purpose.
Recently, Lois Evans, co-founder of the Urban Alternative and the wife of evangelist Dr. Tony Evans, passed away. During the eulogy, their son Jonathan shared this truth in regards to God’s answer to his prayer for healing for his dying mother: “She was either going to be healed or she was going to be healed. She was either going to live or she was going to live, either she was going to be well taken care of or she was going to be well taken care of. Victory belongs to Me [God].”
There will be prayers not answered in the way you want them to be. But when we follow Christ, we have victory in Him in every area of our lives.
Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things __________________ for, the evidence of things not ____________. And verse 6 says, “without ___________________ it is impossible to please him: for he that _______________ to God must believe that he is, and that he is a _____________ of them that diligently _____________ him."
We want to know that through all of life’s hurts and disappointments, God is there orchestrating the events for our good and His glory. Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most beloved verses because we all want our lives to matter. It says,
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward ______________, saith the LOrD, thoughts of ________________, and not of ______________, to give you an expected end.”
Another verse that brings us strength in trials is Isaiah 40:31, which says:
“But they that _____________ upon the LOrD shall ________________ their strength; they shall _________________ up with wings as eagles; they shall _______________, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
The Mind’s Eye
What does it mean to “raise my Ebenezer”? The phrase comes from 1 Samuel 7:12. The prophet Samuel raised a stone as a monument and said, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” It serves us well to remember God’s goodness. When we walk through the valley, though, it is hard to remember those former blessings and even harder, with a broken heart, to see His current provision.
I encourage you to start using what I call a 'Joy Jar.' It is a simple glass jar you probably have around the house. This past Christmas season, I gifted 'Joy Jars' to many friends and family members with an ample amount of square, blank papers tied together. Many of them are in a season where it is hard to keep focused on the daily mercies God gives. It was for that very reason this daily exercise is important. The exercise is to write down at least one blessing or joy experienced every day and place it in the jar. According to Lamentations 3:23, there is always something to write.
What does Lamentations 3:23 say about the Lord’s mercies?
Whether you started 2021 on the mountain top, or in the valley, or somewhere in between, I pray Romans 15:13 for you as you seek the Lord and follow Him:
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” May this great hymn of the faith be an encouragement to keep your eyes firmly fixed on the Lord.
The Solid Rock
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name.
When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh may I then in Him be found, Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.
(Lyrics by Edward Mote, 1834)
About the Writer: April Tummins lives in Dickson, Tennessee, with her husband Philip and two sons Grant and Oliver. She serves as worship leader and Sunday School teacher at United Free Will Baptist Church. Professionally, she enjoys serving others as a volunteer coordinator for a local hospice organization.
If you have ever attended a Shine event, you know we don’t shy away from difficult topics. Before we get started, take a couple deep breaths and try to lower your blood pressure as much as possible. We will be talking about a topic that is a parent’s worst nightmare. Unfortunately, it is too often a parent’s reality. Childrenshospital.org reports that “according to 2019 statistics from the CDC, 8.9 % of high school students surveyed attempted suicide and 18.8 % of high school students ‘seriously considered’ attempting suicide.”
Suicide and self-harm are more than just a topic for a popular Netflix show. Sarah Sargent did a Q & A with a suicide attempt survivor. If statistics are right, your child or at least one of their closest five friends has self-harmed in the last twelve months.
Ashley is in her mid 20’s and just recently graduated with her degree in childhood education. When she was in high school, she attempted to take her life. God intervened and miraculously changed her. Now she is an advocate for mental health issues and a warrior for Jesus Christ.
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Vision therapy is a combination of exercises to strengthen both eyes to work together. It is individualized to each patient’s specific needs. Office visits are required, but practice at home is a must. An individual who does everything prescribed experiences success. However, if an individual returns to using only one eye, the problem reoccurs with more significant damage.
Like vision therapy, our spiritual life must be practiced with both eyes every day. Faithful attendance and involvement in a local church is a must. However, daily practice creates spiritual discipline.
Practice—the prescription for spiritual health.
In 1 John 3:6-7, John wrote that anyone who abides in Christ cannot continue living a sinful lifestyle. In contrast, the unbeliever continues to sin and proves he does not have fellowship with Christ. John admonishes his followers not to be deceived by false teaching. Simply, do not be led astray nor wander off the path. John then instructs the believers to practice righteousness which is right living (1 John 3:7b).
The perfect, sinless Christ defined one way to live right as listening to the Holy Spirit. Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit abides within the believer. According to Strong’s Concordance, 'abide' means to stay in a given place or dwell. The Holy Spirit is at home within a child of God and will decipher truth as He resides there. As you practice right living, listening to the Holy Spirit keeps you from being deceived by false teachings and philosophies.
right is wrong and wrong is right. The only way to stay on track is to know God’s Word. In Genesis 3:3, while talking to the crafty serpent, Eve said, “but God said, You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it lest you die (ESV).” However, that is
Know Scripture well enough to know how to live and then live that way.
Webster's dictionary defines the word 'practice' as train by repeated exercises, carry out, apply, or habit. Daily practice of spiritual discipline is spending time in God’s Word; seeking wisdom and guidance from God; dwelling in His presence; seeking His direction; and sitting in silence waiting for Him to speak. When we are abiding in Christ, our heart and mind will be seeking truth. When walking with Christ, knowing truth is foundational. It is easy to be led astray in a politically correct society where
not what God told Adam! God’s only command was they should not eat the fruit (Genesis 2:16).
Just like vision therapy, the daily practice of right living is necessary for spiritual health. My pastor made the following, convicting statement, “All believers have the opportunity to know all truth. God is the mark, and anything less is sin. We should live a life higher than the law. He wants us to practice spiritual disciplines and please Him. Know Scripture well enough to know how to live and then live that way.”
'Steadfast' should be the description of a spiritual life. It means unwavering, loyal, faithful, devoted, steady, and constant Scripture uses this word about
100 times. Just as vision therapy is specific to a patient’s needs, a relationship with Christ should be individualized and specific. As you practice right living,
Spiritual Assessment:
be constant in prayer, faithful in reading and memorizing Scripture, devoted to practicing His Word, and unwavering in defending the faith.
1. Are you practicing spiritual vision therapy daily?
2. What does spiritual discipline look like in your life?
3. Does steadfastness define your walk with Christ?
4. God is the mark; anything less is sin—in what areas are you not hitting the mark?
Spiritual Discipline—affects the people around you.
Abiding in Christ, reaching the mark, and practicing spiritual truths—being steadfast will affect not only your life but also the lives of those around you.
Imagine being blind and getting behind the wheel of a car. What possible catastrophes would likely happen? Now imagine having a child in the car with you. Does the scenario seem worse?
You may be saying, “I would never do such a thing!” But the truth of the matter is–you are! If you are not practicing spiritual disciplines, you are driving blind with a child in the back seat.
The people around you are eternally affected, especially if
you are 'discipling' others while not being disciplined yourself. What were your answers to the spiritual assessment above? To not be driving blind, you must be actively growing, learning, and practicing God’s Word.
God’s Word requires His followers to disciple others (Matthew 28:19a). Older (meaning spiritually mature) women are to be models for younger women. What are they to model— how to obey God’s Word, love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, and be good wives (Titus 2:3-5).
Friend, we must be spiritually mature to answer the command
of discipleship. When women are practicing spiritual disciplines, Titus 2 will be evident. That chapter also challenges us to live wisely so no one can criticize God’s message. Learn to live a God-filled, God-honoring life by turning against godlessness. Women have a unique ability to communicate and see
Spiritual Assessment:
another viewpoint. Yet, we often allow emotions to dictate actions. Titus 2:2 mentions being sober-minded. This means spiritually mature women should be examples, instructing spiritually immature women to control their desires, passions, reactions, and tongues. It is a great responsibility to live what you teach.
1. Are you a spiritually mature or immature believer?
2. Do your actions match what you teach?
3. Does family time, me time, or vacation time interfere with your dedication to the local church?
4. Ask God to search your heart and show you His truth.
Read Titus 2 and journal the concepts you find. Below is my list from a recent study of this passage:
• Duty to husband and children.
• Character.
• Discreet in judgments.
• Self-controlled in affections and behaviors.
• Discreet and chaste; work well together.
• Meek with a cheerful spirit and temper. Do not be sullen or bitter.
• Love husbands and be obedient to them. Where there is true biblical love, this will not be a difficult command.
• Do not be false teachers and gossips.
When there are areas of struggle, this list can feel exhausting, or even defeating, However, just like vision therapy, we must practice and be disciplined. Create an
intimate relationship with Jesus that is intentional and authentic. Live a life that is relational, not merely following a set of rules. Remember, Christ makes His
home in a true believer.
Mentoring is messy and inconvenient. Mentoring does not mean you always have it together. It means you are practicing spiritual discipline as you teach others to do the same. When you mess up, point the correction back to the redeeming love of
Christ. Then both the mentor and mentee can learn from the situation. We are not perfect, and we will mess up.
Matthew 28:19-20 clearly states we must make disciples and train them to obey ALL God has commanded. This command is given to each one of us.
When God tells us to do something, He expects us to obey Him fully. No excuses. Begin practicing spiritual discipline by studying these passages to learn what God is teaching you. Ask yourself three questions about each passage:
What am I learning about God? What am I learning about people? What does this passage teach about obedience?
Read Joshua 3:1-7.
When God gives a command, it is part of His plan. We serve a God who is organized and strategic. He is not a God of chaos. He requires obedience from us. We are to obey even if it does not make sense or seems harsh. This passage seems like an impossible task to follow, but God had a plan.
Read Deuteronomy 11:13-21.
We are to love the Lord and serve Him with all of our heart and soul. Not part of our heart, but all. Obedience is an act of faithfulness. Our love of God should surpass our desires and plans. By not obeying, we are forcing God to use other people. He will accomplish His plan with or without us. He invites us to join Him in His work. We must adjust our lives and obey.
Nothing in our life should contradict the teachings of Christ. God’s Word should be the foundation of our homes, as well as being consistently modeled and taught to our children.
Read Acts 8:1-8.
God wants us to spread His word to everyone, no matter the earthly cost. He empowers us to share the gospel.
Read Luke 17:12-19.
Thanksgiving in our hearts is obeying the words of Jesus. If you never get up, you will never do what Jesus has called you to do.
Read 2 Chronicles 19:9 and 20:12b.
Serving God requires obedience with our whole heart. During this time period, it was often stated they did right in the eyes of the Lord, BUT not with their whole heart. Why? The high places of idols were left standing.
Jehoshaphat’s prayer should be ours, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12b).
Spiritual Assessment:
Is there an idol in your life you won’t tear down?
Until we are willing to adjust our lives, we hinder our maturity and example to spiritually immature women. Our only purpose on earth is to serve God with our whole heart, soul, and mind. Nothing should get in the way of that.
One day my husband asked me, “If money were not an issue, what would you like to do?” I replied, “I want to help people.” I did not realize the significance of this initial response. I had been struggling with my identity since marriage. What does ministry look like for me now? Both brothers answered the call to preach and
were serving in their respective churches. I struggled to let go of my identity as 'the preacher’s kid' while finding my place as a unit with my husband.
I spent time searching and praying but wasn’t getting a clear direction. My husband found his role as a worship leader. My lack of musical talent hindered my ability to serve with him. I felt untrained and unqualified to do much. Searching for my new identity as a young wife and finding my place as a mentor to young women led me to a convicting and lifechanging journey.
My husband and I agreed to
host youth group events and Bible studies in our home. We built relationships over Oreos and Dr. Pepper. This led me to mentor a student who has been through more life than anyone should have to experience. The Lord gently placed her in my life and began preparing my heart for the 'ministry' He called me to do. Another girl called, “Can we meet? I need to speak with a counselor.” Initially, I thought I
ing room holding a shattered 14-year-old girl in my arms was like staring at my reflection. Years ago I was that devastated teenager who experience dsignificant loss. My family loved and supported me, but that event tore my world apart. After years of refinement and work, I am now thankful for what I experienced. My brokenness and healing has given me empathy, connection, and perspective
True discipleship is uncomfortable, timeconsuming, exhausting, and frustrating—but crucial.
am untrained and unqualified. We met, and everything seemed normal, but little did I know the journey we would take. My mentors equipped me with the resources I needed to speak truth. As they were speaking truth to my heart, I was speaking truth to her. The command in Titus 2 was full circle in my life. Through broken words and sobbing, the voice on the other end of the phone begged, “Please come; it’s my mom; I need you.” My heart sank. The Lord crossed our paths for this moment.
Standing in the ICU wait-
with the young women in my life.
Before I ever realized it, He was preparing my heart to be obedient in mentoring. Discipling spiritually immature believers can be hurtful, burdensome, and discouraging, BUT God requires obedience and faithfulness.
True discipleship is uncomfortable, time-consuming, exhausting, and frustrating—but crucial. Discipling is a commitment that cannot become relaxed or complacent. It must be a priority. When we become relaxed in discipling, we stop
practicing the truths of what God teaches us.
Discipleship requires dedication and perseverance. Be prepared. Mentoring young women with no biblical background will take you on interesting, uncomfortable, and shocking twists and turns. It will be okay; you will be okay. Take the ride and guide them through.
Spiritual Assessment:
1. How will they know if they are not taught?
2. Are you obedient to the call?
3. Find your link to someone’s story.
Obedience to the doctor and practice is required to have clear vision physically. Salvation is immediate, while spiritual healthiness is a process of practice that should be never-ending.
Self Relection
1. What does your spiritual practice look like?
2. Who is your mentor?
3. Who are you mentoring?
4. Are you obedient?
Ask the Lord to provide a mentor while revealing whom you should mentor. Do not miss the call of discipleship that God has commanded. You will not regret being obedient.
About the Writer: Anna Fox and her husband Levi live in Smyrna, Tennessee, where she oversees the nursery ministry at The Grove Free Will Baptist Church. Anna uses her difficult, life expriences as ways to mentor young women whom God puts in her life. Anna is also the convention registrar and digital church directory coordinator for the National Association of Free Will Baptists.
